51
|
Witherspoon L, Flannigan R. It puts the T's in fertility: testosterone and spermatogenesis. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:669-672. [PMID: 35105947 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Witherspoon
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Thumfart KM, Lazzeri S, Manuella F, Mansuy IM. Long-term effects of early postnatal stress on Sertoli cells. Front Genet 2022; 13:1024805. [PMID: 36353105 PMCID: PMC9638847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1024805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are somatic cells in testis essential for spermatogenesis, that support the development, maturation, and differentiation of germ cells. Sertoli cells are metabolically highly active and physiologically regulated by external signals, particularly factors in the blood stream. In disease conditions, circulating pathological signals may affect Sertoli cells and consequentially, alter germ cells and fertility. While the effects of stress on reproductive cells have been well studied, how Sertoli cells respond to stress remains poorly characterized. We used a mouse model of early postnatal stress to assess the effects of stress on Sertoli cells. We developed an improved strategy based on intracellular stainings and obtained enriched preparations of Sertoli cells from exposed males. We show that adult Sertoli cells have impaired electron transport chain (ETC) pathways and that several components of ETC complexes particularly complex I, III, and IV are persistently affected. We identify serum as potential mediator of the effects of stress on Sertoli cells by showing that it can recapitulate ETC alterations in primary cells. These results highlight Sertoli cells as cellular targets of stress in early life that can keep a trace of exposure until adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M. Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Neuroscience Center Zürich, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University Zürich, and Institute of Neuroscience of the Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Lazzeri
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Neuroscience Center Zürich, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University Zürich, and Institute of Neuroscience of the Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Manuella
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Neuroscience Center Zürich, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University Zürich, and Institute of Neuroscience of the Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M. Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Neuroscience Center Zürich, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University Zürich, and Institute of Neuroscience of the Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Whole Exome Sequencing and In Silico Analysis of Human Sertoli in Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012570. [PMID: 36293429 PMCID: PMC9604420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a serious cause of male infertility. The Sertoli cell responds to androgens and takes on roles supporting spermatogenesis, which may cause infertility. This work aims to enhance the genetic diagnosis of NOA via the discovery of new and hub genes implicated in human NOA and to better assess the odds of successful sperm extraction according to the individual’s genotype. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was done on three NOA patients to find key genes involved in NOA. We evaluated genome-wide transcripts (about 50,000 transcripts) by microarray between the Sertoli of non-obstructive azoospermia and normal cells. The microarray analysis of three human cases with different non-obstructive azoospermia revealed that 32 genes were upregulated, and the expressions of 113 genes were downregulated versus the normal case. For this purpose, Enrich Shiny GO, STRING, and Cytoscape online evaluations were applied to predict the functional and molecular interactions of proteins and then recognize the master pathways. The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the biological process (BP) terms “inositol lipid-mediated signaling”, “positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II”, and “positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription” significantly changed in upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The BP investigation of downregulated DEGs highlighted “mitotic cytokinesis”, “regulation of protein-containing complex assembly”, “cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis”, and the “peptide metabolic process”. Overrepresented molecular function (MF) terms in upregulated DEGs included “ubiquitin-specific protease binding”, “protease binding”, “phosphatidylinositol trisphosphate phosphatase activity”, and “clathrin light chain binding”. Interestingly, the MF analysis of the downregulated DEGs revealed overexpression in “ATPase inhibitor activity”, “glutathione transferase activity”, and “ATPase regulator activity”. Our findings suggest that these genes and their interacting hub proteins could help determine the pathophysiologies of germ cell abnormalities and infertility.
Collapse
|
54
|
Tang EI, Cheng CY. MARK2 and MARK4 Regulate Sertoli Cell BTB Dynamics Through Microtubule and Actin Cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6667645. [PMID: 35971301 PMCID: PMC10147390 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinases (MARKs) are nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinases known to regulate cell polarity and microtubule dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, invertebrates, vertebrates, and mammals. An earlier study has shown that MARK4 is present at the ectoplasmic specialization and blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes. Here, we report the function of MARK4 and another isoform MARK2 in Sertoli cells at the BTB. Knockdown of MARK2, MARK4, or MARK2 and MARK4 by RNAi using the corresponding siRNA duplexes without apparent off-target effects was shown to impair tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier at the Sertoli cell BTB. It also disrupted microtubule (MT)- and actin-based cytoskeletal organization within Sertoli cells. Although MARK2 and MARK4 were shown to share sequence homology, they likely regulated the Sertoli cell BTB and MT cytoskeleton differently. Disruption of the TJ-permeability barrier following knockdown of MARK4 was considerably more severe than loss of MARK2, though both perturbed the barrier. Similarly, loss of MARK2 affected MT organization in a different manner than the loss of MARK4. Knockdown of MARK2 caused MT bundles to be arranged around the cell periphery, whereas knockdown of MARK4 caused MTs to retract from the cell edge. These differences in effects on the TJ-permeability barrier are likely from the unique roles of MARK2 and MARK4 in regulating the MT cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Wei H, Xiao L, Yao H, Li X, Wang W, Lee Y, Li D, Wei J. Melatonin through blockade of Hif-1α signaling mediates the anti-fibrosis under hypoxia in canine Sertoli cells. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100677. [PMID: 36152357 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic microenvironment of cryptorchidism is an important factor in the impairment and fibrosis of Sertoli cells which result in blood-testis barrier (BTB) destruction and spermatogenesis loss. Recent studies have shown that melatonin, a well-known pineal hormone exerts beneficial effects against pathological fibrosis in a various of organs. However, it is still unknown whether melatonin can regulate hypoxia-induced fibrosis of Sertoli cells. In this study we evaluate melatonin levels, and its synthesizing enzymes, AANAT and HIOMT expression patterns in canine cryptorchidism and contralateral normal testis. Results show abdominal testes presented low melatonin levels and AANAT and HIOMT expression compared with testes located in the scrotum. Moreover, we established a hypoxia-induced fibrosis model in canine Sertoli cells induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and found that melatonin inhibited the EMT markers expression and ECM production as well as Hif-1α expression of Sertoli cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, use of Lificiguat (synonyms YC-1, Hif-1α inhibitor) to interfere with the Hif-1α pathway showed a similar effect with melatonin suppression of the fibrosis in Sertoli cells. The results indicate that melatonin supplementation can alleviate the fibrosis process of Sertoli cells caused by hypoxia, which is associated with regulating the inhibition of Hif-1α signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Wei
- Beijing Detector Dog Program Facility of China Customs, Beijing, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Yao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- RuiLi Detector Dog Program Facility of China Customs, Yunnan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lee
- Beijing Customs of PRC, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jingwen Wei
- Beijing Detector Dog Program Facility of China Customs, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Xiong B, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Han X, Zhang C, Zhong R, Ge W, Han B, Ge Z, Huang G, Yin S, Shen W, Sun Q, Sun Z, Zhao Y, Zhang H. LncRNA8276 primes cell‐cell adhesion for regulation of spermatogenesis. Andrology 2022; 10:1687-1701. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Yue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Yandi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Ruqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Baoquan Han
- Urology Department Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Shenzhen 518036 China
| | - Zhaojia Ge
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Gui'an Huang
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Qingyuang Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital Guangzhou 510317 P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Urology Department Shenzhen University General Hospital Shenzhen 518055 P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Petrusová J, Manning J, Kubovčiak J, Kolář M, Filipp D. Two complementary approaches for efficient isolation of Sertoli cells for transcriptomic analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:972017. [PMID: 36158203 PMCID: PMC9495933 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.972017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are the only somatic cells that reside in seminiferous tubules of testis. They directly interact with and support the development of germ cells, thus have an indispensable role in the process of spermatogenesis. SCs first appear in a proliferative state and then, with the initiation of the first wave of spermatogenesis, progress to a mature “nurturing” state which supports lifelong continuous sperm production. During this development, the SC transcriptome must adapt rapidly as obstacles in SC maturation often result in deficiencies in male fertility. Due to its importance in spermatogenesis, a reliable, rapid, and precise method for the isolation of high purity, viable and unadulterated SC has been largely missing. We have developed an improved method for the preparation of a testicular single cell suspension comprised of two alternative protocols to separate SCs from the rest of the testicular cells by FACS. The first sorting scheme is based on their co-expression of surface specific markers, FSHr and Occludin-1, while the second focuses on the co-staining of SCs with FSHr-specific antibody and Hoechst 33342, which discriminates DNA content of testicular cells. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 3 h which permits the analysis of the development-related transcriptional profile of these cells. Notably, our comparative study showed that this method resulted in a SC transcriptome that is largely comparable to SCs which were briskly isolated due to their cell-specific expression of fluorescent protein. Interestingly, we also show that SCs sorted as FSHr+Occludin+ cells contained a tangible portion of transcripts from all types of testicular germ cells. Sorting of SCs according to their 2C DNA content significantly reduced the presence of these transcripts, thus seems to be the most suitable approach for accurate determination of the SC transcriptome. We believe that these novel approaches for the isolation of SCs will assist researchers in the elucidation of their function as well as their role in spermatogenesis and disorders related to male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Petrusová
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jasper Manning
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kubovčiak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Dominik Filipp,
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
Collapse
|
59
|
Ouyang H, Zhu H, Li J, Chen L, Zhang R, Fu Q, Li X, Cao C. Fumonisin B 1 promotes germ cells apoptosis associated with oxidative stress-related Nrf2 signaling in mice testes. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 363:110009. [PMID: 35697133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fumonisins (FBs) are widespread Fusarium toxins commonly found in corn. This study aimed to establish the mechanism of oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway associated with FB1-induced toxicity in mice testis. Male mice were fed with 5 mg/kg FB1 diet for 21 or 42 days, the expression of inflammatory related genes, apoptosis related genes and Nrf2 pathway genes were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical. Furthermore, Sertoli cell was treatment with FB1. Cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay, ROS level and apoptosis related genes were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that FB1 had toxic effects on testis, which could increase the ROS level of Sertoli cells, affect the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway related factors, destroy the oxidative balance of testis, lead to the occurrence of inflammation and the initiation of apoptosis, and finally destroy the testicular tissue structure and affect the formation of sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Ouyang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Huquan Zhu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Lina Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Ruofan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China
| | - Xinran Li
- Foshan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Foshan 528225, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Changyu Cao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528231, China.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Satarug S, Gobe GC, Vesey DA. Multiple Targets of Toxicity in Environmental Exposure to Low-Dose Cadmium. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080472. [PMID: 36006151 PMCID: PMC9412446 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Dietary assessment reports and population surveillance programs show that chronic exposure to low levels of environmental cadmium (Cd) is inevitable for most people, and adversely impacts the health of children and adults. Based on a risk assessment model that considers an increase in the excretion of β2-microglobulin (β2M) above 300 μg/g creatinine to be the "critical" toxicity endpoint, the tolerable intake level of Cd was set at 0.83 µg/kg body weight/day, and a urinary Cd excretion rate of 5.24 µg/g creatinine was considered to be the toxicity threshold level. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the many other toxicity endpoints that are both clinically relevant and more appropriate to derive Cd exposure limits than a β2M endpoint. In the present review, we focus on a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate and diminished fecundity because chronic exposure to low-dose Cd, reflected by its excretion levels as low as 0.5 µg/g creatinine, have been associated with dose-dependent increases in risk of these pathological symptoms. Some protective effects of the nutritionally essential elements selenium and zinc are highlighted. Cd-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is discussed as a potential mechanism underlying gonadal toxicities and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soisungwan Satarug
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Glenda C. Gobe
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for CKD QLD, UQ Health Sciences, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - David A. Vesey
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane 4075, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Liu Q, Wang H, Wang H, Li N, He R, Liu Z. Per1/Per2 Disruption Reduces Testosterone Synthesis and Impairs Fertility in Elderly Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137399. [PMID: 35806403 PMCID: PMC9266724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm disorders caused by genetic or environmental factors lead to decreased male fertility but the mechanisms are poorly understood. The current study reports that the mechanism of Per1/Per2 Double knockout (DKO) reduced the reproductive capacity of elderly male mice. The sperm motility and spermatogenic capacity of male DKO mice were weak. Hormone-targeted metabolomics showed reduced plasma levels of free testosterone in DKO male mice compared with WT male mice. Transcriptomic analysis of testicular tissue showed the down-regulation of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes (Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Hsd3b1, and Star) in the steroid hormone synthesis pathway. Spermatogenesis genes, Tubd1 and Pafah1b were down-regulated, influencing tubulin dynamics and leading to impaired motility. Seleno-compound metabolic loci, Scly and Sephs2, were up-regulated and Slc7a11 and Selenop were down-regulated. Western-blotting showed that steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and p-CREB, PKA and AC1 were reduced in testicular tissue of DKO mice compared to WT. Therefore, Per1/Per2 disruption reduced testosterone synthesis and sperm motility by affecting the PKA-StAR pathway, leading to decreased fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruyi He
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (Z.L.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
62
|
Wu D, Zhang K, Khan FA, Pandupuspitasari NS, Liang W, Huang C, Sun F. Smtnl2 regulates apoptotic germ cell clearance and lactate metabolism in mouse Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 551:111664. [PMID: 35551947 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smtnl2 is an epithelial Smoothelin that binds to actin filaments and is crucial for epithelial morphogenesis. We examined the role of Smtnl2 in Sertoli cells, which undergo dynamic cytoskeleton reorganization to phagocytose apoptotic germ cells, a process known as efferocytosis. We observed Smtnl2 expression in primary mouse Sertoli cells and the 15P1 Sertoli cell line. Smtnl2 expression increased in 15P1 cells committing efferocytosis. Smtnl2-deficient Sertoli cells exhibited defective ability to engulf apoptotic germ cells and importantly, the phenomenon occurred in the setting of an unaffected maturation of phagosome. We demonstrated that Smtnl2 regulates the engulfment process through the function of branched actin nucleation protein ARP3, an actin assembly dictator. Intriguingly, a shift in glucose metabolism that restricts lactate production in Sertoli cells was induced upon Smtnl2 depletion, leading to the activation of downstream AMPK and AKT signaling. Using an in vivo RNAi approach, we found that silencing of Smtnl2 in testis triggers an obvious disruption in cytoskeleton architecture and blood-testis barrier integrity across seminiferous epithelium, causing the detachment of massive germ cells from their nest, as evidenced by their exfoliation into the lumen. Overall, our study identifies Smtnl2 as a determinant for Sertoli cells' functioning in supporting spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54782, Pakistan; Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Wangzhang Liang
- Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Cerván-Martín M, Bossini-Castillo L, Guzmán-Jiménez A, Rivera-Egea R, Garrido N, Lujan S, Romeu G, Santos-Ribeiro S, Group I, Group LC, Castilla JA, Gonzalvo MC, Clavero A, Maldonado V, Vicente FJ, Burgos M, Jiménez R, González-Muñoz S, Sánchez-Curbelo J, López-Rodrigo O, Pereira-Caetano I, Marques PI, Carvalho F, Barros A, Bassas L, Seixas S, Gonçalves J, Larriba S, Lopes AM, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Common genetic variation in KATNAL1 non-coding regions is involved in the susceptibility to severe phenotypes of male infertility. Andrology 2022; 10:1339-1350. [PMID: 35752927 PMCID: PMC9546047 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies in animal models evidenced that genetic mutations of KATNAL1, resulting in dysfunction of its encoded protein, lead to male infertility through disruption of microtubule remodelling and premature germ cell exfoliation. Subsequent studies in humans also suggested a possible role of KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of male infertility as a consequence of severe spermatogenic failure. Objectives The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the common genetic variation of KATNAL1 in a large and phenotypically well‐characterised cohort of infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure. Materials and methods A total of 715 infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure, including 210 severe oligospermia and 505 non‐obstructive azoospermia patients, as well as 1058 unaffected controls were genotyped for three KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphism taggers (rs2077011, rs7338931 and rs2149971). Case–control association analyses by logistic regression assuming different models and in silico functional characterisation of risk variants were conducted. Results Genetic associations were observed between the three analysed taggers and different severe spermatogenic failure groups. However, in all cases, the haplotype model (rs2077011*C | rs7338931*T | rs2149971*A) better explained the observed associations than the three risk alleles independently. This haplotype was associated with non‐obstructive azoospermia (adjusted p = 4.96E‐02, odds ratio = 2.97), Sertoli‐cell only syndrome (adjusted p = 2.83E‐02, odds ratio = 5.16) and testicular sperm extraction unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted p = 8.99E‐04, odds ratio = 6.13). The in silico analyses indicated that the effect on severe spermatogenic failure predisposition could be because of an alteration of the KATNAL1 splicing pattern. Conclusions Specific allelic combinations of KATNAL1 genetic polymorphisms may confer a risk of developing severe male infertility phenotypes by favouring the overrepresentation of a short non‐functional transcript isoform in the testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Lara Bossini-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Guzmán-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Rivera-Egea
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Saturnino Lujan
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Gema Romeu
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- IVI-RMA Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - José A Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,CEIFER Biobanco - NextClinics, Granada, Spain
| | - M Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Maldonado
- UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - F Javier Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,UGC de Urología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Sara González-Muñoz
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Josvany Sánchez-Curbelo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga López-Rodrigo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Pereira-Caetano
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia I Marques
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Seixas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,ToxOmics - Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rogelio J Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - F David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Dibus N, Zobalova E, Monleon MAM, Korinek V, Filipp D, Petrusova J, Sedlacek R, Kasparek P, Cermak L. FBXO38 Ubiquitin Ligase Controls Sertoli Cell Maturation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:914053. [PMID: 35769260 PMCID: PMC9234700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.914053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin ligase SCFFBXO38 controls centromeric chromatin by promoting the degradation of the ZXDB protein. To determine the importance of this pathway during development, Fbxo38-deficient mice were generated. The loss of FBXO38 resulted in growth retardation affecting several organs, including the male reproductive system. A detailed analysis of the mutant testes revealed pathological changes in the seminiferous tubules, accompanied by a significant decrease in sperm production and reduced fertility. In adult testes, FBXO38 was specifically expressed in Sertoli cells, a somatic population essential for spermatogenesis initiation and progression. Sertoli cells lacking FBXO38 exhibited stabilized ZXDB protein and upregulated centromeric chromatin. Furthermore, the gene expression profile revealed that the absence of FBXO38 led to a defect in Sertoli cell maturation, specifically characterized by dysregulation in genes controlling retinoic acid metabolism and intercellular communication. Consequently, we documented significant changes in their ability to initiate spermatogonial differentiation. In conclusion, we show that FBXO38 acts as a Sertoli cell maturation factor, affecting the Sertoli cell transcription program, centromere integrity, and, subsequently, the ability to control spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Dibus
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eliska Zobalova
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Mario A. M. Monleon
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Korinek
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Petrusova
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Petr Kasparek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lukas Cermak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Lukas Cermak,
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Wang HQ, Wang T, Gao F, Ren WZ. Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Spermatogenesis Research and Male Infertility Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061000. [PMID: 35741761 PMCID: PMC9223233 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As the basis of animal reproductive activity, normal spermatogenesis directly determines the efficiency of livestock production. An in-depth understanding of spermatogenesis will greatly facilitate animal breeding efforts and male infertility treatment. With the continuous development and application of gene editing technologies, they have become valuable tools to study the mechanism of spermatogenesis. Gene editing technologies have provided us with a better understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of action of factors that regulate spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the applications of gene editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in deepening our understanding of the function of spermatogenesis-related genes and disease treatment. The problems of gene editing technologies in the field of spermatogenesis research are also discussed.
Collapse
|
66
|
Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Amjad S, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Park YJ, Pang MG. Bisphenol A damages testicular junctional proteins transgenerationally in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119067. [PMID: 35231543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Testicular junctions are pivotal to male fertility and regulated by constituent proteins. Increasing evidence suggests that environmental chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA), may impact these proteins, but whether the impacts persist for generations is not yet known. Here, we investigate the effect of BPA (a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical) on testis and sperm functions and whether the effects are transferred to subsequent generations. Male mice (F0) were exposed to corn oil (Control) or 5 or 50 mg BPA/kg body weight/day from 6 to 12 weeks of age. The F0 were mated with wild-type females to produce the first filial (F1) generation. F2 and F3 were produced using similar procedures. Our results showed that BPA doses decreased the levels of some junctional proteins partly via binding with estrogen receptors (ERα and Erβ), upregulation of p-ERK1/2, P85, p-JNK and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Consequently, testicular histological abnormalities, disrupted spermatogenesis, decreased sperm count, and inability to fertilize eggs were observed in mice exposed to BPA. These effects were transferred to successive generations (F2), partly through DNA methylation, but mostly alleviated in F3 males. Our findings suggest that paternal exposure to chemicals promoting alteration of testicular junctional proteins and its transgenerational inheritance is a key component of the origin of male reproductive health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Shereen Amjad
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Liu Z, Wang H, Larsen M, Gunewardana S, Cendali FI, Reisz JA, Akiyama H, Behringer RR, Ma Q, Hammoud SS, Kumar TR. The solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is regulated by LH/androgen and required for cystine/glutathione homeostasis in mouse Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 549:111641. [PMID: 35398053 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates testosterone production from Leydig cells. Both LH and testosterone play important roles in spermatogenesis and male fertility. To identify LH - and testosterone - responsive transporter genes that play key roles in spermatogenesis, we performed large-scale gene expression analyses on testes obtained from adult control and Lhb knockout mice. We found a significant reduction in cystine/glutamate transporter encoding Slc7a11 mRNA in testes of Lhb null mice. We observed that Slc7a11/SLC7A11 expression was initiated pre-pubertally and developmentally regulated in mouse testis. Immunolocalization studies confirmed that SLC7A11 was mostly expressed in Sertoli cells in testes of control and germ cell-deficient mice. Western blot analyses indicated that SLC7A11 was significantly reduced in testes of mutant mice lacking either LH or androgen receptor selectively in Sertoli cells. Genetic and pharmacological rescue of Lhb knockout mice restored the testicular expression of Slc7a11 comparable to that observed in controls. Additionally, Slc7a11 mRNA was significantly suppressed upon Sertoli cell/testicular damage induced in mice by cadmium treatment. Knockdown of Slc7a11 in vitro in TM4 Sertoli cells or treatment of mice with sulfasalazine, a SLC7A11 inhibitor caused a significant reduction in intracellular cysteine and glutathione levels but glutamate content remained unchanged as determined by metabolomic analysis. Knockdown of Slc7a11 resulted in compensatory upregulation of other glutamate transporters belonging to the Slc1a family presumably to maintain intracellular glutamate levels. Collectively, our studies identified that SLC7A11 is an LH/testosterone-regulated transporter that is required for cysteine/glutathione but not glutamate homeostasis in mouse Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Liu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Huizen Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Mark Larsen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardana
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Francesca I Cendali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Julie A Reisz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - S Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Chen S, An G, Wang H, Wu X, Ping P, Hu L, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Human obstructive (postvasectomy) and nonobstructive azoospermia - Insights from scRNA-Seq and transcriptome analysis. Genes Dis 2022; 9:766-776. [PMID: 35782978 PMCID: PMC9243341 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of male infertility is caused by azoospermia. However, the underlying etiology and the molecular basis remain largely unknown. Through single-cell (sc)RNA sequencing, we had analyzed testis biopsy samples from two patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We found only somatic cells in the NOA samples and explored the transcriptional changes in Sertoli cells in response to a loss of interactions with germ cells. Moreover, we observed a germ cell population discrepancy between an OA (postvasectomy) patient and a healthy individual. We confirmed this observation in a secondary study with two datasets at GSM3526588 and GSE124263 for detailed analysis wherein the regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level were identified. These findings thus provide valuable information on human spermatogenesis, and we also identified insightful information for further research on reproduction-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, PR China
| | - Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Ping Ping
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Bhattacharya I, Sharma P, Purohit S, Kothiyal S, Das M, Banerjee A. Recent Update on Retinoic Acid-Driven Initiation of Spermatogonial Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:833759. [PMID: 35372365 PMCID: PMC8965804 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.833759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells (Gc) propagate the genetic information to subsequent generations. Diploid (2n) Gc get transformed to specialized haploid (n) gametes by mitotic and meiotic divisions in adult gonads. Retinoic acid (RA), an active derivative of vitamin A (retinol), plays a critical role in organ morphogenesis and regulates the meiotic onset in developing Gc. Unlike ovaries, fetal testes express an RA-degrading enzyme CYP26B1, and thereby, male Gc fail to enter into meiosis and instead get arrested at G0/G1 stage, termed as gonocytes/pro-spermatogonia by embryonic (E) 13.5 days. These gonocytes are transformed into spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells after birth (1–3 days of neonatal age). During post-natal testicular maturation, the differentiating spermatogonia enter into the meiotic prophase under the influence RA, independent of gonadotropic (both FSH and LH) support. The first pulse of RA ensures the transition of undifferentiated type A spermatogonia to differentiated A1 spermatogonia and upregulates STRA8 expression in Gc. Whereas, the second pulse of RA induces the meiotic prophase by augmenting MEIOSIN expression in differentiated spermatogonia B. This opinion article briefly reviews our current understanding on the RA-driven spermatogonial differentiation in murine testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University, A Central University, Srinagar Campus, Uttarakhand, India
- *Correspondence: Indrashis Bhattacharya, ; Arnab Banerjee,
| | - Partigya Sharma
- Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University, A Central University, Srinagar Campus, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shriya Purohit
- Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University, A Central University, Srinagar Campus, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sachin Kothiyal
- Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University, A Central University, Srinagar Campus, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Moitreyi Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Goa University, Taleigao, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KK Birla, Goa Campus, BITS Pilani, Zuarinagar, India
- *Correspondence: Indrashis Bhattacharya, ; Arnab Banerjee,
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Ogonuki N, Matoba S, Morimoto H, Shiromoto Y, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Regeneration of spermatogenesis by mouse germ cell transplantation into allogeneic and xenogeneic testis primordia or organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:924-935. [PMID: 35334214 PMCID: PMC9023780 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis requires close interactions between germ cells and somatic cells. Derivation of sperm from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is hampered by the inefficiency of spermatogonial transplantation technique in many animal species because it requires a large number of SSCs and depletion of endogenous spermatogenesis. Here we used mouse testis primordia and organoids to induce spermatogenesis from SSCs. We microinjected mouse SSCs into embryonic gonads or reaggregated neonatal testis organoids, which were transplanted under the tunica albuginea of mature testes. As few as 1 × 104 donor cells colonized both types of transplants and produced sperm. Moreover, rat embryonic gonads supported xenogeneic spermatogenesis from mouse SSCs when transplanted in testes of immunodeficient mice. Offspring with normal genomic imprinting patterns were born after microinsemination. These results demonstrate remarkable flexibility of the germ cell-somatic cell interaction and raise new strategies of SSC manipulation for animal transgenesis and analysis of male infertility. SSCs can be injected into embryonic gonads or reaggregated neonatal testes Spermatogenesis occurs in the gonads or reaggregated testes after transplantation Offspring are born from SSC-derived sperm using microinsemination Offspring show normal DNA methylation in imprinted genes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiromoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
The role of ALOX15B in heat stress-induced apoptosis of porcine sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2022; 185:6-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
72
|
Gupta A, Vats A, Ghosal A, Mandal K, Sarkar R, Bhattacharya I, Das S, Pal R, Majumdar SS. Follicle-stimulating hormone-mediated decline in miR-92a-3p expression in pubertal mice Sertoli cells is crucial for germ cell differentiation and fertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:136. [PMID: 35181820 PMCID: PMC11072849 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04174-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (Sc) are the sole target of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testis and attain functional maturation post-birth to significantly augment germ cell (Gc) division and differentiation at puberty. Despite having an operational microRNA (miRNA) machinery, limited information is available on miRNA-mediated regulation of Sc maturation and male fertility. We have shown before that miR-92a-3p levels decline in pubertal rat Sc. In response to FSH treatment, the expressions of FSH Receptor, Claudin11 and Klf4 were found to be elevated in pubertal rat Sc coinciding with our finding of FSH-induced decline in miR-92a-3p levels. To investigate the association of miR-92a-3p and spermatogenesis, we generated transgenic mice where such pubertal decline of miR-92a-3p was prevented by its overexpression in pubertal Sc under proximal Rhox5 promoter, which is known to be activated specifically at puberty, in Sc. Our in vivo observations provided substantial evidence that FSH-induced decline in miR-92a-3p expression during Sc maturation acts as an essential prerequisite for the pubertal onset of spermatogenesis. Elevated expression of miR-92a-3p in post-pubertal testes results into functionally compromised Sc, leading to impairment of the blood-testis barrier formation and apoptosis of pre-meiotic Gc, ultimately culminating into infertility. Collectively, our data suggest that regulation of miR-92a-3p expression is crucial for Sc-mediated induction of active spermatogenesis at puberty and regulation of male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Amandeep Vats
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anindita Ghosal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Kamal Mandal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Dept. of Zoology, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjeev Das
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India.
- Genes and Protein Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Expression of genes and localization of enzymes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis in rabbit testis and epididymis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2637. [PMID: 35173269 PMCID: PMC8850619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06700-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) plays an important role in male reproduction. Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids need to be provided in the diet and they are converted into long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by steps of elongation and desaturation, exerted by elongases 2 (ELOVL2) and 5 (ELOVL5) and Δ5- (FADS1) and Δ6-desaturase (FADS2). This study aims to assess the gene expression and localization of enzymes involved in the synthesis of n-3 and n-6 long-chain PUFAs in control rabbits and those fed diets containing 10% extruded flaxseed. Enzyme and PUFA localization were assessed in the testes and epididymis by immunofluorescence. Testes showed high gene expression of FADS2, ELOVL2 and ELOVL5 and low expression of FADS1. Intermediate metabolites, enzymes and final products were differently found in Leydig, Sertoli and germinal cells. FADS2 was localized in interstitial cells and elongated spermatids; ELOVL5 in meiotic cells; FADS1 was evident in interstitial tissue, Sertoli cells and elongated spermatids; ELOVL2 in interstitial cells. Epididymal vesicles were positive for FADS1, ELOVL2 and ELOVL5 as well as docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, and arachidonic acids. This knowledge of fatty acids (FA) metabolism in spermatogenesis and the influence of diet on FA profile could help identify causes of male infertility, suggesting new personalized therapy.
Collapse
|
74
|
Rashid MU, Lao Y, Spicer V, Coombs KM. Zika Virus Infection of Sertoli Cells Alters Protein Expression Involved in Activated Immune and Antiviral Response Pathways, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020377. [PMID: 35215967 PMCID: PMC8878972 DOI: 10.3390/v14020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging virus, causes congenital brain abnormalities and Guillain–Barré syndrome. It is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, but infections are also linked to sexual transmissions. Infectious ZIKV has been isolated, and viral RNA has been detected in semen over a year after the onset of initial symptoms, but the mode of long-term persistence is not yet understood. ZIKV can proliferate in human Sertoli cells (HSerC) for several weeks in vitro, suggesting that it might be a reservoir for persistent ZIKV infection. This study determined proteomic changes in HSerC during ZIKV infections by TMT-mass spectrometry analysis. Levels of 4416 unique Sertoli cell proteins were significantly altered at 3, 5, and 7 days after ZIKV infection. The significantly altered proteins include enzymes, transcription regulators, transporters, kinases, peptidases, transmembrane receptors, cytokines, ion channels, and growth factors. Many of these proteins are involved in pathways associated with antiviral response, antigen presentation, and immune cell activation. Several immune response pathway proteins were significantly activated during infection, e.g., interferon signaling, T cell receptor signaling, IL-8 signaling, and Th1 signaling. The altered protein levels were linked to predicted activation of immune response in HSerC, which was predicted to suppress ZIKV infection. ZIKV infection also affected the levels of critical regulators of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways such as phosphoglycerate mutase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and enolase. Interestingly, many significantly altered proteins were associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which may induce heart failure in infected patients. In summary, our research contributes to a better understanding of ZIKV replication dynamics and infection in Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-ur Rashid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ying Lao
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Victor Spicer
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Room 513, John Buhler Research Centre, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Hassan YF, Khalaf HA, Omar NM, Sakkara ZA, Moustafa AM. Comparative study of the ameliorative effects of omega-3 versus selenium on etoposide-induced changes in Sertoli cells and ectoplasmic specialization of adult rat testes: immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study. J Mol Histol 2022; 53:523-542. [PMID: 35118589 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-022-10062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Etoposide (Eto) is an anti-cancer drug that is associated with serious adverse effects on male reproductive function. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and selenium (Se) are known as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant agents. This work was designed to investigate changes in the biochemical parameters as well as alterations in Sertoli cell vimentin expression, ultrastructure and ectoplasmic specializations (ESs) following Eto treatment and to assess the ameliorative effect of ω-3 versus Se on these alterations. Eighty four adult male albino rats were used and classified into four groups: group I (control group), group II (Eto group) received Eto in a single intra-peritoneal (IP) dose (60 mg/kg B.W.), group III (Eto & ω-3 group) received the single IP dose of Eto as well as ω-3 (300 mg/kg B.W./day by intra-gastric intubation) starting 5 days before Eto injection till the time of sacrifice & group IV (Eto & Se group) received the single IP dose of Eto as well as Se (0.5 mg/kg B.W./day IP) starting 5 days before Eto injection till the time of sacrifice. The rats were subdivided into 2 subgroups (a) and (b) that were sacrificed 3 and 7 days after Eto injection respectively. Eto administration in group II induced increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), collapse of Sertoli cell vimentin filaments and ultrastructural degenerative changes in both Sertoli cells and ESs. Se (group IV) reversed Eto toxic effects potently, while ω-3 (group III) had some limited protective effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yomna F Hassan
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Hanaa A Khalaf
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nesreen M Omar
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Zeinab A Sakkara
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M Moustafa
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Xiao L, Wang Z, Lu N, Wei H, Kang J, Yuan M, Sheng X, Qi X, Xing K, Guo Y, Wang X, Zhao J, Gao Y, Ni H. Dihydrotestosterone through blockade of TGF-β/Smad signaling mediates the anti-fibrosis effect under hypoxia in canine Sertoli cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 216:106041. [PMID: 34864206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic microenvironment of cryptorchidism is an important factor to induce the impairment of the structure and function of Sertoli cells and thus lead to spermatogenesis loss or tumorigenesis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as a potent nonaromatizable 5α-reduced androgen, has both positive and negative effect on pathological fibrosis process. However, it is still unknown whether DHT can regulate hypoxia-induced fibrosis of Sertoli cells. Herein, in this study, we evaluate the DHT level, two 5α-reductase isoforms, 5α-red1 and 5α-red2, as well as HIF-1α expression pattern in canine cryptorchidism and contralateral normal testis. Results showed that the abdominal testes presented low DHT levels and 5α-red1 and 5α-red2 expression, while significantly higher HIF-1α expression and ECM production compared with the scrotum. Moreover, we established a hypoxia-induced fibrosis model in canine Sertoli cells induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl2), and found that DHT inhibited the fibrosis of Sertoli cells in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, DHT interfered with the TGF-β signaling by reducing the expression of TGF-βRI and TGF-βRII and inhibiting the expression and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, while flutamide (androgen receptor inhibitor) inhibited these effects of DHT. Furthermore, use of LY2109761 (TGF-β receptor type I/II inhibitor) to interfere with the TGF-β/Smad pathway showed a similar effect with DHT suppression of the fibrosis in Sertoli cells. Our research data demonstrated that cryptorchidism is located in a hypoxic and DHT deficiency microenvironment. Moreover, supplementing DHT can alleviate the fibrosis process of Sertoli cells caused by hypoxia, which is associated with AR regulating the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Zihui Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Huawei Wei
- Beijing Detector Dog Developing Facility GACC, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Trade, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengyi Yuan
- Beijing Changping Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
| | - Junjin Zhao
- National Grazing Headquarter, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Gao
- People's Government of Xiacang Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Nasr M, Abd-Allah H, Ahmed-Farid OAH, Bakeer RM, Hassan NS, Ahmed RF. A comparative study between curcumin and curcumin nanoemulsion on high-fat, high-fructose diet-induced impaired spermatogenesis in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:268-281. [DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Curcumin is a promising nutraceutical with reported diverse therapeutic properties, but of limited oral bioavailability. The current manuscript investigates the role of encapsulation of curcumin in nanoemulsion form in counteracting the adverse effect of chronic ingestion of a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF) by juvenile male rats regarding testicular abnormalities and declined spermatogenesis.
Methods
Curcumin nanoemulsion was administered orally to Wistar rats at a dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg and compared with curcumin powder, followed by a pharmacological and histological assessment.
Key findings
Results demonstrated that curcumin nanoemulsion was superior to curcumin powder, particularly in enhancing the percentage progressive motility of spermatozoa, normalization of essential and non-essential amino acids in semen, normalization of serum leptin and testosterone levels, as well as normalization of oxidative and nitrosative parameters. It was also proven to reduce testicular DNA fragmentation, while elevating testicular cellular energy. In addition, curcumin nanoemulsion administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg induced the highest level of spermatogenesis, delineated by histological examination of the seminiferous tubules.
Conclusions
It can be concluded that curcumin nanoemulsion administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg successfully ameliorates the adverse effects of a HFHF on spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maha Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend Abd-Allah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar A H Ahmed-Farid
- Department of Physiology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rofanda M Bakeer
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Nabila S Hassan
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Gobello C. Key aspects of domestic cat spermatogenesis. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:459-464. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gobello
- Center of Reproductive Physiology Faculty of Veterinary Sciences National University of La Plata & National Research Council Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Action and Interaction between Retinoic Acid Signaling and Blood–Testis Barrier Function in the Spermatogenesis Cycle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030352. [PMID: 35159162 PMCID: PMC8834282 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process occurring in mammalian testes, and constant sperm production depends on the exact regulation of the microenvironment in the testes. Many studies have indicated the crucial role of blood–testis barrier (BTB) junctions and retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the spermatogenesis process. The BTB consists of junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells, comprised mainly of tight junctions and gap junctions. In vitamin A-deficient mice, halted spermatogenesis could be rebooted by RA or vitamin A administration, indicating that RA is absolutely required for spermatogenesis. Accordingly, this manuscript will review and discuss how RA and the BTB regulate spermatogenesis and the interaction between RA signaling and BTB function.
Collapse
|
80
|
Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Zhang XY, Jiao XF, Wu D, Chen F, Ding ZM, Wang YS, Meng F, Duan ZQ, Xiong JJ, Yang CX, Huo LJ. Benzophenone-3 breaches mouse Sertoli cell barrier and alters F-actin organization without evoking apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:28-40. [PMID: 34558770 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), one of the most commonly utilized ultraviolet filters in personal care products, has aroused public concern in recent years for its high chances of human exposure. Previous studies have found that BP-3 can impair testes development and spermatogenesis, but the targets of BP-3 are still unknown. In this study, primary Sertoli cells from 20-day-old mice were treated in vitro with 0-100 μM BP-3 for 24 h to identify its toxicity on Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell barrier. Results demonstrated that BP-3 could induce a notable change in cell morphology and impair Sertoli cell viability. The analysis of transepithelial electrical resistance showed that the integrity of the Sertoli cell barrier was destroyed by BP-3 (100 μM). Some structural proteins of the barrier including ZO-1, Occludin, and Connexin43 were lower expressed and the localization of basal ectoplasmic specializations protein β-catenin was altered because of BP-3 treatment. Further exploration suggested that BP-3 led to Sertoli cell F-actin disorganization by affecting the expression of Rictor, a key component of the mTORC2 complex. Moreover, although increased DNA damage marker γH2A.X was observed in the treatment group, the cell apoptosis rate was changeless which was further confirmed by increased BAX and stable Bcl-2 (two primary apoptosis regulating proteins). In conclusion, this study revealed that BP-3 had the potential to perturb the Sertoli cell barrier through altered junction proteins and disorganized F-actin, but it could hardly evoke Sertoli cell apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze-Qun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Jun Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Kulibin AY, Malolina EA. The Rete Testis: Development and Role in Testis Function. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421060072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The rete testis connects seminiferous tubules in which germ cells develop to the efferent ducts and the epididymis, where gametes mature and gain mobility. Several recent studies have thoroughly explored the morphogenesis of this structure in mice during embryonic and postnatal periods. A part of the rete testis has been shown to derive from the precursors of gonad somatic cells before sex determination. The other part forms from embryonal Sertoli cells of testis cords adjacent to the mesonephros. The transformation of Sertoli cells into rete testis cells is apparently not limited to the embryonic stage of development and continues during postnatal testis development. Recently, it was found that the rete testis participates in the formation and maintenance of specialized Sertoli cells in terminal segments of seminiferous tubules, transitional zones. Current views suggest that the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules may represent a niche for spermatogonial stem cells, the site of the prolonged proliferation of Sertoli cells in the pubertal and postpubertal periods of testis development, and also could be a generator of spermatogenic waves. To sum up, the rete testis transports gametes from the testis to the epididymis, maintains pressure within seminiferous tubules, regulates the composition of the testicular fluid, and impacts the spermatogenic process itself.
Collapse
|
83
|
Cao C, Ma Q, Mo S, Shu G, Liu Q, Ye J, Gui Y. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Defines the Regulation of Spermatogenesis by Sertoli-Cell Androgen Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:763267. [PMID: 34869354 PMCID: PMC8634442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.763267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is essential for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the molecular mechanisms by which AR acts between male germ cells and somatic cells during spermatogenesis have not begun to be revealed until recently. With the advances obtained from the use of transgenic mice lacking AR in Sertoli cells (SCARKO) and single-cell transcriptomic sequencing (scRNA-seq), the cell specific targets of AR action as well as the genes and signaling pathways that are regulated by AR are being identified. In this study, we collected scRNA-seq data from wild-type (WT) and SCARKO mice testes at p20 and identified four somatic cell populations and two male germ cell populations. Further analysis identified that the distribution of Sertoli cells was completely different and uncovered the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptional changes between WT and SCARKO Sertoli cells. In addition, several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SCARKO Sertoli cells, many of which have been previously implicated in cell cycle, apoptosis and male infertility, have also been identified. Together, our research explores a novel perspective on the changes in the transcription level of various cell types between WT and SCARKO mice testes, providing new insights for the investigations of the molecular and cellular processes regulated by AR signaling in Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Cao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaomei Mo
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ge Shu
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunlong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Gupta A, Mandal K, Singh P, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Declining levels of miR-382-3p at puberty trigger the onset of spermatogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:192-207. [PMID: 34513304 PMCID: PMC8413679 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A major change in the transcriptome of testicular Sertoli cells (Scs) at the onset of puberty enables them to induce robust spermatogenesis. Through comprehensive literature mining, we generated a list of genes crucial for Sc functioning and computationally predicted the microRNAs regulating them. Differential expression analysis of microRNAs in infant and pubertal rat Scs showed that miR-382-3p levels decline significantly in pubertal Scs. Interestingly, miR-382-3p was found to regulate genes like Ar and Wt1, which are crucial for functional competence of Scs. We generated a transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which pubertal decline of miR-382-3p was prevented by its overexpression in pubertal Scs. Elevated miR-382-3p restricted the functional maturation of Scs at puberty, leading to infertility. Prevention of decline in miR-382-3p expression in pubertal Scs was responsible for defective blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation, severe testicular defects, low epididymal sperm counts and loss of fertility in these mice. This provided substantial evidence that decline in levels of miR-382-3p at puberty is the essential trigger for onset of robust spermatogenesis at puberty. Hence, sustained high levels of miR-382-3p in pubertal Scs could be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kamal Mandal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Parminder Singh
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Subeer S. Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
- Genes and Protein Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Corresponding author: Subeer S. Majumdar, Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Liu H, Deng M, Zhu Y, Wu D, Tong X, Li L, Wang L, Xu F, Wang T. Establishment of an oligoasthenospermia mouse model based on TAp73 gene suppression. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:351-358. [PMID: 34977486 PMCID: PMC8690982 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oligoasthenospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility. Researchers usually use chemical drugs to directly damage germ cells to prepare oligoasthenospermia models, which disregards the adhesion and migration between spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells. TAp73 is a critical regulator of the adhesin of germ cell; thus, we sought to explore a novel oligoasthenospermia model based on TAp73 gene suppression. Methods Mice in the Pifithrin-α group were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg Pifithrin-α (TAp73 inhibitor) daily for 30 consecutive days. Reproductive hormone levels and epididymal sperm quality, as well as the network morphology of Sertoli cells were tested. Results Sperm density, motility, and the relative protein and mRNA expression of TAp73 and Nectin 2 were obviously decreased in the Pifithrin-α group compared with the normal control group. No significant distinction was observed in the relative mRNA and protein expression of ZO-1. Furthermore, the tight junctions (TJs) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) were destroyed in the Pifithrin-α group. Conclusion The above results indicate that we successfully established a new oligoasthenospermia mouse model. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the roles of TAp73 genes during spermatogenesis and provides new research objects for further oligospermia research and future drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Juan Liu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Meng‐Yun Deng
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Yan‐Yan Zhu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - De‐Ling Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical FormulaSchool of PharmacyAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Xiao‐Hui Tong
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Li Li
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Fei Xu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Tong‐Sheng Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical FormulaSchool of PharmacyAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Amelkina O, Silva AMD, Silva AR, Comizzoli P. Transcriptome dynamics in developing testes of domestic cats and impact of age on tissue resilience to cryopreservation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:847. [PMID: 34814833 PMCID: PMC8611880 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fundamental knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms in developing testicular tissues is critical to better understand gonadal biology and responses to non-physiological conditions. The objective of our study was to (1) analyze transcriptome dynamics in developing testis of the domestic cat and (2) characterize age effects on the initial response of the tissue to vitrification. Tissues from adult and juvenile cats were processed for histology, DNA integrity, and RNA sequencing analyses before and after vitrification. RESULTS Transcriptomic findings enabled to further characterize juvenile period, distinguishing between early and late juvenile tissues. Changes in gene expression and functional pathways were extensive from early to late juvenile to adult development stages. Additionally, tissues from juvenile animals were more resilient to vitrification compared to adult counterparts, with early juvenile sample responding the least to vitrification and late juvenile sample response being closest to adult tissues. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study reporting comprehensive datasets on transcriptomic dynamic coupled with structural analysis of the cat testis according to the age and exposure to cryopreservation. It provides a comprehensive network of functional terms and pathways that are affected by age in the domestic cat and are either enriched in adult or juvenile testicular tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andreia M da Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Alexandre R Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Chen H, Murray E, Sinha A, Laumas A, Li J, Lesman D, Nie X, Hotaling J, Guo J, Cairns BR, Macosko EZ, Cheng CY, Chen F. Dissecting mammalian spermatogenesis using spatial transcriptomics. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109915. [PMID: 34731600 PMCID: PMC8606188 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed extensive molecular diversity in gene programs governing mammalian spermatogenesis but fails to delineate their dynamics in the native context of seminiferous tubules, the spatially confined functional units of spermatogenesis. Here, we use Slide-seq, a spatial transcriptomics technology, to generate an atlas that captures the spatial gene expression patterns at near-single-cell resolution in the mouse and human testis. Using Slide-seq data, we devise a computational framework that accurately localizes testicular cell types in individual seminiferous tubules. Unbiased analysis systematically identifies spatially patterned genes and gene programs. Combining Slide-seq with targeted in situ RNA sequencing, we demonstrate significant differences in the cellular compositions of spermatogonial microenvironment between mouse and human testes. Finally, a comparison of the spatial atlas generated from the wild-type and diabetic mouse testis reveals a disruption in the spatial cellular organization of seminiferous tubules as a potential mechanism of diabetes-induced male infertility. Chen et al. generate a spatial transcriptome atlas of the mammalian testis at near-single-cell resolution that recapitulates spermatogenesis by accurately localizing testicular cell types and reconstructing tissue structures. The atlas is used to reveal the spatial organization of testicular microenvironment and profile its changes under diabetic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Chen
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Evan Murray
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anubhav Sinha
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Jilong Li
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel Lesman
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Xichen Nie
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jim Hotaling
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Evan Z Macosko
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Yin Y, Zhu L, Li Q, Zhou P, Ma L. Cullin4 E3 Ubiquitin Ligases Regulate Male Gonocyte Migration, Proliferation and Blood-Testis Barrier Homeostasis. Cells 2021; 10:2732. [PMID: 34685710 PMCID: PMC8535100 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, an essential posttranslational modification, plays fundamental roles during mammalian spermatogenesis. We previously reported the requirement of two Cullin 4 ubiquitin ligase family genes, Cullin 4a (Cul4a) and Cullin 4b (Cul4b), in murine spermatogenesis. Both genes are required for male fertility despite their distinct functions in different cell populations. Cul4a is required in primary spermatocytes to promote meiosis while Cul4b is required in secondary spermatocytes for spermiogenesis. As the two genes encode proteins that are highly homologous and have overlapping expression in embryonic germ cells, they may compensate for each other during germ cell development. In the present study, we directly address the potential functional redundancy of these two proteins by deleting both Cul4 genes, specifically, in the germ cell lineage during embryonic development, using the germ-cell specific Vasa-Cre line. Conditional double-knockout (dKO) males showed delayed homing and impaired proliferation of gonocytes, and a complete loss of germ cells before the end of the first wave of spermatogenesis. The dKO male germ cell phenotype is much more severe than those observed in either single KO mutant, demonstrating the functional redundancy between the two CUL4 proteins. The dKO mutant also exhibited atypical tight junction structures, suggesting the potential involvement of CUL4 proteins in spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche formation and blood-testis-barrier (BTB) maintenance. We also show that deleting Cul4b in both germ and Sertoli cells is sufficient to recapitulate part of this phenotype, causing spermatogenesis defects and drastically reduced number of mature sperms, accompanied by defective tight junctions in the mutant testes. These results indicate the involvement of CUL4B in maintaining BTB integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (Y.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.)
| | - Liming Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (Y.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qiufang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (Y.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.)
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Joan and Stanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (Y.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Salvadori L, Chiappalupi S, Arato I, Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Marchetti MC, Riuzzi F, Calafiore R, Luca G, Sorci G. Sertoli Cells Improve Myogenic Differentiation, Reduce Fibrogenic Markers, and Induce Utrophin Expression in Human DMD Myoblasts. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1504. [PMID: 34680138 PMCID: PMC8533898 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in DMD gene translating in lack of functional dystrophin and resulting in susceptibility of myofibers to rupture during contraction. Inflammation and fibrosis are critical hallmarks of DMD muscles, which undergo progressive degeneration leading to loss of independent ambulation in childhood and death by early adulthood. We reported that intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells (SeC) in dystrophic mice translates into recovery of muscle morphology and performance thanks to anti-inflammatory effects and induction of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin at the muscle level, opening new avenues in the treatment of DMD. The aim of this study is to obtain information about the direct effects of SeC on myoblasts/myotubes, as a necessary step in view of a translational application of SeC-based approaches to DMD. We show that (i) SeC-derived factors stimulate cell proliferation in the early phase of differentiation in C2C12, and human healthy and DMD myoblasts; (ii) SeC delay the expression of differentiation markers in the early phase nevertheless stimulating terminal differentiation in DMD myoblasts; (iii) SeC restrain the fibrogenic potential of fibroblasts, and inhibit myoblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation; and, (iv) SeC provide functional replacement of dystrophin in preformed DMD myotubes regardless of the mutation by inducing heregulin β1/ErbB2/ERK1/2-dependent utrophin expression. Altogether, these results show that SeC are endowed with promyogenic and antifibrotic effects on dystrophic myoblasts, further supporting their potential use in the treatment of DMD patients. Our data also suggest that SeC-based approaches might be useful in improving the early phase of muscle regeneration, during which myoblasts have to adequately proliferate to replace the damaged muscle mass.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Transdifferentiation/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/pathology
- Humans
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Myoblasts/metabolism
- Neuregulin-1/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Regeneration/genetics
- Sertoli Cells/metabolism
- Sertoli Cells/pathology
- Utrophin/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Salvadori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Sara Chiappalupi
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Maria Cristina Marchetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), 06132 Perugia, Italy; (S.C.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.M.); (R.C.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie (CIB), 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale (CURGeF), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Wang Y, Su R, Liu P, Yuan Z, Han Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Seasonal changes of mitochondrial autophagy and oxidative response in the testis of the wild ground squirrels ( Spermophilus dauricus). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R625-R633. [PMID: 34494473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00105.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the main organelles for mammalian energy metabolism and have been implicated in the regulation of germ cell maintenance and spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the changes in the mitochondria of the testis of seasonal breeders. Here, we characterized the seasonal changes in the mitochondria in the testis of the wild ground squirrels. Increased testicle weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and sperm count were observed in the wild ground squirrels at the breeding season. RNA-seq analysis of the wild ground squirrel testes revealed that mitochondrial-related genes were expressed differentially between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunohistochemical staining showed that key mitophagy factors including PINK1, MFN2, and PARKIN were highly expressed in various cell types of testis during the breeding season. In addition, the abundance and enzymatic activities of mitochondrial-localized antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and Catalase were decreased in the testis during the breeding season, suggesting a tightly controlled redox balance at least partially facilitated by mitophagy during the seasonal breeding. Taken together, our study reveals that mitochondrial autophagy and oxidative stress may be implicated in the seasonal reproductive recrudescence of the wild ground squirrels, which deepens our understanding of the mitochondrial regulation of seasonal reproductivity in wildlife and provides new insights into the development of potential therapeutic interventions of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruting Su
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pinxuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Mojadadi A, Au A, Salah W, Witting P, Ahmad G. Role for Selenium in Metabolic Homeostasis and Human Reproduction. Nutrients 2021; 13:3256. [PMID: 34579133 PMCID: PMC8469766 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient essential for life. Dietary intake of Se within the physiological range is critical for human health and reproductive functions. Selenium levels outside the recommended range have been implicated in infertility and variety of other human diseases. However, presently it is not clear how different dietary Se sources are processed in our bodies, and in which form or how much dietary Se is optimum to maintain metabolic homeostasis and boost reproductive health. This uncertainty leads to imprecision in published dietary guidelines and advice for human daily intake of Se and in some cases generating controversies and even adverse outcomes including mortality. The chief aim for this review is to describe the sources of organic and inorganic Se, the metabolic pathways of selenoproteins synthesis, and the critical role of selenprotenis in the thyroid gland homeostasis and reproductive/fertility functions. Controversies on the use of Se in clinical practice and future directions to address these challenges are also described and discussed herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albaraa Mojadadi
- Molecular Biomedicine, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.M.); (A.A.); (W.S.); (P.W.)
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Rabigh 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alice Au
- Molecular Biomedicine, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.M.); (A.A.); (W.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Wed Salah
- Molecular Biomedicine, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.M.); (A.A.); (W.S.); (P.W.)
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Jeddah University, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul Witting
- Molecular Biomedicine, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.M.); (A.A.); (W.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Gulfam Ahmad
- Molecular Biomedicine, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (A.M.); (A.A.); (W.S.); (P.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Wang HX, Zhang R, Li Z, Wang LS, Yu Y, Wang Q, Ding Z, Zhang JP, Zhang MR, Xu LC. Cypermethrin induces Sertoli cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway associated with calcium. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:742-750. [PMID: 34484665 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cypermethrin, one kind of pyrethroid pesticides, has been shown to act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of Sertoli cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway associated with calcium (Ca2+) in cypermethrin-induced male reproductive toxicology. The mouse Sertoli cells TM4 were cultured with 0 μM, 10 μM, 20 μM, 40 μM and 80 μM of cypermethrin. We used flow cytometry, Fluo-4 AM, western blot and JC-1 Assay Kit to examine apoptosis, intracellular Ca2+, expressions of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway-related proteins and mitochondrial membrane potential. We found cypermethrin increased apoptosis rate of TM4 cells significantly and with a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Cypermethrin significantly decreased the protein expressions of cytosolic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt-c). The protein expressions of cytosolic Bcl-2-associated x (Bax), Cyt-c, cleaved caspase-3, calmodulin (CaM), Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII) and phosphorylated CaMKII were increased significantly in cypermethrin-exposed TM4 cells. Cypermethrin decreased mitochondrial membrane potential significantly. Then, Bcl-2 family and Ca2+/CaM/CaMKII pathway participate in cypermethrin-induced homeostasis. Ca2+ overload activates mitochondrial pathway by increasing permeability of mitochondrial membrane and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. We suggest cypermethrin induces Sertoli cell apoptosis involving mitochondrial pathway associated with Ca2+ regulated by Bcl-2 family and Ca2+/CaM/CaMKII pathway. The study provides a new insight into mechanisms involved in cypermethrin-induced male reproductive toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Xue Wang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu-Shan Wang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Ding
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Peng Zhang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei-Rong Zhang
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Chun Xu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Gewiss RL, Law NC, Helsel AR, Shelden EA, Griswold MD. Two distinct Sertoli cell states are regulated via germ cell crosstalk. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1591-1602. [PMID: 34494084 PMCID: PMC8689118 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are a critical component of the testis environment for their role in maintaining seminiferous tubule structure, establishing the blood-testis barrier, and nourishing maturing germ cells in a specialized niche. This study sought to uncover how Sertoli cells are regulated in the testis environment via germ cell crosstalk in the mouse. We found two major clusters of Sertoli cells as defined by their transcriptomes in Stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium and a cluster for all other stages. Additionally, we examined transcriptomes of germ cell-deficient testes and found that these existed in a state independent of either of the germ cell-sufficient clusters. Together, we highlight two main transcriptional states of Sertoli cells in an unperturbed testis environment, and a germ cell-deficient environment does not allow normal Sertoli cell transcriptome cycling and results in a state unique from either of those seen in Sertoli cells from a germ cell-sufficient environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gewiss
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Aileen R Helsel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Eric A Shelden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Li X, Yao J, Hu J, Deng C, Xie Y, Wang Z. iTRAQ-based proteomics of testicular interstitial fluid during aging in mice. Theriogenology 2021; 175:44-53. [PMID: 34482126 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Advancing age is associated with a decline in fertility and testicular function in males. The testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) bathing the seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitium is considered an important part of the testicular microenvironment. However, the TIF proteome in mice and whether it changes with age remain unclear. This study aimed to map the TIF proteome and identify differentially abundant proteins (DEPs) among young, middle-aged, and old mice using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 1477 proteins were identified in murine TIF. The abundance of 706 proteins showed a linear change trend with age, of which 360 and 346 proteins increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, 45 age-related DEPs were identified (P < 0.05, with at least 1.2-fold up- or downregulation). Bioinformatic analyses revealed that these proteins were involved in "actin cytoskeleton organization," "intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway," and "regulation of protein transport." Comparative analysis with relevant proteomes previously reported further revealed the characteristics of mouse TIF proteome. Moreover, two of the age-related DEPs (Fga and Qsox1) were also found to be age-related differentially expressed proteins in human blood plasma and senescence-related secretome of human peritubular myoid cells. Taken together, these findings may represent the foundation for a better understanding of the molecular function of TIF and testicular aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Li
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - JiaHui Yao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaying Hu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - ChunHua Deng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhu Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
circBTBD7 Promotes Immature Porcine Sertoli Cell Growth through Modulating miR-24-3p/ MAPK7 Axis to Inactivate p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179385. [PMID: 34502294 PMCID: PMC8431111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the crucial coordinators to guarantee normal spermatogenesis and male fertility. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit developmental-stage-specific expression in porcine testicular tissues and have been thought of as potential regulatory molecules in spermatogenesis, their functions and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown, especially in domestic animals. A novel circBTBD7 was identified from immature porcine Sertoli cells using reverse transcription PCR, Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. Functional assays illustrated that circBTBD7 overexpression promoted cell cycle progression and cell proliferation, as well as inhibited cell apoptosis in immature porcine Sertoli cells. Mechanistically, circBTBD7 acted as a sponge for the miR-24-3p and further facilitated its target mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAPK7) gene. Overexpression of miR-24-3p impeded cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, which further attenuated the effects of circBTBD7 overexpression. siRNA-induced MAPK7 deficiency resulted in a similar effect to miR-24-3p overexpression, and further offset the effects of miR-24-3p inhibition. Both miR-24-3p overexpression and MAPK7 knockdown upregulated the p38 phosphorylation activity. The SB202190 induced the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway and caused an opposite effect to that of miR-24-3p overexpression and MAPK7 knockdown. Collectively, circBTBD7 promotes immature porcine Sertoli cell growth through modulating the miR-24-3p/MAPK7 axis to inactivate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. This study expanded our knowledge of noncoding RNAs in porcine normal spermatogenesis through deciding the fate of Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
96
|
Pradhan BS, Bhattacharya I, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Pubertal down-regulation of Tetraspanin 8 in testicular Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 32687199 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The alarming decline in sperm count has become a global concern in the recent decades. The division and differentiation of male germ cells (Gc) into sperm are governed by Sertoli cells (Sc) upon their functional maturation during puberty. However, the roles of genes regulating pubertal maturation of Sc have not been fully determined. We have observed that Tetraspanin 8 (Tspan8) is down-regulated in Sc during puberty in rats. However, there has been no in vivo evidence for a causal link between the down-regulation of Tspan8 expression and the onset of spermatogenesis as yet. To investigate this, we generated a novel transgenic (Tg) rat, in which the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 was prevented specifically in Sc from puberty up to adulthood. Adult Tg male rats showed around 98% reduction in sperm count despite having a similar level of serum testosterone (T) as the controls. Functional maturation of Sc was impaired as indicated by elevated levels of Amh and low levels of Kitlg and Claudin11 transcripts. The integrity of the blood testis barrier was compromised due to poor expression of Gja1 and Gc apoptosis was discernible. This effect was due to a significant rise in both Mmp7 and phospho P38 MAPK in Tg rat testis. Taken together, we demonstrated that the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 in Sc during puberty is a prerequisite for establishing male fertility. This study divulges one of the aetiologies of certain forms of idiopathic male infertility where somatic cell defect, but not hormonal deficiency, is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Department of Zoology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Miyapur, Hyderabad 500049, Telengana, India
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Gao H, Li J, Zhao G, Li Y. 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol intensifies the effect of chlorpyrifos on the paracrine function of Sertoli cells by preventing binding of testosterone and the androgen receptor. Toxicology 2021; 460:152883. [PMID: 34352351 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) is an important biomarker and one of the final metabolites of chlorpyrifos (CPF). TCP inhibits secretion of sex hormones. Similar to CPF, TCP can bind to sex steroid hormone receptors and decrease the secretion of sex hormones. However, little attention has been paid to the ability of TCP and CPF to interfere with androgen receptor (AR) in Sertoli cells. This study aimed to explain how TCP promotes the inhibitory effect of CPF on the paracrine function of Sertoli cells. Western blotting indicated that after 20 weeks of exposure, expression of AR in testes was significantly reduced by CPF. An in vitro assay measured the cytotoxicity of CPF, TCP and diethylphosphate (DEP) on viability of Sertoli cells by Cell Counting Kit-8. CPF cytotoxicity was greater than that of TCP, and TCP cytotoxicity was greater than that of DEP at concentrations of 1000 μmol/L. Western blotting indicated that TCP and CPF both decreased expression of AR and cAMP-response element binding protein phosphorylation, while DEP had no effect in Sertoli cells, which are important in regulating paracrine function of Sertoli cells. The fluorescence measurements and docking studies revealed that testosterone, CPF and TCP showed four types of intermolecular interactions with AR, highlighting alkyl bonds with some of the same amino acids. Compared with testosterone, CPF and TCP also showed significant synergistic interaction with AR. CPF interacted with more amino acids and interaction energy than TCP did. This research elucidates TCP in the antiandrogenic effect of CPF on the paracrine function and suggests that TCP or chemicals with a trichloropyridine structure must be considered during reproductive toxicity assessment of potential environmental pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haina Gao
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Jinwang Li
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yixuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
The guardians of germ cells; Sertoli-derived exosomes against electromagnetic field-induced oxidative stress in mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Theriogenology 2021; 173:112-122. [PMID: 34371438 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has raised public concern about the detrimental potential of EMF on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and spermatogenesis. Recent studies introduced the fundamental role of Sertoli cell paracrine signaling in the regulation of SSCs maintenance and differentiation in fertility preservation. Thus we investigated the therapeutic effect of Sertoli-derived exosomes (Sertoli-EXOs) as powerful paracrine mediators in SSCs subjected to EMF and its underlying mechanisms. SSCs and Sertoli cells were isolated from neonate mice testis, and identified by their specific markers. Then SSCs were exposed to 50 Hz EMF with intensity of 2.5 mT (1 h for 5 days) and supplemented with exosomes that were isolated from pre-pubertal Sertoli cells. Sertoli-EXOs were characterized and the uptake was observed by PKH26 labeling. The cell viability, colonization efficiency, reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction were then analysed. SSCs were confirmed by immunocytochemistry (Oct4, Plzf) and Sertoli cells were identified through Sox9 and vimentin expression by immunocytochemistry and Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. Our results demonstrated the detrimental effect of EMF via ROS accumulation that reduced the expression of catalase antioxidant, cell viability and colonization of SSCs. Also, AO/PI and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated the elevation of apoptosis in SSCs exposed to EMF in comparison with control. qRT-PCR data confirmed the up-regulation of apoptotic gene (Caspase-3) and down-regulation of SSCs specific gene (GFRα1). Consequently, the administration of Sertoli-EXOs exerted ameliorative effect on SSCs and significantly improved these changes through the regulation of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that Sertoli-EXOs have positive impact on SSCs exposed to EMF and can be useful in further investigation of Sertoli-EXOs as a novel therapeutic agent which may recover the deregulated SSCs microenvironment and spermatogenesis after exposure to EMF.
Collapse
|
99
|
Tang X, Chen Y, Luo H, Bian Q, Weng B, Yang A, Chu D, Ran M, Chen B. miR-126 Controls the Apoptosis and Proliferation of Immature Porcine Sertoli Cells by Targeting the PIK3R2 Gene through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082260. [PMID: 34438716 PMCID: PMC8388524 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported with potential regulatory roles in spermatogenesis. In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-126 can stimulate cell proliferation and restrain the apoptosis of immature porcine Sertoli cells by targeting the PIK3R2 gene. Through this process, miR-126 further activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These results indicated that miR-126, PIK3R2, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might play pivotal regulatory roles in porcine spermatogenesis by deciding the destiny of immature Sertoli cells. Abstract The quantity of Sertoli cells in the adult testis decides the daily gamete formation, and accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic factors regulate the proliferation of Sertoli cells. Research on the function and regulatory mechanism of microRNAs (miRNAs) in Sertoli cells has not been comprehensive yet, especially on domestic animals. In this article, we report that miR-126 controls the proliferation and apoptosis of immature porcine Sertoli cells based on previous studies. Our results confirmed that miR-126 elevation promotes cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and represses cell apoptosis; on the contrary, the inhibitory effects of miR-126 result in the opposite. The phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) gene, a member of the PI3K family, was verified as a direct target of miR-126 using the dual-luciferase reporter analysis. miR-126 negatively regulated the mRNA and protein expression level of PIK3R2 in immature porcine Sertoli cells. siRNA-induced PIK3R2 inhibition caused similar effects as miR-126 overexpression and eliminated the influences of miR-126 knockdown in immature porcine Sertoli cells. In addition, both miR-126 overexpression and PIK3R2 inhibition elevated the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, whereas the miR-126 knockdown demonstrated the contrary result. In short, miR-126 controls the proliferation and apoptosis of immature porcine Sertoli cells by targeting the PIK3R2 gene through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The research supplies a theoretical and practical foundation for exploring the functional parts of miR-126 in swine sperm by defining the destiny of immature Sertoli cells.
Collapse
|
100
|
Teng F, Hu F, Zhang M. MicroRNA-125a-5p modulates the proliferation and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6323363. [PMID: 34273154 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are cells that provide protection and nutrition for developing sperm. Each stage of sperm development occurs on the surface of Sertoli cells. MicroRNA (MiR)-125a-5p is involved in male reproduction. The current research aimed to probe the role of miR-125a-5p in Sertoli cell function. Functionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown facilitated Sertoli cell proliferation, while miR-125a-5p overexpression suppressed Sertoli cell proliferation, as evidenced by 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. Additionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown inhibited Sertoli cell apoptosis, while miR-125a-5p upregulation facilitated Sertoli cell apoptosis, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. Computationally, we identified four predicted mRNA targets of miR-125a-5p. Based on the results of luciferase reporter assay, miR-125a-5p was confirmed to bind to the predicted sequence in the Ras-related protein Rab-3D (RAB3D) 3'UTR. Rescue experiments showed that miR-125a-5p suppressed the proliferative ability of TM4 Sertoli cells and facilitated their apoptosis by targeting RAB3D. Finally, our data confirmed that miR-125a-5p and RAB3D modulated activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, our data showed that miR-125a-5p regulated Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengmeng Teng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinses Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maosen Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinses Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|