101
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Licatalosi DD. Roles of RNA-binding Proteins and Post-transcriptional Regulation in Driving Male Germ Cell Development in the Mouse. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 907:123-51. [PMID: 27256385 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-29073-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tissue development and homeostasis are dependent on highly regulated gene expression programs in which cell-specific combinations of regulatory factors determine which genes are expressed and the post-transcriptional fate of the resulting RNA transcripts. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins has critical roles in tissue development-allowing individual genes to generate multiple RNA and protein products, and the timing, location, and abundance of protein synthesis to be finely controlled. Extensive post-transcriptional regulation occurs during mammalian gametogenesis, including high levels of alternative mRNA expression, stage-specific expression of mRNA variants, broad translational repression, and stage-specific activation of mRNA translation. In this chapter, an overview of the roles of RNA-binding proteins and the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in male germ cell development in the mouse is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donny D Licatalosi
- Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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102
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Busada JT, Geyer CB. The Role of Retinoic Acid (RA) in Spermatogonial Differentiation. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:10. [PMID: 26559678 PMCID: PMC4809555 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) directs the sequential, but distinct, programs of spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic differentiation that are both essential for the generation of functional spermatozoa. These processes are functionally and temporally decoupled, as they occur in distinct cell types that arise over a week apart, both in the neonatal and adult testis. However, our understanding is limited in terms of what cellular and molecular changes occur downstream of RA exposure that prepare differentiating spermatogonia for meiotic initiation. In this review, we describe the process of spermatogonial differentiation and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding RA signaling in spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Busada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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103
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Nikolic A, Volarevic V, Armstrong L, Lako M, Stojkovic M. Primordial Germ Cells: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:1741072. [PMID: 26635880 PMCID: PMC4655300 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1741072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a condition that occurs very frequently and understanding what defines normal fertility is crucial to helping patients. Causes of infertility are numerous and the treatment often does not lead to desired pregnancy especially when there is a lack of functional gametes. In humans, the primordial germ cell (PGC) is the primary undifferentiated stem cell type that will differentiate towards gametes: spermatozoa or oocytes. With the development of stem cell biology and differentiation protocols, PGC can be obtained from pluripotent stem cells providing a new therapeutic possibility to treat infertile couples. Recent studies demonstrated that viable mouse pups could be obtained from in vitro differentiated stem cells suggesting that translation of these results to human is closer. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about PGC indicating the perspective of their use in both research and medical application for the treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Nikolic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Vladislav Volarevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, The International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, The International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Miodrag Stojkovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Spebo Medical, Norvezanska 16, 16 000 Leskovac, Serbia
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104
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Ramathal C, Angulo B, Sukhwani M, Cui J, Durruthy-Durruthy J, Fang F, Schanes P, Turek PJ, Orwig KE, Reijo Pera R. DDX3Y gene rescue of a Y chromosome AZFa deletion restores germ cell formation and transcriptional programs. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15041. [PMID: 26456624 PMCID: PMC4601010 DOI: 10.1038/srep15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletions of the AZFa region (AZoospermia Factor-a) region of the human Y chromosome cause irreversible spermatogenic failure that presents clinically in men as Sertoli-cell only (SCO) pathology of the testis. Deletions of the AZFa region typically encompass two genes: DDX3Y and USP9Y. However, human genetic evidence indicates that SCO is most tightly linked to deletion of DDX3Y and that deletions/mutations of USP9Y can be transmitted from one generation to the next. Here, we generated stable iPSC lines with AZFa deletions, tested complementation via introduction of DDX3Y, and assessed ability to form germ cells in vivo in a xenotransplantation model. We observed a quantifiable improvement in formation of germ cell like cells (GCLCs) from complemented donor iPSCs. Moreover, expression of UTF1, a prospermatogonial protein, was restored in cells complemented by introduction of DDX3Y on the AZFa background. Whole-genome RNA sequencing of purified GCLCs revealed an enrichment of genes involved in translational suppression and transcriptional control in DDX3Y-rescued GCLCs over mutant GCLCs, which maintained a molecular phenotype more similar to undifferentiated iPSCs. This study demonstrates the ability to probe fundamental genetics of human germ cell formation by complementation and indicates that DDX3Y functions in the earliest stages of human germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Ramathal
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Angulo
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Jun Cui
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Jens Durruthy-Durruthy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Paula Schanes
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Magee Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Renee Reijo Pera
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine & Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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105
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Berchowitz LE, Kabachinski G, Walker MR, Carlile TM, Gilbert WV, Schwartz TU, Amon A. Regulated Formation of an Amyloid-like Translational Repressor Governs Gametogenesis. Cell 2015; 163:406-18. [PMID: 26411291 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Message-specific translational control is required for gametogenesis. In yeast, the RNA-binding protein Rim4 mediates translational repression of numerous mRNAs, including the B-type cyclin CLB3, which is essential for establishing the meiotic chromosome segregation pattern. Here, we show that Rim4 forms amyloid-like aggregates and that it is the amyloid-like form of Rim4 that is the active, translationally repressive form of the protein. Our data further show that Rim4 aggregation is a developmentally regulated process. Starvation induces the conversion of monomeric Rim4 into amyloid-like aggregates, thereby activating the protein to bring about repression of translation. At the onset of meiosis II, Rim4 aggregates are abruptly degraded allowing translation to commence. Although amyloids are best known for their role in the etiology of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes by forming toxic protein aggregates, our findings show that cells can utilize amyloid-like protein aggregates to function as central regulators of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke E Berchowitz
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Greg Kabachinski
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Margaret R Walker
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Thomas M Carlile
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Wendy V Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Thomas U Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Angelika Amon
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA.
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106
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A Gene Regulatory Program for Meiotic Prophase in the Fetal Ovary. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005531. [PMID: 26378784 PMCID: PMC4574967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromosomal program of meiotic prophase, comprising events such as laying down of meiotic cohesins, synapsis between homologs, and homologous recombination, must be preceded and enabled by the regulated induction of meiotic prophase genes. This gene regulatory program is poorly understood, particularly in organisms with a segregated germline. We characterized the gene regulatory program of meiotic prophase as it occurs in the mouse fetal ovary. By profiling gene expression in the mouse fetal ovary in mutants with whole tissue and single-cell techniques, we identified 104 genes expressed specifically in pre-meiotic to pachytene germ cells. We characterized the regulation of these genes by 1) retinoic acid (RA), which induces meiosis, 2) Dazl, which is required for germ cell competence to respond to RA, and 3) Stra8, a downstream target of RA required for the chromosomal program of meiotic prophase. Initial induction of practically all identified meiotic prophase genes requires Dazl. In the presence of Dazl, RA induces at least two pathways: one Stra8-independent, and one Stra8-dependent. Genes vary in their induction by Stra8, spanning fully Stra8-independent, partially Stra8-independent, and fully Stra8-dependent. Thus, Stra8 regulates the entirety of the chromosomal program but plays a more nuanced role in governing the gene expression program. We propose that Stra8-independent gene expression enables the stockpiling of selected meiotic structural proteins prior to the commencement of the chromosomal program. Unexpectedly, we discovered that Stra8 is required for prompt down-regulation of itself and Rec8. Germ cells that have expressed and down-regulated Stra8 are refractory to further Stra8 expression. Negative feedback of Stra8, and subsequent resistance to further Stra8 expression, may ensure a single, restricted pulse of Stra8 expression. Collectively, our findings reveal a gene regulatory logic by which germ cells prepare for the chromosomal program of meiotic prophase, and ensure that it is induced only once.
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107
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Positive mRNA Translational Control in Germ Cells by Initiation Factor Selectivity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:327963. [PMID: 26357652 PMCID: PMC4556832 DOI: 10.1155/2015/327963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ultimately, the production of new proteins in undetermined cells pushes them to new fates. Other proteins hold a stem cell in a mode of self-renewal. In germ cells, these decision-making proteins are produced largely from translational control of preexisting mRNAs. To date, all of the regulation has been attributed to RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that repress mRNAs in many models of germ cell development (Drosophila, mouse, C. elegans, and Xenopus). In this review, we focus on the selective, positive function of translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF4G, which recruit mRNAs to ribosomes upon derepression. Evidence now shows that the two events are not separate but rather are coordinated through composite complexes of repressors and germ cell isoforms of eIF4 factors. Strikingly, the initiation factor isoforms are themselves mRNA selective. The mRNP complexes of translation factors and RBPs are built on specific populations of mRNAs to prime them for subsequent translation initiation. Simple rearrangement of the partners causes a dormant mRNP to become synthetically active in germ cells when and where they are required to support gametogenesis.
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108
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Fu XF, Cheng SF, Wang LQ, Yin S, De Felici M, Shen W. DAZ Family Proteins, Key Players for Germ Cell Development. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1226-35. [PMID: 26327816 PMCID: PMC4551758 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.11536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DAZ family proteins are found almost exclusively in germ cells in distant animal species. Deletion or mutations of their encoding genes usually severely impair either oogenesis or spermatogenesis or both. The family includes Boule (or Boll), Dazl (or Dazla) and DAZ genes. Boule and Dazl are situated on autosomes while DAZ, exclusive of higher primates, is located on the Y chromosome. Deletion of DAZ gene is the most common causes of infertility in humans. These genes, encoding for RNA binding proteins, contain a highly conserved RNA recognition motif and at least one DAZ repeat encoding for a 24 amino acids sequence able to bind other mRNA binding proteins. Basically, Daz family proteins function as adaptors for target mRNA transport and activators of their translation. In some invertebrate species, BOULE protein play a pivotal role in germline specification and a conserved regulatory role in meiosis. Depending on the species, DAZL is expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and/or pre-meiotic and meiotic germ cells of both sexes. Daz is found in fetal gonocytes, spermatogonia and spermatocytes of adult testes. Here we discuss DAZ family genes in a phylogenic perspective, focusing on the common and distinct features of these genes, and their pivotal roles during gametogenesis evolved during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Fei Fu
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 2. College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lin-Qing Wang
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shen Yin
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- 4. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
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109
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Lowther KM, Mehlmann LM. Embryonic Poly(A)-Binding Protein Is Required During Early Stages of Mouse Oocyte Development for Chromatin Organization, Transcriptional Silencing, and Meiotic Competence. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:43. [PMID: 26134869 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development until zygotic genome activation (ZGA), transcription is suppressed, and gene expression is dependent upon the timely activation of stored mRNAs. Embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) is the predominant poly(A)-binding protein in Xenopus, mouse, and human oocytes and early embryos and is important for regulating translational activation of maternally stored mRNAs. EPAB is critical for early development because Epab(-/-) female mice do not produce mature eggs and are infertile. In this study, we further characterize morphological and molecular aspects of Epab(-/-) oocytes. We demonstrated that Epab(-/-) oocytes are smaller in size, contain peripheral germinal vesicles, and are loosely associated with cumulus cells. The chromatin reorganization of the surrounded nucleolus (SN) configuration and transcriptional silencing that normally occurs during oocyte growth does not occur in Epab(-/-) oocytes. Interestingly, microinjection of Epab mRNA into Epab(-/-) preantral follicle-enclosed oocytes rescues reorganization of chromatin and oocyte maturation to metaphase II. Overall, these results demonstrate an important role for EPAB during oocyte growth and the acquisition of meiotic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Lowther
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lisa M Mehlmann
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
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110
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Nickkholgh B, Korver CM, van Daalen SKM, van Pelt AMM, Repping S. AZFc deletions do not affect the function of human spermatogonia in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:553-62. [PMID: 25901025 PMCID: PMC5009458 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Azoospermic factor c (AZFc) deletions are the underlying cause in 10% of azoo- or severe oligozoospermia. Through extensive molecular analysis the precise genetic content of the AZFc region and the origin of its deletion have been determined. However, little is known about the effect of AZFc deletions on the functionality of germ cells at various developmental steps. The presence of normal, fertilization-competent sperm in the ejaculate and/or testis of the majority of men with AZFc deletions suggests that the process of differentiation from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) to mature spermatozoa can take place in the absence of the AZFc region. To determine the functionality of AZFc-deleted spermatogonia, we compared in vitro propagated spermatogonia from six men with complete AZFc deletions with spermatogonia from three normozoospermic controls. We found that spermatogonia of AZFc-deleted men behave similar to controls during culture. Short-term (18 days) and long-term (48 days) culture of AZFc-deleted spermatogonia showed the same characteristics as non-deleted spermatogonia. This similarity was revealed by the same number of passages, the same germ cell clusters formation and similar level of genes expression of spermatogonial markers including ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1), zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (ZBTB16) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1), as well as germ cell differentiation markers including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), spermatogenesis and oogenesis specific basic helix-loophelix 2 (SOHLH2), v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3). The only exception was melanoma antigen family A4 (MAGEA4) which showed significantly lower expression in AZFc-deleted samples than controls in short-term culture while in long-term culture it was hardly detected in both AZFc-deleted and control spermatogonia. These data suggest that, at least in vitro, spermatogonia of AZFc-deleted men are functionally similar to spermatogonia from non-deleted men. Potentially, this enables treatment of men with AZFc deletions by propagating their SSCs in vitro and autotransplanting these SSCs back to the testes to increase sperm counts and restore fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nickkholgh
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands Present address: Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University school of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27101 NC, USA
| | - C M Korver
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
| | - S K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
| | - A M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
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111
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Welling M, Chen HH, Muñoz J, Musheev MU, Kester L, Junker JP, Mischerikow N, Arbab M, Kuijk E, Silberstein L, Kharchenko PV, Geens M, Niehrs C, van de Velde H, van Oudenaarden A, Heck AJR, Geijsen N. DAZL regulates Tet1 translation in murine embryonic stem cells. EMBO Rep 2015; 16:791-802. [PMID: 26077710 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201540538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell (ESC) cultures display a heterogeneous gene expression profile, ranging from a pristine naïve pluripotent state to a primed epiblast state. Addition of inhibitors of GSK3β and MEK (so-called 2i conditions) pushes ESC cultures toward a more homogeneous naïve pluripotent state, but the molecular underpinnings of this naïve transition are not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that DAZL, an RNA-binding protein known to play a key role in germ-cell development, marks a subpopulation of ESCs that is actively transitioning toward naïve pluripotency. Moreover, DAZL plays an essential role in the active reprogramming of cytosine methylation. We demonstrate that DAZL associates with mRNA of Tet1, a catalyst of 5-hydroxylation of methyl-cytosine, and enhances Tet1 mRNA translation. Overexpression of DAZL in heterogeneous ESC cultures results in elevated TET1 protein levels as well as increased global hydroxymethylation. Conversely, null mutation of Dazl severely stunts 2i-mediated TET1 induction and hydroxymethylation. Our results provide insight into the regulation of the acquisition of naïve pluripotency and demonstrate that DAZL enhances TET1-mediated cytosine hydroxymethylation in ESCs that are actively reprogramming to a pluripotent ground state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Welling
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hsu-Hsin Chen
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Javier Muñoz
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lennart Kester
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Philipp Junker
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nikolai Mischerikow
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mandana Arbab
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ewart Kuijk
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lev Silberstein
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter V Kharchenko
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mieke Geens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilde van de Velde
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Albert J R Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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112
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Tada H, Orii H. Dynamic intracellular localization of Dazl protein during Xenopus germline development. Histochem Cell Biol 2015; 144:157-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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113
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Ramírez MÁ. Characterisation of the deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl)-green fluorescent protein mouse model generated by a two-step embryonic stem cell-based strategy to identify pluripotent and germ cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14253. [PMID: 25942058 DOI: 10.1071/rd14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) gene is preferentially expressed in germ cells; however, recent studies indicate that it may have pluripotency-related functions. We generated Dazl-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice and assayed the ability of Dazl-driven GFP to mark preimplantation embryo development, fetal, neonatal and adult tissues, and in vitro differentiation from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to embryoid bodies (EBs) and to primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells. The Dazl-GFP mice were generated by a two-step ESC-based strategy, which enabled primary and secondary screening of stably transfected clones before embryo injection. During preimplantation embryo stages, GFP was detected from the zygote to blastocyst stage. At Embryonic Day (E) 12.5, GFP was expressed in gonadal ridges and in neonatal gonads of both sexes. In adult mice, GFP expression was found during spermatogenesis from spermatogonia to elongating spermatids and in the cytoplasm of oocytes. However, GFP mRNA was also detected in other tissues harbouring multipotent cells, such as the intestine and bone marrow. Fluorescence was maintained along in vitro Dazl-GFP ESC differentiation to EBs, and in PGC-like cells. In addition to its largely known function in germ cell development, Dazl could have an additional role in pluripotency, supporting these transgenic mice as a valuable tool for the prospective identification of stem cells from several tissues.
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114
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Hu X, Lu H, Cao S, Deng YL, Li QJ, Wan Q, Yie SM. Stem cells derived from human first-trimester umbilical cord have the potential to differentiate into oocyte-like cells in vitro. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:1219-29. [PMID: 25760093 PMCID: PMC4380121 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to stem cells derived from human term umbilical cord, stem cells derived from human first-trimester umbilical cord (hFTUC) exhibit a significantly greater proliferative potential, and more efficiency in terms of their in vitro differentiation. In the present study, we investigated whether hFTUC-derived stem cells are able to differentiate into germ cells. The hFTUC-derived stem cells were first isolated, expanded and then cultured in differentiation medium containing human follicular fluid, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol for 24 days. During the period of induction, a subpopulation of the cultured cells appeared that had a morphological resemblance to primordial germ cells (PGCs) and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC)-like cells, and oocyte-like cells (OLCs). The PGC-like cells expressed specific markers indicative of germ cell formation such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA1), B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (BLIMP1), PR domain containing 14 (PRDM14), transcription factor AP-2 gamma (TFAP2C), VASA, STELLA, deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) and interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3). The OLCs, which contained a single germinal vesicle, expressed oocyte-specific markers, such as synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), growth/differentiation factor-9 (GDF9), GDF9B and zona pellucida (ZP)1, ZP2 and ZP3. The COC-like cells secreted estradiol, vascular endothelial growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor. Thus, our findings suggest that hFTUC-derived stem cells have an intrinsic ability to differentiate into OLCs, which may provide an in vitro model for the identification of factors involved in germ cell formation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Cao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Li Deng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Jia Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Shang-Mian Yie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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115
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ErLin S, WenJie W, LiNing W, BingXin L, MingDe L, Yan S, RuiFa H. Musashi-1 maintains blood-testis barrier structure during spermatogenesis and regulates stress granule formation upon heat stress. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:1947-56. [PMID: 25717188 PMCID: PMC4436837 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-11-1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Msi-1 knockdown disrupts blood-testis barrier structure and the continuous process of spermatogenesis. A role for Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cell fate following heat-induced injury is noted. In mouse testes, Musashi-1 (Msi-1) was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of Sertoli cells. Here we demonstrate that knockdown of Msi-1 in Sertoli cells altered the levels and distribution of blood–testis barrier (BTB)-associated proteins. Moreover, Msi-1 knockdown in vivo disrupted BTB functional structure and spermatogenesis. In addition, we report a novel role of Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cells survival following heat-induced injury. Endogenous Msi-1 protein in heat-treated Sertoli cells was recruited to stress granules. The formation of stress granules was considerably disrupted, and apoptosis was significantly up-regulated in Msi-1–knockdown Sertoli cells after heat treatment. p-ERK1/2 acted downstream of stress granule formation, and inhibition of p-ERK1/2 signaling triggered Sertoli cell apoptosis upon heat stress. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Msi-1 is critical for constructing a functional BTB structure and maintaining spermatogenesis. We also note a role for Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cell fate following heat-induced injury, likely through the induction of stress granule formation and subsequent activation of p-ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun ErLin
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei WenJie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang LiNing
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu BingXin
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei MingDe
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Sun Yan
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Han RuiFa
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
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Differential expression of fertility genes boule and dazl in Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), a basal fish. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 360:413-25. [PMID: 25592848 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The gene family DAZ (deleted in Azoospermia), including boule, dazl and DAZ, performs highly conserved functions in germ cell development and fertility across animal phyla. Differential expression patterns have been demonstrated for the family members in invertebrates and vertebrates including fish. Here, we report the identification of boule and dazl and their expression at both RNA and protein levels in developing and mature gonads of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis). Firstly, the isolation of the boule and dazl genes in Chinese sturgeon and the observation of the two genes in coelacanth suggest that dazl originated after the divergence of bony fish from cartilaginous fish but before the emergence of the Actinistia. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analyses reveal that boule and dazl RNA and proteins are restricted to the testis and ovary. In situ hybridization and fluorescent immunohistochemistry show that the bisexual mitotic and meiotic germ cell expression of dazl RNA and protein is conserved in vertebrates, while Chinese sturgeon boule RNA and protein exhibit mitotic and meiotic expression in the testis, and also likely display mitotic and meiotic expression in female. Moreover, we directly demonstrate for the first time that sturgeon Balbiani body/mitochondrial cloud disperses in the cytoplasm of early developing oocytes and co-localizes with Dazl to some extent. Finally, urbilaterian boule may also have an ancestral function in oogenesis. Taken together, these results provide useful information on the evolution of DAZ family genes, expression patterns and functions in animal reproduction.
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117
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Medarde N, Merico V, López-Fuster MJ, Zuccotti M, Garagna S, Ventura J. Impact of the number of Robertsonian chromosomes on germ cell death in wild male house mice. Chromosome Res 2015; 23:159-69. [PMID: 25589476 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-014-9442-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in the house mouse have shown that the presence of Robertsonian (Rb) metacentric chromosomes in heterozygous condition affects the process of spermatogenesis. This detrimental effect mainly depends on the number of metacentrics involved and the complexity of the resulting meiotic figures. In this study, we aimed at elucidating the relationship between the chromosomal composition and spermatogenesis impairment in mice present in an area of chromosomal polymorphism (the so-called Barcelona system BRbS) in which Rb mice are surrounded by all acrocentric animals, no established metacentric races are present and the level of structural heterozygosity is relatively low. Using the terminal deoxinucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, we report higher frequency of apoptotic spermatogenetic cells in mice carrying six pairs of metacentrics at the homozygous state than in those carrying two or three fusions at the heterozygous state. Specifically, we detected a higher frequency of TUNEL-positive (T+) tubules and of T+ cells per tubule cross section and also a lower spermatid/spermatocyte ratio. These results indicate that the number of metacentrics at the homozygous state is more influential in determining apoptotic germ cell death than that of moderate chromosome heterozygosity. The percentage of germ cell death lower than 50 % found in our samples and the geographic distribution of the set of metacentrics within the BRbS indicate that although the spermatogenic alterations detected in this area could act as a partial barrier to gene flow, they are not sufficient to prevent Rb chromosomes from spreading in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Medarde
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain,
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118
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Jung H, Song H, Yoon M. The KIT is a putative marker for differentiating spermatogonia in stallions. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 152:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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119
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Wang S, Wang X, Wu Y, Han C. IGF-1R signaling is essential for the proliferation of cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells by promoting the G2/M progression of the cell cycle. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 24:471-83. [PMID: 25356638 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (mSSCs) contributes to understanding the mechanisms of mammalian spermatogenesis. Several key growth factors such as GDNF and FGF2 have been known to be essential for the proliferation of cultured mSSCs. However, additional factors regulating SSC proliferation remain to be identified. In this study, we report that IGF-1R signaling is required for the proliferation of cultured mSSCs by promoting the G2/M progression of the cell cycle. IGF-1 and its receptor IGF-1R are expressed in cultured mSSCs as well as in isolated Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. Blockage of IGF-1R signaling either by knockdown of IGF-1R or by the IGF-1R-specific inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP) significantly reduced the proliferation of mSSCs, increased their apoptosis, and impaired their stem cell activity in an insulin-independent manner. PPP treatment of mSSCs blocked the G2/M progression. In contrast, both GDNF withdrawal and FGF2 signaling blockade decreased the entry of mSSCs into their S phases. Consistently, IGF-1 promoted the G2/M progression of thymidine-treated mSSCs, which were arrested at G1/S boundary synchronously; while GDNF and/or FGF2 stimulated their entry into the S phase. Moreover, IGF-1 activated the phosphorylation of AKT but not that of ERK1/2 in mSSCs. These results indicate that IGF-1R signaling stimulates the proliferation of mSSCs using a distinct mechanism from those by GDNF and FGF2, and will contribute to the establishment of a chemically defined culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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120
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Gonzalez CR, Dorfman VB, Vitullo AD. IGF1 regulation of BOULE and CDC25A transcripts via a testosterone-independent pathway in spermatogenesis of adult mice. Reprod Biol 2014; 15:48-55. [PMID: 25726377 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Deleted in AZoospermia (DAZ) gene family plays an essential role in spermatogenesis and fertility in mammals. This gene family contains two autosomal genes, BOULE and DAZL (DAZ-Like), and the DAZ gene cluster in the Y chromosome. CDC25A (a cell cycle regulator) has been proposed as a putative substrate for the RNA-binding proteins of DAZ family. However, mechanisms regulating DAZ gene expression have been poorly investigated. We analyzed immunohistochemical localization of DAZL, BOULE and CDC25A, as well as the involvement of testosterone (T) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in the modulation of mRNA expression for DAZL, BOULE and CDC25A in the adult mouse testes. It was found that DAZL was mostly immunolocalized in spermatogonia, while BOULE and CDC25A were detected in spermatocytes and round spermatids. Three-color immunofluorescence showed that DAZL-positive cells also expressed proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In vitro incubation of the testes showed that neither T nor IGF1 affected DAZL mRNA expression. However, either T or IGF1 increased BOULE mRNA expression. Antiandrogen flutamide abolished the T-induced increase in BOULE mRNA, but had no effect on the IGF1 induced increase in the mouse testes. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, U0126, prevented IGF1-induction of BOULE mRNA. It was found that IGF1 increased CDC25A mRNA expression and that U0126 - but not flutamide - abolished the IGF1-induced CDC25A mRNA expression. These results showed that IGF1 regulated the expression of BOULE and CDC25A mRNAs via ERK1/2 signaling and in T-independent pathway during spermatogenesis in the adult mouse testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela R Gonzalez
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico, CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina(1).
| | - Verónica B Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico, CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina(1)
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico, CEBBAD, Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina(1)
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121
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Zhu Y, Ma M, Wan L, Zhang D, Zhao L, Wei L, Li L. Analysis of DAZL SNP260 and SNP386 in infertile Chinese males using multi-analyte suspension array. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:2949-54. [PMID: 25323654 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and infertility in Chinese males using multi-analyte suspension array (MASA). A total of 196 male patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia (sperm density <5x106/ml, non‑obstructed) who had a normal karyotype and no azoospermia factor microdeletions were recruited, along with 40 healthy, fertile males as controls. Two SNPs of the deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) gene, SNP260 and SNP386, were genotyped by allele‑specific primer extension (ASPE) combined with MASA technology. The SNP260A>G and SNP386A>G mutations were found in the males with infertility. The SNP260, but not the SNP386, mutation was detectable in the control group. The mutation rates in the controls and patients were 2.5 and 3.06% for SNP260, and 0 and 2.04% for SNP386, respectively. A χ2 analysis did not identify any significant differences in the frequency of either mutation between the fertile and infertile males. In conclusion, the combination of ASPE and MASA methods for SNP genotyping was high‑throughput, accurate and cost‑efficient. The method was applied to detect SNP polymorphisms in the DAZL gene; and neither the A260G nor the A386G polymorphism of DAZL appeared to be involved in male infertility in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Mingfu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Danyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Letian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Li Wei
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
| | - Lianbing Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health of The National Health and Family Planning Commission (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing 400020, P.R. China
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122
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Martínez-Arroyo AM, Medrano JV, Remohí J, Simón C. Germ line development: lessons learned from pluripotent stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 28:64-70. [PMID: 25461452 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Current knowledge about mammalian germ line development is mainly based on the mouse model and little is known about how this fundamental process occurs in humans. This review summarizes our current knowledge of genetic and epigenetic germ line development in mammals, mainly focusing on primordial germ cell (PGC) specification events, comparing the differences between mouse and human models. We also emphasize the knowledge derived from the most successful strategies used to generate germ cell-like cells in vitro in both models and major obstacles to obtaining bona fide in vitro-derived gametes are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Martínez-Arroyo
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Dept. Obst. & Gynec., Valencia University, Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46015, Spain
| | - Jose V Medrano
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Dept. Obst. & Gynec., Valencia University, Valencia, Spain; Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - José Remohí
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Dept. Obst. & Gynec., Valencia University, Valencia, Spain; Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Dept. Obst. & Gynec., Valencia University, Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46015, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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123
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Chen HH, Welling M, Bloch DB, Muñoz J, Mientjes E, Chen X, Tramp C, Wu J, Yabuuchi A, Chou YF, Buecker C, Krainer A, Willemsen R, Heck AJ, Geijsen N. DAZL limits pluripotency, differentiation, and apoptosis in developing primordial germ cells. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:892-904. [PMID: 25418731 PMCID: PMC4235140 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The scarcity of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the developing mammalian embryo hampers robust biochemical analysis of the processes that underlie early germ cell formation. Here, we demonstrate that DAZL, a germ cell-specific RNA binding protein, is a robust PGC marker during in vitro germ cell development. Using Dazl-GFP reporter ESCs, we demonstrate that DAZL plays a central role in a large mRNA/protein interactive network that blocks the translation of core pluripotency factors, including Sox2 and Sall4, as well as of Suz12, a polycomb family member required for differentiation of pluripotent cells. Thus, DAZL limits both pluripotency and somatic differentiation in nascent PGCs. In addition, we observed that DAZL associates with mRNAs of key Caspases and similarly inhibits their translation. This elegant fail-safe mechanism ensures that, whereas loss of DAZL results in prolonged expression of pluripotency factors, teratoma formation is avoided due to the concomitant activation of the apoptotic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsu-Hsin Chen
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Maaike Welling
- Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Donald B Bloch
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Rheumatology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Javier Muñoz
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Mientjes
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xinjie Chen
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510150, PR China
| | - Cody Tramp
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yu-Fen Chou
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Christa Buecker
- Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Adrian Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert J Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Seasonal variations cause morphological changes and altered spermatogenesis in the testes of viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:316-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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125
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UTF1, a putative marker for spermatogonial stem cells in stallions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108825. [PMID: 25272017 PMCID: PMC4182753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) continuously undergo self-renewal and differentiation to sustain spermatogenesis throughout adulthood in males. In stallions, SSCs may be used for the production of progeny from geldings after cryopreservation and therapy for infertile and subfertile stallions. Undifferentiated cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) is a putative marker for undifferentiated spermatogonia in humans and rats. The main purposes of this study are to determine the following: 1) changes in the expression pattern of UTF1 at various reproductive stages of stallions, 2) subpopulations of spermatogonia that express UTF1. Testicular samples were collected and categorized based on the age of the horses as follows: pre-pubertal (<1 yr), pubertal (1-1.5 yr), post-pubertal (2-3 yr), and adult (4-8 yr). Western blot analysis was utilized to determine the cross-activity of the UTF1 antibody to horse testes tissues. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to investigate the UTF1 expression pattern in germ cells at different reproductive stages. Whole mount staining was applied to determine the subpopulation of UTF1-positive spermatogonia. Immunohistological analysis showed that most germ cells in the pre-pubertal and pubertal stages were immunolabeled with UTF1, whereas only a few germ cells in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubule cross-sections of post-pubertal and adult tissues were UTF1-positive. No staining was observed in the Sertoli or Leydig cells at any reproductive stages. Whole mount staining showed that A(s), A(pr), and chains of 4, 8, 16 A(al) spermatogonia were immunolabeled with UTF1 in the post-pubertal stallion tubule. Isolated single germ cells were also immunolabeled with UTF1. In conclusion, UTF1 is expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and its antibody can be used as a putative marker for SSCs in stallions.
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Kim B, Lee W, Rhee K, Kim SW, Paick JS. Analysis of DAZ gene expression in a partial AZFc deletion of the human Y chromosome. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:307-15. [PMID: 23422238 DOI: 10.1071/rd12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The azoospermia factor c (AZFc) region of the Y chromosome consists of repetitive amplicons and is therefore highly susceptible to structural rearrangements, such as deletions and duplications. The b2/b3 deletion is a partial AZFc deletion that is conventionally determined by the selective absence of sY1191 in sequence-tagged site polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and is generally believed to retain two of the four deleted in azoospermia (DAZ) genes on the Y chromosome. In the present study we determined the copy number and expression of DAZ genes in sY1191-negative individuals. Using a DAZ dosage PCR assay and Southern blot analysis we evaluated the expression of four DAZ genes in five of six sY1191-negative individuals. Furthermore, cloning and immunoblot analyses revealed that three or more DAZ genes are expressed in sY1191-negative testes with germ cells. The results indicate that the selective absence of sY1191 not only means b2/b3 deletion with two DAZ genes, but also includes another AZFc configuration with four DAZ genes. These results exemplify the prevalence of variations in the AZFc region of the human Y chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byunghyuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea
| | - Wonkyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea
| | - Kunsoo Rhee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea
| | - Soo Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Paick
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Regulation of male sex determination: genital ridge formation and Sry activation in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4781-802. [PMID: 25139092 PMCID: PMC4233110 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination is essential for the sexual reproduction to generate the next generation by the formation of functional male or female gametes. In mammals, primary sex determination is commenced by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, which controls the fate of the gonadal primordium. The somatic precursor of gonads, the genital ridge is formed at the mid-gestation stage and gives rise to one of two organs, a testis or an ovary. The fate of the genital ridge, which is governed by the differentiation of somatic cells into Sertoli cells in the testes or granulosa cells in the ovaries, further determines the sex of an individual and their germ cells. Mutation studies in human patients with disorders of sex development and mouse models have revealed factors that are involved in mammalian sex determination. In most of mammals, a single genetic trigger, the Y-linked gene Sry (sex determination region on Y chromosome), regulates testicular differentiation. Despite identification of Sry in 1990, precise mechanisms underlying the sex determination of bipotential genital ridges are still largely unknown. Here, we review the recent progress that has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying genital ridge formation as well as the regulation of Sry expression and its functions in male sex determination of mice.
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128
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Koubova J, Hu YC, Bhattacharyya T, Soh YQS, Gill ME, Goodheart ML, Hogarth CA, Griswold MD, Page DC. Retinoic acid activates two pathways required for meiosis in mice. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004541. [PMID: 25102060 PMCID: PMC4125102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In all sexually reproducing organisms, cells of the germ line must transition from mitosis to meiosis. In mice, retinoic acid (RA), the extrinsic signal for meiotic initiation, activates transcription of Stra8, which is required for meiotic DNA replication and the subsequent processes of meiotic prophase. Here we report that RA also activates transcription of Rec8, which encodes a component of the cohesin complex that accumulates during meiotic S phase, and which is essential for chromosome synapsis and segregation. This RA induction of Rec8 occurs in parallel with the induction of Stra8, and independently of Stra8 function, and it is conserved between the sexes. Further, RA induction of Rec8, like that of Stra8, requires the germ-cell-intrinsic competence factor Dazl. Our findings strengthen the importance of RA and Dazl in the meiotic transition, provide important details about the Stra8 pathway, and open avenues to investigate early meiosis through analysis of Rec8 induction and function. The transition from mitosis to meiosis is a defining feature of germ cells, the precursors of eggs and sperm. In mice, retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, induces expression of the gene Stra8, which in turn is required for the first critical steps of meiosis. The timing of Stra8 expression in mammalian germ cells is influenced by an RA-degrading enzyme, CYP26B1, that is normally expressed in fetal testes to delay meiosis in males. It is unknown if Stra8 is RA's only meiosis-inducing target in germ cells or if other such genes are regulated by RA independently of Stra8. To investigate this question, we generated two lines of mice: Cyp26b1 mutants and Stra8 mutants. Our genetic experiments comparing germ cell development in these two mutants revealed a new RA target, Rec8. We demonstrate that Rec8 upregulation by RA occurs in the same temporal and spatial manner as Stra8, but Rec8 expression is independent of Stra8. Rec8, like Stra8, plays a critical role during early meiotic processes, suggesting that RA induces meiosis in at least two independent pathways. These findings expand our understanding of the gene regulatory network involved in meiotic initiation in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Koubova
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Y. Q. Shirleen Soh
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Gill
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mary L. Goodheart
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cathryn A. Hogarth
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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129
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Rogon C, Ulbricht A, Hesse M, Alberti S, Vijayaraj P, Best D, Adams IR, Magin TM, Fleischmann BK, Höhfeld J. HSP70-binding protein HSPBP1 regulates chaperone expression at a posttranslational level and is essential for spermatogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 2014; 25:2260-71. [PMID: 24899640 PMCID: PMC4116300 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-02-0742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular chaperones play key roles during growth, development, and stress survival. The ability to induce chaperone expression enables cells to cope with the accumulation of nonnative proteins under stress and complete developmental processes with an increased requirement for chaperone assistance. Here we generate and analyze transgenic mice that lack the cochaperone HSPBP1, a nucleotide-exchange factor of HSP70 proteins and inhibitor of chaperone-assisted protein degradation. Male HSPBP1(-/-) mice are sterile because of impaired meiosis and massive apoptosis of spermatocytes. HSPBP1 deficiency in testes strongly reduces the expression of the inducible, antiapoptotic HSP70 family members HSPA1L and HSPA2, the latter of which is essential for synaptonemal complex disassembly during meiosis. We demonstrate that HSPBP1 affects chaperone expression at a posttranslational level by inhibiting the ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of inducible HSP70 proteins. We further provide evidence that the cochaperone BAG2 contributes to HSP70 stabilization in tissues other than testes. Our findings reveal that chaperone expression is determined not only by regulated transcription, but also by controlled degradation, with degradation-inhibiting cochaperones exerting essential prosurvival functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rogon
- Institut für Zellbiologie and Bonner Forum Biomedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Ulbricht
- Institut für Zellbiologie and Bonner Forum Biomedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hesse
- Institut für Physiologie I, Life and Brain Centre, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Alberti
- Institut für Zellbiologie and Bonner Forum Biomedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Preethi Vijayaraj
- Abteilung für Zellbiochemie, Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Diana Best
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Magin
- Abteilung für Zellbiochemie, Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd K Fleischmann
- Institut für Physiologie I, Life and Brain Centre, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Höhfeld
- Institut für Zellbiologie and Bonner Forum Biomedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
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130
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Wang K, Zhang H, Hu Q, Shao C, Chen S. Expression and purification of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) CSDAZL protein. Protein Expr Purif 2014; 102:8-12. [PMID: 25064428 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The csdazl gene is a sex related gene of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Our research group have cloned full length cDNA of csdazl, and studied its expression pattern. To get the further information of csdazl, we constructed a prokaryotic expression plasmid, pET-32a-CSDAZL, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified the fusion protein by His Trap. In order to detect the biological activity of the fusion protein, we injected the protein with liposome into fish, and detected other sex-related genes' mRNA expression. The results showed that the expression levels of half-smooth tongue sole female-related genes Cyp19a and Foxl2 significantly decreased between 6 and 24 h; however, both genes' expressions returned to their normal levels 72 h after injection, indicating that recombinant CSDAZL protein could down-regulated the expression of female-related genes, Foxl2 and Cyp19a genes, implying that the fusion protein has biological activity and csdazl plays a role in sex differentiation by regulating sex related genes' expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Wang
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qiaomu Hu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Changwei Shao
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Songlin Chen
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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131
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Smith JF, Yango P, Altman E, Choudhry S, Poelzl A, Zamah AM, Rosen M, Klatsky PC, Tran ND. Testicular niche required for human spermatogonial stem cell expansion. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:1043-54. [PMID: 25038247 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prepubertal boys treated with high-dose chemotherapy do not have an established means of fertility preservation because no established in vitro technique exists to expand and mature purified spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) to functional sperm in humans. In this study, we define and characterize the unique testicular cellular niche required for SSC expansion using testicular tissues from men with normal spermatogenesis. Highly purified SSCs and testicular somatic cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using SSEA-4 and THY1 as markers of SSCs and somatic cells. Cells were cultured on various established niches to assess their role in SSC expansion in a defined somatic cellular niche. Of all the niches examined, cells in the SSEA-4 population exclusively bound to adult testicular stromal cells, established colonies, and expanded. Further characterization of these testicular stromal cells revealed distinct mesenchymal markers and the ability to undergo differentiation along the mesenchymal lineage, supporting a testicular multipotent stromal cell origin. In vitro human SSC expansion requires a unique niche provided exclusively by testicular multipotent stromal cells with mesenchymal properties. These findings provide an important foundation for developing methods of inducing SSC growth and maturation in prepubertal testicular tissue, essential to enabling fertility preservation for these boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Smith
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Pamela Yango
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Eran Altman
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Shweta Choudhry
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Poelzl
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Alberuni M Zamah
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mitchell Rosen
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Peter C Klatsky
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Nam D Tran
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein University, Bronx, New York, USA
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132
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Similar morphological and molecular signatures shared by female and male germline stem cells. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5580. [PMID: 24993338 PMCID: PMC4082104 DOI: 10.1038/srep05580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of mammalian female germline stem cells (FGSCs) indicates that mammalian ovaries possess germline stem cells analogous to testis, and continue to produce gametes postnatally, which provides new insights into female fertility. In this study, we compared the morphological and molecular characteristics between FGSCs and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by analysis of morphology, immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase activity assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and microarray hybridization. The results demonstrated that the morphology and growth patterns of FGSCs are similar to those of SSCs. Microarray analysis of global gene expression profiles of FGSCs and SSCs showed similar signatures in the transcriptome level. A list of 853 co-highly expressed genes (CEG) in female and male germline stem cells may be responsible for the morphological and molecular similarity. We constructed a continuous network of the CEG based on I2D protein-protein interaction database by breadth first search. From the network, we could observe the interactions of the CEG may be responsible for maintaining the properties of germline stem cells. This study was the first attempt to compare morphological and molecular characteristics between FGSCs and SSCs. These findings would provide some clues for further research on mammalian FGSCs.
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133
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Valli H, Sukhwani M, Dovey SL, Peters KA, Donohue J, Castro CA, Chu T, Marshall GR, Orwig KE. Fluorescence- and magnetic-activated cell sorting strategies to isolate and enrich human spermatogonial stem cells. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:566-580.e7. [PMID: 24890267 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the molecular characteristics of human spermatogonia and optimize methods to enrich spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). DESIGN Laboratory study using human tissues. SETTING Research institute. PATIENT(S) Healthy adult human testicular tissue. INTERVENTION(S) Human testicular tissue was fixed or digested with enzymes to produce a cell suspension. Human testis cells were fractionated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunostaining for selected markers, human-to-nude mouse xenotransplantation assay. RESULT(S) Immunohistochemistry costaining revealed the relative expression patterns of SALL4, UTF1, ZBTB16, UCHL1, and ENO2 in human undifferentiated spermatogonia as well as the extent of overlap with the differentiation marker KIT. Whole mount analyses revealed that human undifferentiated spermatogonia (UCHL1+) were typically arranged in clones of one to four cells whereas differentiated spermatogonia (KIT+) were typically arranged in clones of eight or more cells. The ratio of undifferentiated-to-differentiated spermatogonia is greater in humans than in rodents. The SSC colonizing activity was enriched in the THY1dim and ITGA6+ fractions of human testes sorted by FACS. ITGA6 was effective for sorting human SSCs by MACS; THY1 and EPCAM were not. CONCLUSION(S) Human spermatogonial differentiation correlates with increased clone size and onset of KIT expression, similar to rodents. The undifferentiated-to-differentiated developmental dynamics in human spermatogonia is different than rodents. THY1, ITGA6, and EPCAM can be used to enrich human SSC colonizing activity by FACS, but only ITGA6 is amenable to high throughput sorting by MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Valli
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Serena L Dovey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen A Peters
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia Donohue
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carlos A Castro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary R Marshall
- Department of Natural Sciences, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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134
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RNA-Seq identifies key reproductive gene expression alterations in response to cadmium exposure. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:529271. [PMID: 24982889 PMCID: PMC4058285 DOI: 10.1155/2014/529271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium is a common toxicant that is detrimental to many tissues. Although a number of transcriptional signatures have been revealed in different tissues after cadmium treatment, the genes involved in the cadmium caused male reproductive toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we observed that the mice treated with different amount of cadmium in their rodent chow for six months exhibited reduced serum testosterone. We then performed RNA-seq to comprehensively investigate the mice testicular transcriptome to further elucidate the mechanism. Our results showed that hundreds of genes expression altered significantly in response to cadmium treatment. In particular, we found several transcriptional signatures closely related to the biological processes of regulation of hormone, gamete generation, and sexual reproduction, respectively. The expression of several testosterone synthetic key enzyme genes, such as Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1, were inhibited by the cadmium exposure. For better understanding of the cadmium-mediated transcriptional regulatory mechanism of the genes, we computationally analyzed the transcription factors binding sites and the mircoRNAs targets of the differentially expressed genes. Our findings suggest that the reproductive toxicity by cadmium exposure is implicated in multiple layers of deregulation of several biological processes and transcriptional regulation in mice.
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135
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Crichton JH, Dunican DS, MacLennan M, Meehan RR, Adams IR. Defending the genome from the enemy within: mechanisms of retrotransposon suppression in the mouse germline. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:1581-605. [PMID: 24045705 PMCID: PMC3983883 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1468-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The viability of any species requires that the genome is kept stable as it is transmitted from generation to generation by the germ cells. One of the challenges to transgenerational genome stability is the potential mutagenic activity of transposable genetic elements, particularly retrotransposons. There are many different types of retrotransposon in mammalian genomes, and these target different points in germline development to amplify and integrate into new genomic locations. Germ cells, and their pluripotent developmental precursors, have evolved a variety of genome defence mechanisms that suppress retrotransposon activity and maintain genome stability across the generations. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how retrotransposon activity is suppressed in the mammalian germline, how genes involved in germline genome defence mechanisms are regulated, and the consequences of mutating these genome defence genes for the developing germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H. Crichton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU UK
| | - Donncha S. Dunican
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU UK
| | - Marie MacLennan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU UK
| | - Richard R. Meehan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU UK
| | - Ian R. Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU UK
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Heim AE, Hartung O, Rothhämel S, Ferreira E, Jenny A, Marlow FL. Oocyte polarity requires a Bucky ball-dependent feedback amplification loop. Development 2014; 141:842-54. [PMID: 24496621 DOI: 10.1242/dev.090449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the first asymmetries are established along the animal-vegetal axis during oogenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Bucky ball (Buc) was identified in zebrafish as a novel vertebrate-specific regulator of oocyte polarity, acting through unknown molecular interactions. Here we show that endogenous Buc protein localizes to the Balbiani body, a conserved, asymmetric structure in oocytes that requires Buc for its formation. Asymmetric distribution of Buc in oocytes precedes Balbiani body formation, defining Buc as the earliest marker of oocyte polarity in zebrafish. Through a transgenic strategy, we determined that excess Buc disrupts polarity and results in supernumerary Balbiani bodies in a 3'UTR-dependent manner, and we identified roles for the buc introns in regulating Buc activity. Analyses of mosaic ovaries indicate that oocyte pattern determines the number of animal pole-specific micropylar cells that are associated with an egg via a close-range signal or direct cell contact. We demonstrate interactions between Buc protein and buc mRNA with two conserved RNA-binding proteins (RNAbps) that are localized to the Balbiani body: RNA binding protein with multiple splice isoforms 2 (Rbpms2) and Deleted in azoospermia-like (Dazl). Buc protein and buc mRNA interact with Rbpms2; buc and dazl mRNAs interact with Dazl protein. Cumulatively, these studies indicate that oocyte polarization depends on tight regulation of buc: Buc establishes oocyte polarity through interactions with RNAbps, initiating a feedback amplification mechanism in which Buc protein recruits RNAbps that in turn recruit buc and other RNAs to the Balbiani body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Heim
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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137
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Smorag L, Xu X, Engel W, Pantakani DVK. The roles of DAZL in RNA biology and development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2014; 5:527-35. [PMID: 24715697 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play an important role in the regulation of gene expression by modulating translation and localization of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during early development and gametogenesis. The DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) family of proteins, which includes DAZ, DAZL, and BOULE, are germ cell-specific RNA-binding proteins that are implicated in translational regulation of several transcripts. Of particular importance is DAZL, which is present in vertebrates and arose from the duplication of the ancestral BOULE during evolution. Identification of DAZL target mRNAs and characterization of the RNA-binding sequence through in vitro binding assays and crystallographic studies revealed that DAZL binds to GUU triplets in the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs. Although there is compelling evidence for the role of DAZL in translation stimulation of target mRNAs, recent studies indicate that DAZL can also function in translational repression and transport of specific mRNAs. Furthermore, apart from the well-characterized function of DAZL in gametogenesis, recent data suggest its role in early embryonic development and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells toward functional gametes. In light of the mounting evidence for the role of DAZL in various cellular and developmental processes, we summarize the currently characterized biological functions of DAZL in RNA biology and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Smorag
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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138
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Stage-dependent DAZL localization in stallion germ cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 147:32-8. [PMID: 24746554 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is used as a germ cell marker in several species, including mice, rats, pigs, rhesus monkeys, bulls, and humans. Our objectives with this study were to investigate DAZL expression in stallion germ cells by using immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting, and to determine the effects of reproductive stage and breeding season on the DAZL-positive cell population in seminiferous tubule cross sections. Testes were obtained during routine castration procedures at a large animal clinic and routine field service castration. The reproductive stage of the stallions was classified as pre-pubertal (<1 yr), pubertal (1-1.5 yr), post-pubertal (2-3 yr), or adult (4-8 yr). Using immunofluorescent staining, we showed that DAZL is localized to the cytoplasm of some, but not all, spermatogonia in pre-pubertal and pubertal horses. In the post-pubertal and adult testes, DAZL immunostaining was observed in spermatogonia proximal to the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules; however, few spermatogonia attached to the basement membrane were not immunolabeled. DAZL immunostaining was also observed in primary spermatocytes, but not in secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, or spermatozoa. DAZL protein was not detected in Leydig, Sertoli, or myoid cells of the testes at any reproductive stage. The immunocytochemistry analysis showed that DAZL immunolabeling was also localized to the cytoplasm of isolated germ cells such as spermatogonia or primary spermatocytes. We conclude that DAZL can be used as a marker of pre-meiotic germ cells in stallions.
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139
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Leitch HG, Tang WWC, Surani MA. Primordial germ-cell development and epigenetic reprogramming in mammals. Curr Top Dev Biol 2014; 104:149-87. [PMID: 23587241 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416027-9.00005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the gametes and represent the founder cells of the germline. Specification of PGCs is a critical divergent point during embryogenesis. Whereas the somatic lineages will ultimately perish, cells of the germline have the potential to form a new individual and hence progress to the next generation. It is therefore critical that the genome emerges intact and carrying the appropriate epigenetic information during its passage through the germline. To ensure this fidelity of transmission, PGC development encompasses extensive epigenetic reprogramming. The low cell numbers and relative inaccessibility of PGCs present a challenge to those seeking mechanistic understanding of the crucial developmental and epigenetic processes in this most fascinating of lineages. Here, we present an overview of PGC development in the mouse and compare this with the limited information available for other mammalian species. We believe that a comparative approach will be increasingly important to uncover the extent to which mechanisms are conserved and reveal the critical steps during PGC development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry G Leitch
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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140
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Bhat N, Hong Y. Cloning and expression of boule and dazl in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Gene 2014; 540:140-5. [PMID: 24607036 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Deleted in Azoospermia (DAZ) family of RNA binding proteins consists of highly conserved genes boule, daz and daz-like (dazl) essential for germ cell development. boule is known for its unisexual meiotic expression in invertebrates and mammals, but meiotic-specific female expression plus meiosis-preferential male expression in trout, and meiosis-preferential bisexual expression in medaka. dazl shows highly conserved bisexual expression throughout gametogenesis in diverse species. Here we report the cloning and expression of boule and dazl in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), an important aquaculture fish. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis led to the identification of tilapia boule and dazl cDNAs. The predicted partial Boule contains a conserved RRM motif and Dazl has the C-terminal sequence. On a phylogenetic tree, tilapia Boule and Dazl are in separate clades of Boule and Dazl homologs from other species, indicating their divergence during early vertebrate evolution. By RT-PCR analysis, boule and dazl showed bisexual gonad-specific expression. By in situ hybridization analysis, both boule and dazl RNAs were restricted to female and male germ cells of adult gonads but absent in gonadal soma. In the ovary, boule and dazl RNAs were abundant in oocytes. In the testis, boule and dazl RNAs were prominent in meiotic spermatocytes but barely detectable in meiotic products. These data show that boule and dazl are expressed bisexually in germ cells and provide useful markers to study gametogenesis in the adult tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayani Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yunhan Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore.
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141
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Abstract
Preimplantation embryo metabolism demonstrates distinctive characteristics associated with the developmental potential of embryos. On this basis, metabolite content of culture media was hypothesized to reflect the implantation potential of individual embryos. This hypothesis was tested in consecutive studies reporting a significant association between culture media metabolites and embryo development or clinical pregnancy. The need for a noninvasive, reliable, and rapid embryo assessment strategy promoted metabolomics studies in vitro fertilization (IVF) in an effort to increase success rates of single embryo transfers. With the advance of analytical techniques and bioinformatics, commercial instruments were developed to predict embryo viability using spectroscopic analysis of surplus culture media. However, despite the initial promising results from proof-of-principal studies, recent randomized controlled trials using commercial instruments failed to show a consistent benefit in improving pregnancy rates when metabolomics is used as an adjunct to morphology. At present, the application of metabolomics technology in clinical IVF laboratory requires the elimination of factors underlying inconsistent findings, when possible, and development of reliable predictive models accounting for all possible sources of bias throughout the embryo selection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Uyar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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142
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Ma C, Li J, Tao H, Lei B, Li Y, Tong K, Zhang X, Guan K, Shi Y, Li F. Discovery of two potential DAZL gene markers for sperm quality in boars by population association studies. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 143:97-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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143
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Zhou L, Wang L, Kang JX, Xie W, Li X, Wu C, Xu B, Wu J. Production of fat-1 transgenic rats using a post-natal female germline stem cell line. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:271-81. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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144
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Ramírez MA, Gutierrez-Adan A. Most regions of mouse epididymis are able to phagocytose immature germ cells. Reproduction 2013; 146:481-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of the epididymis as a quality control organ in preventing infertile gametes entering the ejaculate has been extensively explored, and it has been suggested that a specific region of mammalian epididymis is able to phagocytose abnormal germ cells. This study examines whether the epithelium of certain zones of the mouse epididymis can act as a selection barrier by removing immature germ cells from the lumen by phagocytosis. To detect the presence of immature germ cells in the epididymis, we generated transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under the deleted in azoospermia-like (mDazl) promoter to easily identify immature germ cells under fluorescence microscopy. Using this technique, we observed that during the first stage of spermatogenesis in prepuberal mice, a wave of immature germ cells is released into the epididymis and that the immature epididymis is not able to react to this abnormal situation. By contrast, when immature germ cells were artificially released into the epididymis in adult mice, a phagocytic response was observed. Phagosomes appeared inside principal cells of the epididymal epithelium and were observed to contain immature germ cells at different degradation stages in different zones of the epididymis, following the main wave of immature germ cells. In this paper, we describe how the epididymal epithelium controls sperm quality by clearing immature germ cells in response to their artificially induced massive shedding into the epididymal lumen. Our observations indicate that this phenomenon is not restricted to a given epididymis region and that phagocytic capacity is gradually acquired during epididymal development.
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145
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Pires ES, Hlavin C, Macnamara E, Ishola-Gbenla K, Doerwaldt C, Chamberlain C, Klotz K, Herr AK, Khole A, Chertihin O, Curnow E, Feldman SH, Mandal A, Shetty J, Flickinger C, Herr JC. SAS1B protein [ovastacin] shows temporal and spatial restriction to oocytes in several eutherian orders and initiates translation at the primary to secondary follicle transition. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:1405-26. [PMID: 24038607 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm Acrosomal SLLP1 Binding (SAS1B) protein (ovastacin) is an oolemmal binding partner for the intra-acrosomal sperm protein SLLP1. RESULTS Immunohistochemical localization revealed that SAS1B translation is restricted among adult tissues to the ovary and oocytes, SAS1B appearing first in follicles at the primary-secondary transition. Quiescent oocytes within primordial follicles and primary follicles did not stain for SAS1B. Examination of neonatal rat ovaries revealed SAS1B expression first as faint signals in postnatal day 3 oocytes, with SAS1B protein staining intensifying with oocyte growth. Irrespective of animal age or estrus stage, SAS1B was seen only in oocytes of follicles that initiated a second granulosa cell layer. The precise temporal and spatial onset of SAS1B expression was conserved in adult ovaries in seven eutherian species, including nonhuman primates. Immunoelectron micrographs localized SAS1B within cortical granules in MII oocytes. A population of SAS1B localized on the oolemma predominantly in the microvillar region anti-podal to the nucleus in ovulated MII rat oocytes and on the oolemma in macaque GV oocytes. CONCLUSIONS The restricted expression of SAS1B protein in growing oocytes, absence in the ovarian reserve, and localization on the oolemma suggest this zinc metalloprotease deserves consideration as a candidate target for reversible female contraceptive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eusebio S Pires
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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146
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He J, Stewart K, Kinnell HL, Anderson RA, Childs AJ. A developmental stage-specific switch from DAZL to BOLL occurs during fetal oogenesis in humans, but not mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73996. [PMID: 24086306 PMCID: PMC3783425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Deleted in Azoospermia gene family encodes three germ cell-specific RNA-binding proteins (DAZ, DAZL and BOLL) that are essential for gametogenesis in diverse species. Targeted disruption of Boll in mice causes male-specific spermiogenic defects, but females are apparently fertile. Overexpression of human BOLL promotes the derivation of germ cell-like cells from genetically female (XX), but not male (XY) human ES cells however, suggesting a functional role for BOLL in regulating female gametogenesis in humans. Whether BOLL is expressed during oogenesis in mammals also remains unclear. We have therefore investigated the expression of BOLL during fetal oogenesis in humans and mice. We demonstrate that BOLL protein is expressed in the germ cells of the human fetal ovary, at a later developmental stage than, and almost mutually-exclusive to, the expression of DAZL. Strikingly, BOLL is downregulated, and DAZL re-expressed, as primordial follicles form, revealing BOLL expression to be restricted to a narrow window during fetal oogenesis. By quantifying the extent of co-expression of DAZL and BOLL with markers of meiosis, we show that this window likely corresponds to the later stages of meiotic prophase I. Finally, we demonstrate that Boll is also transiently expressed during oogenesis in the fetal mouse ovary, but is simultaneously co-expressed within the same germ cells as Dazl. These data reveal significant similarities and differences between the expression of BOLL homologues during oogenesis in humans and mice, and raise questions as to the validity of the Boll(-/-) mouse as a model for understanding BOLL function during human oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kayleigh Stewart
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel L. Kinnell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Childs
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Camden, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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147
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Chappell VA, Busada JT, Keiper BD, Geyer CB. Translational activation of developmental messenger RNAs during neonatal mouse testis development. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:61. [PMID: 23926285 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.109819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic tenets of germ cell development are conserved among metazoans. Following lineage commitment in the embryo, germ cells proliferate, transition into meiosis, and then differentiate into gametes capable of fertilization. In lower organisms such as Drosophila and C. elegans, germline stem cells make the decision to proliferate or enter meiosis based in large part on the regulated expression of genes by translational control. This study undertakes a direct characterization of mRNAs that experience translational control and their involvement in similar decisions in the mammalian testis. We previously showed that translation of mRNA encoding the germ cell-specific gene Rhox13 was suppressed in the fetal and neonatal testis. By investigating changes in message utilization during neonatal testis development, we found that a large number of mRNAs encoding both housekeeping and germ cell-specific proteins experience enhanced translational efficiency, rather than increase in abundance, in the testis as quiescent gonocytes transition to mitotic spermatogonia. Our results indicate that translational control is a significant regulator of the germ cell proteome during neonatal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna A Chappell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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148
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Shi YQ, Zhuang XJ, Xu B, Hua J, Liao SY, Shi Q, Cooke HJ, Han C. SYCP3-like X-linked 2 is expressed in meiotic germ cells and interacts with synaptonemal complex central element protein 2 and histone acetyltransferase TIP60. Gene 2013; 527:352-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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149
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Wang Q, Liu X, Tang N, Archambeault DR, Li J, Song H, Tang C, He B, Matzuk MM, Wang Y. GASZ promotes germ cell derivation from embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2013; 11:845-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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150
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Kim B, Park K, Rhee K. Heat stress response of male germ cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:2623-36. [PMID: 23007846 PMCID: PMC11113252 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of mammalian testes are located outside the body cavity for proper thermoregulation. Heat has an adverse effect on mammalian spermatogenesis and eventually leads to sub- or infertility. Recent studies have provided insights into the molecular response of male germ cells to high temperatures. Here, we review the effects of heat on male germ cells and discuss the mechanisms underlying germ cell loss and impairment. We also discuss the role of translational control in male germ cells as a potential protective mechanism against heat-induced germ cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byunghyuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747 Korea
| | - Kyosun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747 Korea
| | - Kunsoo Rhee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747 Korea
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