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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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Liu J, Li X, Zhou G, Sang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Ge W, Sun Z, Zhou X. Silica nanoparticles induce spermatogenesis disorders via L3MBTL2-DNA damage-p53 apoptosis and RNF8-ubH2A/ubH2B pathway in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114974. [PMID: 32554096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) can reduce both quality and quantity of sperm via inhibiting the progress of meiosis and mitosis and inducing apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, however, their specific mechanism and effects on the later stage of spermatogenesis are still unclear. To investigate the effects of SiNPs on the reproductive system, male mice were treated with SiNPs (0, 1.25, 5 and 20 mg/kg.bw) via intratracheal instillation once every 3 days and for a total of 15 days. Results revealed that exposure to SiNPs induced reduction in the rate of sperm activity, histological abnormalities in seminiferous epithelium as well as apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, which are associated with decreased level of Lethal (3) malignant brain tumor like 2 (L3MBTL2) and activation of DNA damage-p53-mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Moreover, reduction in L3MBTL2 level caused by SiNPs also led to the lower expression of RNF8-ubH2A/ubH2B pathway, thus resulting in incomplete histone-to-protamine exchange. These results suggest that the inhibition of L3MBTL2 expression caused by SiNPs not only activates DNA damage-p53-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway leading to the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, but also inhibits RNF8-ubH2A/ubH2B pathway resulting in incomplete histone-to-protamine exchange, thereby affected spermatogenesis. This indicates that L3MBTL2 plays an important role in reproductive toxicity of males caused by SiNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guiqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yujian Sang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhao
- Yanjing Medical College Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Biopathological Significance of PIWI-piRNA Pathway Deregulation in Invasive Breast Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102833. [PMID: 33008024 PMCID: PMC7600338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes are pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis and their dysregulation has recently been implicated in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBC) at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR and protein level using immunohistochemistry. In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. Characterization of the newly recognized PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies. Abstract The PIWI proteins emerging in the development of human cancers, edify PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes acting as pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis. The aim of this study is to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBCs): at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR (n = 526) and protein level using immunohistochemistry (n = 150). In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Significant positive associations were observed between PIWIL4 underexpression, HR+ status and HR+ ERBB2+ molecular subtype and PIWIL2 underexpression, PR- status, ERBB2- status and molecular subtype. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2-4 underexpression was mainly regulated at epigenetic or post-transcriptional levels. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. PIWIL2-4 were mainly associated with genes implicated in cell proliferation. As a result of this study, characterization of the PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies.
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Wu L, Wei Y, Li H, Li W, Gu C, Sun J, Xia H, Zhang J, Chen F, Liu Q. The ubiquitination and acetylation of histones are associated with male reproductive disorders induced by chronic exposure to arsenite. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 408:115253. [PMID: 32991915 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic, which occurs via various routes, can cause reproductive toxicity. However, the mechanism for arsenic-induced reproductive disorders in male mice has not been extensively investigated. Here, 6-week-old male mice were dosed to 0, 5, 10, or 20 ppm sodium arsenite (NaAsO2), an active form of arsenic, in drinking water for six months. For male mice exposed to arsenite, fertility was lower compared to control mice. Moreover, for exposed mice, there were lower sperm counts, lower sperm motility, and higher sperm malformation ratios. Further, the mRNA and protein levels of the gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (DDX25) and chromosome region maintenance-1 protein (CRM1), along with proteins associated with high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2), phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) were lower. Furthermore, chronic exposure to arsenite led to lower H2A ubiquitination (ubH2A); histone H3 acetylation K18 (H3AcK18); and histone H4 acetylations K5, K8, K12, and K16 (H4tetraAck) in haploid spermatids from testicular tissues. These alterations disrupted deposition of protamine 1 (Prm1) in testes. Overall, the present results indicate that the ubiquitination and acetylation of histones is involved in the spermiogenesis disorders caused by chronic exposure to arsenite, which points to a previously unknown connection between the modification of histones and arsenite-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyue Wei
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Gu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingshu Zhang
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide, and Veterinary Drug, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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105
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Kim IV, Riedelbauch S, Kuhn CD. The piRNA pathway in planarian flatworms: new model, new insights. Biol Chem 2020; 401:1123-1141. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that associate with members of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute superfamily of proteins. piRNAs are predominantly found in animal gonads. There they silence transposable elements (TEs), regulate gene expression and participate in DNA methylation, thus orchestrating proper germline development. Furthermore, PIWI proteins are also indispensable for the maintenance and differentiation capabilities of pluripotent stem cells in free-living invertebrate species with regenerative potential. Thus, PIWI proteins and piRNAs seem to constitute an essential molecular feature of somatic pluripotent stem cells and the germline. In keeping with this hypothesis, both PIWI proteins and piRNAs are enriched in neoblasts, the adult stem cells of planarian flatworms, and their presence is a prerequisite for the proper regeneration and perpetual tissue homeostasis of these animals. The piRNA pathway is required to maintain the unique biology of planarians because, in analogy to the animal germline, planarian piRNAs silence TEs and ensure stable genome inheritance. Moreover, planarian piRNAs also contribute to the degradation of numerous protein-coding transcripts, a function that may be critical for neoblast differentiation. This review gives an overview of the planarian piRNA pathway and of its crucial function in neoblast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana V. Kim
- Gene regulation by Non-coding RNA, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sebastian Riedelbauch
- Gene regulation by Non-coding RNA, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Claus-D. Kuhn
- Gene regulation by Non-coding RNA, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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106
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Chen S, Liu Y, Yang X, Liu Z, Luo X, Xu J, Huang Y. Dysfunction of dimorphic sperm impairs male fertility in the silkworm. Cell Discov 2020; 6:60. [PMID: 32963806 PMCID: PMC7477584 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-00194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm, which have a vital role in sexual reproduction in the animal kingdom, can display heteromorphism in some species. The regulation of sperm dichotomy remains a longstanding puzzle even though the phenomenon has been widely documented for over a century. Here we use Bombyx mori as a model to study a form of sperm dimorphism (eupyrene and apyrene sperm), which is nearly universal among Lepidoptera. We demonstrate that B. mori Sex-lethal (BmSxl) is crucial for apyrene sperm development, and that B. mori poly(A)-specific ribonuclease-like domain-containing 1 (BmPnldc1) is required for eupyrene sperm development. BmSXL is distributed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of somatic cyst cells in a mesh-like pattern and in the cytoplasm of germ cells enclosed in spermatocysts and sperm bundles. Cytological analyses of dimorphic sperm in BmSxl mutants (∆BmSxl) showed deficient apyrene sperm with abnormal nuclei, as well as loss of motility associated with malformed mitochondrial derivatives. We define the crucial function of apyrene sperm in the process of fertilization as assisting the migration of eupyrene spermatozoa from bursa copulatrix to spermatheca. By contrast, BmPnldc1 deficiency (∆BmPnldc1) caused eupyrene sperm abnormalities and impaired the release of eupyrene sperm bundles during spermiation. Although apyrene or eupyrene sperm defects impaired fertility of the mutated males, double copulation of a wild-type female with ∆BmSxl and ∆BmPnldc1 males could rescue the sterility phenotypes induced by single copulation with either gene-deficient male. Our findings demonstrate the crucial functions of BmSxl and BmPnldc1 in the development of sperm dimorphism and the indispensable roles of nonfertile apyrene sperm in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Zulian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Present Address: Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, China
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107
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Lin Y, Zheng J, Lin D. PIWI-interacting RNAs in human cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 75:15-28. [PMID: 32877760 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI) interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNAs mechanistically similar to but much less studied than microRNAs and small interfering RNAs. Today the best understood function of piRNAs is transposon control in animal germ cells, which has earned them the name 'guardians of the germline'. Several molecular/cellular characteristics of piRNAs, including high sequence diversity, lack of secondary structures, and target-oriented generation seem to serve this purpose. Recently, aberrant expressions of piRNAs and PIWI proteins have been implicated in a variety of malignant tumors and associated with cancer hallmarks such as cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and increased stemness. Researchers have also demonstrated multiple mechanisms of piRNA-mediated target deregulation associated with cancer initiation, progression or dissemination. We review current research findings on the biogenesis, normal functions and cancer associations of piRNAs, highlighting their potentials as cancer diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools. Whenever applicable, we draw connections with other research fields to encourage intercommunity conversations. We also offer recommendations and cautions regarding the general process of cancer-related piRNA studies and the methods/tools used at each step. Finally, we call attention to some issues that, if left unsolved, might impede the future development of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Jian Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
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108
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Suen KM, Braukmann F, Butler R, Bensaddek D, Akay A, Lin CC, Milonaitytė D, Doshi N, Sapetschnig A, Lamond A, Ladbury JE, Miska EA. DEPS-1 is required for piRNA-dependent silencing and PIWI condensate organisation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4242. [PMID: 32843637 PMCID: PMC7447803 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18089-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles are sites for RNA biology including small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated gene silencing. How small ncRNAs utilise phase separated environments for their function is unclear. We investigated how the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway engages with the membraneless organelle P granule in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proteomic analysis of the PIWI protein PRG-1 reveals an interaction with the constitutive P granule protein DEPS-1. DEPS-1 is not required for piRNA biogenesis but piRNA-dependent silencing: deps-1 mutants fail to produce the secondary endo-siRNAs required for the silencing of piRNA targets. We identify a motif on DEPS-1 which mediates a direct interaction with PRG-1. DEPS-1 and PRG-1 form intertwining clusters to build elongated condensates in vivo which are dependent on the Piwi-interacting motif of DEPS-1. Additionally, we identify EDG-1 as an interactor of DEPS-1 and PRG-1. Our study reveals how specific protein-protein interactions drive the spatial organisation and piRNA-dependent silencing within membraneless organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Man Suen
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Fabian Braukmann
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Richard Butler
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Dalila Bensaddek
- Laboratory for Quantitative Proteomics, Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
- Bioscience Core labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alper Akay
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Chi-Chuan Lin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Dovilė Milonaitytė
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Neel Doshi
- University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | | | - Angus Lamond
- Laboratory for Quantitative Proteomics, Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - John Edward Ladbury
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LC Miall Building, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Eric Alexander Miska
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK.
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.
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Kuang J, Min L, Liu C, Chen S, Gao C, Ma J, Wu X, Li W, Wu L, Zhu L. RNF8 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer Cells via Stabilization of Slug. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1638-1649. [PMID: 32753472 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RNF8 (ring finger protein 8), a RING finger E3 ligase best characterized for its role in DNA repair and sperm formation via ubiquitination, has been found to promote tumor metastasis in breast cancer recently. However, whether RNF8 also plays a role in other types of cancer, especially in lung cancer, remains unknown. We show here that RNF8 expression levels are markedly increased in human lung cancer tissues and negatively correlated with the survival time of patients. Overexpression of RNF8 promotes the EMT process and migration ability of lung cancer cells, while knockdown of RNF8 demonstrates the opposite effects. In addition, overexpression of RNF8 activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, knockdown of RNF8 by siRNA inhibits this activation, and pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K/Akt in RNF8-overexpressing cells also reduces the expression of EMT markers and the ability of migration. Furthermore, RNF8 is found to directly interact with Slug and promoted the K63-Ub of Slug, and knockdown of Slug disrupts RNF8-dependent EMT in A549 cells, whereas overexpression of Slug rescues RNF8-dependent MET in H1299 cells, and depletion of RNF8 expression by shRNA inhibits metastasis of lung cancer cells in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that RNF8 is a key regulator of EMT process in lung cancer and suggest that inhibition of RNF8 could be a useful strategy for lung cancer treatment. IMPLICATIONS: This study provides a new mechanistic insight into the novel role of RNF8 and identifies RNF8 as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Kuang
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Min
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chuanyang Liu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of pathology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changsong Gao
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Ma
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenying Li
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Decision Making and Big Data on Industrial Development, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
| | - Lingyun Zhu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Du X, Wu S, Wei Y, Yu X, Ma F, Zhai Y, Yang D, Zhang M, Liu W, Zhu H, Wu J, Liao M, Li N, Bai C, Li G, Hua J. PAX7 promotes CD49f-positive dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells' self-renewal. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1481-1493. [PMID: 32692417 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that originates from and depends on the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The number of SSCs is rare, which makes the separation and enrichment of SSCs difficult and inefficient. The transcription factor PAX7 maintains fertility in normal spermatogenesis in mice. However, for large animals, much less is known about the SSCs' self-renewal regulation, especially in dairy goats. We isolated and enriched the CD49f-positive and negative dairy goat testicular cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting strategies. The RNA- sequencing and experimental data revealed that cells with a high CD49f and PAX7 expression are undifferentiated spermatogonia in goat testis. Our findings indicated that ZBTB16 (PLZF), PAX7, LIN28A, BMPR1B, FGFR1, and FOXO1 were expressed higher in CD49f-positive cells as compared to negative cells and goat fibroblasts cells. The expression and distribution of PAX7 in dairy goat also have been detected, which gradually decreased in testis tissue along with the increasing age. When the PAX7 gene was overexpressed in dairy goat immortal mGSCs-I-SB germ cell lines, the expression of PLZF, GFRα1, ID4, and OCT4 was upregulated. Together, our data demonstrated that there is a subset of spermatogonial stem cells with a high expression of PAX7 among the CD49f+ spermatogonia, and PAX7 can maintain the self-renewal of CD49f-positive SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siyu Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yudong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiuwei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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111
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Torres-Flores U, Hernández-Hernández A. The Interplay Between Replacement and Retention of Histones in the Sperm Genome. Front Genet 2020; 11:780. [PMID: 32765595 PMCID: PMC7378789 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of eukaryotes is highly organized within the cell nucleus, this organization per se elicits gene regulation and favors other mechanisms like cell memory throughout histones and their post-translational modifications. In highly specialized cells, like sperm, the genome is mostly organized by protamines, yet a significant portion of it remains organized by histones. This protamine-histone-DNA organization, known as sperm epigenome, is established during spermiogenesis. Specific histones and their post-translational modifications are retained at specific genomic sites and during embryo development these sites recapitulate their histone profile that harbored in the sperm nucleus. It is known that histones are the conduit of epigenetic memory from cell to cell, hence histones in the sperm epigenome may have a role in transmitting epigenetic memory from the sperm to the embryo. However, the exact function and mechanism of histone retention remains elusive. During spermatogenesis, most of the histones that organize the genome are replaced by protamines and their retention at specific regions may be deeply intertwined with the eviction and replacement mechanism. In this review we will cover some relevant aspects of histone replacement that in turn may help us to contextualize histone retention. In the end, we focus on the architectonical protein CTCF that is, so far, the only factor that has been directly linked to the histone retention process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises Torres-Flores
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abrahan Hernández-Hernández
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
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112
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Kuroda S, Usui K, Sanjo H, Takeshima T, Kawahara T, Uemura H, Yumura Y. Genetic disorders and male infertility. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:314-322. [PMID: 33071633 PMCID: PMC7542010 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At present, one out of six couples is infertile, and in 50% of cases, infertility is attributed to male infertility factors. Genetic abnormalities are found in 10%-20% of patients showing severe spermatogenesis disorders, including non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods Literatures covering the relationship between male infertility and genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities were studied and summarized. Main findings Results Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, balanced reciprocal translocation, Robertsonian translocation, structural abnormalities in Y chromosome, XX male, azoospermic factor (AZF) deletions, and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens were summarized and discussed from a practical point of view. Among them, understanding on AZF deletions significantly changed owing to advanced elucidation of their pathogenesis. Due to its technical progress, AZF deletion test can reveal their delicate variations and predict the condition of spermatogenesis. Thirty-nine candidate genes possibly responsible for azoospermia have been identified in the last 10 years owing to the advances in genome sequencing technologies. Conclusion Genetic testing for chromosomes and AZF deletions should be examined in cases of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Genetic counseling should be offered before and after genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan.,Department of Medical Genetics Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kimitsugu Usui
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takashi Kawahara
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroji Uemura
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
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Mentis AFA, Dardiotis E, Romas NA, Papavassiliou AG. PIWI family proteins as prognostic markers in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2289-2314. [PMID: 31814070 PMCID: PMC11104808 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-element-induced-wimpy-testis-(PIWI)-like proteins are implicated in germ cells' regulation and detected in numerous cancer types. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to associate, for the first time, the prognosis in cancer patients with intratumoral expression of PIWI family proteins. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched, and studies investigating the association between intratumoral mRNA or protein expression of different PIWI family proteins and survival, metastasis, or recurrence of various cancer types were reviewed. Study qualities were assessed using the REMARK criteria. Studies' heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 index and Cochran Q test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger's regression. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for different PIWI family proteins separately. Specifically, log of calculated HR was pooled using random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-six studies (4299 participants) were included. The pooled HR of mortality in high versus low expression of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, and PIWIL4 was 1.87 (95% CI: 1.31-2.66, p < 0.05), 1.09 (95% CI: 0.58-2.07, p = 0.79), and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.25-0.76, p < 0.05), respectively. The pooled HR of recurrence in high versus low expression of PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.20-2.49, p < 0.05) and 1.98 (95% CI: 0.65-5.98, p = 0.23), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Highly variable results were observed for different cancer types. Higher PIWIL1 and lower piwil4 and PIWIL4 expression levels could potentially indicate worse prognosis in cancer. These proteins' expressions could be used for personalized prognosis and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Nicholas A Romas
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street - Bldg. 16, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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114
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Effect of ovarian stimulation on the expression of piRNA pathway proteins. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232629. [PMID: 32365144 PMCID: PMC7197780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play an important role in gametogenesis, fertility and embryonic development. The current study investigated the effect of different doses of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin/human chorionic gonadotrophin (PMSG/hCG) and repeated ovarian stimulation (OS) on the expression of the Mili, Miwi, Mael, Tdrd1, Tdrd9, qnd Mitopld genes, which have crucial roles in the biogenesis and function of piRNAs. Here, we found that after treatment with 7.5 I.U. PMSG/hCG and two repeated rounds of OS, both the mRNA and protein levels of Tdrd9, Tdrd1 and Mael showed the greatest decrease in the ovarian tissue, but the plasma E2 levels showed the strongest increases (p<0.05). However, we found that the Mitopld, Miwi and Mili gene levels were decreased significantly after treatment with 12.5 I.U. PMSG/hCG. Our results suggested that exogenous gonadotropin administration leads to a significant decrease in the expression of the Mili, Miwi, Mael, Tdrd1, Tdrd9 and Mitopld genes, which are critically important in the piRNA pathway, and the changes in the expression levels of Tdrd9, Tdrd1 and Mael may be associated with plasma E2 levels. New comprehensive studies are needed to reduce the potential effects of OS on the piRNA pathway, which silences transposable elements and maintains genome integrity, and to contribute to the safety of OS.
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115
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Wu J, Yang J, Cho WC, Zheng Y. Argonaute proteins: Structural features, functions and emerging roles. J Adv Res 2020; 24:317-324. [PMID: 32455006 PMCID: PMC7235612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute proteins are highly conserved in almost all organisms. They not only involve in the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs, but also regulate gene expression and defend against foreign pathogen invasion via small RNA-mediated gene silencing pathways. As a key player in these pathways, the abnormal expression and/or mis-modifications of Argonaute proteins lead to the disorder of small RNA biogenesis and functions, thus influencing multiply biological processes and disease development, especially cancer. In this review, we focus on the post-translational modifications and novel functions of Argonaute proteins in alternative splicing, host defense and genome editing.
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Key Words
- AKT3, AKT serine/threonine kinase 3
- Argonaute protein
- CCR4-NOT, carbon catabolite repressor 4-negative on TATA
- CRISPR-Cas9, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (cas9)
- DGCR8, DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- GW182 protein, glycine/tryptophan repeats-containing protein with molecular weight of 182 kDa
- H3K9, histone H3 lysine 9
- Hsp70/90, heat shock proteins 70/90
- JEV, Japanese encephalitis virus
- KRAS, Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene
- P4H, prolyl 4-hydroxylase
- PAM, protospacer adjacent motif
- PAZ, PIWI-argonaute-zwille
- PIWI, P-element-induced wimpy testis
- Post-translational modification
- RISCs, small RNA-induced silencing complexes
- Small RNA
- TRBP, the transactivating response (TAR) RNA-binding protein
- TRIM71/LIN41, tripartite motif-containing 71, known as Lin41
- WSSV, white spot syndrome virus
- miRNAs
- piRNAs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin'en Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yadong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Chen W, Sun Y, Sun Q, Zhang J, Jiang M, Chang C, Huang X, Wang C, Wang P, Zhang Z, Chen X, Wang Y. MFN2 Plays a Distinct Role from MFN1 in Regulating Spermatogonial Differentiation. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:803-817. [PMID: 32330448 PMCID: PMC7221103 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mitochondrial morphology is well-known for its role in cellular homeostasis, there is surprisingly little knowledge on whether mitochondrial remodeling is required for postnatal germ cell development. In this study, we investigated the functions of MFN1 and MFN2, two GTPases in mitochondrial fusion, during early spermatogenesis. We observed increased MFN expressions along with increased mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activities during spermatogonial differentiation. Deletion of either Mfn led to DNA oxidation and apoptosis specifically in differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes, which in turn caused male infertility. We further found MFN2 regulated spermatogenesis by modulating both mitochondrial and ER functions, a mechanism distinct from that of MFN1. Defects of germ cell development in MFN2 mutants were corrected by MFN2 at either mitochondria or ER but not by MFN1. Our study thus reveals an essential requirement of MFN-mediated mitochondrial and ER coordination in spermatogenesis, providing critical insights into mitochondrial determinants of male fertility. Mitochondrial and ER activities increase during spermatogonial differentiation Mfn deletions specifically impair differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes MFN2 impacts male fertility via regulating mitochondrial fusion and ER homeostasis MFN2 functions non-redundantly from MFN1 in spermatogenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Manxi Jiang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chingwen Chang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chuanyun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Pengxiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhaoran Zhang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Xuejin Chen
- Department of Animal Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Abstract
With the increasing incidence of male infertility, routine detection of semen is insufficient to accurately assess male fertility. Infertile men, who have lower odds of conceiving naturally, exhibit high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). The mechanisms driving SDF include abnormal spermatogenesis, oxidative stress damage, and abnormal sperm apoptosis. As these factors can induce SDF and subsequent radical changes leading to male infertility, detection of the extent of SDF has become an efficient routine method for semen analysis. Although it is still debated, SDF detection has become a research hotspot in the field of reproductive medicine as a more accurate indicator for assessing sperm quality and male fertility. SDF may be involved in male infertility, reproductive assisted outcomes, and growth and development of offspring. The effective detection methods of SDF are sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA), terminal transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling (TUNEL) assay, single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, and all of these methods are valuable for assisted reproductive techniques. Currently, the preferred method for detecting sperm DNA integrity is SCSA. However, the regulation network of SDF is very complex because the sperm DNA differs from the somatic cell DNA with its unique structure. A multitude of molecular factors, including coding genes, non-coding genes, or methylated DNA, participate in the complex physiological regulation activities associated with SDF. Studying SDF occurrence and the underlying mechanisms may effectively improve its clinical treatments. This review aimed to outline the research status of SDF mechanism and detection technology-related issues, as well as the effect of increased SDF rate, aiming to provide a basis for clinical male infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qiu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Yang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chunyuan Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Changlong Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
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Li X, Yao Z, Yang D, Jiang X, Sun J, Tian L, Hu J, Wu B, Bai W. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside restores spermatogenic dysfunction in cadmium-exposed pubertal mice via histone ubiquitination and mitigating oxidative damage. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121706. [PMID: 31796358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant found in soil, water, and food, and can cause oxidative stress and male reproductive damage. During puberty, the male reproductive system is very vulnerable to interference, however, the dysregulation of Cd on spermatogenesis in this period is ambiguous. The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is phytochemical rich in plants and fruits and has been shown to have remarkable anti-oxidant activity, making it an ideal nutrient for nutritional intervention. By modeling Cd-induced damage in male pubertal mice and feeding with C3G, we demonstrated that the C3G could rescue the amount and activity of sperm predominantly. Furthermore, C3G showed partial resistance to Cd-induced histone modification during spermiogenesis and prevented oxidative damage of the DNA in the sperm nucleus. Additionally, C3G mitigated the oxidative stress of testis to achieve the level coinciding with the control group. Meanwhile, Cd-induced mitochondrial apoptosis of sperm cells was reduced significantly via the MAPK signaling pathway in the presence of C3G. Collectively, our findings can offer a potential intervention for combating Cd-induced reproductive damage during puberty by taking anthocyanin as a dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusheng Li
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Zilan Yao
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Dacheng Yang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Xinwei Jiang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jianxia Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lingmin Tian
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Biyu Wu
- Department of Human, Nutrition, Food and Animal Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA
| | - Weibin Bai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
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Sellem E, Marthey S, Rau A, Jouneau L, Bonnet A, Perrier JP, Fritz S, Le Danvic C, Boussaha M, Kiefer H, Jammes H, Schibler L. A comprehensive overview of bull sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs and their diversity across breeds. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:19. [PMID: 32228651 PMCID: PMC7106649 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mature sperm carry thousands of RNAs, including mRNAs, lncRNAs, tRNAs, rRNAs and sncRNAs, though their functional significance is still a matter of debate. Growing evidence suggests that sperm RNAs, especially sncRNAs, are selectively retained during spermiogenesis or specifically transferred during epididymis maturation, and are thus delivered to the oocyte at fertilization, providing resources for embryo development. However , a deep characterization of the sncRNA content of bull sperm and its expression profile across breeds is currently lacking. To fill this gap, we optimized a guanidinium–Trizol total RNA extraction protocol to prepare high-quality RNA from frozen bull sperm collected from 40 representative bulls from six breeds. Deep sequencing was performed (40 M single 50-bp reads per sample) to establish a comprehensive repertoire of cattle sperm sncRNA. Results Our study showed that it comprises mostly piRNAs (26%), rRNA fragments (25%), miRNAs (20%) and tRNA fragments (tsRNA, 14%). We identified 5p-halves as the predominant tsRNA subgroup in bull sperm, originating mostly from Gly and Glu isoacceptors. Our study also increased by ~ 50% the sperm repertoire of known miRNAs and identified 2022 predicted miRNAs. About 20% of sperm miRNAs were located within genomic clusters, expanding the list of known polycistronic pri-miRNA clusters and defining several networks of co-expressed miRNAs. Strikingly, our study highlighted the great diversity of isomiRs, resulting mainly from deletions and non-templated additions (A and U) at the 3p end. Substitutions within miRNA sequence accounted for 40% of isomiRs, with G>A, U>C and C>U substitutions being the most frequent variations. In addition, many sncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed across breeds. Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive overview of cattle sperm sncRNA, and these findings will pave the way for future work on the role of sncRNAs in embryo development and their relevance as biomarkers of semen fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.
| | - Sylvain Marthey
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Andrea Rau
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Aurelie Bonnet
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Mekki Boussaha
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
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120
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piRNA-independent function of PIWIL1 as a co-activator for anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome to drive pancreatic cancer metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:425-438. [PMID: 32203416 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Piwi proteins are normally restricted in germ cells to suppress transposons through associations with Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), but they are also frequently activated in many types of human cancers. A great puzzle is the lack of significant induction of corresponding piRNAs in cancer cells, as we document here in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), which implies that such germline-specific proteins are somehow hijacked to promote tumorigenesis through a different mode of action. Here, we show that in the absence of piRNAs, human PIWIL1 in PDAC functions as an oncoprotein by activating the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 complex, which then targets a critical cell adhesion-related protein, Pinin, to enhance PDAC metastasis. This is in contrast to piRNA-dependent PIWIL1 ubiquitination and removal by APC/C during late spermiogenesis. These findings unveil a piRNA-dependent mechanism to switch PIWIL1 from a substrate in spermatids to a co-activator of APC/C in human cancer cells.
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121
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Xue Y, Chen R, Qu L, Cao X. Noncoding RNA: from dark matter to bright star. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:463-468. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1676-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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122
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Gou LT, Lim DH, Ma W, Aubol BE, Hao Y, Wang X, Zhao J, Liang Z, Shao C, Zhang X, Meng F, Li H, Zhang X, Xu R, Li D, Rosenfeld MG, Mellon PL, Adams JA, Liu MF, Fu XD. Initiation of Parental Genome Reprogramming in Fertilized Oocyte by Splicing Kinase SRPK1-Catalyzed Protamine Phosphorylation. Cell 2020; 180:1212-1227.e14. [PMID: 32169215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The paternal genome undergoes a massive exchange of histone with protamine for compaction into sperm during spermiogenesis. Upon fertilization, this process is potently reversed, which is essential for parental genome reprogramming and subsequent activation; however, it remains poorly understood how this fundamental process is initiated and regulated. Here, we report that the previously characterized splicing kinase SRPK1 initiates this life-beginning event by catalyzing site-specific phosphorylation of protamine, thereby triggering protamine-to-histone exchange in the fertilized oocyte. Interestingly, protamine undergoes a DNA-dependent phase transition to gel-like condensates and SRPK1-mediated phosphorylation likely helps open up such structures to enhance protamine dismissal by nucleoplasmin (NPM2) and enable the recruitment of HIRA for H3.3 deposition. Remarkably, genome-wide assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) analysis reveals that selective chromatin accessibility in both sperm and MII oocytes is largely erased in early pronuclei in a protamine phosphorylation-dependent manner, suggesting that SRPK1-catalyzed phosphorylation initiates a highly synchronized reorganization program in both parental genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Tao Gou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Do-Hwan Lim
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wubin Ma
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brandon E Aubol
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yajing Hao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Transgenic and Knockout Mouse Core, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhengyu Liang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Changwei Shao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fan Meng
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hairi Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiaorong Zhang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ruiming Xu
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dangsheng Li
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Michael G Rosenfeld
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Transgenic and Knockout Mouse Core, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph A Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Babakhanzadeh E, Khodadadian A, Rostami S, Alipourfard I, Aghaei M, Nazari M, Hosseinnia M, Mehrjardi MYV, Jamshidi Y, Ghasemi N. Testicular expression of TDRD1, TDRD5, TDRD9 and TDRD12 in azoospermia. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:33. [PMID: 32059713 PMCID: PMC7023801 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-0970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Tudor domain-containing proteins (TDRDs) play a critical role in piRNA biogenesis and germ cell development. piRNAs, small regulatory RNAs, act by silencing of transposons during germline development and it has recently been shown in animal model studies that defects in TDRD genes can lead to sterility in males. Methods Here we evaluate gene and protein expression levels of four key TDRDs (TDRD1, TDRD5, TDRD9 and TDRD12) in testicular biopsy samples obtained from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA, n = 29), as controls, and various types of non-obstructive azoospermia containing hypospermatogenesis (HP, 28), maturation arrest (MA, n = 30), and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 32) as cases. One-way ANOVA test followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison post-test was used to determine inter-group differences in TDRD gene expression among cases and controls. Results The results showed very low expression of TDRD genes in SCOS specimens. Also, the expression of TDRD1 and TDRD9 genes were lower in MA samples compared to OA samples. The expression of TDRD5 significantly reduced in SCOS, MA and HP specimens than the OA specimens. Indeed, TDRD12 exhibited a very low expression in HP specimens in comparison to OA specimens. All these results were confirmed by Western blot technique. Conclusion TDRDs could be very important in male infertility, which should be express in certain stages of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Babakhanzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Medical Genetics Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadadian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saadi Rostami
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mohsen Aghaei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Majid Nazari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hosseinnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yahya Vahidi Mehrjardi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Medical Genetics Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Yalda Jamshidi
- Genetics Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Nasrin Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. .,Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sicences Institue, Shahid sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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124
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Mitochondria Associated Germinal Structures in Spermatogenesis: piRNA Pathway Regulation and Beyond. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020399. [PMID: 32050598 PMCID: PMC7072634 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple specific granular structures are present in the cytoplasm of germ cells, termed nuage, which are electron-dense, non-membranous, close to mitochondria and/or nuclei, variant size yielding to different compartments harboring different components, including intermitochondrial cement (IMC), piP-body, and chromatoid body (CB). Since mitochondria exhibit different morphology and topographical arrangements to accommodate specific needs during spermatogenesis, the distribution of mitochondria-associated nuage is also dynamic. The most relevant nuage structure with mitochondria is IMC, also called pi-body, present in prospermatogonia, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. IMC is primarily enriched with various Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) proteins and mainly functions as piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, mRNA translation, and mitochondria fusion. Importantly, our previous work reported that mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are abundant in spermatogenic cells and contain many crucial proteins associated with the piRNA pathway. Provocatively, IMC functionally communicates with other nuage structures, such as piP-body, to perform its complex functions in spermatogenesis. Although little is known about the formation of both IMC and MAMs, its distinctive characters have attracted considerable attention. Here, we review the insights gained from studying the structural components of mitochondria-associated germinal structures, including IMC, CB, and MAMs, which are pivotal structures to ensure genome integrity and male fertility. We discuss the roles of the structural components in spermatogenesis and piRNA biogenesis, which provide new insights into mitochondria-associated germinal structures in germ cell development and male reproduction.
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125
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Wang X, Li ZT, Yan Y, Lin P, Tang W, Hasler D, Meduri R, Li Y, Hua MM, Qi HT, Lin DH, Shi HJ, Hui J, Li J, Li D, Yang JH, Lin J, Meister G, Fischer U, Liu MF. LARP7-Mediated U6 snRNA Modification Ensures Splicing Fidelity and Spermatogenesis in Mice. Mol Cell 2020; 77:999-1013.e6. [PMID: 32017896 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
U6 snRNA, as an essential component of the catalytic core of the pre-mRNA processing spliceosome, is heavily modified post-transcriptionally, with 2'-O-methylation being most common. The role of these modifications in pre-mRNA splicing as well as their physiological function in mammals have remained largely unclear. Here we report that the La-related protein LARP7 functions as a critical cofactor for 2'-O-methylation of U6 in mouse male germ cells. Mechanistically, LARP7 promotes U6 loading onto box C/D snoRNP, facilitating U6 2'-O-methylation by box C/D snoRNP. Importantly, ablation of LARP7 in the male germline causes defective U6 2'-O-methylation, massive alterations in pre-mRNA splicing, and spermatogenic failure in mice, which can be rescued by ectopic expression of wild-type LARP7 but not an U6-loading-deficient mutant LARP7. Our data uncover a novel role of LARP7 in regulating U6 2'-O-methylation and demonstrate the functional requirement of such modification for splicing fidelity and spermatogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhi-Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yue Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Penghui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Animal Core Facility, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Daniele Hasler
- Laboratory for RNA Biology, Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Ye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Min-Min Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui-Tao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Di-Hang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingyi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dangsheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jian-Hua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jinzhong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gunter Meister
- Laboratory for RNA Biology, Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Utz Fischer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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126
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Barucci G, Cornes E, Singh M, Li B, Ugolini M, Samolygo A, Didier C, Dingli F, Loew D, Quarato P, Cecere G. Small-RNA-mediated transgenerational silencing of histone genes impairs fertility in piRNA mutants. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:235-245. [PMID: 32015436 PMCID: PMC7272227 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) promote fertility in many animals. However, whether this is due to their conserved role in repressing repetitive elements (REs) remains unclear. Here, we show that the progressive loss of fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans lacking piRNAs is not caused by derepression of REs or other piRNA targets but, rather, is mediated by epigenetic silencing of all of the replicative histone genes. In the absence of piRNAs, downstream components of the piRNA pathway relocalize from germ granules and piRNA targets to histone mRNAs to synthesize antisense small RNAs (sRNAs) and induce transgenerational silencing. Removal of the downstream components of the piRNA pathway restores histone mRNA expression and fertility in piRNA mutants, and the inheritance of histone sRNAs in wild-type worms adversely affects their fertility for multiple generations. We conclude that sRNA-mediated silencing of histone genes impairs the fertility of piRNA mutants and may serve to maintain piRNAs across evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Barucci
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, Paris, France
| | - Eric Cornes
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Meetali Singh
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Blaise Li
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, C3BI, Institut Pasteur, USR 3756, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Martino Ugolini
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aleksei Samolygo
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Celine Didier
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Florent Dingli
- Centre de Recherche, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Centre de Recherche, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, Paris, France
| | - Germano Cecere
- Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, CNRS, Paris, France.
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127
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Dai P, Wang X, Liu MF. A dual role of the PIWI/piRNA machinery in regulating mRNAs during mouse spermiogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:447-449. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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128
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Dokshin GA, Davis GM, Sawle AD, Eldridge MD, Nicholls PK, Gourley TE, Romer KA, Molesworth LW, Tatnell HR, Ozturk AR, de Rooij DG, Hannon GJ, Page DC, Mello CC, Carmell MA. GCNA Interacts with Spartan and Topoisomerase II to Regulate Genome Stability. Dev Cell 2020; 52:53-68.e6. [PMID: 31839538 PMCID: PMC7227305 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
GCNA proteins are expressed across eukarya in pluripotent cells and have conserved functions in fertility. GCNA homologs Spartan (DVC-1) and Wss1 resolve DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs), including Topoisomerase-DNA adducts, during DNA replication. Here, we show that GCNA mutants in mouse and C. elegans display defects in genome maintenance including DNA damage, aberrant chromosome condensation, and crossover defects in mouse spermatocytes and spontaneous genomic rearrangements in C. elegans. We show that GCNA and topoisomerase II (TOP2) physically interact in both mice and worms and colocalize on condensed chromosomes during mitosis in C. elegans embryos. Moreover, C. elegans gcna-1 mutants are hypersensitive to TOP2 poison. Together, our findings support a model in which GCNA provides genome maintenance functions in the germline and may do so, in part, by promoting the resolution of TOP2 DPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregoriy A Dokshin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory M Davis
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Ashley D Sawle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Matthew D Eldridge
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | | | - Taylin E Gourley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Katherine A Romer
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Luke W Molesworth
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Hannah R Tatnell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Ahmet R Ozturk
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam 1105, the Netherlands
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Craig C Mello
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Michelle A Carmell
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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129
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Schilit SL, Menon S, Friedrich C, Kammin T, Wilch E, Hanscom C, Jiang S, Kliesch S, Talkowski ME, Tüttelmann F, MacQueen AJ, Morton CC. SYCP2 Translocation-Mediated Dysregulation and Frameshift Variants Cause Human Male Infertility. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 106:41-57. [PMID: 31866047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Unexplained infertility affects 2%-3% of reproductive-aged couples. One approach to identifying genes involved in infertility is to study subjects with this clinical phenotype and a de novo balanced chromosomal aberration (BCA). While BCAs may reduce fertility by production of unbalanced gametes, a chromosomal rearrangement may also disrupt or dysregulate genes important in fertility. One such subject, DGAP230, has severe oligozoospermia and 46,XY,t(20;22)(q13.3;q11.2). We identified exclusive overexpression of SYCP2 from the der(20) allele that is hypothesized to result from enhancer adoption. Modeling the dysregulation in budding yeast resulted in disrupted structural integrity of the synaptonemal complex, a common cause of defective spermatogenesis in mammals. Exome sequencing of infertile males revealed three heterozygous SYCP2 frameshift variants in additional subjects with cryptozoospermia and azoospermia. In sum, this investigation illustrates the power of precision cytogenetics for annotation of the infertile genome, suggests that these mechanisms should be considered as an alternative etiology to that of segregation of unbalanced gametes in infertile men harboring a BCA, and provides evidence of SYCP2-mediated male infertility in humans.
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130
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Qiu Q, Yu X, Yao C, Hao Y, Fan L, Li C, Xu P, An G, Li Z, He Z. FOXP3 pathogenic variants cause male infertility through affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:12581-12599. [PMID: 31855573 PMCID: PMC6949051 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic causes of male infertility that is associated with aging are largely unknown. This study was designed to identify novel pathogenic variants of FOXP3 gene causing azoospermia. One homozygous (c.155 G > T) pathogenic variant of FOXP3 was identified in nine non-obstructive azoospermia patients, and one heterozygous (c.691 C > A) of FOXP3 was found in one non-obstructive azoospermia patient. Pedigrees studies indicated that the homozygous (c.155 G > T) FOXP3 pathogenic variant was inherited, while heterozygous (c.691 C > A) FOXP3 pathogenic variant was acquired. Human testis carrying pathogenic variant exhibited abnormal spermatogenesis. FOXP3 protein was expressed at a lower level or undetected in spermatocytes of mutant testis of non-obstructive azoospermia patients compared to obstructive azoospermia patients. FOXP3 stimulated the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells, and we further analyzed the targets of FOXP3. We have identified two new pathogenic variants of FOXP3 in non-obstructive azoospermia patients with high incidence, and FOXP3 silencing inhibits the proliferation and enhances the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells. This study provides new insights into the etiology of azoospermia and offers novel pathogenic variants for gene targeting of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Yu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyi Li
- Fertility Center, Shenyang Dongfang Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Fertility Center, Shenyang Dongfang Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuping He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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131
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Dai P, Wang X, Gou LT, Li ZT, Wen Z, Chen ZG, Hua MM, Zhong A, Wang L, Su H, Wan H, Qian K, Liao L, Li J, Tian B, Li D, Fu XD, Shi HJ, Zhou Y, Liu MF. A Translation-Activating Function of MIWI/piRNA during Mouse Spermiogenesis. Cell 2019; 179:1566-1581.e16. [PMID: 31835033 PMCID: PMC8139323 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a highly orchestrated developmental process during which chromatin condensation decouples transcription from translation. Spermiogenic mRNAs are transcribed earlier and stored in a translationally inert state until needed for translation; however, it remains largely unclear how such repressed mRNAs become activated during spermiogenesis. We previously reported that the MIWI/piRNA machinery is responsible for mRNA elimination during late spermiogenesis in preparation for spermatozoa production. Here we unexpectedly discover that the same machinery is also responsible for activating translation of a subset of spermiogenic mRNAs to coordinate with morphological transformation into spermatozoa. Such action requires specific base-pairing interactions of piRNAs with target mRNAs in their 3' UTRs, which activates translation through coupling with cis-acting AU-rich elements to nucleate the formation of a MIWI/piRNA/eIF3f/HuR super-complex in a developmental stage-specific manner. These findings reveal a critical role of the piRNA system in translation activation, which we show is functionally required for spermatid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0651, USA
| | - Zhi-Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ze Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zong-Gui Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Min-Min Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ai Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haiyang Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Huida Wan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kun Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Lujian Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
| | - Dangsheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0651, USA
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yu Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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132
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Schilit SLP. Recent advances and future opportunities to diagnose male infertility. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019; 11:331-341. [PMID: 31853232 PMCID: PMC6919557 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Infertility affects 10-15% of couples, making it one of the most frequent health disorders for individuals of reproductive age. The state of childlessness and efforts to restore fertility cause substantial emotional, social, and financial stress on couples. Male factors contribute to about half of all infertility cases, and yet are understudied relative to female factors. The result is that the majority of men with infertility lack specific causal diagnoses, which serves as a missed opportunity to inform therapies for these couples. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we describe current standards for diagnosing male infertility and the various interventions offered to men in response to differential diagnoses. We then discuss recent advances in the field of genetics to identify novel etiologies for formerly unexplained infertility. SUMMARY With a specific genetic diagnosis, male factors can be addressed with appropriate reproductive counseling and with potential access to assisted reproductive technologies to improve chances of a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. P. Schilit
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Department of Genetics,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Leder Human Biology and Translational Medicine Program,
Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School Genetics Training Program, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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133
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Li XZ. What can PIWI-interacting RNA research learn from chickens, and vice versa? CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI) interacting RNA (piRNA) are essential for fertility, by protecting the integrity of the germ-line genome via silencing of transposable elements (TE). Because new TE are constantly invading the host genome, piRNA-producing loci are under continuous pressure to undergo rapid evolution. This arms race between TE and piRNA is a prime example of the genome being more plastic than previously thought. Historically, the study of piRNA and TE has benefited from the use of diverse model organisms, including worms, fruit fly, zebrafish, frogs, and mice. In domestic chickens, we recently identified a new mode of piRNA acquisition in which the host hijacks and converts a pre-existing provirus into a piRNA-producing locus to defend against Avian leukosis virus, an adaptive immune strategy similar to the prokaryotic CRISPR–Cas [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas)] system. This finding reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism of the host piRNA repertoire to rapidly evolve and target TE specifically. In this review, we will focus on both the unique and common features of chicken piRNA, as well as the advantages of using chickens as a model system, to address fundamental questions regarding piRNA acquisition in hosts. We will also comment on the potential application of piRNA for improving poultry health and reproductive efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhiguo Li
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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134
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang SX, Miao YL, Huo LJ. Bisphenol AF compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124410. [PMID: 31362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The profound influence of environmental chemicals on human health including inducing life-threatening gene mutation has been publicly recognized. Being a substitute for the extensively used endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has been known as teratogen with developmental toxicities and therefore potentially putting human into the risk of biological hazards. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of BPAF on spermatogenesis and spermiotiliosis in sexual maturity of mice exposing to BPAF (5, 20, 50 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 28 days. BPAF exposure significantly compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quantity and quality in a dose-dependent manner. Sperms from BPAF exposure mice are featured by severe DNA damage, altered SUMOylation and ubiquitination dynamics and interfered epigenetic inheritance with hypermethylation of H3K27me3 presumably due to the aggregation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BPAF treatment (50 μM for 24 h) compromises cytoskeleton architecture and tight junction permeability in primary cultured Sertoli cells evidenced by dysfunction of actin regulatory proteins (e.g. Arp3 and Palladin) via activation of ERK signaling, thereby perturbing the privilege microenvironment created by Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis. Overall, our study determines BPAF is deleterious for male fertility, leading to a better appreciation of its toxicological features in our life.
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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
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Shou-Xin 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; Biochip Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- 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
| | - 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.
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135
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Yao H, Wang X, Song J, Wang Y, Song Q, Han J. Coxsackievirus B3 infection induces changes in the expression of numerous piRNAs. Arch Virol 2019; 165:105-114. [PMID: 31741095 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play pivotal roles in spermatogenesis and are widely distributed among somatic tissues. However, little is known about piRNAs in HeLa cells infected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). In this study, we systematically investigated changes in piRNA expression in HeLa cells infected with CVB3 using high-throughput sequencing technology. piRNA expression profiles in CVB3-infected HeLa cells were examined at 3, 6 and 9 h postinfection (pi). Of the 32,826 piRNAs that were annotated in the NCBI database, 151,571, 89,698 and 76,626 piRNAs were detected in CVB3-infected HeLa cells at 3, 6 and 9 h pi, respectively. Compared with normal cells, 211, 72 and 94 piRNAs were differentially expressed in CVB3-infected HeLa cells at 3, 6 and 9 h pi, respectively. Thirteen piRNAs, including four novel piRNAs, exhibited concurrent changes in CVB3-infected HeLa cells. The changes in the expression of these 13 piRNAs was confirmed in CVB3-infected HeLa cells and 293T cells by stem-loop RT-qPCR at 3, 6 and 9 h pi. The target genes of 13 piRNAs were predicted. The four novel piRNAs were associated with LTR/ERV, LINE/L1 and LTR/ERVK repetitive elements located on different chromosomes. These findings may promote a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism of pathophysiological changes induced by CVB3 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Yao
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, 2 YaBao Rd, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xinling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 155 Changbai Rd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Juan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 155 Changbai Rd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yanhai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 155 Changbai Rd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Qinqin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 155 Changbai Rd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 155 Changbai Rd, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Elkarhat Z, Elkhattabi L, Charoute H, Morjane I, Errouagui A, Carey F, Nasser B, Barakat A, Rouba H. Identification of deleterious missense variants of human Piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 1 gene and their impact on PAZ domain structure, stability, flexibility and dimension: in silico analysis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4600-4606. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1678522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zouhair Elkarhat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Biochemistry, Settat, Morocco
| | - Lamiaa Elkhattabi
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Imane Morjane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdellatif Errouagui
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Francis Carey
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Boubker Nasser
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Biochemistry, Settat, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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Wang T, Gao H, Li W, Liu C. Essential Role of Histone Replacement and Modifications in Male Fertility. Front Genet 2019; 10:962. [PMID: 31649732 PMCID: PMC6792021 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a complex cellular differentiation process that the germ cells undergo a distinct morphological change, and the protamines replace the core histones to facilitate chromatin compaction in the sperm head. Recent studies show the essential roles of epigenetic events during the histone-to-protamine transition. Defects in either the replacement or the modification of histones might cause male infertility with azoospermia, oligospermia or teratozoospermia. Here, we summarize recent advances in our knowledge of how epigenetic regulators, such as histone variants, histone modification and their related chromatin remodelers, facilitate the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the modification and replacement of histones during spermiogenesis will enable the identification of epigenetic biomarkers of male infertility, and shed light on potential therapies for these patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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138
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Pan D, Feng D, Ding H, Zheng X, Ma Z, Yang B, Xie M. Effects of bisphenol A exposure on DNA integrity and protamination of mouse spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 8:486-496. [PMID: 31489793 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and has caused increasing concern over its potential adverse impacts on spermatogenesis. However, the effect of bisphenol A on spermiogenesis is yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether bisphenol A has adverse effects on DNA integrity and protamination of spermatogenic cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with bisphenol A (0.1, 5 mg/kg body weight, n = 15) or coin oil (control group, n = 20) daily from post-natal day 1 until 35. At post-natal day 70, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. Sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were analyzed. The sperm chromatin structure assay was performed to examine the sperm DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to assess apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The ultrastructural features of testicular sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of transition protein (Tnp) 1 and Tnp2, protamine (Prm) 1 and Prm2 protein, and mRNA in mice testes. RESULTS Bisphenol A significantly reduced sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and increased the percentage of malformed spermatozoa. Poor sperm chromatin integrity and increased TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells were also observed in mice exposed to bisphenol A. Ultrastructural analysis of testes showed that bisphenol A exposure caused incomplete chromatin condensation, retention of residual cytoplasm, and abnormal acrosome formation. In addition, the relative expression levels of Tnp2 and Prm2 in mice testes decreased significantly in bisphenol A groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings identified that neonatal bisphenol A exposure may negatively contribute to the sperm quality in adult mice. Mechanistically, we showed that bisphenol A reduced sperm chromatin integrity along with increased DNA damage, which may be due to poor protamination of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - D Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - H Ding
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - X Zheng
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Z Ma
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - B Yang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - M Xie
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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139
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AHLAWAT SONIKA, SAROVA NEHA, SHARMA REKHA, ARORA REENA, TANTIA MS. Promoter DNA methylation and expression analysis of PIWIL1 gene in purebred and crossbred cattle bulls. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v89i7.92014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Major credit for India being the largest producer of milk in the world, goes to crossbred cows produced by inseminating low-producing indigenous cattle with semen from high producing exotic bulls. However, over the years, the policy of crossbreeding has been confronted with a major problem of subfertility in crossbred male progenies, culminating into disposal of a major fraction of mature bulls. Many studies have demonstrated relationship between epigenetic alterations and male fertility across different species. PIWIL1 is an important candidate gene for spermatogenesis and germ line development. Negative correlation between DNA methylation and expression of this gene has been highlighted in inter species hybrids of cattle and yaks. The present study envisaged elucidating promoter methylation status and expression profile of PIWIL1 gene in exotic Holstein Friesian cattle, indigenous Sahiwal cattle and their crossbreds with varying semen motility parameters. Semen samples were collected from bulls for isolation of DNA and RNA from spermatozoa. Bisulfite converted DNA was used to amplify promoter of PIWIL1 gene using methylation specific primers. The amplified products were sequenced after cloning in pTZ57R/ T vector. The degree of methylation of the PIWIL1 promoter region was significantly higher in poor motility crossbred bulls (7.17%) as compared to good motility crossbreds (1.02%), Sahiwal (1.02%) and Holstein Friesian bulls (0.77%). PIWIL1 expression was 1.75, 1.71 and 1.59 folds higher in HF, Sahiwal and good motility crossbreds, respectively as compared to poor motility crossbreds.
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140
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He X, Li B, Fu S, Wang B, Qi Y, Da L, Te R, Sun S, Liu Y, Zhang W. Identification of piRNAs in the testes of Sunite and Small-tailed Han sheep. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 32:13-20. [PMID: 31318630 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2019.1640717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
P-element-induced wimpy testis-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small RNAs that are essential for mammalian spermatogenesis and testicular development. Comparative analyses of the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis among different organisms are therefore dependent on accurate piRNA characterizations. In this study, we identified piRNAs in the testes of two breeds of Mongolian sheep: the Sunite (SN), which has a low reproductive rate, and Small-tailed Han (STH), which has a high reproductive rate. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differences in fecundity between the two breeds might provide insights for the improvement of fertility and reproductive success in these and other sheep breeds. We identified 835 piRNAs and 206 piRNA clusters across the two breeds. Of these, 29 putative piRNAs were expressed in the SN samples only, and 229 putative piRNAs were expressed in the STH samples only. In addition, 206 piRNA clusters were upregulated in STH sheep as compared to the SN sheep. Functional pathway analysis indicated that the genes neighboring the predicted piRNAs were likely associated with spermatogenesis. piRNAs might thus be linked to male fecundity in sheep. Our results increase knowledge of the association between piRNAs and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong He
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Bei Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Shaoyin Fu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Biao Wang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Yunxia Qi
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Lai Da
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Rigele Te
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Suzhen Sun
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Yongbin Liu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
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141
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Wang X, Kang JY, Wei L, Yang X, Sun H, Yang S, Lu L, Yan M, Bai M, Chen Y, Long J, Li N, Li D, Huang J, Lei M, Shao Z, Yuan W, Zuo E, Lu K, Liu MF, Li J. PHF7 is a novel histone H2A E3 ligase prior to histone-to-protamine exchange during spermiogenesis. Development 2019; 146:dev.175547. [PMID: 31189663 DOI: 10.1242/dev.175547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation, including histone-to-protamine exchanges, controls spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms of this regulation are largely unknown. Here, we report that PHF7, a testis-specific PHD and RING finger domain-containing protein, is essential for histone-to-protamine exchange in mice. PHF7 is specifically expressed during spermiogenesis. PHF7 deletion results in male infertility due to aberrant histone retention and impaired protamine replacement in elongated spermatids. Mechanistically, PHF7 can simultaneously bind histone H2A and H3; its PHD domain, a histone code reader, can specifically bind H3K4me3/me2, and its RING domain, a histone writer, can ubiquitylate H2A. Thus, our study reveals that PHF7 is a novel E3 ligase that can specifically ubiquitylate H2A through binding H3K4me3/me2 prior to histone-to-protamine exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jun-Yan Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Leixin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Hongduo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Suming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meizhu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 333 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juanjuan Long
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 333 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dangsheng Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Huang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 333 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ming Lei
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 333 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhen Shao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Erwei Zuo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China .,Research Center of Animal Genomics, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shengzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shengzhen, Guangdong 518210, China
| | - Kehuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China
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142
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Giebler M, Greither T, Müller L, Mösinger C, Behre HM. Altered PIWI-LIKE 1 and PIWI-LIKE 2 mRNA expression in ejaculated spermatozoa of men with impaired sperm characteristics. Asian J Androl 2019; 20:260-264. [PMID: 29286006 PMCID: PMC5952480 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_58_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In about half the cases of involuntary childlessness, a male infertility factor is involved. The PIWI-LIKE genes, a subclade of the Argonaute protein family, are involved in RNA silencing and transposon control in the germline. Knockout of murine Piwi-like 1 and 2 homologs results in complete infertility in males. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the mRNA expression of human PIWI-LIKE 1-4 genes is altered in ejaculated spermatozoa of men with impaired sperm characteristics. Ninety male participants were included in the study, among which 47 were with normozoospermia, 36 with impaired semen characteristics according to the World Health Organization (WHO) manual, 5th edition, and 7 with azoospermia serving as negative control for the PIWI-LIKE 1-4 mRNA expression in somatic cells in the ejaculate. PIWI-LIKE 1-4 mRNA expression in the ejaculated spermatozoa of the participants was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. In nonazoospermic men, PIWI-LIKE 1-4 mRNA was measurable in ejaculated spermatozoa in different proportions. PIWI-LIKE 1 (100.0%) and PIWI-LIKE 2 (49.4%) were more frequently expressed than PIWI-LIKE 3 (9.6%) and PIWI-LIKE 4 (15.7%). Furthermore, a decreased PIWI-LIKE 2 mRNA expression showed a significant correlation with a decreased sperm count (P = 0.022) and an increased PIWI-LIKE 1 mRNA expression with a decreased progressive motility (P = 0.048). PIWI-LIKE 1 and PIWI-LIKE 2 mRNA expression exhibited a significant association with impaired sperm characteristics and may be a useful candidate for the evaluation of the impact of PIWI-LIKE 1-4 mRNA expression on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giebler
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Lisa Müller
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Carina Mösinger
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
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143
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Liu F, Liu X, Liu X, Li T, Zhu P, Liu Z, Xue H, Wang W, Yang X, Liu J, Han W. Integrated Analyses of Phenotype and Quantitative Proteome of CMTM4 Deficient Mice Reveal Its Association with Male Fertility. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:1070-1084. [PMID: 30867229 PMCID: PMC6553932 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra119.001416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing family (CMTM) is a gene family that has been implicated in male reproduction. CMTM4 is an evolutionarily conserved member that is highly expressed in the testis. However, its function in male fertility remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CMTM4 is associated with spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Using Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses, we found CMTM4 expression to be decreased in poor-quality human spermatozoa, old human testes, and testicular biopsies with nonobstructive azoospermia. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we knocked out the Cmtm4 gene in mice. These Cmtm4 knockout (KO) mice showed reduced testicular daily sperm production, lower epididymal sperm motility and increased proportion of abnormally backward-curved sperm heads and bent sperm midpieces. These mice also had an evident sub-fertile phenotype, characterized by low pregnancy rates on prolonged breeding with wild type female mice, reduced in vitro fertilization efficiency and a reduced percentage of acrosome reactions. We then performed quantitative proteomic analysis of the testes, where we identified 139 proteins to be downregulated in Cmtm4-KO mice, 100 (71.9%) of which were related to sperm motility and acrosome reaction. The same proteomic analysis was performed on sperm, where we identified 3588 proteins with 409 being differentially regulated in Cmtm4-KO mice. Our enrichment analysis showed that upregulated proteins were enriched with nucleosomal DNA binding functions and the downregulated proteins were enriched with actin binding functions. These findings elucidate the roles of CMTM4 in male fertility and demonstrates its potential as a promising molecular candidate for sperm quality assessment and the diagnosis or treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- FuJun Liu
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - XueXia Liu
- §Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
- ¶Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
| | - Xin Liu
- §Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
- ¶Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
| | - Ting Li
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- §Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
- ¶Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
| | - ZhengYang Liu
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Xue
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - WenJuan Wang
- ‖Reproduction Medical Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - XiuLan Yang
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Juan Liu
- §Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
- ¶Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, 264000, China
| | - WenLing Han
- From the ‡Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Ministry of Health), Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, 100191, China;
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144
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Fu K, Tian S, Tan H, Wang C, Wang H, Wang M, Wang Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Yue Q, Xu Q, Zhang S, Li H, Xie J, Lin M, Luo M, Chen F, Ye L, Zheng K. Biological and RNA regulatory function of MOV10 in mammalian germ cells. BMC Biol 2019; 17:39. [PMID: 31088452 PMCID: PMC6515687 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0659-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RNA regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) involve extremely complicated mechanisms. MOV10 and MOV10L1 are two homologous RNA helicases implicated in distinct intracellular pathways. MOV10L1 participates specifically in Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis and protects mouse male fertility. In contrast, the functional complexity of MOV10 remains incompletely understood, and its role in the mammalian germline is unknown. Here, we report a study of the biological and molecular functions of the RNA helicase MOV10 in mammalian male germ cells. Results MOV10 is a nucleocytoplasmic protein mainly expressed in spermatogonia. Knockdown and transplantation experiments show that MOV10 deficiency has a negative effect on spermatogonial progenitor cells (SPCs), limiting proliferation and in vivo repopulation capacity. This effect is concurrent with a global disturbance of RNA homeostasis and downregulation of factors critical for SPC proliferation and/or self-renewal. Unexpectedly, microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is impaired due partially to decrease of miRNA primary transcript levels and/or retention of miRNA via splicing control. Genome-wide analysis of RNA targetome reveals that MOV10 binds preferentially to mRNAs with long 3′-UTR and also interacts with various non-coding RNA species including those in the nucleus. Intriguingly, nuclear MOV10 associates with an array of splicing factors, particularly with SRSF1, and its intronic binding sites tend to reside in proximity to splice sites. Conclusions These data expand the landscape of MOV10 function and highlight a previously unidentified role initiated from the nucleus, suggesting that MOV10 is a versatile RBP involved in a broader RNA regulatory network. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-019-0659-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Suwen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Heze Medical College, Heze, 274000, China
| | - Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Caifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hanben Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qiushi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Shuya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Haixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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145
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Identification of piRNAs and piRNA clusters in the testes of the Mongolian horse. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5022. [PMID: 30903011 PMCID: PMC6430771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
P-element induced wimpy testis-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are essential for testicular development and spermatogenesis in mammals. Comparative analyses of the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis among different organisms are therefore dependent on accurate characterizations of piRNAs. At present, little is known of piRNAs in non-model organisms. Here, we characterize piRNAs in the Mongolian horse, a hardy breed that reproduces under extreme circumstances. A thorough understanding of spermatogenesis and reproduction in this breed may provide insights for the improvement of fecundity and reproductive success in other breeds. We identified 4,936,717 piRNAs and 7,890 piRNA clusters across both testicular developmental stages. Of these, 2,236,377 putative piRNAs were expressed in the mature samples only, and 2,391,271 putative piRNAs were expressed in the immature samples only. Approximately 3,016 piRNA clusters were upregulated in the mature testes as compared to the immature testes, and 4,874 piRNA clusters were downregulated. Functional and pathway analyses indicated that the candidate generating genes of the predicted piRNAs were likely involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis. Our results thus provide information about differential expression patterns in genes associated with testicular development and spermatogenesis in a non-model animal.
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146
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Shen ZQ, Shi B, Wang TR, Jiao J, Shang XJ, Wu QJ, Zhou YM, Cao TF, Du Q, Wang XX, Li D. Characterization of the Sperm Proteome and Reproductive Outcomes with in Vitro, Fertilization after a Reduction in Male Ejaculatory Abstinence Period. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S109-S117. [PMID: 30126978 PMCID: PMC6427236 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra117.000541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen samples from men after a short ejaculatory abstinence show improved sperm quality and result in increased pregnancy rates, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we report that ejaculates from short (1-3 h) compared with long (3-7 days) periods of abstinence showed increases in motile sperm count, sperm vitality, normal sperm morphology, acrosome reaction capacity, total antioxidant capacity, sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, high DNA stainability, and a decrease in the sperm DNA fragmentation index (p, < 0.05). Sperm proteomic analysis showed 322 differentially expressed proteins (minimal fold change of ±1.5 or greater and p, < 0.05), with 224 upregulated and 98 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins are profoundly involved in specific cellular processes, such as motility and capacitation, oxidative stress, and metabolism. Interestingly, protein trimethyllysine modification was increased, and butyryllysine, propionyllysine, and malonyllysine modifications were decreased in ejaculates from a short versus, long abstinence (p, < 0.05). Finally, the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live births from in vitro, fertilization treatments were significantly increased in semen samples after a short abstinence. Our study provides preliminary mechanistic insights into improved sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes associated with spermatozoa retrieved after a short ejaculatory abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qi Shen
- From the ‡Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Bei Shi
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Tian-Ren Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jiao Jiao
- From the ‡Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xue-Jun Shang
- Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhou
- ‡Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tie-Feng Cao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Qiang Du
- From the ‡Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- From the ‡Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;.
| | - Da Li
- From the ‡Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;.
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147
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Research update and opportunity of non-hormonal male contraception: Histone demethylase KDM5B-based targeting. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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148
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Anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome regulates RdDM activity by degrading DMS3 in Arabidopsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3899-3908. [PMID: 30760603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816652116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), the DDR complex, composed of DRD1, DMS3, and RDM1, is responsible for recruiting DNA polymerase V (Pol V) to silence transposable elements (TEs) in plants. However, how the DDR complex is regulated remains unexplored. Here, we show that the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) regulates the assembly of the DDR complex by targeting DMS3 for degradation. We found that a substantial set of RdDM loci was commonly de-repressed in apc/c and pol v mutants, and that the defects in RdDM activity resulted from up-regulated DMS3 protein levels, which finally caused reduced Pol V recruitment. DMS3 was ubiquitinated by APC/C for degradation in a D box-dependent manner. Competitive binding assays and gel filtration analyses showed that a proper level of DMS3 is critical for the assembly of the DDR complex. Consistent with the importance of the level of DMS3, overaccumulation of DMS3 caused defective RdDM activity, phenocopying the apc/c and dms3 mutants. Moreover, DMS3 is expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings provide direct evidence as to how the assembly of the DDR complex is regulated and uncover a safeguarding role of APC/C in the regulation of RdDM activity.
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L3MBTL2 regulates chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:2194-2207. [PMID: 30760872 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lethal (3) malignant brain tumor like 2 (L3MBTL2) is a member of the MBT-domain proteins, which are involved in transcriptional repression and implicated in chromatin compaction. Our previous study has shown that L3MBTL2 is highly expressed in the testis, but its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that L3MBTL2 was most highly expressed in pachytene spermatocytes within the testis. Germ cell-specific ablation of L3mbtl2 in the testis led to increased abnormal spermatozoa, progressive decrease of sperm counts and premature testicular failure in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis on L3mbtl2 deficient testes confirmed that L3MBTL2 was a transcriptional repressor but failed to reveal any significant changes in spermatogenesis-associated genes. Interestingly, L3mbtl2 deficiency resulted in increased γH2AX deposition in the leptotene spermatocytes, subsequent inappropriate retention of γH2AX on autosomes, and defective crossing-over and synapsis during the pachytene stage of meiosis I, and more germ cell apoptosis and degeneration in aging mice. L3MBTL2 interacted with the histone ubiquitin ligase RNF8. Inhibition of L3MBTL2 reduced nuclear RNF8 and ubH2A levels in GC2 cells. L3mbtl2 deficiency led to decreases in the levels of the RNF8 and ubH2A pathway and in histone acetylation in elongating spermatids, and in protamine 1 deposition and chromatin condensation in sperm. These results suggest that L3MBTL2 plays important roles in chromatin remodeling during meiosis and spermiogenesis.
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Niu P, Wei Y, Gao Q, Zhang X, Hu Y, Qiu Y, Mu Y, Li K. Male Fertility Potential Molecular Mechanisms Revealed by iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Epididymis from Wip1−/− Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23:54-66. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Niu
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghui Wei
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Hu
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Qiu
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulian Mu
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Li
- Pig Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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