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Toll SA, Flore LA, Gorsi HS, Marupudi NI, Mody S, Kupsky W, Wang ZJ. Intracranial Germinoma in Two Caucasian American Siblings With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 46:106-111. [PMID: 38277627 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) comprise 3% to 5% of all pediatric brain tumors in the West, with a significantly higher prevalence in Asia. Although these tumors are histologically diverse, repeated somatic variants have been demonstrated. Chromosomal aneuploidies, such as Klinefelter and Down syndromes, are associated with IGCTs, but no familial germline tumor syndromes are currently known. Here, we report the novel case of 2 American siblings with underlying autism spectrum disorder who developed intracranial germinoma within months of each other, in the absence of external risk factors. Extensive genetic testing was performed, including karyotyping, chromosomal microarray, and whole exome and whole genome sequencing, and did not identify any variants accounting for the phenotypes. Despite the absence of overlapping variants, a recent retrospective review demonstrated a threefold greater prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in patients with intracranial germinoma compared with national prevalence. This report highlights the complexity of tumor development, as well as the need for further research regarding IGCTs in a neurodivergent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology
- Central Michigan University School of Medicine, Mt Pleasant
| | - Leigh Anne Flore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Michigan
- Central Michigan University School of Medicine, Mt Pleasant
| | - Hamza S Gorsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology
- Central Michigan University School of Medicine, Mt Pleasant
| | | | - Swati Mody
- Central Michigan University School of Medicine, Mt Pleasant
- Department of Radiology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - William Kupsky
- Department of Pathology, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit
| | - Zhihong Joanne Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, VA
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2
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Tian L, Yu Y, Mao Z, Xu D, Zhang H, Qiao M, Chen T, Liu W. Genes and Pathways Underpinning Klinefelter Syndrome at Bulk and Single-Cell Levels. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10689-6. [PMID: 38374521 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10689-6] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most frequent genetic anomaly in infertile men. Given its unclear mechanism, we aim to investigate critical genes and pathways in the pathogenesis of KS based on three bulk and one single-cell transcriptome data sets from Gene Expression Omnibus. We merged two data sets (GSE42331 and GSE47584) with human KS whole blood samples. When comparing the control and KS samples, five hub genes, including defensin alpha 4 (DEFA4), bactericidal permeability increasing protein (BPI), myeloperoxidase (MPO), intelectin 1 (ITLN1), and Xg Glycoprotein (XG), were identified. Besides, infiltrated degree of certain immune cells such as CD56bright NK cell were positively associated with the expression of ITLN1 and XG. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified upregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in KS. Gene set enrichment analysis followed by gene set variation analysis confirmed the upregulation of G2M checkpoint and heme metabolism in KS. Thereafter, the GSE200680 data set was used for external validation of the expression variation of hub genes from healthy to KS testicular samples, and each hub gene yielded excellent discriminatory capability for KS without exception. At the single-cell level, the GSE136353 data set was utilized to evaluate intercellular communication between different cell types in KS patient, and strong correlations were detected between macrophages/ dendritic cells/ NK cells and the other cell types. Collectively, we provided hub genes, pathways, immune cell infiltration degree, and cell-cell communication in KS, warranting novel insights into the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Tian
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yu
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqing Mao
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengkai Qiao
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250001, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China.
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3
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Vahdatinia M, Derakhshan F, Da Cruz Paula A, Dopeso H, Marra A, Gazzo AM, Brown D, Selenica P, Ross DS, Razavi P, Zhang H, Weigelt B, Wen HY, Brogi E, Reis-Filho JS, Pareja F. KIT genetic alterations in breast cancer. J Clin Pathol 2023; 77:40-45. [PMID: 36323507 PMCID: PMC10151428 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Activating somatic mutations or gene amplification of KIT result in constitutive activation of its receptor tyrosine kinase, which is targetable in various solid tumours. Here, we sought to investigate the presence of KIT genetic alterations in breast cancer (BC) and characterise the histological and genomic features of these tumours. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 5,575 BCs previously subjected to targeted sequencing using the FDA-authorised Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Targets (MSK-IMPACT) assay was performed to identify BCs with KIT alterations. A histological assessment of KIT-altered BCs was conducted, and their repertoire of genetic alterations was compared with that of BCs lacking KIT genetic alterations, matched for age, histological type, oestrogen receptor/HER2 status and sample type. RESULTS We identified 18 BCs (0.32%), including 9 primary and 9 metastatic BCs, with oncogenic/likely oncogenic genetic alterations affecting KIT, including activating somatic mutations (n=4) or gene amplification (n=14). All KIT-altered BCs were of high histological grade, although no distinctive histological features were observed. When compared with BCs lacking KIT genetic alterations, no distinctive genetic features were identified. In two metastatic KIT-altered BCs in which the matched primary BC had also been analysed by MSK-IMPACT, the KIT mutations were found to be restricted to the metastatic samples, suggesting that they were late events in the evolution of these cancers. CONCLUSIONS KIT genetic alterations are vanishingly rare in BC. KIT-altered BCs are of high grade but lack distinctive histological features. Genetic alterations in KIT might be late events in the evolution and/or progression of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Vahdatinia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fatemeh Derakhshan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Higinio Dopeso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Antonio Marra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea M Gazzo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Brown
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pier Selenica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dara S Ross
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pedram Razavi
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hannah Y Wen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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4
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Hwang YS, Seita Y, Blanco MA, Sasaki K. CRISPR loss of function screening to identify genes involved in human primordial germ cell-like cell development. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011080. [PMID: 38091369 PMCID: PMC10752514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite our increasing knowledge of molecular mechanisms guiding various aspects of human reproduction, those underlying human primordial germ cell (PGC) development remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted custom CRISPR screening in an in vitro system of human PGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) to identify genes required for acquisition and maintenance of PGC fate. Amongst our candidates, we identified TCL1A, an AKT coactivator. Functional assessment in our in vitro hPGCLCs system revealed that TCL1A played a critical role in later stages of hPGCLC development. Moreover, we found that TCL1A loss reduced AKT-mTOR signaling, downregulated expression of genes related to translational control, and subsequently led to a reduction in global protein synthesis and proliferation. Together, our study highlights the utility of CRISPR screening for human in vitro-derived germ cells and identifies novel translational regulators critical for hPGCLC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yasunari Seita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - M. Andrés Blanco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kotaro Sasaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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5
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Burton JJN, Luke AJ, Pepling ME. Regulation of mouse primordial follicle formation by signaling through the PI3K pathway. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:515-525. [PMID: 34725674 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling mediated by the KIT receptor is critical for many aspects of oogenesis including the proliferation and migration of primordial germ cells, as well as the survival, growth, and maturation of ovarian follicles. We previously showed that KIT regulates cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation, and in this study, have investigated the mechanisms downstream of the receptor by modulating the activity of two downstream signaling cascades: the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. E17.5 ovaries were cultured for five days with a daily dose of media supplemented with either the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the MEK inhibitor U0126, or a DMSO vehicle control. Our histological observations aligned with the established role of PI3K in oocyte growth and primordial follicle activation but also revealed that LY294002 treatment delayed the processes of cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. U0126 treatment also led to a reduction in oocyte growth and follicle development but did not appear to affect cyst breakdown. The delay in cyst breakdown was mitigated when ovaries were dually dosed with LY294002 and KITL, suggesting that while KIT may signal through PI3K to promote cyst breakdown, other signaling networks downstream of the receptor could compensate. These observations unearth a role for PI3K signaling in the establishment of the ovarian reserve and suggest that PI3K might be the primary mediator of KIT-induced cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in the mouse ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J Luke
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
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6
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PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathways in Germ Cell Development and Their Involvement in Germ Cell Tumors and Ovarian Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189838. [PMID: 34575999 PMCID: PMC8467417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions.
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7
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Moratilla A, Sainz de la Maza D, Cadenas Martin M, López-Iglesias P, González-Peramato P, De Miguel MP. Inhibition of PKCε induces primordial germ cell reprogramming into pluripotency by HIF1&2 upregulation and histone acetylation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF STEM CELLS 2021; 10:1-17. [PMID: 33815934 PMCID: PMC8012778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Historically, primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been a good model to study pluripotency. Despite their low numbers and limited accessibility in the mouse embryo, they can be easily and rapidly reprogrammed at high efficiency with external physicochemical factors and do not require transcription factor transfection. Employing this model to deepen our understanding of cell reprogramming, we specifically aimed to determine the relevance of Ca2+ signal transduction pathway components in the reprogramming process. Our results showed that PGC reprogramming requires a normal extracellular [Ca2+] range, in contrast to neoplastic or transformed cells, which can continue to proliferate in Ca2+-deficient media, differentiating normal reprogramming from neoplastic transformation. Our results also showed that a spike in extracellular [Ca2+] of 1-3 mM can directly reprogram PGC. Intracellular manipulation of Ca2+ signal transduction pathway components revealed that inhibition of classical Ca2+ and diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent PKCs, or intriguingly, of only the novel DAG-dependent PKC, PKCε, were able to induce reprogramming. PKCε inhibition changed the metabolism of PGCs toward glycolysis, increasing the proportion of inactive mitochondria. This metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), given we found upregulation of both HIF1α and HIF2α in the first 48 hours of culturing. PKCε inhibition did not change the classical pluripotency gene expression of PGCs, Oct4, or Nanog. PKCε inhibition changed the histone acetylation of PGCs, with histones H2B, H3, and H4 becoming acetylated in PKCε-inhibited cultures (markers were H2BacK20, H3acK9, and H4acK5K8, K12, K16), suggesting that reprogramming by PKCε inhibition is mediated by histone acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Moratilla
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Sainz de la Maza
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cadenas Martin
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Iglesias
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria P De Miguel
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute IDiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Sorrenti M, Klinger FG, Iona S, Rossi V, Marcozzi S, DE Felici M. Expression and possible roles of extracellular signal-related kinases 1-2 (ERK1-2) in mouse primordial germ cell development. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:399-409. [PMID: 32418930 PMCID: PMC7593634 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-141] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present work, we described the expression and activity of extracellular signal-related kinases 1-2 (ERK1-2) in mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) from
8.5–14.5 days post coitum (dpc) and investigated whether these kinases play a role in regulating the various processes of PGC development. Using
immunofluorescence and immunoblotting to detect the active phosphorylated form of ERK1-2 (p-ERK1-2), we found that the kinases were present in most
proliferating 8.5–10.5 dpc PGCs, low in 11.5 dpc PGCs, and progressively increasing between 12.5–14.5 dpc both in female and male PGCs. In
vitro culture experiments showed that inhibiting activation of ERK1-2 with the MEK-specific inhibitor U0126 significantly reduced the growth of 8.5
dpc PGCs in culture but had little effect on 11.5–12.5 dpc PGCs. Moreover, we found that the inhibitor did not affect the adhesion of 11.5 dpc PGCs, but it
significantly reduced their motility features onto a cell monolayer. Further, while the ability of female PGCs to begin meiosis was not significantly affected
by U0126, their progression through meiotic prophase I was slowed down. Notably, the activity of ERK1-2 was necessary for maintaining the correct expression of
oocyte-specific genes crucial for germ cells survival and the formation of primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sorrenti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
| | - Saveria Iona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
| | - Valerio Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
| | - Massimo DE Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00173, Italy
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Xing M, Wang N, Zeng H, Zhang J. α-ketoglutarate promotes the specialization of primordial germ cell-like cells through regulating epigenetic reprogramming. J Biomed Res 2020; 35:36-46. [PMID: 32994387 PMCID: PMC7874270 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.34.20190160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that cellular metabolism can directly participate in epigenetic dynamics and consequently modulate gene expression. However, the role of metabolites in activating the key gene regulatory network for specialization of germ cell lineage remains largely unknown. Here, we identified some cellular metabolites with significant changes by untargeted metabolomics between mouse epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs) and primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). More importantly, we found that inhibition of glutaminolysis by bis-2- (5-phenylacetamido-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES) impeded PGCLC specialization, but the impediment could be rescued by addition of α-ketoglutarate (αKG), the intermediate metabolite of oxidative phosphorylation and glutaminolysis. Moreover, adding αKG alone to the PGCLC medium accelerated the PGCLC specialization through promoting H3K27me3 demethylation. Thus, our study reveals the importance of metabolite αKG in the germ cell fate determination and highlights the essential role of cellular metabolism in shaping the cell identities through epigenetic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Hanyi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Sato M, Takabayashi S, Akasaka E, Nakamura S. Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of In Vivo Targeted Delivery of Genome-Editing Reagents to Germ Cells, Embryos, and Fetuses in Mice. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040799. [PMID: 32225003 PMCID: PMC7226049 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) systems that occur in nature as microbial adaptive immune systems are considered an important tool in assessing the function of genes of interest in various biological systems. Thus, development of efficient and simple methods to produce genome-edited (GE) animals would accelerate research in this field. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was initially employed in early embryos, utilizing classical gene delivery methods such as microinjection or electroporation, which required ex vivo handling of zygotes before transfer to recipients. Recently, novel in vivo methods such as genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery (GONAD), improved GONAD (i-GONAD), or transplacental gene delivery for acquiring genome-edited fetuses (TPGD-GEF), which facilitate easy embryo manipulation, have been established. Studies utilizing these techniques employed pregnant female mice for direct introduction of the genome-editing components into the oviduct or were dependent on delivery via tail-vein injection. In mice, embryogenesis occurs within the oviducts and the uterus, which often hampers the genetic manipulation of embryos, especially those at early postimplantation stages (days 6 to 8), owing to a thick surrounding layer of tissue called decidua. In this review, we have surveyed the recent achievements in the production of GE mice and have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of the process. We have also referred to the past achievements in gene delivery to early postimplantation stage embryos and germ cells such as primordial germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells, which will benefit relevant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sato
- Section of Gene Expression Regulation, Frontier Science Research Center, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-275-5246
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Eri Akasaka
- Section of Gene Expression Regulation, Frontier Science Research Center, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama 359-8513, Japan;
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Shengjing Capsule Improves Spermatogenesis through Upregulating Integrin α6/ β1 in the NOA Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:8494567. [PMID: 31534468 PMCID: PMC6724431 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8494567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Shengjing capsules on nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) in the rat model. Methods Twenty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows (n=5 per group): normal group, NOA group, and three Shengjing capsule treatment groups (low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups, respectively). HE staining and semen smear were performed to assess sperm quality. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT and integrin α6/β1 were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Results In the NOA group, almost all of the seminiferous tubules were vacuolated with a thin layer of basal compartment containing some spermatogonial stem cells. The counts of sperms in the NOA group were strongly lower than those of the normal group (P=0.0001). The expression of PI3K/AKT and integrin α6/β1 was scarcely expressed in the NOA group. All indexes mentioned above were significantly different from those of the medium- and high-dose groups (P=0.001, all). The sperm count of rats treated with Shengjing capsules was significantly higher than that of the NOA group (P=0.0001). The rats of Shengjing capsule groups had more layers of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatocytes, and some had intracavitary sperms. Conclusions Shengjing capsules may be a promising therapeutic medicine for NOA. The underlying mechanisms might involve activating SSCs by upregulating the integrin α6/β1 expression via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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12
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Response to abiotic and organic substances stimulation belongs to ontologic groups significantly up-regulated in porcine immature oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/acb-2018-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The efficiency of the process of obtaining mature oocytes, and then of porcine embryos in vitro depends on many factors and requires meeting many conditions. These include selection of morphologically appropriate oocytes, selection of appropriate medium components, as well as a number of abiotic factors (appropriate microenvironment during in vitro culture).
Oocytes were taken from 45 pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts. The BCB test was carried out. BCB + oocytes were divided into two groups: “before IVM” and “after IVM”. “Before IVM” oocytes were subjected to molecular analyzes immediately after collection, while “after IVM” oocytes underwent in vitro maturation and then the second BCB test. Oocytes that remained BCB+ after the second test were used for molecular analyzes using Affymetrix expression microarrays.
A group of genes responsible for response to organic substance and response to abiotic stimulus, which underwent significant changes (decrease) was discovered after oocyte in vitro maturation. Genes such as MM, PLDP, SERPINH, MYOF, DHX9, HSPA5, VCP, KIT, SERPINH1, PLD1, and VCP showed the largest decrease after the culture period. The levels of these genes were therefore elevated in oocytes before the in vitro maturation process.
In conclusion, a number of organic and abiotic factors have an impact on the process of the oocyte in vitro maturation. The presented results confirm the literature data in which the low efficiency of obtaining mature oocytes in in vitro conditions is mentioned, which further impacts the amount of viable embryos obtained.
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13
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Laldinsangi C, Senthilkumaran B. Expression profiling of c-kit and its impact after esiRNA silencing during gonadal development in catfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:38-51. [PMID: 29625123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Receptor, c-Kit is a member of a family of growth factor receptors that have tyrosine kinase activity, and are involved in the transduction of growth regulatory signals across plasma membrane by activation of its ligand, kitl/scf. The present study analyzed mRNA and protein expression profiles of c-kit in the gonads of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, using real time PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Tissue distribution analysis revealed higher expression mainly in the catfish gonads. Ontogeny studies showed minimal expression during early developmental stages and highest during 50-75 days post hatch, and the dimorphic expression in gonads decreased gradually till adulthood, which might suggest an important role for this gene around later stages of sex differentiation and gonadal development. Expression of c-kit was analyzed at various phases of gonadal cycle in both male and female, which showed minimal expression during the resting phase, and higher expression during the pre-spawning phase in male compared to females. In vitro and in vivo induction using human chorionic gonadotropin elevated the expression of c-kit indicating the regulatory influence of hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. In vivo transient gene silencing using c-kit-esiRNA in adult catfish during gonadal recrudescence showed a decrease in c-kit expression, which affected the expression levels of germ cell meiotic marker sycp3, as well as several factors and steroidogenic enzyme genes that are involved in germ cell development. Decrease in the levels of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in serum were also observed after esiRNA silencing. The findings suggests that c-kit has an important role in the process of germ cell proliferation, development and maturation during gonadal development and recrudescence in catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Laldinsangi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - B Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India.
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14
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Urriola-Muñoz P, Lagos-Cabré R, Patiño-García D, Reyes JG, Moreno RD. Bisphenol-A and Nonylphenol Induce Apoptosis in Reproductive Tract Cancer Cell Lines by the Activation of ADAM17. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082238. [PMID: 30065191 PMCID: PMC6121659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disruptor chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP), have been widely studied due to their negative effects on human and wildlife reproduction. Exposure to BPA or NP is related to cell death, hormonal deregulation, and cancer onset. Our previous studies showed that both compounds induce A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) activation. Here, we show that BPA and NP induce apoptosis in prostate and ovary cancer cell lines, in a process dependent on ADAM17 activation. ADAM17 knockdown completely prevented apoptosis as well as the shedding of ADAM17 substrates. Both compounds were found to induce an increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) only in Ca2+-containing medium, with the NP-treated cells response being more robust than those treated with BPA. Additionally, using a phosphorylated protein microarray, we found that both compounds stimulate common intracellular pathways related to cell growth, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. These results suggest that BPA and NP could induce apoptosis through ADAM17 by activating different intracellular signaling pathways that may converge in different cellular responses, one of which is apoptosis. These results confirm the capacity of these compounds to induce cell apoptosis in cancer cell lines and uncover ADAM17 as a key regulator of this process in response to EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Urriola-Muñoz
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile.
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| | - Raúl Lagos-Cabré
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| | - Daniel Patiño-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| | - Juan G Reyes
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile.
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
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15
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Zinkle A, Mohammadi M. A threshold model for receptor tyrosine kinase signaling specificity and cell fate determination. F1000Res 2018; 7:F1000 Faculty Rev-872. [PMID: 29983915 PMCID: PMC6013765 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14143.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon ligand engagement, the single-pass transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) dimerize to transmit qualitatively and quantitatively different intracellular signals that alter the transcriptional landscape and thereby determine the cellular response. The molecular mechanisms underlying these fundamental events are not well understood. Considering recent insights into the structural biology of fibroblast growth factor signaling, we propose a threshold model for RTK signaling specificity in which quantitative differences in the strength/longevity of ligand-induced receptor dimers on the cell surface lead to quantitative differences in the phosphorylation of activation loop (A-loop) tyrosines as well as qualitative differences in the phosphorylation of tyrosines mediating substrate recruitment. In this model, quantitative differences on A-loop tyrosine phosphorylation result in gradations in kinase activation, leading to the generation of intracellular signals of varying amplitude/duration. In contrast, qualitative differences in the pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation on the receptor result in the recruitment/activation of distinct substrates/intracellular pathways. Commensurate with both the dynamics of the intracellular signal and the types of intracellular pathways activated, unique transcriptional signatures are established. Our model provides a framework for engineering clinically useful ligands that can tune receptor dimerization stability so as to bias the cellular transcriptome to achieve a desired cellular output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Zinkle
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moosa Mohammadi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Abstract
In mammalian development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) represent the initial population of cells that are committed to the germ cell lineage. PGCs segregate early in development, triggered by signals from the extra-embryonic ectoderm. They are distinguished from surrounding cells by their unique gene expression patterns. Some of the more common genes used to identify them are Blimp1, Oct3/4, Fragilis, Stella, c-Kit, Mvh, Dazl and Gcna1. These genes are involved in regulating their migration and differentiation, and in maintaining the pluripotency of these cells. Recent research has demonstrated the possibility of obtaining PGCs, and subsequently, mature germ cells from a starting population of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in culture. This phenomenon has been investigated using a variety of methods, and ESC lines of both mouse and human origin. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into germ cells of both the male and female phenotype and in one case has resulted in the birth of live pups from the fertilization of oocytes with ESC derived sperm. This finding leads to the prospect of using ESC derived germ cells as a treatment for sterility. This review outlines the evolvement of germ cells from ESCs in vitro in relation to in vivo events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshira Saiti
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Level 3, STRIP 1 – Buildings 75, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, Australia, 3800
| | - Orly Lacham-Kaplan
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Level 3, STRIP 1 – Buildings 75, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, Australia, 3800
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17
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Litchfield K, Levy M, Orlando G, Loveday C, Law P, Migliorini G, Holroyd A, Broderick P, Karlsson R, Haugen TB, Kristiansen W, Nsengimana J, Fenwick K, Assiotis I, Kote-Jarai ZS, Dunning AM, Muir K, Peto J, Eeles R, Easton DF, Dudakia D, Orr N, Pashayan N, Bishop DT, Reid A, Huddart RA, Shipley J, Grotmol T, Wiklund F, Houlston RS, Turnbull C. Identification of 19 new risk loci and potential regulatory mechanisms influencing susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumor. Nat Genet 2017; 49:1133-1140. [PMID: 28604728 PMCID: PMC6016736 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have transformed understanding of susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), but much of the heritability remains unexplained. Here we report a new GWAS, a meta-analysis with previous GWAS and a replication series, totaling 7,319 TGCT cases and 23,082 controls. We identify 19 new TGCT risk loci, roughly doubling the number of known TGCT risk loci to 44. By performing in situ Hi-C in TGCT cells, we provide evidence for a network of physical interactions among all 44 TGCT risk SNPs and candidate causal genes. Our findings implicate widespread disruption of developmental transcriptional regulators as a basis of TGCT susceptibility, consistent with failed primordial germ cell differentiation as an initiating step in oncogenesis. Defective microtubule assembly and dysregulation of KIT-MAPK signaling also feature as recurrently disrupted pathways. Our findings support a polygenic model of risk and provide insight into the biological basis of TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Litchfield
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Max Levy
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Giulia Orlando
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Chey Loveday
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Philip Law
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Gabriele Migliorini
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Amy Holroyd
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Peter Broderick
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Robert Karlsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Trine B Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wenche Kristiansen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jérémie Nsengimana
- Section of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Kerry Fenwick
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ioannis Assiotis
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - ZSofia Kote-Jarai
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Alison M. Dunning
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Kenneth Muir
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, M1 3BB, UK
| | - Julian Peto
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind Eeles
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Douglas F Easton
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Darshna Dudakia
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Nick Orr
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Nora Pashayan
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | | | - D. Timothy Bishop
- Section of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Alison Reid
- Academic Radiotherapy Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Robert A Huddart
- Academic Radiotherapy Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Tom Grotmol
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, 0369, Norway
| | - Fredrik Wiklund
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Richard S Houlston
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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18
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The stem cell factor (SCF)/c-KIT signalling in testis and prostate cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2017; 11:297-307. [PMID: 28656507 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine that specifically binds the tyrosine kinase receptor c-KIT. The SCF/c-KIT interaction leads to receptor dimerization, activation of kinase activity and initiation of several signal transduction pathways that control cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration in several tissues. The activity of SCF/c-KIT system is linked with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), the Src, the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), the phospholipase-C (PLC-γ) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Moreover, it has been reported that cancer cases display an overactivation of c-KIT due to the presence of gain-of-function mutations or receptor overexpression, which renders c-KIT a tempting target for cancer treatment. In the case of male cancers the most documented activated pathways are the PI3-K and Src, both enhancing abnormal cell proliferation. It is also known that the Src activity in prostate cancer cases depends on the presence of tr-KIT, the cytoplasmic truncated variant of c-KIT that is specifically expressed in tumour tissues and, thus, a very interesting target for drug development. The present review provides an overview of the signalling pathways activated by SCF/c-KIT and discusses the potential application of c-KIT inhibitors for treatment of testicular and prostatic cancers.
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19
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Eslami-Arshaghi T, Vakilian S, Seyedjafari E, Ardeshirylajimi A, Soleimani M, Salehi M. Primordial germ cell differentiation of nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells using surface modified electroconductive scaffolds. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2017; 53:371-380. [PMID: 28039620 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-016-0113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A combination of nanotopographical cues and surface modification of collagen and fibronectin is a potential platform in primordial germ cells (PGCs) differentiation. In the present study, the synergistic effect of nanotopography and surface modification on differentiation of nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (nt-ESCs) toward PGC lineage was investigated. In order to achieve this goal, poly-anyline (PANi) was mix within poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Afterward, the random composite mats were fabricated using PLLA and PANi mix solution. The nanofiber topography notably upregulated the expressions of prdm14, mvh and c-kit compared with tissue culture polystyrene (TCP). Moreover, the combination of nanofiber topography and surface modification resulted in more enhancement of PGCs differentiation compared with non-modified nanofibrous scaffold. Additionally, gene expression results showed that mvh and c-kit were expressed at higher intensity in cells exposed to collagen and fibronectin rather than collagen or fibronectin solitary. These results demonstrated the importance of combined effect of collagen and fibronectin in order to develop a functional extracellular matrix (ECM) mimic in directing stem cell fate and the potential of such biofunctional scaffolds for treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ehsan Seyedjafari
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Ardeshirylajimi
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engeneering and Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Wang C, Deng Y, Chen F, Zhu P, Wei J, Luo C, Lu F, Yang S, Shi D. Basic fibroblast growth factor is critical to reprogramming buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) primordial germ cells into embryonic germ stem cell-like cells. Theriogenology 2016; 91:112-120. [PMID: 28215675 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are destined to form gametes in vivo, and they can be reprogrammed into pluripotent embryonic germ (EG) cells in vitro. Buffalo PGC have been reported to be reprogrammed into EG-like cells, but the identities of the major signaling pathways and culture media involved in this derivation remain unclear. Here, the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and downstream signaling pathways on the reprogramming of buffalo PGCs into EG-like cells were investigated. Results showed bFGF to be critical to buffalo PGCs to dedifferentiate into EG-like cells (20 ng/mL is optimal) with many characteristics of pluripotent stem cells, including alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, expression of pluripotency marker genes such as OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA-1, CDH1, and TRA-1-81, and the capacity to differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers. After chemically inhibiting pathways or components downstream of bFGF, data showed that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway led to significantly lower EG cell derivation, while inhibition of P53 activity resulted in an efficiency of EG cell derivation comparable to that in the presence of bFGF. These results suggest that the role of bFGF in PGC-derived EG-like cell generation is mainly due to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/P53 pathway, in particular, the inhibition of P53 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caizhu Wang
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yanfei Deng
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingwei Wei
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chan Luo
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Sufang Yang
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Deshun Shi
- Animal Reproduction Institute, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
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21
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Ding J, Lin ZQ, Jiang JM, Seidman CE, Seidman JG, Pu WT, Wang DZ. Preparation of rAAV9 to Overexpress or Knockdown Genes in Mouse Hearts. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 28060283 DOI: 10.3791/54787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlling the expression or activity of specific genes through the myocardial delivery of genetic materials in murine models permits the investigation of gene functions. Their therapeutic potential in the heart can also be determined. There are limited approaches for in vivo molecular intervention in the mouse heart. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based genome engineering has been utilized as an essential tool for in vivo cardiac gene manipulation. The specific advantages of this technology include high efficiency, high specificity, low genomic integration rate, minimal immunogenicity, and minimal pathogenicity. Here, a detailed procedure to construct, package, and purify the rAAV9 vectors is described. Subcutaneous injection of rAAV9 into neonatal pups results in robust expression or efficient knockdown of the gene(s) of interest in the mouse heart, but not in the liver and other tissues. Using the cardiac-specific TnnT2 promoter, high expression of GFP gene in the heart was obtained. Additionally, target mRNA was inhibited in the heart when a rAAV9-U6-shRNA was utilized. Working knowledge of rAAV9 technology may be useful for cardiovascular investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School;
| | - Zhi-Qiang Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
| | - Jian-Ming Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Christine E Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Jonathan G Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School;
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22
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De Felici M. The Formation and Migration of Primordial Germ Cells in Mouse and Man. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:23-46. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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23
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Abstract
Current knowledge on gonadal development and sex determination is the product of many decades of research involving a variety of scientific methods from different biological disciplines such as histology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The earliest embryological investigations, followed by the invention of microscopy and staining methods, were based on histological examinations. The most robust development of histological staining techniques occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century and resulted in structural descriptions of gonadogenesis. These first studies on gonadal development were conducted on domesticated animals; however, currently the mouse is the most extensively studied species. The next key point in the study of gonadogenesis was the advancement of methods allowing for the in vitro culture of fetal gonads. For instance, this led to the description of the origin of cell lines forming the gonads. Protein detection using antibodies and immunolabeling methods and the use of reporter genes were also invaluable for developmental studies, enabling the visualization of the formation of gonadal structure. Recently, genetic and molecular biology techniques, especially gene expression analysis, have revolutionized studies on gonadogenesis and have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The successive invention of new methods is reflected in the progress of research on gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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24
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Gilbert DC, Al-Saadi R, Thway K, Chandler I, Berney D, Gabe R, Stenning SP, Sweet J, Huddart R, Shipley JM. Defining a New Prognostic Index for Stage I Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors Using CXCL12 Expression and Proportion of Embryonal Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:1265-73. [PMID: 26453693 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Up to 50% of patients diagnosed with stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) harbor occult metastases. Patients are managed by surveillance with chemotherapy at relapse or adjuvant treatment up front. Late toxicities from chemotherapy are increasingly recognized. Based on a potential biologic role in germ cells/tumors and pilot data, our aim was to evaluate tumor expression of the chemokine CXCL12 alongside previously proposed markers as clinically useful biomarkers of relapse. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Immunohistochemistry for tumor expression of CXCL12 was assessed as a biomarker of relapse alongside vascular invasion, histology (percentage embryonal carcinoma), and MIB1 staining for proliferation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded orchidectomy samples from patients enrolled in the Medical Research Council's TE08/22 prospective trials of surveillance in stage I NSGCTs. RESULTS TE08/TE22 trial patients had a 76.4% 2-year relapse-free rate, and both CXCL12 expression and percentage embryonal carcinoma provided prognostic value independently of vascular invasion (stratified log rank test P = 0.006 for both). There was no additional prognostic value for MIB1 staining. A model using CXCL12, percentage embryonal carcinoma, and VI defines three prognostic groups that were independently validated. CONCLUSIONS CXCL12 and percentage embryonal carcinoma both stratify patients' relapse risk over and above vascular invasion alone. This is anticipated to improve the stratification of patients and identify high-risk cases to be considered for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan C Gilbert
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom. MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Aviation House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reem Al-Saadi
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Khin Thway
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chandler
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Berney
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rhian Gabe
- The Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sally P Stenning
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Aviation House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Sweet
- Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Huddart
- Department of Academic Radiotherapy and Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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25
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Gonadal development and germ cell tumors in mouse and humans. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:114-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Petersen TS, Stahlhut M, Andersen CY. Phosphodiesterases in the rat ovary: effect of cAMP in primordial follicles. Reproduction 2015; 150:11-20. [PMID: 25861799 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of the intracellular cAMP concentration, which is a central second messenger that affects a multitude of intracellular functions. In the ovaries, cAMP exerts diverse functions, including regulation of ovulation and it has been suggested that augmented cAMP levels stimulate primordial follicle growth. The present study examined the gene expression, enzyme activity and immunolocalization of the different cAMP hydrolysing PDEs families in the rat ovary. Further, the effect of PDE4 inhibition on primordial follicle activation in cultured neonatal rat ovaries was also evaluated. We found varied expression of all eight families in the ovary with Pde7b and Pde8a having the highest expression each accounting for more than 20% of the total PDE mRNA. PDE4 accounted for 15-26% of the total PDE activity. Immunoreactive PDE11A was found in the oocytes and PDE2A in the corpora lutea. Incubating neonatal rat ovaries with PDE4 inhibitors did not increase primordial follicle activation or change the expression of the developing follicle markers Gdf9, Amh, Inha, the proliferation marker Mki67 or the primordial follicle marker Tmeff2. In addition, the cAMP analogue 8-bromo-cAMP did not increase AKT1 or FOXO3A phosphorylation associated with follicle activation or increase the expression of Kitlg known to be associated with follicle differentiation but did increase the Tmeff2, Mki67 and Inha expression in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study shows that both Pde7b and Pde8a are highly expressed in the rodent ovary and that PDE4 inhibition does not cause an increase in primordial follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonny Studsgaard Petersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyThe Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children, and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen University, Department 5712, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, DenmarkLEO PharmaBallerup 2750, Denmark Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyThe Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children, and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen University, Department 5712, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, DenmarkLEO PharmaBallerup 2750, Denmark
| | - Martin Stahlhut
- Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyThe Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children, and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen University, Department 5712, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, DenmarkLEO PharmaBallerup 2750, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyThe Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children, and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen University, Department 5712, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, DenmarkLEO PharmaBallerup 2750, Denmark
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López-Iglesias P, Alcaina Y, Tapia N, Sabour D, Arauzo-Bravo MJ, Sainz de la Maza D, Berra E, O'Mara AN, Nistal M, Ortega S, Donovan PJ, Schöler HR, De Miguel MP. Hypoxia induces pluripotency in primordial germ cells by HIF1α stabilization and Oct4 deregulation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:205-23. [PMID: 25226357 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.5871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study the mechanisms of pluripotency induction, we compared gene expression in pluripotent embryonic germ cells (EGCs) and unipotent primordial germ cells (PGCs). RESULTS We found 11 genes ≥1.5-fold overexpressed in EGCs. None of the genes identified was the Yamanaka genes but instead related to glycolytic metabolism. The prospect of pluripotency induction by cell metabolism manipulation was investigated by hypoxic culturing. Hypoxia induced a glycolytic program in PGCs in detriment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. We demonstrate that hypoxia alone induces reprogramming in PGCs, giving rise to hypoxia-induced EGC-like cells (hiEGLs), which differentiate into cells of the three germ layers in vitro and contribute to the internal cell mass of the blastocyst in vivo, demonstrating pluripotency. The mechanism of hypoxia induction involves HIF1α stabilization and Oct4 deregulation. However, hiEGL cannot be passaged long term. Self-renewal capacity is not achieved by hypoxia likely due to the lack of upregulation of c-Myc and Klf4. Gene expression analysis of hypoxia signaling suggests that hiEGLs have not reached the stabilization phase of cell reprogramming. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the two main properties of stemness, pluripotency and self-renewal, are differentially regulated in PGC reprogramming induced by hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar López-Iglesias
- 1 Cell Engineering Laboratory, IdiPaz, La Paz Hospital Research Institute , Madrid Spain
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Cardoso HJ, Figueira MI, Correia S, Vaz CV, Socorro S. The SCF/c-KIT system in the male: Survival strategies in fertility and cancer. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1064-79. [PMID: 25359157 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining the delicate balance between cell survival and death is of the utmost importance for the proper development of germ cells and subsequent fertility. On the other hand, the fine regulation of tissue homeostasis by mechanisms that control cell fate is a factor that can prevent carcinogenesis. c-KIT is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase activated by its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF). c-KIT signaling plays a crucial role in cell fate decisions, specifically controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Indeed, deregulating the SCF/c-KIT system by attenuation or overactivation of its signaling strength is linked to male infertility and cancer, and rebalancing its activity via c-KIT inhibitors has proven beneficial in treating human tumors that contain gain-of-function mutations or overexpress c-KIT. This review addresses the roles of SCF and c-KIT in the male reproductive tract, and discusses the potential application of c-KIT target therapies in disorders of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique J Cardoso
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Figueira MI, Cardoso HJ, Correia S, Maia CJ, Socorro S. Hormonal regulation of c-KIT receptor and its ligand: implications for human infertility? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 49:1-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proghi.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Lu Y, West FD, Jordan BJ, Jordan ET, West RC, Yu P, He Y, Barrios MA, Zhu Z, Petitte JN, Beckstead RB, Stice SL. Induced Pluripotency in Chicken Embryonic Fibroblast Results in a Germ Cell Fate. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1755-64. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Franklin D. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Brian J. Jordan
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Erin T. Jordan
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Rachel C. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ping Yu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ying He
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccines and New Technology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Miguel A. Barrios
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ziying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - James N. Petitte
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Banerjee S, Banerjee S, Saraswat G, Bandyopadhyay SA, Kabir SN. Female reproductive aging is master-planned at the level of ovary. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96210. [PMID: 24788203 PMCID: PMC4008600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovary receives a finite pool of follicles during fetal life. Atresia remains the major form of follicular expenditure at all stages since development of ovary. The follicular reserve, however, declines at an exponential rate leading to accelerated rate of decay during the years preceding menopause. We examined if diminished follicle reserve that characterizes ovarian aging impacts the attrition rate. Premature ovarian aging was induced in rats by intra-embryonic injection of galactosyltransferase-antibody on embryonic day 10. On post-natal day 35 of the female litters, either a wedge of fat (sham control) or a wild type ovary collected from 25-day old control rats, was transplanted under the ovarian bursa in both sides. Follicular growth and atresia, and ovarian microenvironment were evaluated in the follicle-deficient host ovary and transplanted ovary by real time RT-PCR analysis of growth differentiation factor-9, bone morphogenetic protein 15, and kit ligand, biochemical evaluation of ovarian lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity, and western blot analysis of ovarian pro- and anti-apoptotic factors including p53, bax, bcl2, and caspase 3. Results demonstrated that the rate of follicular atresia, which was highly preponderant in the follicle-deficient ovary of the sham-operated group, was significantly prevented in the presence of the transplanted ovary. As against the follicle-deficient ovary of the sham-operated group, the follicle-deficient host ovary as well as the transplanted ovary in the ovary-transplanted group exhibited stimulated follicle growth with increased expression of anti-apoptotic factors and down regulation of pro-apoptotic factors. Both the host and transplanted ovaries also had significantly lower rate of lipid peroxidation with increased SOD and catalase activity. We conclude that the declining follicular reserve is perhaps the immediate thrust that increases the rate of follicle depletion during the final phase of ovarian life when the follicle reserve wanes below certain threshold size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayani Banerjee
- Reproductive Biology Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sutapa Banerjee
- Reproductive Biology Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ghungroo Saraswat
- Reproductive Biology Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soma Aditya Bandyopadhyay
- Reproductive Biology Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Syed N. Kabir
- Reproductive Biology Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- * E-mail:
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Leitch HG, Tang WWC, Surani MA. Primordial germ-cell development and epigenetic reprogramming in mammals. Curr Top Dev Biol 2014; 104:149-87. [PMID: 23587241 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416027-9.00005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the gametes and represent the founder cells of the germline. Specification of PGCs is a critical divergent point during embryogenesis. Whereas the somatic lineages will ultimately perish, cells of the germline have the potential to form a new individual and hence progress to the next generation. It is therefore critical that the genome emerges intact and carrying the appropriate epigenetic information during its passage through the germline. To ensure this fidelity of transmission, PGC development encompasses extensive epigenetic reprogramming. The low cell numbers and relative inaccessibility of PGCs present a challenge to those seeking mechanistic understanding of the crucial developmental and epigenetic processes in this most fascinating of lineages. Here, we present an overview of PGC development in the mouse and compare this with the limited information available for other mammalian species. We believe that a comparative approach will be increasingly important to uncover the extent to which mechanisms are conserved and reveal the critical steps during PGC development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry G Leitch
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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33
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Sun YC, Cheng SF, Sun R, Zhao Y, Shen W. Reconstitution of Gametogenesis In Vitro: Meiosis Is the Biggest Obstacle. J Genet Genomics 2014; 41:87-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Mutually exclusive mutations of KIT and RAS are associated with KIT mRNA expression and chromosomal instability in primary intracranial pure germinomas. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 127:911-25. [PMID: 24452629 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) are the second most common brain tumors among children under 15 in Japan. The pathogenesis of iGCTs is largely unexplored. Although a subset of iGCTs is known to have KIT mutation, its impact on the biology and patients' survival has not been established. In this study, we investigated genes involved in the KIT signaling pathway. 65 iGCTs (30 pure germinomas, 14 teratomas, 18 mixed GCTs, 2 yolk sac tumors, 1 choriocarcinoma) were screened for mutation of KIT, KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PDGFRA, and IDH1 by direct sequencing. KIT expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Chromosomal status was analyzed by array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Somatic mutations were detected only in KIT and RAS, which were frequently observed in pure germinomas (60.0 %), but rare in non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs) (8.6 %). All KIT/RAS mutations were mutually exclusive. Regardless of the mutation status or mRNA expression, the KIT protein was expressed in all germinomas, while only in 54.3 % of NGGCTs. Amplification of KIT was found in one pure germinoma by aCGH. In pure germinomas, high expression of KIT mRNA was associated with the presence of KIT/RAS alterations and severe chromosomal instability. Our results indicate that alterations of the KIT signaling pathway play an important role in the development of germinomas. Pure germinomas may develop through two distinct pathogeneses: one with KIT/RAS alterations, elevated KIT mRNA expression and severe chromosomal instability, and the other through yet an unidentified mechanism without any of the above abnormalities.
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35
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Huang Z, Ruan HB, Zhang ZD, Chen W, Lin Z, Zeng H, Gao X. Mutation in the first Ig-like domain of Kit leads to JAK2 activation and myeloproliferation in mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 184:122-32. [PMID: 24211109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms constitute a group of hematopoietic neoplasms at the myeloid stem cell level. Although mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT have been identified in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, the functional causality is unknown because of a lack of animal models. Here, we describe a mouse strain harboring a point mutation in the first Ig-like domain of Kit. Intriguingly, the mutant mice develop a myeloproliferative disorder with typical loss-of-function phenotypes in other tissues. The mutant Kit is incompletely N-glycosylated, shows compromised receptor dimerization, and down-regulates Akt and extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 signaling. However, the mutation increases the association of Kit to Janus kinase (JAK)2 and hence the activation of JAK2. The β common receptor of the gp140 family interacts and synergizes with Kit to promote JAK2 phosphorylation, which is further enhanced by the Kit mutation. Inhibition of JAK2 suppresses the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro and partially rescues myeloproliferation in mice. Our data suggest that overactivation of JAK2 leads to myeloproliferation in Kit mutant mice and provide mechanistic insights for the diagnosis and treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Huang
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Bin Ruan
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng-Di Zhang
- Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lin
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hu Zeng
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- MOE Key Lab of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Leitch H, Nichols J, Humphreys P, Mulas C, Martello G, Lee C, Jones K, Surani M, Smith A. Rebuilding pluripotency from primordial germ cells. Stem Cell Reports 2013; 1:66-78. [PMID: 24052943 PMCID: PMC3757743 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian primordial germ cells (PGCs) are unipotent progenitors of the gametes. Nonetheless, they can give rise directly to pluripotent stem cells in vitro or during teratocarcinogenesis. This conversion is inconsistent, however, and has been difficult to study. Here, we delineate requirements for efficient resetting of pluripotency in culture. We demonstrate that in defined conditions, routinely 20% of PGCs become EG cells. Conversion can occur from the earliest specified PGCs. The entire process can be tracked from single cells. It is driven by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and the downstream transcription factor STAT3. In contrast, LIF signaling is not required during germ cell ontogeny. We surmise that ectopic LIF/STAT3 stimulation reconstructs latent pluripotency and self-renewal. Notably, STAT3 targets are significantly upregulated in germ cell tumors, suggesting that dysregulation of this pathway may underlie teratocarcinogenesis. These findings demonstrate that EG cell formation is a robust experimental system for exploring mechanisms involved in reprogramming and cancer. A defined system for generation of pluripotent EG cells at high efficiency 20% of single primordial germ cells become EG cells Stimulation with LIF but not FGF drives conversion to pluripotency LIF/STAT3 targets are upregulated in pluripotent germ cell tumors
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry G. Leitch
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Peter Humphreys
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Graziano Martello
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Caroline Lee
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Ken Jones
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - M. Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Corresponding author
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Chen L, Faire M, Kissner MD, Laird DJ. Primordial germ cells and gastrointestinal stromal tumors respond distinctly to a cKit overactivating allele. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:313-27. [PMID: 23077213 PMCID: PMC3526162 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
KitL, via its receptor cKit, supports primordial germ cell (PGC) growth, survival, migration and reprogramming to pluripotent embryonic germ cells (EGCs). However, the signaling downstream of KitL and its regulation in PGCs remain unclear. A constitutively activating mutation, cKit(V558Δ), causes gain-of-function phenotypes in mast cells and intestines, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) when heterozygous. Unexpectedly, we find that PGC growth is not significantly affected in cKit(V558Δ) heterozygotes, whereas in homozygotes, increased apoptosis and inefficient migration lead to the depletion of PGCs. Through genetic studies, we reveal that this oncogenic cKit allele exhibits loss-of-function behavior in PGCs distinct from that in GIST development. Examination of downstream signaling in GISTs from cKit(V558Δ/+) mice confirmed hyperphosphorylation of AKT and ERK, but both remain unperturbed in cKit(V558Δ/+) PGCs and EGCs. In contrast, we find reduced activation of ERK1/2 and JNK1 in cKit(V558Δ) homozygous PGCs and EGCs. Inhibiting JNK, though not ERK1/2, increased apoptosis of wild-type PGCs, but did not further affect the already elevated apoptosis of cKit(V558Δ)(/V558Δ) PGCs. These results demonstrate a cell-context-dependent response to the cKit(V558Δ) mutation. We propose that AKT overload protection and JNK-mediated survival comprise PGC-specific mechanisms for regulating cKit signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana J. Laird
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143-0667, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Glycogen rich clear cell carcinoma (GRCC) of the breast is a rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma and involves a poor prognosis. In the literature, less than 150 cases have been reported. Many researchers have attempted to characterize GRCC according to electron microscope, flow cytometry, or clinical data. However, an organized study of the immunophenotype of GRCC has yet to be reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, we present three cases of GRCC and their immunohistochemical profiles. RESULTS Histologically, all three cases contained periodic acid stain (PAS) positive and d-PAS labile granules in their clear cytoplasm. Case I showed positivity for only estrogen receptor (ER) and c-erbB2. Case II exhibited positivity for progesterone receptor and negativity for ER and c-erbB2. Case III presented with triple negative invasive carcinoma. The expression pattern of E-cadherin was concordant with epidermal growth factor receptor and c-kit, but discordant with ki-67. Among these three cases, p53-positive cases exhibited a low proliferative index (ki-67: 15%), while p53-negative cases showed a high proliferative index (ki-67: 50-60%). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the immunophenotype of GRCC is not uniform, but is similar to that of conventional ductal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Jones GN, Moschidou D, Puga-Iglesias TI, Kuleszewicz K, Vanleene M, Shefelbine SJ, Bou-Gharios G, Fisk NM, David AL, De Coppi P, Guillot PV. Ontological differences in first compared to third trimester human fetal placental chorionic stem cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43395. [PMID: 22962584 PMCID: PMC3433473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSC) isolated from fetal tissues hold promise for use in tissue engineering applications and cell-based therapies, but their collection is restricted ethically and technically. In contrast, the placenta is a potential source of readily-obtainable stem cells throughout pregnancy. In fetal tissues, early gestational stem cells are known to have advantageous characteristics over neonatal and adult stem cells. Accordingly, we investigated whether early fetal placental chorionic stem cells (e-CSC) were physiologically superior to their late gestation fetal chorionic counterparts (l-CSC). We showed that e-CSC shared a common phenotype with l-CSC, differentiating down the osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic pathways, and containing a subset of cells endogenously expressing NANOG, SOX2, c-MYC, and KLF4, as well as an array of genes expressed in pluripotent stem cells and primordial germ cells, including CD24, NANOG, SSEA4, SSEA3, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, STELLA, FRAGILIS, NANOS3, DAZL and SSEA1. However, we showed that e-CSC have characteristics of an earlier state of stemness compared to l-CSC, such as smaller size, faster kinetics, uniquely expressing OCT4A variant 1 and showing higher levels of expression of NANOG, SOX2, c-MYC and KLF4 than l-CSC. Furthermore e-CSC, but not l-CSC, formed embryoid bodies containing cells from the three germ layer lineages. Finally, we showed that e-CSC demonstrate higher tissue repair in vivo; when transplanted in the osteogenesis imperfecta mice, e-CSC, but not l-CSC increased bone quality and plasticity; and when applied to a skin wound, e-CSC, but not l-CSC, accelerated healing compared to controls. Our results provide insight into the ontogeny of the stemness phenotype during fetal development and suggest that the more primitive characteristics of early compared to late gestation fetal chorionic stem cells may be translationally advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma N. Jones
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dafni Moschidou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katarzyna Kuleszewicz
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilien Vanleene
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - George Bou-Gharios
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas M. Fisk
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna L. David
- Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- Surgery Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale V. Guillot
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Jin M, Yu Y, Huang H. An update on primary ovarian insufficiency. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2012; 55:677-86. [PMID: 22932883 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-012-4355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurs in about 1% of female population under the age of 40, leading to reproductive problems, an earlier encounter with menopausal symptoms, and complicated diseases. There are three presumable mechanisms involved in the development of POI, namely apoptosis acceleration, follicular maturation blocking and premature follicle activation, through the following studied causes: (i) chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations: mostly involve X chromosome, such as FMR1 premutation; more and more potentially causal genes have been screened recently; (ii) metabolic disorders such as classic galactosaemia and 17-OH deficiency; (iii) autoimmune mediated ovarian damage: observed alone or with some certain autoimmune disorders and syndromes; but the specificity and sensitivity of antibodies towards ovary are still questionable; (iv) iatrogenic: radiotherapy or chemotherapy used in cancer treatment, as well as pelvic surgery with potential threat to ovaries' blood supply can directly damage ovarian function; (v) virus infection such as HIV and mumps; (vi) toxins and other environmental/lifestyle factors: cigarette smoking, toxins (e.g., 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide), and other environmental factors are associated with the development of POI. The etiology of a majority of POI cases is not identified, and is believed to be multifactorial. Strategies to POI include hormone replacement and infertility treatment. Assisted conception with donated oocytes has been proven to achieve pregnancy in POI women. Embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation have been used to preserve ovarian reserve in women undergoing cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jin
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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Gillis AJM, Stoop H, Biermann K, van Gurp RJHLM, Swartzman E, Cribbes S, Ferlinz A, Shannon M, Oosterhuis JW, Looijenga LHJ. Expression and interdependencies of pluripotency factors LIN28, OCT3/4, NANOG and SOX2 in human testicular germ cells and tumours of the testis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e160-74. [PMID: 21631526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01148.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OCT3/4, NANOG, SOX2 and, most recently, LIN28 have been identified as key regulators of pluripotency in mammalian embryonic and induced stem cells, and are proven to be crucial for generation of the mouse germ-cell lineage. These factors are a hallmark of certain histological types of germ-cell tumours (GCTs). Here, we report novel information on the temporal and spatial expression pattern of LIN28 during normal human male germ-cell development as well as various types of GCTs. To investigate LIN28 expression, immunohistochemical analyses and quantitative proximity ligation assay-based TaqMan protein assays were applied on snap-frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples as well as representative cell lines. LIN28 was found in primordial germ cells, gonocytes and pre-spermatogonia, in contrast to OCT3/4 and NANOG, which were found only in the first two stages. LIN28 was also found in all precursor lesions (carcinoma in situ and gonadoblastoma) of type II GCTs, as well as the invasive components seminoma and the non-seminomatous elements embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumour. Choriocarcinoma showed a heterogeneous pattern, while teratomas and spermatocytic seminomas (type III GCTs) were negative. This expression pattern suggests that LIN28 is associated with malignant behaviour of type II GCTs. Cell line experiments involving siRNA knockdown of LIN28, OCT3/4 and SOX2 showed that LIN28 plays a role in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of both seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, closely linked to, and likely upstream of OCT3/4 and NANOG. In conclusion, LIN28 regulates the differentiation status of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma and is likely to play a related role in normal human germ-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J M Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kahan B. Toxicity spectrum of inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin in organ transplantation: etiology, pathogenesis and treatment. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2011; 10:727-49. [DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2011.579898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Pelosi E, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Germ cell formation from embryonic stem cells and the use of somatic cell nuclei in oocytes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1221:18-26. [PMID: 21401625 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.05982.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have remarkable properties of pluripotency and self-renewal, along with the retention of chromosomal integrity. Germ cells function as a kind of "transgenerational stem cells," transmitting genetic information from one generation to the next. The formation of putative primordial germ cells (PGCs) and germ cells from mouse and human ESCs (hESCs) has, in fact, been shown, and the apparent derivation of functional mouse male gametes has also been described. Additionally, investigators have successfully reprogrammed somatic nuclei into a pluripotent state by inserting them into ESCs or oocytes. This would enable the generation of ESCs genetically identical to the somatic cell donor and their use in cell therapy. However, these methodologies are still inefficient and their mechanisms poorly understood. Until full comprehension of these processes is obtained, clinical applications remain remote. Nevertheless, they represent promising tools in the future, enhancing methods of therapeutic cloning and infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pelosi
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute on Aging/NIH Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Gilbert D, Rapley E, Shipley J. Testicular germ cell tumours: predisposition genes and the male germ cell niche. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:278-88. [PMID: 21412254 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are putatively derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Recently reported genome-wide association studies implicate six gene loci that predispose to TGCT development. Remarkably, the functions of proteins encoded by genes within these regions bridge our understanding between the pathways involved in primordial germ cell physiology, male germ cell development and the molecular pathology of TGCTs. Furthermore, this improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying TGCT development and dissemination has clinical relevance for the management of patients with these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Gilbert
- Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE, East Sussex, UK
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Abstract
During embryonic development in Drosophila, rodents, and other organisms, primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate from their points of origin to the nascent gonads, where they give rise to germ line stem cells. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity is required for normal migration of primordial germ cells in both Drosophila and rodents. In this chapter, we discuss in vivo as well as in vitro methods which have been used to elucidate the role of the RTK Torso in Drosophila germ cell migration. Included are protocols for embryo collection, fixation, and immunostaining; the dominant female sterile technique; in vitro culture and observation of PGCs; pole cell transplantation; and labeling of pole cells for in vivo observation.
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Gilbert DC, McIntyre A, Summersgill B, Missiaglia E, Goddard NC, Chandler I, Huddart RA, Shipley J. Minimum regions of genomic imbalance in stage I testicular embryonal carcinoma and association of 22q loss with relapse. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2010; 50:186-95. [PMID: 21213372 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Revised: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most frequent solid tumor to affect young adult males and are histologically divided into seminomas and nonseminomas (NS). NS comprise undifferentiated embryonal carcinoma (EC) and differentiated tumors with embryonic (teratoma) or extra-embryonic (choriocarcinoma, yolk sac tumor) features. In contrast to other subtypes, EC have uniform cellular morphology and lack normal cell infiltrates, ideal for nucleic acid profiling. EC are under-represented in previous studies due to their relative rarity. To gain insights into NS tumorigenesis, metastatic dissemination and potential markers of relapse, a full tiling path BAC platform was used to obtain array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) profiles from 32 formalin fixed paraffin embedded stage I EC samples from patients with follow-up data. In addition to identifying regions previously described in TGCT, novel minimum overlapping regions of gain at 6p21.33, 10q11.21, and 22q13.32 and loss at 22q12.2 were defined and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. Specifically, the region at 6p21.33 included OCT3/4, the expression of which is involved in the maintenance of pluripotency and the 10q11.21 region contains the gene encoding the RAS activating factor RASGEF1A, the expression of which was demonstrably increased in RNA extracted from these samples. The region of loss at 22q12.2 was more frequently seen in tumors that relapsed and protein expression of genes from 22q12.2 included PIK3IP1, a negative regulator of PI3 kinase signaling was reduced. These data support the role for genes involved in pluripotency and RAS/PI3K signaling in EC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan C Gilbert
- Molecular Cytogenetics, Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
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Macdonald J, Glover JD, Taylor L, Sang HM, McGrew MJ. Characterisation and germline transmission of cultured avian primordial germ cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15518. [PMID: 21124737 PMCID: PMC2993963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) have significant potential to be used as a cell-based system for the study and preservation of avian germplasm, and the genetic modification of the avian genome. It was previously reported that PGCs from chicken embryos can be propagated in culture and contribute to the germ cell lineage of host birds. Principal Findings We confirm these results by demonstrating that PGCs from a different layer breed of chickens can be propagated for extended periods in vitro. We demonstrate that intracellular signalling through PI3K and MEK is necessary for PGC growth. We carried out an initial characterisation of these cells. We find that cultured PGCs contain large lipid vacuoles, are glycogen rich, and express the stem cell marker, SSEA-1. These cells also express the germ cell-specific proteins CVH and CDH. Unexpectedly, using RT-PCR we show that cultured PGCs express the pluripotency genes c-Myc, cKlf4, cPouV, cSox2, and cNanog. Finally, we demonstrate that the cultured PGCs will migrate to and colonise the forming gonad of host embryos. Male PGCs will colonise the female gonad and enter meiosis, but are lost from the gonad during sexual development. In male hosts, cultured PGCs form functional gametes as demonstrated by the generation of viable offspring. Conclusions The establishment of in vitro cultures of germline competent avian PGCs offers a unique system for the study of early germ cell differentiation and also a comparative system for mammalian germ cell development. Primary PGC lines will form the basis of an alternative technique for the preservation of avian germplasm and will be a valuable tool for transgenic technology, with both research and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Macdonald
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - James D. Glover
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M. Sang
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are embryonic progenitors for the gametes. In the gastrulating mouse embryo, a small group of cells begin expressing a unique set of genes and so commit to the germline. Over the next 3-5 days, these PGCs migrate anteriorly and increase rapidly in number via mitotic division before colonizing the newly formed gonads. PGCs then express a different set of unique genes, their inherited epigenetic imprint is erased and an individual methylation imprint is established, and for female PGCs, the silent X chromosome is reactivated. At this point, germ cells (GCs) commit to either a female or male sexual lineage, denoted by meiosis entry and mitotic arrest, respectively. This developmental program is determined by cues emanating from the somatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Ewen
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Saitou M, Yamaji M. Germ cell specification in mice: signaling, transcription regulation, and epigenetic consequences. Reproduction 2010; 139:931-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The specification of germ cell fate in development initiates mechanisms essential for the perpetuation of genetic information across the generations. Recent studies in mice have shown that germ cell specification requires at least three key molecular/cellular events: repression of the somatic program, re-acquisition of potential pluripotency, and an ensuing genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming. Moreover, a signaling and transcriptional principle governing these processes has been identified, raising the possibility of inducing the germ cell fate precisely from pluripotent stem cells in culture. These advances will in turn serve as a basis to explore the mechanism of germ cell specification in other mammals, including humans. The recapitulation of germ cell development in humans in culture will provide unprecedented opportunities to understand the basis of the propagation of our genome, both under normal and diseased conditions.
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