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Zhou X, Wang J, Sheng N, Cui R, Deng Y, Dai J. Subchronic reproductive effects of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES), an alternative to PFOS, on adult male mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 358:256-264. [PMID: 29990813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With a similar structure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES) has been widely used as a mist suppressant in the chromium plating industry in China since the 1970s. After being disregarded for the past 30 years, 6:2 Cl-PFAES has now been detected in environmental matrices and human sera, suggesting potential health concerns. We carried out a subchronic exposure study to investigate the reproductive toxicity of 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure (0, 0.04, 0.2, and 1.0 mg/kg/d body weight, 56 d) in adult male BALB/c mice. Results showed that relative epididymis and testis weights decreased in the 1.0 mg/kg/d group compared with the control. However, no changes were observed in the serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or luteinizing hormone (LH), nor in the histopathological structure of the epididymis and testis and sperm count. In addition, 56 d of consecutive gavage of 1.0 mg/kg/d of 6:2 Cl-PFAES did not affect male mouse fertility. RNA sequencing showed that no genes were significantly altered in the testes after 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure. Several testicular genes, which are sensitive to PFOS exposure, were also detected using Western blotting, and included steroidogenic proteins, STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3β-HSD and cell junction proteins, occludin, β-catenin, and connexin 43; however, none were changed after 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure. Except for a decrease in the relative epididymis and testis weights in the 1.0 mg/kg/d group, 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure for 56 d exerted no significant effect on the serum levels of reproductive hormones or the testicular mRNA profilesin adult male mice, implying a relative weak reproductive injury potential compared with that of PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.
| | - Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Ruina Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yiqun Deng
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
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Mao B, Mruk D, Lian Q, Ge R, Li C, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Mechanistic Insights into PFOS-Mediated Sertoli Cell Injury. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:781-793. [PMID: 30056046 PMCID: PMC6114095 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies have proven that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are harmful to humans, most notably perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). PFOS induces rapid disorganization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons in primary cultures of rodent and human Sertoli cells, perturbing Sertoli cell gap junction communication, thereby prohibiting Sertoli cells from maintaining cellular homeostasis in the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. PFOS perturbs several signaling proteins/pathways, such as FAK and mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2. The use of either an activator of Akt1/2 or overexpression of a phosphomimetic (and constitutively active) mutant of FAK or connexin 43 has demonstrated that such treatment blocks PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury by preventing actin- and MT-based cytoskeletal disorganization. These findings thus illustrate an approach to manage PFOS-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dolores Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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53
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Lent EM, Mullins AB, May AD, Honnold CL, Despain KE. Characterization of the Testicular Toxicity of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-Triazol-5-One and 2,4-Dinitroanisole in Rats (Rattus norvegicus). Int J Toxicol 2018; 37:364-372. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581818789878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nitrotriazolone (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one; NTO) and dinitroanisole (2,4-dinitroanisole; DNAN), insensitive energetic materials used in explosive formulations, have induced testicular toxicity and oligospermia in repeated-dose oral toxicity tests. To identify the target site of testicular toxicity of NTO and DNAN, Sprague Dawley rats were orally dosed with NTO (500 mg/kg/d) or DNAN (50 or 100 mg/kg/d) in corn oil for 1, 3, 7, or 14 days. Degeneration of germinal epithelium occurred in multiple tubule stages on days 7 and 14 in treated rats. Degeneration increased in severity with time and was characterized by degeneration/apoptosis of pachytene spermatocytes and round and elongating spermatids, depletion of step 19 spermatids, luminal spermatogenic cell sloughing, multinucleate cells, and pronounced Sertoli cell vacuolation. Serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone did not differ between NTO- and DNAN-treated and control rats on any sampling day. Serum testosterone levels reduced only in rats given 50 mg/kg/d DNAN for 7 days. These results suggest that the initial site of testicular injury for both NTO and DNAN is the Sertoli cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily May Lent
- Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Anna B. Mullins
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Cary L. Honnold
- US Army Medical Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Despain
- US Army Medical Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
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Shen L, Tang X, Wei Y, Long C, Tan B, Wu S, Sun M, Zhou Y, Cao X, Wei G. Vitamin E and vitamin C attenuate Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced blood-testis barrier disruption by p38 MAPK in immature SD rats. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:17-27. [PMID: 29940330 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As an environmental endocrine disruptor, Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affects blood-testis barrier (BTB)-associated proteins expression, which compromises BTB integrity and causes infertility. Notably, DEHP-induced testicular toxicity is related to oxidative stress, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate this mechanism and determine whether vitamin C and vitamin E administration would attenuate the BTB impairment induced by DEHP in vivo and by Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP) in vitro, respectively. HE staining and EM found that DEHP exposure led to spermatogenesis dysfunction and BTB disruption, respectively. The Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that DEHP exposure caused BTB impairment through oxidative stress-mediated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, Vitamin E and vitamin C could alleviate the oxidative stress, block DEHP-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction and BTB disruption by inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In summary, vitamin E and vitamin C are good candidates for the treatment of DEHP-induced male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiangliang Tang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Bin Tan
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Department of Pediatric Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Mang Sun
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xining Cao
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Department of Pediatric Urology Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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55
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Steves AN, Turry A, Gill B, Clarkson-Townsend D, Bradner JM, Bachli I, Caudle WM, Miller GW, Chan AWS, Easley CA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances impact human spermatogenesis in a stem-cell-derived model. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:225-239. [PMID: 29911897 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1481465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent a highly ubiquitous group of synthetic chemicals used in products ranging from water and oil repellents and lubricants to firefighting foam. These substances can enter and accumulate in multiple tissue matrices in up to 100% of people assessed. Though animal models strongly identify these compounds as male reproductive toxicants, with exposed rodents experiencing declines in sperm count, alterations in hormones, and DNA damage in spermatids, among other adverse outcomes, human studies report conflicting conclusions as to the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals. Using an innovative, human stem-cell-based model of spermatogenesis, we assessed the effects of the PFASs perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and a mixture of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA for their impacts on human spermatogenesis in vitro under conditions relevant to the general and occupationally exposed populations. Here, we show that PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and a mixture of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA do not decrease in vitro germ cell viability, consistent with reports from human studies. These compounds do not affect mitochondrial membrane potential or increase reactive oxygen species generation, and they do not decrease cell viability of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, or spermatids in vitro under the conditions examined. However, exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA reduces expression of markers for spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. While not having direct effects on germ cell viability, these effects suggest the potential for long-term impacts on male fertility through the exhaustion of the spermatogonial stem cell pool and abnormalities in primary spermatocytes. ABBREVIATIONS CDC: Centers for Disease Control; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; GHR: growth hormone receptor; hESCs: human embryonic stem cells; PFASs: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; PFCs: perfluorinated compounds; PFNA: perfluorononanoic acid; PFOS: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid; PFOA: perfluorooctanoic acid; PLZF: promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger; ROS: reactive oxygen species; HILI: RNA-mediated gene silencing 2; SSC: spermatogonial stem cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyse N Steves
- a Genetics and Molecular Biology Program , Laney Graduate School, Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Adam Turry
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - Brittany Gill
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | | | - Joshua M Bradner
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Ian Bachli
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - W Michael Caudle
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Gary W Miller
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- e Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases , Yerkes National Primate Research Center , Atlanta , GA , USA.,f Department of Human Genetics , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,e Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases , Yerkes National Primate Research Center , Atlanta , GA , USA
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56
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Li SYT, Yan M, Chen H, Jesus T, Lee WM, Xiao X, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics and spermatogenetic function in the testis in vivo. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2018; 314:E174-E190. [PMID: 29089336 PMCID: PMC5866417 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00263.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB), conferred by Sertoli cells in the mammalian testis, is an important ultrastructure that supports spermatogenesis. Studies using animal models have shown that a disruption of the BTB leads to meiotic arrest, causing defects in spermatogenesis and male infertility. To better understand the regulation of BTB dynamics, we report findings herein to understand the role of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), a downstream signaling protein of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), in promoting BTB disruption in the testis in vivo, making the barrier "leaky." Overexpression of wild-type rpS6 (rpS6-WT, the full-length cDNA cloned into the mammalian expression vector pCI-neo) and a constitutively active quadruple phosphomimetic mutant cloned into pCI-neo (p-rpS6-MT) vs. control (empty pCI-neo vector) was achieved by transfecting adult rat testes with the corresponding plasmid DNA using a Polyplus in vivo-jetPEI transfection reagent. On the basis of an in vivo functional BTB integrity assay, p-rpS6-MT was found to induce BTB disruption better than rpS6-WT did (and no effects in empty vector control), leading to defects in spermatogenesis, including loss of spermatid polarity and failure in the transport of cells (e.g., spermatids) and organelles (e.g., phagosomes), to be followed by germ exfoliation. More important, rpS6-WT and p-rpS6-MT exert their disruptive effects through changes in the organization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons, which are mediated by changes in the spatiotemporal expression of actin- and MT-based binding and regulatory proteins. In short, mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex is a regulator of spermatogenesis and BTB by modulating the organization of the actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y T Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Ming Yan
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Tito Jesus
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences , Hangzhou , China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
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57
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Li L, Li X, Chen X, Chen Y, Liu J, Chen F, Ge F, Ye L, Lian Q, Ge RS. Perfluorooctane sulfonate impairs rat Leydig cell development during puberty. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 190:43-53. [PMID: 28985536 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.09.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) possibly delays male sexual development. However, its effects on pubertal Leydig cell development are unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of in vivo PFOS exposure on rat Leydig cell development during puberty. Immature male Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged 5 or 10 mg/kg PFOS on postnatal day 35 for 21 days. Compared to the control (0 mg/kg), PFOS lowered serum testosterone levels without altering luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels on postnatal day 56. PFOS in vivo downregulated mRNA or protein levels of Leydig cells (Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1). PFOS in vitro inhibited androgen secretion in immature Leydig cells at ≥ 50 nM, most possibly via downregulating Hsd17b3 mRNA level. At ≥ 500 nM, PFOS downregulated Lhcgr, inhibited BCL-2 and increased BAX levels to cause Leydig cell apoptosis. In conclusion, PFOS at a lower dose directly inhibited pubertal development of Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xianwu Chen
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jianpeng Liu
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Leping Ye
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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58
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Chen H, Lui WY, Mruk DD, Xiao X, Ge R, Lian Q, Lee WM, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Monitoring the Integrity of the Blood-Testis Barrier (BTB): An In Vivo Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1748:245-252. [PMID: 29453576 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier is a unique ultrastructure in the mammalian testis, located near the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule that segregates the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the adluminal (apical) compartment. Besides restricting paracellular and transcellular passage of biomolecules (e.g., paracrine factors, hormones), water, electrolytes, and other substances including toxicants and/or drugs to enter the adluminal compartment of the epithelium, the BTB is an important ultrastructure that supports spermatogenesis. As such, a sensitive and reliable assay to monitor its integrity in vivo is helpful for studying testis biology. This assay is based on the ability of an intact BTB to exclude the diffusion of a small molecule such as sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin (C20H29N4NaO9S2, Mr. 556.59, a water-soluble and membrane-impermeable biotinylation reagent) from the basal to the apical compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. Herein, we summarize the detailed procedures on performing the assay and to obtain semiquantitative data to assess the extent of BTB damage when compared to positive controls, such as treatment of rats with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) which is known to compromise the BTB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- Institute of Reproductive Biomedicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Institute of Reproductive Biomedicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.
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59
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Karacaoğlu E, Selmanoğlu G. T-2 toxin induces cytotoxicity and disrupts tight junction barrier in SerW3 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 56:259-267. [PMID: 29049914 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
T-2 toxin, which is produced in grain and grain products as a secondary metabolite by Fusarium species, is also potentially dangerous for human health. Up to date, no study was reported the cytotoxicity of T-2 toxin on SerW3 cells in the perspective of junctional barriers. This study focused on revealing the cytotoxic effects of T-2 on Sertoli cells associated with cell junctional barriers. In the present study, SerW3 cells were exposed to T-2 toxin at 12, 120 and 1200ng/ml doses for 24 and 48h. Cytotoxicity tests including cell viability (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity test and trypan blue exclusion assay were performed. Occludin, ZO-1, N-cadherin and β-catenin were immunolabelled, expressions of occludin and N-cadherin were determined by western blotting. SerW3 cell barrier integrity was measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Cytotoxicity caused by T-2 toxin increased in a dose dependent manner, expressions of proteins and TEER measurement decreased. This study may underlie the early targets of T-2 toxin on SerW3 cells mimicking blood-testis barrier in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Karacaoğlu
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Güldeniz Selmanoğlu
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
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60
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Chen H, Gao Y, Mruk DD, Xiao X, John CM, Turek PJ, Lui WY, Lee WM, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Rescue of PFOS-induced human Sertoli cell injury by overexpressing a p-FAK-Y407E phosphomimetic mutant. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15810. [PMID: 29150642 PMCID: PMC5693862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15671-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED PFOS induces Sertoli cell injury using testicular cells isolated from rodent testes, but it remains unknown if PFOS has similar effects in humans. Herein, we maintained human Sertoli cells in a mitotically active state in vitro, thus enabling transfection experiments that altered gene expression to explore the molecular mechanism(s) underlying toxicant-induced cell injury. Human Sertoli cells obtained from men at ages 15, 23, 36 and 40 were cultured in vitro. These differentiated Sertoli cells remained mitotically active when cultured in the presence of 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum), with a replication time of ~1-3 weeks. At ~80% confluency, they were used for studies including toxicant exposure, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence analysis, tight junction (TJ)-permeability assessment, and overexpression of BTB (blood-testis barrier) regulatory genes such as FAK and its phosphomimetic mutants. PFOS was found to induce Sertoli cell injury through disruptive effects on actin microfilaments and microtubule (MT) organization across the cell cytosol. As a consequence, these cytoskeletal networks failed to support cell adhesion at the BTB. Overexpression of a FAK phosphomimetic and constitutively active mutant p-FAK-Y407E in these cells was capable of rescuing the PFOS-induced injury through corrective cellular organization of cytoskeletal elements. SUMMARY PFOS induces human Sertoli cell injury which can be rescued by overexpressing p-FAK-Y407E mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Ying Gao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310013, China
| | | | - Paul J Turek
- MandalMed, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- The Turek Clinic, San Francisco, CA, 94133, USA
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA.
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang JY, Chen F, Wang YS, Li X, Huo LJ. Olaquindox disrupts tight junction integrity and cytoskeleton architecture in mouse Sertoli cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88630-88644. [PMID: 29179463 PMCID: PMC5687633 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, by creating an immune-privileged and nutrition supporting environment, maintain mammalian spermatogenesis and thereby holds the heart of male fertility. Olaquindox, an effective feed additive in livestock industry, could potentially expose human into the risk of biological hazards due to its genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, highlighting the significance of determining its bio-safety regarding human reproduction. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of olaquindox on male fertility by mechanistically unraveling how olaquindox intervenes blood-testis barrier in mouse. Olaquindox (400 μg/ml) exposure significantly compromised tight junction permeability function, decreased or dislocated the junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, occludin and N-cadherin) and attenuated mTORC2 signaling pathway in primary Sertoli cells. Furthermore, olaquindox disrupted F-actin architecture through interfering with the expression of actin branching protein complex (CDC42-N-WASP-Arp3) and actin bunding protein palladin. Olaquindox also triggered severely DNA damage and apoptosis while inhibiting autophagic flux in Sertoli cell presumably due to the exacerbated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pre-treatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine effectively ameliorated olaquindox-induced exhaustion of ZO-1 and N-Cadherin proteins, DNA damage and apoptosis. More significantly, olaquindox disrupted the epigenetic status in Sertoli cells with hypermethylation and concomitantly hypoacetylation of H3K9 and H3K27. Overall, our study determines olaquindox targets Sertoli cells to affect BTB function through tight junction proteins and F-actin orgnization, which might disrupt the process of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
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Lai KP, Lee JCY, Wan HT, Li JW, Wong AYM, Chan TF, Oger C, Galano JM, Durand T, Leung KS, Leung CC, Li R, Wong CKC. Effects of in Utero PFOS Exposure on Transcriptome, Lipidome, and Function of Mouse Testis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:8782-8794. [PMID: 28654245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptomic and LC-MS/MS-based targeted lipidomic analyses were conducted to identify the effects of in utero PFOS exposure on neonatal testes and its relation to testicular dysfunction in adult offspring. Pregnant mice were orally administered 0.3 and 3 μg PFOS/g body weight until term. Neonatal testes (P1) were collected for the detection of PFOS, and were subjected to omics study. Integrated pathway analyses using DAVID, KEGG, and IPA underlined the effects of PFOS exposure on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and cell junction signaling in testes. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that the levels of adrenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in testes were significantly reduced in the PFOS treatment groups. A significant linear decreasing trend in eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA with PFOS concentrations was observed. Moreover, LOX-mediated 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) and 15-HETE from arachidonic acid in the testes were significantly elevated and a linear increasing trend of 15-HETE concentrations was detected with doses of PFOS. The perturbations of lipid mediators suggested that PFOS has potential negative impacts on testicular functions. Postnatal analysis of male offspring at P63 showed significant reductions in serum testosterone and epididymal sperm count. This study sheds light into the as yet unrevealed action of PFOS on lipid mediators in affecting testicular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Po Lai
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | | | - Hin Ting Wan
- Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong
| | - Jing Woei Li
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Aman Yi-Man Wong
- Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Camille Oger
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Marie Galano
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Durand
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier, France
| | - Kin Sum Leung
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Cherry C Leung
- Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong
| | - Rong Li
- Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong
| | - Chris Kong-Chu Wong
- Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong
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Mudumbi JBN, Ntwampe SKO, Matsha T, Mekuto L, Itoba-Tombo EF. Recent developments in polyfluoroalkyl compounds research: a focus on human/environmental health impact, suggested substitutes and removal strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:402. [PMID: 28721589 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6084-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Between the late 1940s and early 1950s, humans manufactured polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) using electrochemical fluorination and telomerisation technologies, whereby hydrogen atoms are substituted by fluorine atoms, thus conferring unnatural and unique physicochemical properties to these compounds. Presently, there are wide ranges of PFCs, and owing to their bioaccumulative properties, they have been detected in various environmental matrices and in human sera. It has thus been suggested that they are hazardous. Hence, this review aims at highlighting the recent development in PFC research, with a particular focus on perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), the most studied and predominantly found PFCs in various environmental matrices, although recent reports have included perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), which was previously regarded as innocuously harmless, when compared to its counterparts, PFOA and PFOS. As such, proper investigations are thus required for a better understanding of short-chain PFC substitutes, which have been suggested as suitable replacements to long-chained PFCs, although these substitutes have also been suggested to pose various health risks comparable to those associated with long-chain PFCs. Similarly, several novel technologies, such as PFC reduction using zero-valent iron, including removal at point of use, adsorption and coagulation, have been proposed. However, regardless of how efficient removers some of these techniques have proven to be, short-chain PFCs remain a challenge to overcome for scientists, in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Baptist Nzukizi Mudumbi
- Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG), Department of Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Seteno Karabo Obed Ntwampe
- Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG), Department of Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Tandi Matsha
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Lukhanyo Mekuto
- Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG), Department of Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Elie Fereche Itoba-Tombo
- Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG), Department of Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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乐 艳, 董 航, 王 燕, 赵 海, 蔡 绍. [Role of epidermal growth factor receptor in house dust mite-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2017; 37:737-743. [PMID: 28669945 PMCID: PMC6744144 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2017.06.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in bronchial epithelial actin stress fiber (F-actin) rearrangement induced by house dust mite (HDM). METHODS Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were stimulated with HDM with or without pretreatment with AG-1478, an EGFR inhibitor. The levels of phospho(p)-EGFR, F-actin, E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cell cultures were detected with Western blotting. The localizations of F-actin, E-cadherin and β-catenin in the bronchial epithelial cells were determined with immunofluorescence assay, and the transmembrane electrical resistance (TER) and FITC-dextran flux (FITC-DX) in the cells were measured to assess the barrier function of the bronchial epithelia. RESULTS HDM stimulation of the cells for 10 min resulted in significantly increased p-EGFR expression (P<0.05) without causing obvious changes in the expression of E-cadherin (P>0.05) or β-catenin (P>0.05). Immunofluorescence assay revealed delocalization of E-cadherin and β-catenin in HDM-treated 16HBE cells, shown by their diffusion from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm. In HDM-treated cells, the TER was significantly decreased to (70.00∓4.33)% and the FITC-DX was significantly increased to (115.98∓4.34)%; Inhibition of EGFR reversed the delocalization of E-cadherin and β-catenin, improved the TER to (90.00∓3.75)% and lowered the FITC-DX to (101.10∓2.10)%. HDM induced increased expression and rearrangement of F-actin, which was obviously inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with AG-1478 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EGFR signaling pathway mediates HDM-induced F-actin rearrangement in human bronchial epithelial cells to contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- 艳青 乐
- />南方医科大学南方医院呼吸与危重症医学科,慢性气道疾病实验室,广东 广州 510515Laboratory of Chronic Airway Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 航明 董
- />南方医科大学南方医院呼吸与危重症医学科,慢性气道疾病实验室,广东 广州 510515Laboratory of Chronic Airway Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 燕红 王
- />南方医科大学南方医院呼吸与危重症医学科,慢性气道疾病实验室,广东 广州 510515Laboratory of Chronic Airway Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 海金 赵
- />南方医科大学南方医院呼吸与危重症医学科,慢性气道疾病实验室,广东 广州 510515Laboratory of Chronic Airway Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 绍曦 蔡
- />南方医科大学南方医院呼吸与危重症医学科,慢性气道疾病实验室,广东 广州 510515Laboratory of Chronic Airway Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Glynn A, Igra AM, Sand S, Ilbäck NG, Hellenäs KE, Rosén J, Aspenström-Fagerlund B. Are additive effects of dietary surfactants on intestinal tight junction integrity an overlooked human health risk? - A mixture study on Caco-2 monolayers. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 106:314-323. [PMID: 28576466 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Surfactants may cause dysfunction of intestinal tight junctions (TJs), which is a common feature of intestinal autoimmune diseases. Effects of dietary surfactants on TJ integrity, measured as trans-epithelial resistance (TEER), were studied in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Cytotoxicity was assessed as apical LDH leakage. Monolayers were apically exposed for 60 min to the dietary surfactants solanine and chaconine (SC, potato glycoalkaloids, 0-0.25 mM), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS, industrial contaminant, 0-0.8 mM), and sucrose monolaurate (SML, food emulsifier E 473, 0-2.0 mM) separately and as a mixture. Dose-response modelling of TEER EC50 showed that SC were 2.7- and 12-fold more potent than PFOS and SML, respectively. The mixture was composed of 1 molar unit SC, 2.7 units PFOS and 12 units SML ("SC TEER equivalent" proportions 1:1:1). Mixture exposure (0-0.05 mM SC equivalents) dose-response modelling suggested additive action on TJ integrity. Increasing SC and SML concentrations caused increased LDH leakage, but PFOS decreased LDH leakage at intermediate exposure concentrations. In the mixture PFOS appeared to protect from extensive SC- and SML-induced LDH leakage. Complex mixtures of surfactants in food may act additively on intestinal TJ integrity, which should be considered in risk assessment of emulsifier authorisation for use in food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Glynn
- Swedish National Food Agency, PO Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Salomon Sand
- Swedish National Food Agency, PO Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Johan Rosén
- Swedish National Food Agency, PO Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
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Aroclor1254 disrupts the blood-testis barrier by promoting endocytosis and degradation of junction proteins via p38 MAPK pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2823. [PMID: 28542131 PMCID: PMC5520738 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The blood–testis barrier (BTB) constituted by coexisting junction apparatus between Sertoli cells (SCs) plays an important role in spermatogenesis, which is a known target of various environmental toxicants. The commercial polychlorinated biphenyls mixture, Aroclor1254, has been shown to impair male reproduction by decreasing sperm count and affecting SC metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Aroclor1254 on the BTB integrity and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We found that Aroclor1254 treatment in rats (1 or 3 mg/kg per day for 21 consecutive days) and in primary cultured SCs (5 or 10 μg/ml for 48 h) could induce BTB disruption via p38 MAPK pathway, concurrently with increments in junction proteins (JAM-A, N-cadherin, and β-catenin) endocytosis, and occludin ubiquitination. Either inhibition of caveolin-dependent membrane protein internalization by cholesterol oxidase or silencing E3 ubiquitine ligase Itch by small interfering RNA could partially counteract the effects of Aroclor1254 on the barrier function of cultured SCs. These results demonstrate that Aroclor1254 disrupts the BTB function by promoting the caveolin-dependent endocytosis and ubiquitine–proteasome degradation of junction proteins through the p38 MAPK pathway, which might be the potential reasons for its negative effects on spermatogenesis and male reproduction.
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Gao Y, Chen H, Xiao X, Lui WY, Lee WM, Mruk DD, Cheng CY. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)-induced Sertoli cell injury through a disruption of F-actin and microtubule organization is mediated by Akt1/2. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1110. [PMID: 28439067 PMCID: PMC5430865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonate, or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) is an anthropogenic fluorosurfactant widely used in consumer products. While its use in Europe, Canada and the U.S. has been banned due to its human toxicity, it continues to be used in China and other developing countries as a global pollutant. Herein, using an in vitro model of Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB), PFOS was found to induce Sertoli cell injury by perturbing actin cytoskeleton through changes in the spatial expression of actin regulatory proteins. Specifically, PFOS caused mis-localization of Arp3 (actin-related protein 3, a branched actin polymerization protein) and palladin (an actin bundling protein). These disruptive changes thus led to a dis-organization of F-actin across Sertoli cell cytosol, causing truncation of actin microfilament, thereby failing to support the Sertoli cell morphology and adhesion protein complexes (e.g., occludin-ZO-1, CAR-ZO-1, and N-cadherin-ß-catenin), through a down-regulation of p-Akt1-S473 and p-Akt2-S474. The use of SC79, an Akt1/2 activator, was found to block the PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury by rescuing the PFOS-induced F-actin dis-organization. These findings thus illustrate PFOS exerts its disruptive effects on Sertoli cell function downstream through Akt1/2. As such, PFOS-induced male reproductive dysfunction can possibly be managed through an intervention on Akt1/2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Xiang Xiao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA. .,Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA.
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Lu Y, Wang J, Guo X, Yan S, Dai J. Perfluorooctanoic acid affects endocytosis involving clathrin light chain A and microRNA-133b-3p in mouse testes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 318:41-48. [PMID: 28126411 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an abundant perfluoroalkyl substance widely applied in industrial and consumer products. Among its potential health hazards, testicular toxicity is of major concern. To explore the potential effect of miRNA on post-translational regulation after PFOA exposure, changes in miRNAs were detected via miRNA array. Seventeen miRNAs were differentially expressed (eight upregulated, nine downregulated) in male mouse testes after exposure to 5mg/kg/d of PFOA for 28d (>1.5-fold and P<0.05 compared with the control). Eight of these miRNAs were further selected for TaqMan qPCR analysis. Proteomic profile analysis indicated that many changed proteins after PFOA treatment, including intersectin 1 (ITSN1), serine protease inhibitor A3K (Serpina3k), and apolipoprotein a1 (APOA1), were involved in endocytosis and blood-testis barrier (BTB) processes. These changes were further verified by immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. Endocytosis-related genes were selected for qPCR analysis, with many found to be significantly changed after PFOA treatment, including epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8), Eps15, cortactin, cofilin, espin, vinculin, and zyxin. We further predicted the potential interaction between changed miRNAs and proteins, which indicated that miRNAs might play a role in the post-translational regulation of gene expression after PFOA treatment in mouse testes. Among them, miR-133b-3p/clathrin light chain A (CLTA) was selected and verified in vitro by transfection and luciferase activity assay. Results showed that PFOA exposure affects endocytosis in mouse testes and that CLTA is a potential target of miR-133b-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Shengmin Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.
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Rescue of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)-mediated Sertoli cell injury by overexpression of gap junction protein connexin 43. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29667. [PMID: 27436542 PMCID: PMC4951654 DOI: 10.1038/srep29667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is an environmental toxicant used in developing countries, including China, as a stain repellent for clothing, carpets and draperies, but it has been banned in the U.S. and Canada since the late 2000s. PFOS perturbed the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier, causing disruption of actin microfilaments in cell cytosol, perturbing the localization of cell junction proteins (e.g., occluden-ZO-1, N-cadherin-ß-catenin). These changes destabilized Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity. These findings suggest that human exposure to PFOS might induce BTB dysfunction and infertility. Interestingly, PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury associated with a down-regulation of the gap junction (GJ) protein connexin43 (Cx43). We next investigated if overexpression of Cx43 in Sertoli cells could rescue the PFOS-induced cell injury. Indeed, overexpression of Cx43 in Sertoli cells with an established TJ-barrier blocked the disruption in PFOS-induced GJ-intercellular communication, resulting in the re-organization of actin microfilaments, which rendered them similar to those in control cells. Furthermore, cell adhesion proteins that utilized F-actin for attachment became properly distributed at the cell-cell interface, resealing the disrupted TJ-barrier. In summary, Cx43 is a good target that might be used to manage PFOS-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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Li N, Mruk DD, Tang EI, Lee WM, Wong CKC, Cheng CY. Formin 1 Regulates Microtubule and F-Actin Organization to Support Spermatid Transport During Spermatogenesis in the Rat Testis. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2894-908. [PMID: 27145014 PMCID: PMC4929546 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Formin 1 confers actin nucleation by generating long stretches of actin microfilaments to support cell movement, cell shape, and intracellular protein trafficking. Formin 1 is likely involved in microtubule (MT) dynamics due to the presence of a MT binding domain near its N terminus. Here, formin 1 was shown to structurally interact with α-tubulin, the building block of MT, and also end-binding protein 1 (a MT plus [+]-end-binding protein that stabilizes MT) in the testis. Knockdown of formin 1 in Sertoli cells with an established tight junction barrier was found to induce down-regulation of detyrosinated MT (a stabilized form of MT), and disorganization of MTs, in which MTs were retracted from the cell cortical zone, mediated through a loss of MT polymerization and down-regulation of Akt1/2 signaling kinase. An efficient knockdown of formin 1 in the testis reduced the number of track-like structures conferred by MTs and F-actin considerably, causing defects in spermatid and phagosome transport across the seminiferous epithelium. In summary, formin1 maintains MT and F-actin track-like structures to support spermatid and phagosome transport across the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Will M Lee
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.L., D.D.M., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065-6307; College of Life Sciences and Oceanography (N.L.), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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71
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Li N, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Overexpression of plastin 3 in Sertoli cells disrupts actin microfilament bundle homeostasis and perturbs the tight junction barrier. SPERMATOGENESIS 2016; 6:e1206353. [PMID: 27559491 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2016.1206353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, actin microfilaments arranged as bundles near the Sertoli cell plasma membrane at the Sertoli cell-cell interface that constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB) undergo extensive re-organization by converting between bundled and unbundled/branched configuration to give plasticity to the F-actin network. This is crucial to accommodate the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB. Herein, we sought to examine changes in the actin microfilament organization at the Sertoli cell BTB using an in vitro model since Sertoli cells cultured in vitro is known to establish a functional tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier that mimics the BTB in vivo. Plastin 3, a known actin microfilament cross-linker and bundling protein, when overexpressed in Sertoli cells using a mammalian expression vector pCI-neo was found to perturb the Sertoli cell TJ-barrier function even though its overexpression increased the overall actin bundling activity in these cells. Furthermore, plastin 3 overexpression also perturbed the localization and distribution of BTB-associated proteins, such as occludin-ZO1 and N-cadherin-β-catenin, this thus destabilized the barrier function. Collectively, these data illustrate that a delicate balance of actin microfilaments between organized in bundles vs. an unbundled/branched configuration is crucial to confer the homeostasis of the BTB and its integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research , New York, NY, USA
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research , New York, NY, USA
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Chojnacka K, Bilinska B, Mruk DD. Interleukin 1alpha-induced disruption of the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton affects gap junctional communication. Cell Signal 2016; 28:469-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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73
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Tang EI, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Coordination of Actin- and Microtubule-Based Cytoskeletons Supports Transport of Spermatids and Residual Bodies/Phagosomes During Spermatogenesis in the Rat Testis. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1644-59. [PMID: 26894662 PMCID: PMC4816739 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis requires the intricate coordination of cell junctions, signaling proteins, and both actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons. Although the involvement of cytoskeletons in germ cell transport has been suggested, the precise mechanism(s) remains elusive. Based on growing evidence that actin and MT interactions underlie fundamental cellular processes, such as cell motility, it is unlikely that actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons work independently to regulate germ cell transport in the testis. Using rats treated with adjudin, a potential male contraceptive that disrupts spermatid adhesion and transport in the testis, as a study model, we show herein that actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons are both necessary for transport of spermatids and residual bodies/phagosomes across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes. Analysis of intratubular expression of F-actin and tubulin revealed disruption of both actin and MT networks, concomitant with misdirected spermatids and phagosomes in rats treated with adjudin. Actin regulatory proteins, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 and actin-related protein 3, were mislocalized and down-regulated at the actin-rich anchoring junction between germ and Sertoli cells (apical ectoplasmic specialization) after adjudin treatment. Nonreceptor tyrosine kinase p-FAK-Tyr(407), known to regulate F-actin nucleation via actin-related protein 3, was also mislocalized and down-regulated at the apical ectoplasmic specialization, corroborating the observation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Additionally, spatiotemporal expression of MT regulatory protein end-binding protein 1, shown to be involved in MT-actin cross talk herein, was also disrupted after adjudin treatment. In summary, spermatid/phagosome transport across the epithelium during spermatogenesis requires the coordination between actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Will M Lee
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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74
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Castillo Sanchez R, Gomez R, Perez Salazar E. Bisphenol A Induces Migration through a GPER-, FAK-, Src-, and ERK2-Dependent Pathway in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2016; 29:285-95. [PMID: 26914403 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial synthetic chemical utilized in the production of numerous products including food and beverage containers. Humans are exposed to BPA during ingestion of contaminated water and food because it can leach from polycarbonate containers, beverage cans, and epoxy resins. BPA has been related with the development of several diseases including breast cancer. However, the signal transduction pathways mediated by BPA and its role as a promoter of migration and invasion in breast cancer cells remain to be investigated. Here, we demonstrate that BPA promotes migration, invasion, and an increase in the number of focal contacts in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 cells express GPER, and BPA promotes migration through a GPER-dependent pathway. BPA also induces activation of FAK, Src, and ERK2, whereas migration induced by BPA requires the activity of these kinases. In addition, BPA induces an increase on AP-1- and NFκB-DNA binding activity through an Src- and ERK2-dependent pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate, that BPA induces the activation of signal transduction pathways, which mediate migration, AP-1/NFκB-DNA binding activity, and an invasion process in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Castillo Sanchez
- Departamento de Toxicologia, ‡Departamento de Biologia Celular, Cinvestav-IPN , Mexico D.F., Mexico
| | - Rocio Gomez
- Departamento de Toxicologia, ‡Departamento de Biologia Celular, Cinvestav-IPN , Mexico D.F., Mexico
| | - Eduardo Perez Salazar
- Departamento de Toxicologia, ‡Departamento de Biologia Celular, Cinvestav-IPN , Mexico D.F., Mexico
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75
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Li N, Mruk DD, Lee WM, Wong CKC, Cheng CY. Is toxicant-induced Sertoli cell injury in vitro a useful model to study molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:141-156. [PMID: 26779951 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells isolated from rodents or humans and cultured in vitro are known to establish a functional tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier that mimics the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vivo. This model has been widely used by investigators to study the biology of the TJ and the BTB. Studies have shown that environmental toxicants (e.g., perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), bisphenol A (BPA) and cadmium) that exert their disruptive effects to induce Sertoli cell injury using this in vitro model are reproducible in studies in vivo. Thus, this in vitro system provides a convenient approach to probe the molecular mechanism(s) underlying toxicant-induced testis injury but also to provide new insights in understanding spermatogenesis, such as the biology of cell adhesion, BTB restructuring that supports preleptotene spermatocyte transport, and others. Herein, we provide a brief and critical review based on studies using this in vitro model of Sertoli cell cultures using primary cells isolated from rodent testes vs. humans to monitor environmental toxicant-mediated Sertoli cell injury. In short, recent findings have shown that environmental toxicants exert their effects on Sertoli cells to induce testis injury through their action on Sertoli cell actin- and/or microtubule-based cytoskeleton. These effects are mediated via their disruptive effects on actin- and/or microtubule-binding proteins. Sertoli cells also utilize differential spatiotemporal expression of these actin binding proteins to confer plasticity to the BTB to regulate germ cell transport across the BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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76
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Tang EI, Mruk DD, Cheng CY. Regulation of microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:35-45. [PMID: 26791048 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In rodents and humans, testicular cells, similar to other mammalian cells, are supported by actin-, microtubule (MT)- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons. Although the cytoskeletal network of the testis serves an important role in regulating spermatogenesis during the epithelial cycle, most of the published findings in the literature are limited to studies that only visualize these cytoskeletons in the seminiferous epithelium. Few focus on the underlying molecular mechanism that regulates their organization in the epithelium in response to changes in the stages of the epithelial cycle. Functional studies in the last decade have begun to focus on the role of binding proteins that regulate these cytoskeletons, with some interesting findings rapidly emerging in the field. Since the actin- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons have been recently reviewed, herein we focus on the MT-based cytoskeleton for two reasons. First, besides serving as a structural support cytoskeleton, MTs are known to serve as the track to support and facilitate the transport of germ cells, such as preleptotene spermatocytes connected in clones and elongating/elongated spermatids during spermiogenesis, across the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the adluminal compartment, respectively, during spermatogenesis. While these cellular events are crucial to the completion of spermatogenesis, they have been largely ignored in the past. Second, MT-based cytoskeleton is working in concert with the actin-based cytoskeleton to provide structural support for the transport of intracellular organelles across the cell cytosol, such as endosome-based vesicles, and phagosomes, which contain residual bodies detached from spermatids, to maintain the cellular homeostasis in the seminiferous epithelium. We critically evaluate some recent published findings herein to support a hypothesis regarding the role of MT in conferring germ cell transport in the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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77
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Kidder GM, Cyr DG. Roles of connexins in testis development and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 50:22-30. [PMID: 26780117 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development and differentiation of cells involved in spermatogenesis requires highly regulated and coordinated interactions between cells. Intercellular communication, particularly via connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions, plays a critical role in the development of germ cells during fetal development and during spermatogenesis in the adult. Loss of Cx43 in the fetus results in a decreased number of germ cells, while the loss of Cx43 in the adult Sertoli cells results in complete inhibition of spermatogenesis. Connexins 26, 32, 33, 36, 45, 46 and 50 have also been localized to specific compartments of the testis in various mammals. Loss of Cx46 is associated with an increase in germ cell apoptosis and loss of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, while loss of other connexins appears to have more subtle effects within the seminiferous tubule. Outside the seminiferous tubule, the interstitial Leydig cells express connexins 36 and 45 along with Cx43; deletion of the latter connexin did not reveal it to be crucial for steroidogenesis or for the development and differentiation of Leydig cells. In contrast, loss of Cx43 from Sertoli cells results in Leydig cell hyperplasia, suggesting important cross-talk between Sertoli and Leydig cells. In the epididymis connexins 26, 30.3, Cx31.1, 32, and 43 have been identified and differentiation of the epithelium is associated with dramatic changes in their expression. Decreased expression of Cx43 results in decreased sperm motility, a function acquired by spermatozoa during epididymal transit. Clearly, intercellular gap junctional communication within the testis and epididymis represents a critical aspect of male reproductive function and fertility. The implications of this mode of intercellular communication for male fertility remains a poorly understood but important facet of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
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Li N, Mruk DD, Mok KW, Li MWM, Wong CKC, Lee WM, Han D, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Connexin 43 reboots meiosis and reseals blood-testis barrier following toxicant-mediated aspermatogenesis and barrier disruption. FASEB J 2015; 30:1436-52. [PMID: 26678449 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-276527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Earlier studies have shown that rats treated with an acute dose of 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (adjudin, a male contraceptive under development) causes permanent infertility due to irreversible blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption even though the population of undifferentiated spermatogonia remains similar to normal rat testes, because spermatogonia fail to differentiate into spermatocytes to enter meiosis. Since other studies have illustrated the significance of connexin 43 (Cx43)-based gap junction in maintaining the homeostasis of BTB in the rat testis and the phenotypes of Sertoli cell-conditional Cx43 knockout mice share many of the similarities of the adjudin-treated rats, we sought to examine if overexpression of Cx43 in these adjudin-treated rats would reseal the disrupted BTB and reinitiate spermatogenesis. A full-length Cx43 cloned into mammalian expression vector pCI-neo was used to transfect testes of adjudin-treated ratsversusempty vector. It was found that overexpression of Cx43 indeed resealed the Sertoli cell tight junction-permeability barrier based on a functionalin vivoassay in tubules displaying signs of meiosis as noted by the presence of round spermatids. Thus, these findings suggest that overexpression of Cx43 reinitiated spermatogenesis at least through the steps of meiosis to generate round spermatids in testes of rats treated with an acute dose of adjudin that led to aspermatogenesis. It was also noted that the round spermatids underwent eventual degeneration with the formation of multinucleated cells following Cx43 overexpression due to the failure of spermiogenesis because no elongating/elongated spermatids were detected in any of the tubules examined. The mechanism by which overexpression of Cx43 reboots meiosis and rescues BTB function was also examined. In summary, overexpression of Cx43 in the testis with aspermatogenesis reboots meiosis and reseals toxicant-induced BTB disruption, even though it fails to support round spermatids to enter spermiogenesis.-Li, N., Mruk, D. D., Mok, K.-W., Li, M. W. M., Wong, C. K. C., Lee, W. M., Han, D., Silvestrini, B., Cheng, C. Y. Connexin 43 reboots meiosis and reseals blood-testis barrier following toxicant-mediated aspermatogenesis and barrier disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Ka-Wai Mok
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelle W M Li
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Chris K C Wong
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Will M Lee
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Daishu Han
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Silvestrini
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
| | - C Yan Cheng
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; and S.B.M. Srl Pharmaceuticals, Rome, Italy
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Li N, Mruk DD, Wong CKC, Han D, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Formin 1 Regulates Ectoplasmic Specialization in the Rat Testis Through Its Actin Nucleation and Bundling Activity. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2969-83. [PMID: 25901598 PMCID: PMC4511136 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, developing spermatids and preleptotene spermatocytes are transported across the adluminal compartment and the blood-testis barrier (BTB), respectively, so that spermatids line up near the luminal edge to prepare for spermiation, whereas preleptotene spermatocytes enter the adluminal compartment to differentiate into late spermatocytes to prepare for meiosis I/II. These cellular events involve actin microfilament reorganization at the testis-specific, actin-rich Sertoli-spermatid and Sertoli-Sertoli cell junction called apical and basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES). Formin 1, an actin nucleation protein known to promote actin microfilament elongation and bundling, was expressed at the apical ES but limited to stage VII of the epithelial cycle, whereas its expression at the basal ES/BTB stretched from stage III to stage VI, diminished in stage VII, and was undetectable in stage VIII tubules. Using an in vitro model of studying Sertoli cell BTB function by RNA interference and biochemical assays to monitor actin bundling and polymerization activity, a knockdown of formin 1 in Sertoli cells by approximately 70% impeded the tight junction-permeability function. This disruptive effect on the tight junction barrier was mediated by a loss of actin microfilament bundling and actin polymerization capability mediated by changes in the localization of branched actin-inducing protein Arp3 (actin-related protein 3), and actin bundling proteins Eps8 (epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8) and palladin, thereby disrupting cell adhesion. Formin 1 knockdown in vivo was found to impede spermatid adhesion, transport, and polarity, causing defects in spermiation in which elongated spermatids remained embedded into the epithelium in stage IX tubules, mediated by changes in the spatiotemporal expression of Arp3, Eps8, and palladin. In summary, formin 1 is a regulator of ES dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Will M Lee
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research (N.L., D.D.M., C.Y.C.), Population Council, New York, New York 10065; Department of Biology (C.K.C.W.), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology (D.H.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; and School of Biological Sciences (W.M.L.), University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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80
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Li N, Mruk DD, Wong CKC, Lee WM, Han D, Cheng CY. Actin-bundling protein plastin 3 is a regulator of ectoplasmic specialization dynamics during spermatogenesis in the rat testis. FASEB J 2015; 29:3788-805. [PMID: 26048141 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-267997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ectoplasmic specialization (ES) is an actin-rich adherens junction in the seminiferous epithelium of adult mammalian testes. ES is restricted to the Sertoli-spermatid (apical ES) interface, as well as the Sertoli cell-cell (basal ES) interface at the blood-testis barrier (BTB). ES is typified by the presence of an array of bundles of actin microfilaments near the Sertoli cell plasma membrane. These actin microfilament bundles require rapid debundling to convert them from a bundled to branched/unbundled configuration and vice versa to confer plasticity to support the transport of 1) spermatids in the adluminal compartment and 2) preleptotene spermatocytes at the BTB while maintaining cell adhesion. Plastin 3 is one of the plastin family members abundantly found in yeast, plant and animal cells that confers actin microfilaments their bundled configuration. Herein, plastin 3 was shown to be a component of the apical and basal ES in the rat testis, displaying spatiotemporal expression during the epithelial cycle. A knockdown (KD) of plastin 3 in Sertoli cells by RNA interference using an in vitro model to study BTB function showed that a transient loss of plastin 3 perturbed the Sertoli cell tight junction-permeability barrier, mediated by changes in the localization of basal ES proteins N-cadherin and β-catenin. More importantly, these changes were the result of an alteration of the actin microfilaments, converting from their bundled to branched configuration when examined microscopically, and validated by biochemical assays that quantified actin-bundling and polymerization activity. Moreover, these changes were confirmed by studies in vivo by plastin 3 KD in the testis in which mis-localization of N-cadherin and β-catenin was also detected at the BTB, concomitant with defects in the transport of spermatids and phagosomes and a disruption of cell adhesion most notably in elongated spermatids due to a loss of actin-bundling capability at the apical ES, which in turn affected localization of adhesion protein complexes at the site. In summary, plastin 3 is a regulator of actin microfilament bundles at the ES in which it dictates the configuration of the filamentous actin network by assuming either a bundled or unbundled/branched configuration via changes in its spatiotemporal expression during the epithelial cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Will M Lee
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- *The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review examines the role of actin binding proteins (ABPs) on blood-testis barrier (BTB), an androgen-dependent ultrastructure in the testis, in particular their involvement on BTB remodeling during spermatogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS The BTB divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the adluminal compartments. The BTB is constituted by coexisting actin-based tight junction, basal ectoplasmic specialization, and gap junction, and also intermediate filament-based desmosome between Sertoli cells near the basement membrane. Junctions at the BTB undergo continuous remodeling to facilitate the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes residing in the basal compartment across the immunological barrier during spermatogenesis. Thus, meiosis I/II and postmeiotic spermatid development take place in the adluminal compartment behind the BTB. BTB remodeling also regulates exchanges of biomolecules between the two compartments. As tight junction, basal ectoplasmic specialization, and gap junction use F-actin for attachment, actin microfilaments rapidly convert between their bundled and unbundled/branched configuration to confer BTB plasticity. The events of actin reorganization are regulated by two major classes of ABPs that convert actin microfilaments between their bundled and branched/unbundled configuration. SUMMARY We provide a model on how ABPs regulate BTB remodeling, shedding new light on unexplained male infertility, such as environmental toxicant-induced reproductive dysfunction since the testis, in particular the BTB, is sensitive to environmental toxicants, such as cadmium, bisphenol A, phthalates, and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid or perfluorooctane sulfonate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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Gao Y, Mruk DD, Cheng CY. Sertoli cells are the target of environmental toxicants in the testis - a mechanistic and therapeutic insight. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:1073-90. [PMID: 25913180 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1039513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sertoli cells support germ cell development in the testis via an elaborate network of cell junctions that confers structural, communicating, and signaling support. However, Sertoli cell junctions and cytoskeletons are the target of environmental toxicants. Because germ cells rely on Sertoli cells for the provision of structural/functional/nutritional support, exposure of males to toxicants leads to germ cell exfoliation due to Sertoli cell injuries. Interestingly, the molecular mechanism(s) by which toxicants induce cytoskeletal disruption that leads to germ cell exfoliation is unclear, until recent years, which are discussed herein. This information can possibly be used to therapeutically manage toxicant-induced infertility/subfertility in human males. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide a brief update on the use of Sertoli cell system developed for rodents and humans in vitro, which can be deployed in any research laboratory with minimal upfront setup costs. These systems can be used to collect reliable data applicable to studies in vivo. We also discuss the latest findings on the mechanisms by which toxicants induce Sertoli cell injury, in particular cytoskeletal disruption. We also identify candidate molecules that are likely targets of toxicants. EXPERT OPINION We provide two hypothetical models delineating the mechanism by which toxicants induce germ cell exfoliation and blood-testis barrier disruption. We also discuss molecules that are the targets of toxicants as therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research , 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065 , USA
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83
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Xiao X, Mruk DD, Wong CKC, Cheng CY. Germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 29:286-98. [PMID: 24985332 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00001.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport of germ cells across the seminiferous epithelium is crucial to spermatogenesis. Its disruption causes infertility. Signaling molecules, such as focal adhesion kinase, c-Yes, c-Src, and intercellular adhesion molecules 1 and 2, are involved in these events by regulating actin-based cytoskeleton via their action on actin-regulating proteins, endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking, and adhesion protein complexes. We critically evaluate these findings and provide a hypothetical framework that regulates these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York; and
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York; and
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York; and
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84
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Perfluorooctanoic acid disrupts the blood-testis barrier and activates the TNFα/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:971-83. [PMID: 25743374 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is correlated with male reproductive dysfunction in animals and humans, but the underlying mechanisms for this remain unknown. To explore the potential reproductive toxicity of PFOA, we studied blood-testis barrier (BTB) damage using in vivo and in vitro models. Male mice were gavage-administered PFOA (0-20 mg/kg/d) for 28 consecutive days, and breeding capacity and permeability of the Sertoli cell-based BTB were estimated. Primary Sertoli cells (SCs) were exposed to PFOA (0-500 μM) for 48 h, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was assessed. Furthermore, BTB-associated protein expression, TNFα content, and phosphorylation and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were detected. An apparent decrease in mated and pregnant females per male mouse as well as litter weight was observed. Marked BTB damage was evidenced by increased red biotin fluorescence in the lumen tubular of the testes and the decrease in TER in SCs in vitro. The protein levels of claudin-11, connexin-43, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and occludin were significantly decreased in the testes and also in the SCs in vitro except for N-cadherin and β-catenin. TNFα content showed a dose-dependent increase in the testes and a dose- and time-dependent increase in the SCs, with the p-p38/p38 MAPK ratio also increasing in testes and SCs after PFOA exposure. Moreover, PFOA altered expressions of claudin-11, connexin-43, TNFα, and p-p38 MAPK were recovered 48 h after PFOA removal in the SCs. The SCs appeared to be target to PFOA, and the disruption of the BTB may be crucial to PFOA-induced reproductive dysfunction in mice.
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85
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Cheng CY. Toxicants target cell junctions in the testis: Insights from the indazole-carboxylic acid model. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e981485. [PMID: 26413399 PMCID: PMC4581065 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.981485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous types of junctions in the seminiferous epithelium which are integrated with, and critically dependent on the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton. These include the basal tight junctions between Sertoli cells that form the main component of the blood–testis barrier, the basal ectoplasmic specializations (basal ES) and basal tubulobulbar complexes (basal TBC) between Sertoli cells; as well as apical ES and apical TBC between Sertoli cells and the developing spermatids that orchestrate spermiogenesis and spermiation. These junctions, namely TJ, ES, and TBC interact with actin microfilament-based cytoskeleton, which together with the desmosomal junctions that interact with the intermediate filament-based cytoskeleton plus the highly polarized microtubule-based cytoskeleton are working in concert to move spermatocytes and spermatids between the basal and luminal aspect of the seminiferous epithelium. In short, these various junctions are structurally complexed with the actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeleton or intermediate filaments of the Sertoli cell. Studies have shown toxicants (e.g., cadmium, bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), phthalates, and glycerol), and some male contraceptives under development (e.g., adjudin, gamendazole), exert their effects, at least in part, by targeting cell junctions in the testis. The disruption of Sertoli–Sertoli cell and Sertoli–germ cell junctions, results in the loss of germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. Adjudin, a potential male contraceptive under investigation in our laboratory, produces loss of spermatids from the seminiferous tubules through disruption of the Sertoli cell spermatid junctions and disruption of the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton. The molecular and structural changes associated with adjudin administration are described, to provide an example of the profile of changes caused by disturbance of Sertoli-germ cell and also Sertoli cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research; Center for Biomedical Research; Population Council ; New York, NY USA
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86
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Gungor-Ordueri NE, Celik-Ozenci C, Cheng CY. Fascin 1 is an actin filament-bundling protein that regulates ectoplasmic specialization dynamics in the rat testis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E738-53. [PMID: 25159326 PMCID: PMC4216949 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00113.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the testis, spermatids are polarized cells, with their heads pointing toward the basement membrane during maturation. This polarity is crucial to pack the maximal number of spermatids in the seminiferous epithelium so that millions of sperms can be produced daily. A loss of spermatid polarity is detected after rodents are exposed to toxicants (e.g., cadmium) or nonhormonal male contraceptives (e.g., adjudin), which is associated with a disruption on the expression and/or localization of polarity proteins. In the rat testis, fascin 1, an actin-bundling protein found in mammalian cells, was expressed by Sertoli and germ cells. Fascin 1 was a component of the ectoplasmic specialization (ES), a testis-specific anchoring junction known to confer spermatid adhesion and polarity. Its expression in the seminiferous epithelium was stage specific. Fascin 1 was localized to the basal ES at the Sertoli cell-cell interface of the blood-testis barrier in all stages of the epithelial cycle, except it diminished considerably at late stage VIII. Fascin 1 was highly expressed at the apical ES at stage VII-early stage VIII and restricted to the step 19 spermatids. Its knockdown by RNAi that silenced fascin 1 by ~70% in Sertoli cells cultured in vitro was found to perturb the tight junction-permeability barrier via a disruption of F-actin organization. Knockdown of fascin 1 in vivo by ~60-70% induced defects in spermatid polarity, which was mediated by a mislocalization and/or downregulation of actin-bundling proteins Eps8 and palladin, thereby impeding F-actin organization and disrupting spermatid polarity. In summary, these findings provide insightful information on spermatid polarity regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ece Gungor-Ordueri
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York; and
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York; and
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87
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López-Doval S, Salgado R, Pereiro N, Moyano R, Lafuente A. Perfluorooctane sulfonate effects on the reproductive axis in adult male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 134:158-168. [PMID: 25171141 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a neurotoxic agent and it can disrupt the endocrine system activity. This work was undertaken to evaluate the possible effects of PFOS exposure on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPT) in adult male rats, and to evaluate the possible morphological alterations induced by PFOS in the endocrine tissues of this axis. Adult male rats were orally treated with 0.5; 1.0; 3.0 and 6.0 mg of PFOS/kg/day for 28 days. After PFOS exposure, hypothalamic noradrenaline concentration increased in the anterior hypothalamus and in the median eminence, not changing in the mediobasal hypothalamus. PFOS treated rats presented a decrease of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression, increasing the mRNA levels of the luteinizing hormone (LH) in rats treated with all doses administered except with the dose of 6 mg/kg/day. PFOS also induced a raise of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) gene expression in the animals exposed to 0.5 and 1.0 mg of PFOS/kg/day. After PFOS exposure, hypothalamic GnRH concentration was modified, LH and testosterone release was inhibited and FSH secretion was stimulated. Moreover, PFOS induced several histopathological alterations in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and testis. The results obtained in the present study suggest in general terms that PFOS can inhibit the physiological activity of the reproductive axis in adult male rats, which could be explained, at least in part, by the structural alterations showed in the animals exposed to this chemical: very dense chromatin, condensed ribosomes and a loss of the morphology in the hypothalamus; a degeneration of the gonadotrophic cells, as well as a loss and degeneration of the spermatozoids and a very marked edema in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S López-Doval
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas S/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - R Salgado
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas S/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - N Pereiro
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas S/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - R Moyano
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Córdoba, Córdoba 14071, Spain
| | - A Lafuente
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas S/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain.
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88
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Gungor-Ordueri NE, Tang EI, Celik-Ozenci C, Cheng CY. Ezrin is an actin binding protein that regulates sertoli cell and spermatid adhesion during spermatogenesis. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3981-95. [PMID: 25051438 PMCID: PMC4164919 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, the transport of spermatids and the release of sperms at spermiation and the remodeling of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes require rapid reorganization of the actin-based cytoskeleton. However, the mechanism(s) and the regulatory molecule(s) remain unexplored. Herein we report findings that unfold the functional significance of ezrin in the organization of the testis-specific adherens junction at the spermatid-Sertoli cell interface called apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the adluminal compartment and the Sertoli cell-cell interface known as basal ES at the BTB. Ezrin is expressed at the basal ES/BTB in all stages, except from late VIII to IX, of the epithelial cycle. Its knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) in vitro perturbs the Sertoli cell tight junction-permeability barrier via a disruption of the actin microfilaments in Sertoli cells, which in turn impeded basal ES protein (eg, N-cadherin) distribution, perturbing the BTB function. These findings were confirmed by a knockdown study in vivo. However, the expression of ezrin at the apical ES is restricted to stage VIII of the cycle and limited only between step 19 spermatids and Sertoli cells. A knockdown of ezrin in vivo by RNAi was found to impede spermatid transport, causing defects in spermiation in which spermatids were embedded deep inside the epithelium, and associated with a loss of spermatid polarity. Also, ezrin was associated with residual bodies and phagosomes, and its knockdown by RNAi in the testis also impeded the transport of residual bodies/phagosomes from the apical to the basal compartment. In summary, ezrin is involved in regulating actin microfilament organization at the ES in rat testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ece Gungor-Ordueri
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research (N.E.G.-O., E.I.T., C.Y.C.), Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065; and Department of Histology and Embryology (C.C.-O.), Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, 070200 Antalya, Turkey
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89
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Tajiri N, Duncan K, Borlongan MC, Pabon M, Acosta S, de la Pena I, Hernadez-Ontiveros D, Lozano D, Aguirre D, Reyes S, Sanberg PR, Eve DJ, Borlongan CV, Kaneko Y. Adult stem cell transplantation: is gender a factor in stemness? Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15225-43. [PMID: 25170809 PMCID: PMC4200754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy now constitutes an important area of regenerative medicine. The aging of the population has mandated the discovery and development of new and innovative therapeutic modalities to combat devastating disorders such as stroke. Menstrual blood and Sertoli cells represent two sources of viable transplantable cells that are gender-specific, both of which appear to have potential as donor cells for transplantation in stroke. During the subacute phase of stroke, the use of autologous cells offers effective and practical clinical application and is suggestive of the many benefits of using the aforementioned gender-specific cells. For example, in addition to being exceptionally immunosuppressive, testis-derived Sertoli cells secrete many growth and trophic factors and have been shown to aid in the functional recovery of animals transplanted with fetal dopaminergic cells. Correspondingly, menstrual blood cells are easily obtainable and exhibit angiogenic characteristics, proliferative capability, and pluripotency. Of further interest is the ability of menstrual blood cells, following transplantation in stroke models, to migrate to the infarct site, secrete neurotrophic factors, regulate the inflammatory response, and be steered towards neural differentiation. From cell isolation to transplantation, we emphasize in this review paper the practicality and relevance of the experimental and clinical use of gender-specific stem cells, such as Sertoli cells and menstrual blood cells, in the treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tajiri
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Kelsey Duncan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mia C Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mibel Pabon
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Sandra Acosta
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Ike de la Pena
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diana Hernadez-Ontiveros
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diego Lozano
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Daniela Aguirre
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Stephanny Reyes
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA. psanberg@.usf.edu
| | - David J Eve
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Yuji Kaneko
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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A new angle on blood-CNS interfaces: A role for connexins? FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1259-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Gungor-Ordueri NE, Mruk DD, Wan HT, Wong EWP, Celik-Ozenci C, Lie PPY, Cheng CY. New insights into FAK function and regulation during spermatogenesis. Histol Histopathol 2014; 29:977-89. [PMID: 24578181 DOI: 10.14670/hh-29.977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle is crucial to spermatogenesis, although molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these events remain unknown. Studies have shown that spatiotemporal expression of crucial regulatory proteins during the epithelial cycle represents an efficient and physiologically important mechanism to regulate spermatogenesis without involving de novo synthesis of proteins and/or expression of genes. Herein, we critically review the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in coordinating the transport of spermatids and preleptotene spermatocytes across the epithelium and the BTB, respectively, along the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) - blood-testis barrier - basement membrane (BM) functional axis during spermatogenesis. In the testis, p-FAK-Tyr³⁸⁷ and p-FAK-Tyr⁴⁰⁷ are spatiotemporally expressed during the epithelial cycle at the actin-rich anchoring junction known as ES, regulating cell adhesion at the Sertoli-spermatid (apical ES) and Sertoli cell-cell (basal ES) interface. Phosphorylated forms of FAK exert their effects by regulating the homeostasis of F-actin at the ES, mediated via their effects on actin polymerization so that microfilaments are efficiently re-organized, such as from their "bundled" to "de-bundled/branched" configuration and vice versa during the epithelial cycle to facilitate the transport of: (i) spermatids across the epithelium, and (ii) preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB. In summary, p-FAK-Tyr⁴⁰⁷ and p-FAK-Tyr³⁸⁷ are important regulators of spermatogenesis which serve as molecular switches that turn "on" and "off" adhesion function at the apical ES and the basal ES/BTB, mediated via their spatiotemporal expression during the epithelial cycle. A hypothetical model depicting the role of these two molecular switches is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ece Gungor-Ordueri
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Hin-ting Wan
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Elissa W P Wong
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Pearl P Y Lie
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA. OR
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Xiao X, Mruk DD, Tang EI, Wong CKC, Lee WM, John CM, Turek PJ, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Environmental toxicants perturb human Sertoli cell adhesive function via changes in F-actin organization mediated by actin regulatory proteins. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1279-91. [PMID: 24532171 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can human Sertoli cells cultured in vitro and that have formed an epithelium be used as a model to monitor toxicant-induced junction disruption and to better understand the mechanism(s) by which toxicants disrupt cell adhesion at the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our findings illustrate that human Sertoli cells cultured in vitro serve as a reliable system to monitor the impact of environmental toxicants on the BTB function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Suspicions of a declining trend in semen quality and a concomitant increase in exposures to environmental toxicants over the past decades reveal the need of an in vitro system that efficiently and reliably monitors the impact of toxicants on male reproductive function. Furthermore, studies in rodents have confirmed that environmental toxicants impede Sertoli cell BTB function in vitro and in vivo. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION We examined the effects of two environmental toxicants: cadmium chloride (0.5-20 µM) and bisphenol A (0.4-200 µM) on human Sertoli cell function. Cultured Sertoli cells from three men were used in this study, which spanned an 18-month period. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human Sertoli cells from three subjects were cultured in F12/DMEM containing 5% fetal bovine serum. Changes in protein expression were monitored by immunoblotting using specific antibodies. Immunofluorescence analyses were used to assess changes in the distribution of adhesion proteins, F-actin and actin regulatory proteins following exposure to two toxicants: cadmium chloride and bisphenol A (BPA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Human Sertoli cells were sensitive to cadmium and BPA toxicity. Changes in the localization of cell adhesion proteins were mediated by an alteration of the actin-based cytoskeleton. This alteration of F-actin network in Sertoli cells as manifested by truncation and depolymerization of actin microfilaments at the Sertoli cell BTB was caused by mislocalization of actin filament barbed end capping and bundling protein Eps8, and branched actin polymerization protein Arp3. Besides impeding actin dynamics, endocytic vesicle-mediated trafficking and the proper localization of actin regulatory proteins c-Src and annexin II in Sertoli cells were also affected. Results of statistical analysis demonstrate that these findings were not obtained by chance. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION (i) This study was done in vitro and might not extrapolate to the in vivo state, (ii) conclusions are based on the use of Sertoli cell samples from three men and (iii) it is uncertain if the concentrations of toxicants used in the experiments are reached in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Human Sertoli cells cultured in vitro provide a robust model to monitor environmental toxicant-mediated disruption of Sertoli cell BTB function and to study the mechanism(s) of toxicant-induced testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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