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Harada M, Omori A, Nakahara C, Nakagata N, Akita K, Yamada G. Tissue-specific roles of FGF signaling in external genitalia development. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:759-73. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Harada
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
- Department of Clinical Anatomy; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences; Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Akiko Omori
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
- Department of Developmental Genetics; Institute of Advanced Medicine; Wakayama Medical University; Wakayama Japan
| | - Chiaki Nakahara
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering; Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical Anatomy; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences; Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
- Department of Developmental Genetics; Institute of Advanced Medicine; Wakayama Medical University; Wakayama Japan
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Georgas KM, Armstrong J, Keast JR, Larkins CE, McHugh KM, Southard-Smith EM, Cohn MJ, Batourina E, Dan H, Schneider K, Buehler DP, Wiese CB, Brennan J, Davies JA, Harding SD, Baldock RA, Little MH, Vezina CM, Mendelsohn C. An illustrated anatomical ontology of the developing mouse lower urogenital tract. Development 2015; 142:1893-908. [PMID: 25968320 DOI: 10.1242/dev.117903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malformation of the urogenital tract represents a considerable paediatric burden, with many defects affecting the lower urinary tract (LUT), genital tubercle and associated structures. Understanding the molecular basis of such defects frequently draws on murine models. However, human anatomical terms do not always superimpose on the mouse, and the lack of accurate and standardised nomenclature is hampering the utility of such animal models. We previously developed an anatomical ontology for the murine urogenital system. Here, we present a comprehensive update of this ontology pertaining to mouse LUT, genital tubercle and associated reproductive structures (E10.5 to adult). Ontology changes were based on recently published insights into the cellular and gross anatomy of these structures, and on new analyses of epithelial cell types present in the pelvic urethra and regions of the bladder. Ontology changes include new structures, tissue layers and cell types within the LUT, external genitalia and lower reproductive structures. Representative illustrations, detailed text descriptions and molecular markers that selectively label muscle, nerves/ganglia and epithelia of the lower urogenital system are also presented. The revised ontology will be an important tool for researchers studying urogenital development/malformation in mouse models and will improve our capacity to appropriately interpret these with respect to the human situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Georgas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jane Armstrong
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christine E Larkins
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kirk M McHugh
- Centre for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Division of Anatomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205/10, USA
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Martin J Cohn
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA Department of Biology, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Hanbin Dan
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kerry Schneider
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Carrie B Wiese
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jane Brennan
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Jamie A Davies
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Simon D Harding
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Richard A Baldock
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Melissa H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chad M Vezina
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Cathy Mendelsohn
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Cunha GR, Sinclair A, Risbridger G, Hutson J, Baskin LS. Current understanding of hypospadias: relevance of animal models. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 12:271-80. [DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Sexually dimorphic expression of Mafb regulates masculinization of the embryonic urethral formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:16407-12. [PMID: 25362053 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413273111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Masculinization of external genitalia is an essential process in the formation of the male reproductive system. Prominent characteristics of this masculinization are the organ size and the sexual differentiation of the urethra. Although androgen is a pivotal inducer of the masculinization, the regulatory mechanism under the control of androgen is still unknown. Here, we address this longstanding question about how androgen induces masculinization of the embryonic external genitalia through the identification of the v-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (Mafb) gene. Mafb is expressed prominently in the mesenchyme of male genital tubercle (GT), the anlage of external genitalia. MAFB expression is rarely detected in the mesenchyme of female GTs. However, exposure to exogenous androgen induces its mesenchymal expression in female GTs. Furthermore, MAFB expression is prominently down-regulated in male GTs of androgen receptor (Ar) KO mice, indicating that AR signaling is necessary for its expression. It is revealed that Mafb KO male GTs exhibit defective embryonic urethral formation, giving insight into the common human congenital anomaly hypospadias. However, the size of Mafb KO male GTs is similar with that of wild-type males. Moreover, androgen treatment fails to induce urethral masculinization of the GTs in Mafb KO mice. The current results provide evidence that Mafb is an androgen-inducible, sexually dimorphic regulator of embryonic urethral masculinization.
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Mahawong P, Sinclair A, Li Y, Schlomer B, Rodriguez E, Ferretti MM, Liu B, Baskin LS, Cunha GR. Comparative effects of neonatal diethylstilbestrol on external genitalia development in adult males of two mouse strains with differential estrogen sensitivity. Differentiation 2014; 88:70-83. [PMID: 25449353 PMCID: PMC4254630 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The effect of neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a potent synthetic estrogen, was examined to evaluate whether the CD-1 (estrogen insensitive, outbred) and C57 (estrogen sensitive, inbred) mouse strains differ in their response to estrogen disruption of male ExG differentiation. CD-1 and C57BL/6 litters were injected with sesame oil or DES (200 ng/g/5 μl in sesame oil vehicle) every other day from birth to day 10. Animals were sacrificed at the following time points: birth, 5, 10 and 60 days postnatal. Neonatally DES-treated mice from both strains had many ExG abnormalities that included the following: (a) severe truncation of the prepuce and glans penis, (b) an abnormal urethral meatus, (c) ventral tethering of the penis, (d) reduced os penis length and glans width, (e) impaired differentiation of cartilage, (f) absence of urethral flaps, and (g) impaired differentiation of erectile bodies. Adverse effects of DES correlated with the expression of estrogen receptors within the affected tissues. While the effects of DES were similar in the more estrogen-sensitive C57BL/6 mice versus the less estrogen-sensitive CD-1 mice, the severity of DES effects was consistently greater in C57BL/6 mice. We suggest that many of the effects of DES, including the induction of hypospadias, are due to impaired growth and tissue fusion events during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phitsanu Mahawong
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Adriane Sinclair
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bruce Schlomer
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Esequiel Rodriguez
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Max M Ferretti
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Baomai Liu
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Murashima A, Kishigami S, Thomson A, Yamada G. Androgens and mammalian male reproductive tract development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:163-70. [PMID: 24875095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the main functions of androgen is in the sexually dimorphic development of the male reproductive tissues. During embryogenesis, androgen determines the morphogenesis of male specific organs, such as the epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate and penis. Despite the critical function of androgens in masculinization, the downstream molecular mechanisms of androgen signaling are poorly understood. Tissue recombination experiments and tissue specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mouse studies have revealed epithelial or mesenchymal specific androgen-AR signaling functions. These findings also indicate that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are a key feature of AR specific activity, and paracrine growth factor action may mediate some of the effects of androgens. This review focuses on mouse models showing the interactions of androgen and growth factor pathways that promote the sexual differentiation of reproductive organs. Recent studies investigating context dependent AR target genes are also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Murashima
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Axel Thomson
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Av, Montreal, Québec, H3A 1A4, Canada
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan.
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Generation of bladder urothelium from human pluripotent stem cells under chemically defined serum- and feeder-free system. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:7139-57. [PMID: 24776760 PMCID: PMC4057664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15057139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human stem cells are promising sources for bladder regeneration. Among several possible sources, pluripotent stem cells are the most fascinating because they can differentiate into any cell type, and proliferate limitlessly in vitro. Here, we developed a protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into bladder urothelial cells (BUCs) under a chemically defined culture system. We first differentiated hPSCs into definitive endoderm (DE), and further specified DE cells into BUCs by treating retinoic acid under a keratinocyte-specific serum free medium. hPSC-derived DE cells showed significantly expressed DE-specific genes, but did not express mesodermal or ectodermal genes. After DE cells were specified into BUCs, they notably expressed urothelium-specific genes such as UPIb, UPII, UPIIIa, P63 and CK7. Immunocytochemistry showed that BUCs expressed UPII, CK8/18 and P63 as well as tight junction molecules, E-CADHERIN and ZO-1. Additionally, hPSCs-derived BUCs exhibited low permeability in a FITC-dextran permeability assay, indicating BUCs possessed the functional units of barrier on their surfaces. However, BUCs did not express the marker genes of other endodermal lineage cells (intestine and liver) as well as mesodermal or ectodermal lineage cells. In summary, we sequentially differentiated hPSCs into DE and BUCs in a serum- and feeder-free condition. Our differentiation protocol will be useful for producing cells for bladder regeneration and studying normal and pathological development of the human bladder urothelium in vitro.
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Biswas S, Ghosh D, Das S. Congenital urethrocutaneous fistula-our experience with nine cases. Indian J Surg 2014; 76:156-8. [PMID: 24891786 PMCID: PMC4039680 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-012-0763-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital urethrocutaneous fistula is a very rare anomaly with about 40 odd cases reported in literature till 2008 .We present here 9 such cases all of whom were uncircumcised at presentation.7 out of 9 cases had a fistula in the distal shaft and the rest 2 cases had a fistula in the mid-shaft of the penis with an associated chordee.Associated congenital anomaly was present in only one case which had an associated imperforate anus . When the fistula was present distally , we did a primary repair of the fistula which was reinforced by a Bayer's Flap. When the fistula was present in the mid shaft we did a Primary repair of the fistula & reinforced it by a Tunica Vaginalis Flap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Biswas
- />Departmentof General Surgery, Nilratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College, Calcutta, India
| | - Dipak Ghosh
- />Departmentof Paediatric Surgery, Medical College, Calcutta, India
| | - Sukanta Das
- />Departmentof Paediatric Surgery, Medical College, Calcutta, India
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Development of the external genitalia: perspectives from the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Differentiation 2014; 87:4-22. [PMID: 24582573 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This review/research paper summarizes data on development of the external genitalia of the spotted hyena, a fascinating mammal noted for extreme masculinization of the female external genitalia. The female spotted hyena is the only extant mammal that mates and gives birth through a pendulous penis-like clitoris. Our studies indicate that early formation of the phallus in both males and females is independent of androgens; indeed the phallus forms before the fetal testes or ovaries are capable of synthesizing androgens. Likewise, pre- and postnatal growth in length of the penis and clitoris is minimally affected by "androgen status". Nonetheless, several internal morphologies, as well as external surface features of the phallus, are androgen-dependent and thus account for dimorphism between the penis and clitoris. Finally, estrogens play a critical role in penile and clitoral development, specifying the position of the urethral orifice, determining elasticity of the urethral meatus, and facilitating epithelial-epithelial fusion events required for proper formation of the distal urethra/urogenital sinus and prepuce. Accordingly, prenatal inhibition of estrogen synthesis via administration of letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) leads to malformations of the glans as well as the prepuce (hypospadias). The effects of prenatal androgens, anti-androgens and impaired estrogen synthesis correlated with the tissue expression of androgen and estrogen receptors.
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61
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Ipulan LA, Suzuki K, Matsushita S, Suzuki H, Okazawa M, Jacinto S, Hirai SI, Yamada G. Development of the external genitalia and their sexual dimorphic regulation in mice. Sex Dev 2014; 8:297-310. [PMID: 24503953 DOI: 10.1159/000357932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the external genitalia is divided into 2 developmental stages: the formation and growth of a bipotential genital tubercle (GT) and the sexual differentiation of the male and female GT. The sexually dimorphic processes, which occur during the second part of GT differentiation, are suggested to be governed by androgen signaling and more recently crosstalk with other signaling factors. The process of elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of hormone signaling towards other signaling networks in the GT is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, it is becoming a productive area of research. This review summarizes various studies on the development of the murine GT and the defining characteristics of a masculinized GT and presents the different signaling pathways possibly involved during masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerrie Ann Ipulan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
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62
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Chew KY, Pask AJ, Hickford D, Shaw G, Renfree MB. A dual role for SHH during phallus development in a marsupial. Sex Dev 2014; 8:166-77. [PMID: 24480851 DOI: 10.1159/000357927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian phallus arises from identical primordia in both sexes and is patterned in part by the key morphogen Sonic hedgehog (SHH). We have investigated SHH and other morphogens during phallus development in the tammar wallaby. In this marsupial, testis differentiation and androgen production occurs just after birth, but it takes a further 50-60 days before the phallus becomes sexually dimorphic. One day before birth, SHH was expressed in both sexes in the urethral epithelium. In males, there was a marked upregulation of SHH, GLI2, and AR at day 50 postpartum, a time when testicular androgen production falls. SHH, GLI2, and AR were downregulated in female pouch young treated with androstanediol from days 24-50, but not when treatments were begun at day 29, suggesting an early window of androgen sensitivity. SHH, GLI2, and AR expression in the phallus of males castrated at day 23 did not differ from controls, but there was an increase in SHH and GLI2 and a decrease in FGF8 and BMP4 expression when the animals were castrated at day 29. These results suggest that the early patterning by SHH is androgen-independent followed by an androgen-dependent window of sensitivity and a sharp rise in SHH expression after androgen withdrawal at day 50.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Y Chew
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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63
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Renfree MB, Chew KY, Shaw G. Inducing sex reversal of the urogenital system of marsupials. Differentiation 2014; 87:23-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Carmichael SL, Ma C, Choudhry S, Lammer EJ, Witte JS, Shaw GM. Hypospadias and genes related to genital tubercle and early urethral development. J Urol 2013; 190:1884-92. [PMID: 23727413 PMCID: PMC4103581 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We determined whether variants in genes associated with genital tubercle (the anlage for the penis) and early urethral development were associated with hypospadias in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined 293 relatively common tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in BMP4, BMP7, FGF8, FGF10, FGFR2, HOXA13, HOXD13, HOXA4, HOXB6, SRY, WT1, WTAP, SHH, GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3. The analysis included 624 cases (81 mild, 319 moderate, 209 severe, 15 undetermined severity) and 844 population based nonmalformed male controls born in California from 1990 to 2003. RESULTS There were 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms for which any of the comparisons (ie overall or for a specific severity) had a p value of less than 0.01. The homozygous variant genotypes for 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms in BMP7 were associated with at least a twofold increased risk of hypospadias regardless of severity. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms for FGF10 were associated with threefold to fourfold increased risks, regardless of severity. For 4 of them the results were restricted to whites. For GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3 there were 12 associated single nucleotide polymorphisms but results were inconsistent by severity and race/ethnicity. For SHH 1 single nucleotide polymorphism was associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk of moderate hypospadias. For WT1 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with approximately a twofold increased risk, primarily for severe hypospadias. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that single nucleotide polymorphisms in several genes that contribute to genital tubercle and early urethral development are associated with hypospadias risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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65
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Herrera A, Shuster S, Perriton C, Cohn M. Developmental Basis of Phallus Reduction during Bird Evolution. Curr Biol 2013; 23:1065-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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66
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Blaschko SD, Mahawong P, Ferretti M, Cunha TJ, Sinclair A, Wang H, Schlomer BJ, Risbridger G, Baskin LS, Cunha GR. Analysis of the effect of estrogen/androgen perturbation on penile development in transgenic and diethylstilbestrol-treated mice. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 296:1127-41. [PMID: 23653160 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Because both androgens and estrogens have been implicated in penile morphogenesis, we evaluated penile morphology in transgenic mice with known imbalance of androgen and estrogen signaling using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and immunohistochemistry of androgen and estrogen receptors α/β. Penises of adult wild-type, estrogen receptor-α knockout (αERKO), estrogen receptor-β knockout (βERKO), aromatase knockout (Arom-KO), and aromatase overexpression (Arom+) mice were evaluated, as well as adult mice treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) from birth to day 10. Adult penises were examined because the adult pattern is the endpoint of development. The urethral orifice is formed by fusion of the MUMP (male urogenital mating protuberance) with the MUMP ridge, which consists of several processes fused to each other and to the MUMP. Similarly, the internal prepuce is completed ventrally by fusion of a ventral cleft. In adult murine penises the stromal processes that form the MUMP ridge are separated from their neighbors by clefts. αERKO, βERKO, and Arom-KO mice have penises with a MUMP ridge clefting pattern similar to that of wild-type mice. In contrast, Arom+ mice and neonatally DES-treated mice exhibit profound malformations of the MUMP, MUMP ridge clefting pattern, and internal prepuce. Abnormalities observed in Arom+ and neonatally DES-treated mice correlate with the expression of estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ) in the affected structures. This study demonstrates that formation of the urethal orifice and internal prepuce is due to fusion of separate epithelial-surfaced mesenchymal elements, a process dependent upon both androgen and estrogen signaling, in which ERβ signaling is strongly implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Blaschko
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, A610 San Francisco, California, USA
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67
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Pechriggl EJ, Bitsche M, Blumer MJ, Fritsch H. The male urethra: Spatiotemporal distribution of molecular markers during early development. Ann Anat 2013; 195:260-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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68
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Ramareddy RS, Alladi A, Siddappa OS. Ectopic testis in children: experience with seven cases. J Pediatr Surg 2013; 48:538-41. [PMID: 23480908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic testis is a rare congenital anomaly in which the testis is abnormally located away from normal line of decent. AIM To report varied clinical presentation, embryogenesis, and management aspects of ectopic testis with a brief review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review of children with undescended testis from January 2008 to August 2011. RESULTS Seven children (3.6%) treated for ectopic testes were diagnosed among 190 children operated on for undescended testis. There were five perineal testes, one penile testis, and one transverse testicular ectopic testis. Laparoscopy was the diagnostic and therapeutic modality in transverse testicular ectopia. Other ectopic testes were managed by open orchidopexy. The length of the testicular vessels and vas deferens was adequate in every case. CONCLUSION Examination of boys with an empty scrotum should include examination of ectopic sites as well. The gubernaculum bulb has preprogrammed growth toward the scrotum unless anatomical blockade prevents its descent. Open orchidopexy reveals normal characteristics of perineal, penile testis, and its elements. Surgical correction for ectopic testis as early as possible facilitates proper psychological development and prevents complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S Ramareddy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, VaniVillas Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
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Li M, Qiu L, Zhang Y, Hua Y, Tu S, He Y, Wen S, Wang Q, Wei G. Dose-related effect by maternal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate plasticizer on inducing hypospadiac male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 35:55-60. [PMID: 23228707 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate dose-related effects on external genitalia of adult male offspring rats by maternal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) plasticizer. Timed-pregnant rats were given DEHP by gastric intubation at doses of 0, 500, 750 or 1000mg/kg body weight/day from gestation day 12-19 to establish a hypospadiac rat model. The hypospadias was observed and the incidence in three DEHP dosage levels was 10.7%, 30.6% and 37.0%, respectively. With exposed dose increased, mild, moderate and severe hypospadiac rats were distinguished and an increased incidence of severe hypospadias was observed. The other reproductive lesions like reduced penile length and anogenital distance/body weight were observed. The results indicated the dose-related external genitalia teratogenic toxicity, and graded hypospadias on male offspring was resulted from high dosage DEHP maternal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyong Li
- Department of Pediatric Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
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70
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Suzuki K, Adachi Y, Numata T, Nakada S, Yanagita M, Nakagata N, Evans SM, Graf D, Economides A, Haraguchi R, Moon AM, Yamada G. Reduced BMP signaling results in hindlimb fusion with lethal pelvic/urogenital organ aplasia: a new mouse model of sirenomelia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43453. [PMID: 23028455 PMCID: PMC3444444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirenomelia, also known as mermaid syndrome, is a developmental malformation of the caudal body characterized by leg fusion and associated anomalies of pelvic/urogenital organs including bladder, kidney, rectum and external genitalia. Most affected infants are stillborn, and the few born alive rarely survive beyond the neonatal period. Despite the many clinical studies of sirenomelia in humans, little is known about the pathogenic developmental mechanisms that cause the complex array of phenotypes observed. Here, we provide new evidences that reduced BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) signaling disrupts caudal body formation in mice and phenocopies sirenomelia. Bmp4 is strongly expressed in the developing caudal body structures including the peri-cloacal region and hindlimb field. In order to address the function of Bmp4 in caudal body formation, we utilized a conditional Bmp4 mouse allele (Bmp4flox/flox) and the Isl1 (Islet1)-Cre mouse line. Isl1-Cre is expressed in the peri-cloacal region and the developing hindimb field. Isl1Cre;Bmp4flox/flox conditional mutant mice displayed sirenomelia phenotypes including hindlimb fusion and pelvic/urogenital organ dysgenesis. Genetic lineage analyses indicate that Isl1-expressing cells contribute to both the aPCM (anterior Peri-Cloacal Mesenchyme) and the hindlimb bud. We show Bmp4 is essential for the aPCM formation independently with Shh signaling. Furthermore, we show Bmp4 is a major BMP ligand for caudal body formation as shown by compound genetic analyses of Bmp4 and Bmp7. Taken together, this study reveals coordinated development of caudal body structures including pelvic/urogenital organs and hindlimb orchestrated by BMP signaling in Isl1-expressing cells. Our study offers new insights into the pathogenesis of sirenomelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Development of Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuha Adachi
- Department of Development of Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Numata
- Department of Development of Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shoko Nakada
- Department of Development of Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sylvia M. Evans
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Graf
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aris Economides
- Genome Engineering Technologies, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Anne M. Moon
- Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Development of Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
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71
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Ramareddy RS, Alladi A, Siddappa OS. Urethral duplication: Experience of four cases. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2012; 17:111-5. [PMID: 22869976 PMCID: PMC3409898 DOI: 10.4103/0971-9261.98127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Our experience of 4 cases of urethral duplication is reported here. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review. RESULTS The age at presentation varied from newborn to 10 years. The clinical presentation ranged from prepubic sinus to diphallus urethra. There were 2 each incomplete duplication with only external openings (Type IA) and complete duplication of Effmann Type IIA2. All underwent complete excision of accessory urethra and corrections of associated anomalies. CONCLUSIONS Urethral duplications have a varied presentation. At follow up, all are asymptomatic with good cosmetic result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S Ramareddy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanivilas Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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72
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Blaschko SD, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. Molecular mechanisms of external genitalia development. Differentiation 2012; 84:261-8. [PMID: 22790208 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development occurs through a combination of hormone independent, hormone dependent, and endocrine pathways. Perturbation of these pathways can lead to abnormal external genitalia development. We review human and animal mechanisms of normal and abnormal external genitalia development, and we evaluate abnormal mechanisms that lead to hypospadias. We also discuss recent laboratory findings that further our understanding of animal models of hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Blaschko
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Urology, 400 Parnassus Avenue, A610, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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73
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Grötsch H, Kunert M, Mooslehner KA, Gao Z, Struve D, Hughes IA, Hiort O, Werner R. RWDD1 interacts with the ligand binding domain of the androgen receptor and acts as a coactivator of androgen-dependent transactivation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 358:53-62. [PMID: 22406838 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, the development of the male genital is dependent on androgens. Their actions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), which functions as a transcription factor. To identify AR coregulators that support AR action during the critical time window of androgen-dependent development in the genital tubercle of male mice, we performed yeast two-hybrid screenings with cDNA libraries of genital tubercles from male mouse embryos using human AR as bait. RWD domain containing 1 (RWDD1) was identified as an AR-interacting protein from three independent libraries of the embryonic days E15, E16 and E17. The interaction between the AR and RWDD1 was confirmed in vitro and in vivo and the ligand binding domain of the AR was shown to be sufficient to mediate the interaction. RWDD1 enhanced AR-dependent transactivation in reporter assays with promoters of different complexity and in different cell lines. These results suggest that RWDD1 functions as a coactivator of androgen-dependent transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Grötsch
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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74
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Weiss DA, Rodriguez E, Cunha T, Menshenina J, Barcellos D, Chan LY, Risbridger G, Baskin L, Cunha G. Morphology of the external genitalia of the adult male and female mice as an endpoint of sex differentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 354:94-102. [PMID: 21893161 PMCID: PMC3717118 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult external genitalia (ExG) are the endpoints of normal sex differentiation. Detailed morphometric analysis and comparison of adult mouse ExG has revealed 10 homologous features distinguishing the penis and clitoris that define masculine vs. feminine sex differentiation. These features have enabled the construction of a simple metric to evaluate various intersex conditions in mutant or hormonally manipulated mice. This review focuses on the morphology of the adult mouse penis and clitoris through detailed analysis of histologic sections, scanning electron microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction. We also present previous results from evaluation of "non-traditional" mammals, such as the spotted hyena and wallaby to demonstrate the complex process of sex differentiation that involves not only androgen-dependent processes, but also estrogen-dependent and hormone-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A. Weiss
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Esequiel Rodriguez
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tristan Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Julia Menshenina
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dale Barcellos
- Monte Vista High School, 21840 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
| | - Lok Yun Chan
- Monte Vista High School, 21840 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
| | - Gail Risbridger
- Dept Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton Campus, Building 76 Level 3, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gerald Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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75
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van der Zanden LFM, van Rooij IALM, Feitz WFJ, Franke B, Knoers NVAM, Roeleveld N. Aetiology of hypospadias: a systematic review of genes and environment. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:260-83. [PMID: 22371315 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, which is probably a mix of monogenic and multifactorial forms, implicating both genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes current knowledge about the aetiology of hypospadias. METHODS Pubmed was used to identify studies on hypospadias aetiology published between January 1995 and February 2011. Reference lists of the selected manuscripts were also searched to identify additional studies, including those published before 1995. RESULTS The search provided 922 articles and 169 articles were selected for this review. Studies screening groups of patients with hypospadias for single gene defects found mutations in WT1, SF1, BMP4, BMP7, HOXA4, HOXB6, FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD3B2, SRD5A2, ATF3, MAMLD1, MID1 and BNC2. However, most investigators are convinced that single mutations do not cause the majority of isolated hypospadias cases. Indeed, associations were found with polymorphisms in FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD17B3, SRD5A2, ESR1, ESR2, ATF3, MAMLD1, DGKK, MID1, CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1. In addition, gene expression studies indentified CTGF, CYR61 and EGF as candidate genes. Environmental factors consistently implicated in hypospadias are low birthweight, maternal hypertension and pre-eclampsia, suggesting that placental insufficiency may play an important role in hypospadias aetiology. Exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals have the potential to induce hypospadias but it is unclear whether human exposure is high enough to exert this effect. Other environmental factors have also been associated with hypospadias but, for most, the results are inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Although a number of contributors to the aetiology of hypospadias have been identified, the majority of risk factors remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F M van der Zanden
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and HTA, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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76
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Moore BC, Mathavan K, Guillette LJ. Morphology and Histochemistry of Juvenile Male American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Phallus. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2011; 295:328-37. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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77
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Douglas NC, Heng K, Sauer MV, Papaioannou VE. Dynamic expression of Tbx2 subfamily genes in development of the mouse reproductive system. Dev Dyn 2011; 241:365-75. [PMID: 22223620 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tbx2, Tbx3, Tbx4, and Tbx5, members of the Tbx2 subfamily of T-box transcription factor genes, are important for many aspects of embryonic development and mutations in some human TBX2 subfamily genes cause developmental syndromes. In addition, TBX2 and TBX3 are overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including reproductive system cancers. This study characterizes the expression of Tbx2 subfamily genes during development of the reproductive system. RESULTS We show that these genes are expressed in both the internal and external reproductive systems. Tbx2 is expressed in gonads and genital ducts, the Wolffian and Müllerian ducts, while Tbx3 is only expressed in genital ducts. Tbx4 is expressed in embryonic and postnatal germ cells. All four genes are expressed in mesenchyme in external genitalia, with Tbx3 and Tbx5 expression in the epithelium as well. CONCLUSION This study lays the foundation for investigation of functional requirements for Tbx2 subfamily genes in development of the mammalian reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataki C Douglas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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78
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Rodriguez E, Weiss DA, Yang JH, Menshenina J, Ferretti M, Cunha TJ, Barcellos D, Chan LY, Risbridger G, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. New insights on the morphology of adult mouse penis. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:1216-21. [PMID: 21918128 PMCID: PMC3223253 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.091504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult mouse penis represents the end point of masculine sex differentiation of the embryonic genital tubercle and contains bone, cartilage, the urethra, erectile bodies, several types of epithelium, and many individual cell types arrayed into specific anatomical structures. Using contemporary high-resolution imaging techniques, we sought to provide new insights to the current description of adult mouse penile morphology to enable understanding of penile abnormalities, including hypospadias. Examination of serial transverse and longitudinal sections, scanning electron microscopy, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction provided a new appreciation of the individual structures in the adult mouse penis and their 3D interrelationships. In so doing, we discovered novel paired erectile bodies, the male urogenital mating protuberance (MUMP), and more accurately described the urethral meatus. These morphological observations were quantified by morphometric analysis and now provide accurate morphological end points of sex differentiation of mouse penis that will be the foundation of future studies to identify normal and abnormal penile development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esequiel Rodriguez
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Dana A. Weiss
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer H. Yang
- Department of Urology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Julia Menshenina
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Max Ferretti
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Tristan J. Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Gail Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton Campus, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerald R. Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Laurence S. Baskin
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California
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79
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Liu L, Suzuki K, Nakagata N, Mihara K, Matsumaru D, Ogino Y, Yashiro K, Hamada H, Liu Z, Evans SM, Mendelsohn C, Yamada G. Retinoic acid signaling regulates sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein signalings during genital tubercle development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 95:79-88. [PMID: 22127979 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) plays pivotal roles in organogenesis, and both excessive and reduced amounts of RA cause developmental abnormalities. Reproductive organs are susceptible to teratogen toxigenicity, and the genital tubercle (GT) is one such representative organ. The physiological function of endogenous RA signaling and the mechanisms of RA-induced teratogenicity are poorly understood during the GT development. The objective of this study is to understand the developmental and teratogenic roles of RA during GT development by analyzing genetically modified mouse models. We found dynamic patterns of gene expression for the RA-synthesizing enzyme, Raldh2, and for the RA-catabolizing enzyme, Cyp26b1, during GT development. Rarb, an indicator gene for RA signaling, starts its expression in the prospective corpus cavernosum penis and in the urethral plate epithelium (UE), which plays central roles during GT development. Excessive RA signaling in Cyp26b1(-/-) mutants leads to abnormal extents of cell proliferation and differentiation during GT development, and also upregulates expression of growth factor signalings. They include Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling, which are expressed in the UE and its bilateral mesenchyme. RA signaling positively regulatesShh and Bmp4 expression during GT development as testified also by the experiment of RA administration and analyses of loss-of-function of RA signaling mutants. Thus, RA signaling is involved in the developmental cascade necessary for UE formation and GT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Liu
- Department of Organ Formation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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80
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Leihy MW, Shaw G, Wilson JD, Renfree MB. Development of the penile urethra in the tammar wallaby. Sex Dev 2011; 5:241-9. [PMID: 22116535 DOI: 10.1159/000334053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias is increasingly common, and requires surgery to repair, but its aetiology is poorly understood. The marsupial tammar wallaby provides a unique opportunity to study hypospadias because penile differentiation occurs postnatally. Androgens are responsible for penile development in the tammar, but the majority of differentiation, in particular formation and closure of the urethral groove forming the penile urethra in males, occurs when there is no measurable sex difference in the concentrations of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone in either the gonads or the circulation [corrected]. Phalluses were examined morphologically from the sexually indifferent period (when androgens are high) to well after the time that the phallus becomes sexually dimorphic. We show that penile development and critical changes in the positioning of the urethra occur in the male phallus begin during an early window of time when androgens are high. Remodelling of the urethra in the male occurs between days 20-60. The critical period of time for the establishment urethral closure occurs during the earliest phases of penile development. This study suggests that there is an early window of time before day 60 when androgen imprinting must occur for normal penile development and closure of the urethral groove.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Leihy
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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81
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Narumi Y, Kosho T, Tsuruta G, Shiohara M, Shimazaki E, Mori T, Shimizu A, Igawa Y, Nishizawa S, Takagi K, Kawamura R, Wakui K, Fukushima Y. Genital abnormalities in Pallister-Hall syndrome: Report of two patients and review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 152A:3143-7. [PMID: 21108399 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We describe two patients with Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS) with genital abnormalities: a female with hydrometrocolpos secondary to vaginal atresia and a male with micropenis, hypoplastic scrotum, and bilateral cryptorchidism. Nonsense mutations in GLI3 were identified in both patients. Clinical and molecular findings of 12 previously reported patients who had GLI3 mutations and genital abnormalities were reviewed. Genital features in the male patients included hypospadias, micropenis, and bifid or hypoplastic scrotum, whereas all the females had hydrometrocolpos and/or vaginal atresia. No hotspot for GLI3 mutations has been found. The urogenital and anorectal abnormalities associated with PHS might be related to dysregulation of SHH signaling caused by GLI3 mutations rather than hormonal aberrations. We recommend that clinical investigations of genital abnormalities are considered in patients with PHS, even those without hypopituitarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Narumi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
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82
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Hypospadias, diverticulum, and agenesis in the penile shaft of a goat kid (Capra hircus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-010-1143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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83
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Shehata BM, Elmore JM, Bootwala Y, Steelman CK, Bare JB, Shoffeitt CJ, Wang R, Zhau HE, He D, Zhu G, Chung LW. Immunohistochemical characterization of sonic hedgehog and its downstream signaling molecules during human penile development. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2011; 30:244-51. [PMID: 21434830 DOI: 10.3109/15513815.2011.555809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypospadias is a common congenital anomalies, yet its molecular basis remains unknown. Recent studies have linked perturbations in the Hedgehog signaling pathway to hypospadias. However, the expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has not been reported during genital development. Immunohistochemical staining for Shh and its receptors was applied to 10 human fetal penises ranging from 12 to 29 weeks gestation. The intensity of Shh staining was greatest in the urethral epithelium at 14 weeks gestation, correlating with the time of urethral tubularization. Results suggest a role for Shh in human male genital development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahig M Shehata
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-1101, USA.
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84
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Chen H, Yong W, Hinds TD, Yang Z, Zhou Y, Sanchez ER, Shou W. Fkbp52 regulates androgen receptor transactivation activity and male urethra morphogenesis. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:27776-84. [PMID: 20605780 PMCID: PMC2934645 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.156091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias is a common birth defect in humans, yet its etiology and pattern of onset are largely unknown. Recent studies have shown that male mice with targeted ablation of FK506-binding protein-52 (Fkbp52) develop hypospadias, most likely due to actions of Fkbp52 as a molecular co-chaperone of the androgen receptor (AR). Here, we further dissect the developmental and molecular mechanisms that underlie hypospadias in Fkbp52-deficient mice. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a defect in the elevation of prepucial swelling that led to the onset of the ventral penile cleft. Interestingly, expression of Fkbp52 was highest in the ventral aspect of the developing penis that undergoes fusion of the urethral epithelium. Although in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses suggested that Fkbp52 mutants had a normal urethral epithelium signaling center and epithelial differentiation, a reduced apoptotic cell index at ventral epithelial cells at the site of fusion and a defect of genital mesenchymal cell migration were observed. Supplementation of gestating females with excess testosterone partially rescued the hypospadic phenotype in Fkbp52 mutant males, showing that loss of Fkbp52 desensitizes AR to hormonal activation. Direct measurement of AR activity was performed in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells treated with dihydrotestosterone or synthetic agonist R1881. Reduced AR activity at genes controlling sexual dimorphism and cell growth was found in Fkbp52-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. However, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed normal occupancy of AR at gene promoters, suggesting that Fkbp52 exerts downstream effects on the transactivation function of AR. Taken together, our data show Fkbp52 to be an important molecular regulator in the androgen-mediated pathway of urethra morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanying Chen
- From the Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Weidong Yong
- From the Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43614
| | - Zuocheng Yang
- From the Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
- the Department of Pediatrics, Third Xiang-Ya Hospital, Central South University, Xiang-Ya School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China, and
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- From the Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
- the Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Edwin R. Sanchez
- the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43614
| | - Weinian Shou
- From the Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
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Mauney JR, Ramachandran A, Yu RN, Daley GQ, Adam RM, Estrada CR. All-trans retinoic acid directs urothelial specification of murine embryonic stem cells via GATA4/6 signaling mechanisms. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11513. [PMID: 20644631 PMCID: PMC2903484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The urinary bladder and associated tract are lined by the urothelium, a transitional epithelium that acts as a specialized permeability barrier that protects the underlying tissue from urine via expression of a highly specific group of proteins known as the uroplakins (UP). To date, our understanding of the developmental processes responsible for urothelial differentiation has been hampered due to the lack of suitable models. In this study, we describe a novel in vitro cell culture system for derivation of urothelial cells from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) following cultivation on collagen matrices in the presence all trans retinoic acid (RA). Upon stimulation with micromolar concentrations of RA, ESCs significantly downregulated the pluripotency factor OCT-4 but markedly upregulated UP1A, UP1B, UP2, UP3A, and UP3B mRNA levels in comparison to naïve ESCs and spontaneously differentiating controls. Pan-UP protein expression was associated with both p63- and cytokeratin 20-positive cells in discrete aggregating populations of ESCs following 9 and 14 days of RA stimulation. Analysis of endodermal transcription factors such as GATA4 and GATA6 revealed significant upregulation and nuclear enrichment in RA-treated UP2-GFP+ populations. GATA4-/- and GATA6-/- transgenic ESC lines revealed substantial attenuation of RA-mediated UP expression in comparison to wild type controls. In addition, EMSA analysis revealed that RA treatment induced formation of transcriptional complexes containing GATA4/6 on both UP1B and UP2 promoter fragments containing putative GATA factor binding sites. Collectively, these data suggest that RA mediates ESC specification toward a urothelial lineage via GATA4/6-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Mauney
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aruna Ramachandran
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richard N. Yu
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - George Q. Daley
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rosalyn M. Adam
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carlos R. Estrada
- Urological Diseases Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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86
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van der Zanden LFM, van Rooij IALM, Feitz WFJ, Vermeulen SHHM, Kiemeney LALM, Knoers NVAM, Roeleveld N, Franke B. Genetics of hypospadias: are single-nucleotide polymorphisms in SRD5A2, ESR1, ESR2, and ATF3 really associated with the malformation? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:2384-90. [PMID: 20215396 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-2101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia with a multifactorial etiology. Little is known about the genes involved in hypospadias. A few genetic associations have been reported but mainly in studies of small sample size. Most of these associations have not been replicated. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether previously reported associations for four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in hormonal pathways could be replicated in a large Dutch hypospadias sample. The SNPs investigated are rs523349 in steroid-5 alpha-reductase (SRD5A2), rs6932902 in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), rs2987983 in ESR2, and rs11119982 in activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND METHODS We genotyped 620 Caucasian hypospadias cases and 596 controls for these SNPs using TaqMan-based genotyping. RESULTS We did not replicate the associations of the SNPs in SRD5A2 and ESR1 with hypospadias. The SNPs in ESR2 and ATF3 were borderline associated with hypospadias [odds ratios 0.9 (95% confidence interval 0.7-1.0) and 1.2 (95% confidence interval 1.0-1.4), respectively] but in the opposite direction compared with earlier publications. Stratification according to localization of the urethral opening produced comparable results in the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The lack of consistency between our and previously performed studies might represent spurious results or chance findings in our or the earlier studies, differences in criteria used to select the study populations, or a real difference between populations, i.e. different genes contributing to disease risk. These results once again confirm the importance of replication in genetic association approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loes F M van der Zanden
- Department of Epidemiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Werner R, Grötsch H, Hiort O. 46,XY disorders of sex development--the undermasculinised male with disorders of androgen action. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 24:263-77. [PMID: 20541151 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insensitivity to the action of androgens is a common cause of undermasculinisation in 46,XY individuals. These disorders are a result of the failure of major androgens to act via the intracellular androgen receptor and, thus, the genomic effects of androgen signalling are disrupted. The phenotype of affected individuals can vary considerably, depending on the dysfunction of the receptor. In childhood, the diagnosis is often complicated due to the lack of sensitive biochemical determinants, whilst during adolescence and in adults, the diagnosis can be readily made because of the striking clinical feminisation and a conclusive laboratory analysis. A variety of mutations in the androgen receptor have been analysed, providing insight into the complex pathways of intracellular processing and signal transduction via the androgen receptor. Endocrine therapy in androgen-insensitivity syndrome is controversial, because till date the special hormonal profiles in androgen insensitivity have not been acknowledged in replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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89
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Miyagawa S, Katsu Y, Ohta Y, Sudo T, Lubahn DB, Iguchi T. Estrogen Receptor ESR1 Is Indispensable for the Induction of Persistent Vaginal Change by Neonatal 5alpha-Dihydrotestosterone Exposure in Mice1. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:497-503. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.081315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Miyagawa S, Moon A, Haraguchi R, Inoue C, Harada M, Nakahara C, Suzuki K, Matsumaru D, Kaneko T, Matsuo I, Yang L, Taketo MM, Iguchi T, Evans SM, Yamada G. Dosage-dependent hedgehog signals integrated with Wnt/beta-catenin signaling regulate external genitalia formation as an appendicular program. Development 2009; 136:3969-78. [PMID: 19906864 PMCID: PMC2778744 DOI: 10.1242/dev.039438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic appendicular structures, such as the limb buds and the developing external genitalia, are suitable models with which to analyze the reciprocal interactions of growth factors in the regulation of outgrowth. Although several studies have evaluated the individual functions of different growth factors in appendicular growth, the coordinated function and integration of input from multiple signaling cascades is poorly understood. We demonstrate that a novel signaling cascade governs formation of the embryonic external genitalia [genital tubercle (GT)]. We show that the dosage of Shh signal is tightly associated with subsequent levels of Wnt/beta-catenin activity and the extent of external genitalia outgrowth. In Shh-null mouse embryos, both expression of Wnt ligands and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activity are downregulated. beta-catenin gain-of-function mutation rescues defective GT outgrowth and Fgf8 expression in Shh-null embryos. These data indicate that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the distal urethral epithelium acts downstream of Shh signaling during GT outgrowth. The current data also suggest that Wnt/beta-catenin regulates Fgf8 expression via Lef/Tcf binding sites in a 3' conserved enhancer. Fgf8 induces phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and cell proliferation in the GT mesenchyme in vitro, yet Fgf4/8 compound-mutant phenotypes indicate dispensable functions of Fgf4/8 and the possibility of redundancy among multiple Fgfs in GT development. Our results provide new insights into the integration of growth factor signaling in the appendicular developmental programs that regulate external genitalia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Miyagawa
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Global COE ‘Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit’, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Anne Moon
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurobiology and Anatomy, and Human Genetics, University of Utah, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Chie Inoue
- Graduate School of Molecular and Genomic Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Masayo Harada
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Global COE ‘Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit’, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Chiaki Nakahara
- Graduate School of Molecular and Genomic Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Global COE ‘Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit’, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsumaru
- Graduate School of Molecular and Genomic Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takehito Kaneko
- Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Isao Matsuo
- Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Lei Yang
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Makoto M. Taketo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Sylvia M. Evans
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gen Yamada
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Global COE ‘Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit’, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Graduate School of Molecular and Genomic Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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91
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New horizons at the caudal embryos: coordinated urogenital/reproductive organ formation by growth factor signaling. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2009; 19:491-6. [PMID: 19765973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The cloaca/urogenital sinus and its adjacent region differentiate into the urogenital/reproductive organs. Caudal regression syndrome (CRS; including mermaid syndrome), a type of severe cloacal malformation displays hindlimb fusion and urogenital organ defects, thus suggesting that such defects are caused by several morphogenetic alterations during early development. The attenuation of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling at the posterior primitive streak of embryos leads to the caudal dysmorphogenesis including the cloaca and fusion of both hindlimbs. Genetic tissue lineage studies indicate the presence of coordinated organogenesis. Hedgehog (HH)-responding cells derived from peri-cloacal mesenchyme (PCM) contribute to the urogenital/reproductive organs. These findings indicate the existence of developmental programs for the coordinated organogenesis of urogenital/reproductive tissues based on growth factor function and crosstalk.
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Miyagawa S, Satoh Y, Haraguchi R, Suzuki K, Iguchi T, Taketo MM, Nakagata N, Matsumoto T, Takeyama KI, Kato S, Yamada G. Genetic interactions of the androgen and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways for the masculinization of external genitalia. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 23:871-80. [PMID: 19282366 PMCID: PMC2725765 DOI: 10.1210/me.2008-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sexually dimorphic development of embryos is typically achieved by the differentiation of the external genitalia. Hence, the sexual distinction of mammalian newborns is based on the external genital structure. Although it was shown in the 1940s and 1950s that androgen from the testes establishes the male sexual characteristics, the involvement of nongonadal and locally produced masculine effectors remains totally unknown. It is noteworthy that the disorders of fetal masculinization, including hypospadias, one of the most frequent birth defects, occur at a high frequency. Furthermore, their causative factors remain unclear. In this study, the involvement of the coordinated actions of androgen and the growth factor systems was genetically analyzed for the first time on mammalian reproductive organ formation. The results demonstrated that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is indispensable masculine factor for the external genital development. The bilateral mesenchymal region adjacent to the urethral plate epithelium displayed a sexually dimorphic activity of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Loss- and gain-of-function beta-catenin mutants displayed altered sexual development of the external genitalia. These results indicate the novel functions of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway as a locally expressed masculine effector. This could be the first genetic study analyzing the roles of the genetic interactions between androgen and locally expressed growth factor signaling during the development of reproductive organs. These results also shed new insight on the reproductive genetics and the causative factors of genital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Miyagawa
- Center for Animal Resources and Development and Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Japan
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94
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Zhu YJ, Jiang JT, Ma L, Zhang J, Hong Y, Liao K, Liu Q, Liu GH. Molecular and toxicologic research in newborn hypospadiac male rats following in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Toxicology 2009; 260:120-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 03/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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95
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Barbosa LL, Ottoni SL, Sollerman da Costa M, Oliva de Souza P, Venerando da Silva PS, Delcelo R, Ortiz V, de Castro R, Macedo Júnior A. Histological evaluation of an alternative method of neophalloplasty based on two lower abdominal skin flaps and simultaneous buccal mucosa graft in the ventral surface of the neophallus (two-stage urethroplasty): experimental study in rabbits. J Pediatr Urol 2009; 5:197-204. [PMID: 19117804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2008.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, in an experimental study in rabbits, a new model of neophalloplasty based on two lower abdominal skin flaps and ventral buccal mucosa graft for planned two-stage urethroplasty procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen rabbits were operated and divided into four equal groups which were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The inflammatory pattern, presence of sub-epithelial fibrosis and epithelial changes in the grafted area were evaluated histologically. RESULTS There were no deaths and no dehiscence of the wound was seen. One animal in the 2-week group developed an ulcer in the grafted area. We found minimal contracture of the neophallus, but this was not statistically significant between groups. Buccal mucosa graft showed good uptake in all groups, with vascular support from subcutaneous tissue of the flaps. The grafted area developed epithelial metaplasia, showing a decrease in cell layers with time, with disappearance of the sub-epithelial papillae and appearance of stratum granulosum and keratinization of the epithelial graft surface. A decrease in sub-epithelial fibrosis with replacement of immature by mature (eosinophilic) collagen was found. In the later groups was also observed an important decrease in inflammatory response, and the chorion of the grafted area presented a dilated capillary network, indicating that the process of neoangiogenesis was effective. CONCLUSION Buccal mucosa displayed histological integration in the abdominal flaps with epithelial metaplasia in all groups. The surgical aspect of the neophallus was cosmetically acceptable, with minimal contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Luna Barbosa
- Division of Urology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Maestro Cardim, 560 cj. 215, 01323-000 São Paulo, Brazil
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96
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Wu X, Ferrara C, Shapiro E, Grishina I. Bmp7 expression and null phenotype in the urogenital system suggest a role in re-organization of the urethral epithelium. Gene Expr Patterns 2008; 9:224-30. [PMID: 19159697 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Signaling by Bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps) has multiple and diverse roles in patterning and morphogenesis of the kidney, eye, limbs and the neural tube. Here, we employed the Bmp7(lacZ) strain to perform a detailed analysis of Bmp7 expression and the null phenotype during development of the mouse urogenital system. The urethral compartment originates in mid-embryogenesis from the ventral part of the cloaca, a transient cavity at the caudal end of the hindgut. At mid-gestation, Bmp7 expression was detected within several specific domains in the cloacal epithelium and mesenchyme. In late embryogenesis, Bmp7 expression was present in the urethra, rectum, the urethral glands, corpus cavernosum, and in the male and female genital ducts. Importantly, loss of Bmp7 resulted in arrest in cloacal septation, and severe defects in morphogenesis of the genital urethra and mesenchyme. Together, our analysis of Bmp7 expression and the null phenotype, indicates that Bmp7 may play an important role in re-organization of the epithelium during cloacal septation and morphogenesis of the genital tubercle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, 423 East 23rd Street 18064-South, New York, NY 10010, USA
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97
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Lin C, Yin Y, Long F, Ma L. Tissue-specific requirements of beta-catenin in external genitalia development. Development 2008; 135:2815-25. [PMID: 18635608 DOI: 10.1242/dev.020586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia are body appendages specialized for internal fertilization. Their development can be divided into two phases, an early androgen-independent phase and a late androgen-dependent sexual differentiation phase. In the early phase, the embryonic anlage of external genitalia, the genital tubercle (GT), is morphologically identical in both sexes. Although congenital external genitalia malformations represent the second most common birth defect in humans, the genetic pathways governing early external genitalia development and urethra formation are poorly understood. Proper development of the GT requires coordinated outgrowth of the mesodermally derived mesenchyme and extension of the endodermal urethra within an ectodermal epithelial capsule. Here, we demonstrate that beta-catenin plays indispensable and distinct roles in each of the aforementioned three tissue layers in early androgen-independent GT development. WNT-beta-catenin signaling is required in the endodermal urethra to activate and maintain Fgf8 expression and direct GT outgrowth, as well as to maintain homeostasis of the urethra. Moreover, beta-catenin is required in the mesenchyme to promote cell proliferation. By contrast, beta-catenin is required in the ectoderm to maintain tissue integrity, possibly through cell-cell adhesion during GT outgrowth. The fact that both endodermal and ectodermal beta-catenin knockout animals develop severe hypospadias in both sexes raises the possibility that the deregulation of any of these functions can contribute to the etiology of congenital external genital defects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxing Lin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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98
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Nishida H, Miyagawa S, Matsumaru D, Wada Y, Satoh Y, Ogino Y, Fukuda S, Iguchi T, Yamada G. Gene expression analyses on embryonic external genitalia: identification of regulatory genes possibly involved in masculinization processes. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2008; 48:63-7. [PMID: 18452486 DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4520.2008.00180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Androgen plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining the expression of male sexual characteristics in mammals. In humans and mice, any defects along the pathway of androgen functions result in congenital urogenital abnormalities. The genital tubercle (GT), an anlage of the external genitalia, differentiates into a penis in males and a clitoris in females. Although masculinization of the external genitalia is androgen-dependent, the molecular pathway of its potential downstream genes is largely unclear. To identify the genes involved in mouse GT masculinization, we performed gene expression analyses, such as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and section in situ hybridization analysis. From our studies we have identified candidate genes, Cyp1b1, Fkbp51 and MafB as potential androgen targets during mouse GT masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisayo Nishida
- Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Global COE 'Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit', Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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99
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Cell lineage analysis demonstrates an endodermal origin of the distal urethra and perineum. Dev Biol 2008; 318:143-52. [PMID: 18439576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital malformations of anorectal and genitourinary (collectively, anogenital) organs occur at a high frequency in humans, however the lineage of cells that gives rise to anogenital organs remains poorly understood. The penile urethra has been reported to develop from two cell populations, with the proximal urethra developing from endoderm and the distal urethra forming from an apical ectodermal invagination, however this has never been tested by direct analysis of cell lineage. During gut development, endodermal cells express Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which is required for normal patterning of digestive and genitourinary organs. We have taken advantage of the properties of Shh expression to genetically label and follow the fate of posterior gut endoderm during anogenital development. We report that the entire urethra, including the distal (glandar) region, is derived from endoderm. Cloacal endoderm also gives rise to the epithelial linings of the bladder, rectum and anterior region of the anus. Surprisingly, the lineage map also revealed an endodermal origin of the perineum, which is the first demonstration that endoderm differentiates into skin. In addition, we fate mapped genital tubercle ectoderm and show that it makes no detectable contribution to the urethra. In males, formation of the urethral tube involves septation of the urethral plate by continued growth of the urorectal septum. Analysis of cell lineage following disruption of androgen signaling revealed that the urethral plate of flutamide-treated males does not undergo this septation event. Instead, urethral plate cells persist to the ventral margin of the tubercle, mimicking the pattern seen in females. Based on these spatial and temporal fate maps, we present a new model for anogenital development and suggest that disruptions at specific developmental time points can account for the association between anorectal and genitourinary defects.
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100
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