151
|
Mu X, Wen J, Guo M, Wang J, Li G, Wang Z, Wang Y, Teng Z, Cui Y, Xia G. Retinoic acid derived from the fetal ovary initiates meiosis in mouse germ cells. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:627-39. [PMID: 22886539 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic initiation of germ cells at 13.5 dpc (days post-coitus) indicates female sex determination in mice. Recent studies reveal that mesonephroi-derived retinoic acid (RA) is the key signal for induction of meiosis. However, whether the mesonephroi is dispensable for meiosis is unclear and the role of the ovary in this meiotic process remains to be clarified. This study provides data that RA derived from fetal ovaries is sufficient to induce germ cell meiosis in a fetal ovary culture system. When fetal ovaries were collected from 11.5 to 13.5 dpc fetuses, isolated and cultured in vitro, germ cells enter meiosis in the absence of mesonephroi. To exclude RA sourcing from mesonephroi, 11.5 dpc urogenital ridges (UGRs; mesonephroi and ovary complexes) were treated with diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB) to block retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) activity in the mesonephros and the ovary. Meiosis occurred when DEAB was withdrawn and the mesonephros was removed 2 days later. Furthermore, RALDH1, rather than RALDH2, serves as the major RA synthetase in UGRs from 12.5 to 15.5 dpc. DEAB treatment to the ovary alone was able to block germ cell meiotic entry. We also found that exogenously supplied RA dose-dependently reduced germ cell numbers in ovaries by accelerating the entry into meiosis. These results suggest that ovary-derived RA is responsible for meiosis initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
152
|
Harikae K, Miura K, Shinomura M, Matoba S, Hiramatsu R, Tsunekawa N, Kanai-Azuma M, Kurohmaru M, Morohashi KI, Kanai Y. Heterogeneity in sexual bipotentiality and plasticity of granulosa cells in developing mouse ovaries. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:2834-44. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.122663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian sex determination, SRY directly upregulates the expression of SOX9, the master regulatory transcription factor in Sertoli cell differentiation, leading to testis formation. Without SRY action, the bipotential gonadal cells become pre-granulosa cells, which results in ovarian follicle development. When, where and how pre-granulosa cells are determined to differentiate into developing ovaries, however, remains unclear. By monitoring SRY-dependent SOX9-inducibility (SDSI) in a Sry-inducible mouse system, here we show spatiotemporal changes in the sexual bipotentiality/plasticity of ovarian somatic cells throughout a life. The early pre-granulosa cells maintain the SDSI until 11.5 dpc, after which most pre-granulosa cells rapidly lose this ability by 12.0 dpc. Unexpectedly, we found a subpopulation of the pre-granulosa cells near the mesonephric tissue that continuously retains SDSI throughout fetal and early postnatal stages. After birth, these SDSI-positive pre-granulosa cells contribute to the initial round of folliculogenesis by secondary follicle stage. In experimental sex reversal of 13.5-dpc ovaries grafted into adult male nude mice, the differentiated granulosa cells reacquire the SDSI before other signs of masculinization. Our data provide direct evidence of an unexpectedly high sexual heterogeneity of granulosa cells in developing mouse ovaries in a stage- and region-specific manner. Discovery of such sexually bipotential granulosa cells provides a novel entry point to the understanding of masculinization in various cases of XX disorders of sexual development in mammalian ovaries.
Collapse
|
153
|
Boucheron-Houston C, Canterel-Thouennon L, Lee TL, Baxendale V, Nagrani S, Chan WY, Rennert OM. Long-term vitamin A deficiency induces alteration of adult mouse spermatogenesis and spermatogonial differentiation: direct effect on spermatogonial gene expression and indirect effects via somatic cells. J Nutr Biochem 2012; 24:1123-35. [PMID: 23253600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2012.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to further understand the genetic mechanisms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) induced arrest of spermatogonial stem-cell differentiation. Vitamin A and its derivatives (the retinoids) participate in many physiological processes including vision, cellular differentiation and reproduction. VAD affects spermatogenesis, the subject of our present study. Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process of differentiation and complex morphologic alterations that leads to the formation of sperm in the seminiferous epithelium. VAD causes early cessation of spermatogenesis, characterized by degeneration of meiotic germ cells, leading to seminiferous tubules containing mostly type A spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. These observations led us to the hypothesis that VAD affects not only germ cells but also somatic cells. To investigate the effects of VAD on spermatogenesis in mice we used adult Balb/C mice fed with Control or VAD diet for an extended period of time (6-28 weeks). We first observed the chronology, then the extent of the effects of VAD on the testes. Using microarray analysis of isolated pure populations of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cells from control and VAD 18- and 25-week mice, we examined the effects of VAD on gene expression and identified target genes involved in the arrest of spermatogonial differentiation and spermatogenesis. Our results provide a more precise definition of the chronology and magnitude of the consequences of VAD on mouse testes than the previously available literature and highlight direct and indirect (via somatic cells) effects of VAD on germ cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Boucheron-Houston
- Laboratory of Clinical Genomics, Section on Developmental Genomics, National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4429, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
154
|
Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Eslaminejad M, Batavani R, Sedighi-Gilani M. Comparison of the efficacy of three concentrations of retinoic acid for transdifferentiation induction in sheep marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into male germ cells. Andrologia 2012; 46:24-35. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - M.B. Eslaminejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology; Cell Science Research Center; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - R. Batavani
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Urmia University; Urmia Iran
| | - M. Sedighi-Gilani
- Department of Andrology; Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Stansfield FJ, Nöthling JO, Soley JT, Allen WR. Development of the germinal ridge and ovary in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Reproduction 2012; 144:583-93. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The follicular reserve and its ontogeny in the elephant are of interest because elephants have the longest reproductive life of all land-based mammals. They also have the longest recorded pregnancy, which allows a protracted view of the series of significant events involved in the development of the embryonic and fetal gonads. The large elephant population of Zimbabwe provided the opportunity to collect conceptuses from elephants culled for management reasons and hunted professionally. Five embryos aged 76–96 days and the ovaries of four fetuses aged 4.8–11.2 months were fixed in 4% buffered formalin and studied by conventional histological sectioning and a stereological protocol to calculate the follicle reserve of each fetus. These observations enabled the conclusion that the migration of primordial germ cells into the indifferent gonad terminates at around 76 days of gestation while entry of oogonia into meiosis along with first follicle formation starts at around 5 months. Peak numbers of follicles are present by mid-gestation towards the end of the 6-month mitotic–meiotic transition period. It appears that the cortex of the elephant fetal ovary at mid-gestation (11 months) has already reached a developmental stage exhibited by the ovaries of many other mammals at full term.
Collapse
|
156
|
Retinoic acid induces Sertoli cell paracrine signals for spermatogonia differentiation but cell autonomously drives spermatocyte meiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:16582-7. [PMID: 23012458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1214936109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct evidence for a role of endogenous retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A in the initial differentiation and meiotic entry of spermatogonia, and thus in the initiation of spermatogenesis is still lacking. RA is synthesized by dedicated enzymes, the retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (RALDH), and binds to and activates nuclear RA receptors (RARA, RARB, and RARG) either within the RA-synthesizing cells or in the neighboring cells. In the present study, we have used a combination of somatic genetic ablations and pharmacological approaches in vivo to show that during the first, prepubertal, spermatogenic cycle (i) RALDH-dependent synthesis of RA by Sertoli cells (SC), the supporting cells of the germ cell (GC) lineage, is indispensable to initiate differentiation of A aligned into A1 spermatogonia; (ii) RARA in SC mediates the effects of RA, possibly through activating Mafb expression, a gene whose Drosophila homolog is mandatory to GC differentiation; (iii) RA synthesized by premeiotic spermatocytes cell autonomously induces meiotic initiation through controlling the RAR-dependent expression of Stra8. Furthermore, we show that RA of SC origin is no longer necessary for the subsequent spermatogenic cycles but essential to spermiation. Altogether, our data establish that the effects of RA in vivo on spermatogonia differentiation are indirect, via SC, but direct on meiotic initiation in spermatocytes, supporting thereby the notion that, contrary to the situation in the female, RA is necessary to induce meiosis in the male.
Collapse
|
157
|
Evans EB, Hogarth C, Evanoff RM, Mitchell D, Small C, Griswold MD. Localization and regulation of murine Esco2 during male and female meiosis. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:61. [PMID: 22699483 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.099978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for generation of healthy gametes in both sexes and involves recombination and segregation of homologous chromosomes to produce haploid gametes. The initiation of meiosis in both sexes relies upon retinoic acid (RA) (Griswold MD, Hogarth CA, Bowles J, Koopman P. Initiating Meiosis: The Case for Retinoic Acid. Biol Reprod 2012; 86(35):1-7). Previous studies have demonstrated that the stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) was required for meiotic progression in both the mouse ovary and postnatal testis. To identify additional candidates that may play a role during meiosis, we used microarray databases to generate lists of transcripts with expression profiles similar to that of Stra8 in the embryonic ovary and postnatal testis. One such gene, establishment of cohesion 1 homolog 2 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (Esco2), has been described as a regulator of sister chromatid cohesion during mitosis. This study describes the first in-depth analysis of ESCO2 localization and regulation during meiosis in both males and females. ESCO2 colocalized with the gamma H2A histone family member X (H2AFX) in pachytene spermatocytes, indicating that ESCO2 is a component of the XY body. In pachytene cells of the embryonic ovary, ESCO2 colocalized with H2AFX, which is consistent with the presence of ESCO2 in areas of double-stranded breaks. In addition, the expression of Esco2 was found to be regulated by RA in the postnatal testis. These data indicate that ESCO2 may play a vital role in meiosis in both males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B Evans
- School of Molecular Biosciences and The Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
158
|
Sabour D, Schöler HR. Reprogramming and the mammalian germline: the Weismann barrier revisited. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2012; 24:716-23. [PMID: 22947493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The germline represents a unique cell type that can transmit genetic material to the next generation. During early embryonic development, somatic cells give rise to a small population of cells known as germ cells, which eventually differentiate into mature gametes. Germ cells undergo a process of removing and resetting relevant epigenetic information, mainly by DNA demethylation. This extensive epigenetic reprogramming leads to the conversion of germ cells into immortal cells that can pass on the genome to the next generation. In the absence of germline-specific reprogramming, germ cells would preserve the old, parental epigenetic memory, which would prevent the transfer of heritable information to the offspring. On the contrary, somatic cells cannot reset epigenetic information by preserving the full methylation pattern on imprinting genes. In this review, we focus on the capacity of germ cells and somatic cells (soma) to transfer genetic information to the next generation, and thus revisit the Weismann theory of heredity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davood Sabour
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
159
|
Yu M, Yu P, Leghari IH, Ge C, Mi Y, Zhang C. RALDH2, the enzyme for retinoic acid synthesis, mediates meiosis initiation in germ cells of the female embryonic chickens. Amino Acids 2012; 44:405-12. [PMID: 22733143 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a process unique to the differentiation of germ cells and exhibits sex-specific in timing. Previous studies showed that retinoic acid (RA) as the vitamin A metabolite is crucial for controlling Stra8 (Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) expression in the gonad and to initiate meiosis; however, the mechanism by which retinoid-signaling acts has remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of the enzyme retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) which catalyzes RA synthesizes by initiating meiosis in chicken ovarian germ cells. Meiotic germ cells were first detected at day 15.5 in chicken embryo ovary when the expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Scp3) and disrupted meiotic cDNA 1 homologue (Dmc1) became elevated, while Stra8 expression was specifically up-regulated at day 12.5 before meiosis onset. It was observed from the increase in Raldh2 mRNA expression levels and decreases in Cyp26b1 (the enzyme for RA catabolism) expression levels during meiosis that requirement for RA accumulation is essential to sustain meiosis. This was also revealed by RA stimulation of the cultured ovaries with the initiation of meiosis response, and the knocking down of the Raldh2 expression during meiosis, leading to abolishment of RA-dependent action. Altogether, these studies indicate that RA synthesis by the enzyme RALDH2 and signaling through its receptor is crucial for meiosis initiation in chicken embryonic ovary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minli Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition and Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, No 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
160
|
Kasimanickam VR, Kasimanickam RK. Expression of CYP26b1 and related retinoic acid signalling molecules in young, peripubertal and adult dog testis. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:171-6. [PMID: 22712632 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to elucidate mRNA expression of CYP26b1 (cytochrome P450, family 26, subfamily B, polypeptide 1) and signalling molecules ALDH1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1), CRABPII (cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II), RARα (retinoic acid receptor alpha) and STRA8 (stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) in dog testis from different post-natal developmental ages. Testicular tissue samples were collected from medium-sized mixed breed dogs at different ages such as young (<4 months; N = 4), peripubertal (4-8 months; N = 3) and adult (>8 months; N = 4) were used to evaluate relative mRNA expression. Genes of RA-degrading enzyme CYP26b1, ALDH1 involved in RA synthesis and genes of carrier protein CRABPII involved in RA metabolism were turned on during the post-natal testicular development in dogs. Their expression pattern differs at different developmental ages (p < 0.05), and the levels of mRNA expression were compensated towards a normal developmental response for the sexual maturity and continuous spermatogenesis. The mRNA expression of RARα, one of the RA receptors participates in RA signalling in connection to spermatogenesis, was recorded in young and adult stages at varying degree. STRA8 is one of the responsive genes with regard to meiosis, and this functional gene product was expressed in all ages with the changing level (p < 0.01). In summary, the expression pattern of RA signalling molecules differed from young to adult ages, and it is expected that these changes are to compensate towards a normal developmental response for the sexual maturity and continuous spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
161
|
Germline development from human pluripotent stem cells toward disease modeling of infertility. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1250-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
162
|
Pittlik S, Begemann G. New sources of retinoic acid synthesis revealed by live imaging of an Aldh1a2-GFP reporter fusion protein throughout zebrafish development. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1205-16. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
163
|
Zhu Y, Hu HL, Li P, Yang S, Zhang W, Ding H, Tian RH, Ning Y, Zhang LL, Guo XZ, Shi ZP, Li Z, He Z. Generation of male germ cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells): an in vitro and in vivo study. Asian J Androl 2012; 14:574-9. [PMID: 22504877 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from mice and humans can differentiate into primordial germ cells. However, whether iPS cells are capable of producing male germ cells is not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the differentiation potential of mouse iPS cells into spermatogonial stem cells and late-stage male germ cells. We used an approach that combines in vitro differentiation and in vivo transplantation. Embryoid bodies (EBs) were obtained from iPS cells using leukaemia inhibitor factor (LIF)-free medium. Quantitative PCR revealed a decrease in Oct4 expression and an increase in Stra8 and Vasa mRNA in the EBs derived from iPS cells. iPS cell-derived EBs were induced by retinoic acid to differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as evidenced by their expression of VASA, as well as CDH1 and GFRα1, which are markers of SSCs. Furthermore, these germ cells derived from iPS cells were transplanted into recipient testes of mice that had been pre-treated with busulfan. Notably, iPS cell-derived SSCs were able to differentiate into male germ cells ranging from spermatogonia to round spermatids, as shown by VASA and SCP3 expression. This study demonstrates that iPS cells have the potential to differentiate into late-stage male germ cells. The derivation of male germ cells from iPS cells has potential applications in the treatment of male infertility and provides a model for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying male germ cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhu
- Renji Hospital, Sperm Development and Genetics Laboratory, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Department of Urology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
164
|
Ray D, Hogarth CA, Evans EB, An W, Griswold MD, Ye P. Experimental validation of Ankrd17 and Anapc10, two novel meiotic genes predicted by computational models in mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:102. [PMID: 22190705 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophase is a critical stage of meiosis, during which recombination-the landmark event of meiosis-exchanges information between homologous chromosomes. The intractability of mammalian gonads has limited our knowledge on genes or interactions between genes during this key stage. Microarray profiling of gonads in both sexes has generated genome-scale information. However, the asynchronous development of germ cells and the mixed germ/somatic cell population complicate the use of this resource. To elucidate functional networks of meiotic prophase, we have integrated global gene expression with other genome-scale datasets either within or across species. Our computational approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of interactions between genes and can prioritize candidates for targeted experiments. Here, we examined two novel prophase genes predicted by computational models: Ankrd17 and Anapc10. Their expression and localization were characterized in the developing mouse testis using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. We found ANKRD17 expression was predominantly restricted to pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. ANKRD17 was diffusely distributed throughout the nucleus of pachytene cells but excluded from the XY body and other heterochromatic regions. ANAPC10 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and leptotene and pachytene spermatocytes. These experiments support our computational predictions of Ankrd17 and Anapc10 as potential prophase genes. More importantly, they serve as a proof of concept of our integrative computational and experimental approach, which has delivered a larger candidate gene set to the broader reproductive community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Ray
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
165
|
Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on the expression of primordial germ cell differentiation-associated genes in mESC-derived EBs. Cell Biol Int 2012; 36:491-5. [DOI: 10.1042/cbi20110423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
166
|
Kim YS, Kim EY, Moon J, Yoon TK, Lee WS, Lee KA. Expression of interferon regulatory factor-1 in the mouse cumulus-oocyte complex is negatively related with oocyte maturation. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2012; 38:193-202. [PMID: 22384442 PMCID: PMC3283079 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2011.38.4.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We found previously that interferon regulatory factor (Irf)-1 is a germinal vesicle (GV)-selective gene that highly expressed in GV as compared to metaphase II oocytes. To our knowledge, the function of Irf-1 in oocytes has yet to be examined. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between retinoic acid (RA) and RA-mediated expression of Irf-1 and the mouse oocyte maturation. METHODS Immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were collected from 17-day-old female mice and cultured in vitro for 16 hours in the presence of varying concentrations of RA (0-10 µM). Rate of oocyte maturation and activation was measured. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cytokine secretion in the medium was measured by Bio-Plex analysis. Apoptosis was analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS The rates of oocyte maturation to metaphase II and oocyte activation increased significantly with RA treatment (10 nM-1 µM). With 100 nM RA treatment, lowest level of Irf-1 mRNA and cumulus cell's apoptosis was found. Among 23 cytokines measured by Bio-Plex system, the substantial changes in secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, eotaxin and interleukin-12 (p40) from COCs in response to RA were detected. CONCLUSION We concluded that the maturation of oocytes and Irf-1 expression are negatively correlated, and RA enhances the developmental competence of mouse immature oocytes in vitro by suppressing apoptosis of cumulus cells. Using a mouse model, results of the present study provide insights into improved culture conditions for in vitro oocyte maturation and relevant cytokine production and secretion in assisted reproductive technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
167
|
Warr N, Greenfield A. The molecular and cellular basis of gonadal sex reversal in mice and humans. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:559-77. [PMID: 23801533 PMCID: PMC3709125 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian gonad is adapted for the production of germ cells and is an endocrine gland that controls sexual maturation and fertility. Gonadal sex reversal, namely, the development of ovaries in an XY individual or testes in an XX, has fascinated biologists for decades. The phenomenon suggests the existence of genetic suppressors of the male and female developmental pathways and molecular genetic studies, particularly in the mouse, have revealed controlled antagonism at the core of mammalian sex determination. Both testis and ovary determination represent design solutions to a number of problems: how to generate cells with the right properties to populate the organ primordium; how to produce distinct organs from an initially bipotential primordium; how to pattern an organ when the expression of key cell fate determinants is initiated only in a discrete region of the primordium and extends to other regions asynchronously; how to coordinate the interaction between distinct cell types in time and space and stabilize the resulting morphology; and how to maintain the differentiated state of the organ throughout the adult period. Some of these, and related problems, are common to organogenesis in general; some are distinctive to gonad development. In this review, we discuss recent studies of the molecular and cellular events underlying testis and ovary development, with an emphasis on the phenomenon of gonadal sex reversal and its causes in mice and humans. Finally, we discuss sex-determining loci and disorders of sex development in humans and the future of research in this important area. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:559–577. doi: 10.1002/wdev.42
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
168
|
Reizel Y, Itzkovitz S, Adar R, Elbaz J, Jinich A, Chapal-Ilani N, Maruvka YE, Nevo N, Marx Z, Horovitz I, Wasserstrom A, Mayo A, Shur I, Benayahu D, Skorecki K, Segal E, Dekel N, Shapiro E. Cell lineage analysis of the mammalian female germline. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002477. [PMID: 22383887 PMCID: PMC3285577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fundamental aspects of embryonic and post-natal development, including maintenance of the mammalian female germline, are largely unknown. Here we employ a retrospective, phylogenetic-based method for reconstructing cell lineage trees utilizing somatic mutations accumulated in microsatellites, to study female germline dynamics in mice. Reconstructed cell lineage trees can be used to estimate lineage relationships between different cell types, as well as cell depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote). We show that, in the reconstructed mouse cell lineage trees, oocytes form clusters that are separate from hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, both in young and old mice, indicating that these populations belong to distinct lineages. Furthermore, while cumulus cells sampled from different ovarian follicles are distinctly clustered on the reconstructed trees, oocytes from the left and right ovaries are not, suggesting a mixing of their progenitor pools. We also observed an increase in oocyte depth with mouse age, which can be explained either by depth-guided selection of oocytes for ovulation or by post-natal renewal. Overall, our study sheds light on substantial novel aspects of female germline preservation and development. Many aspects of mammalian female germline development during embryogenesis and throughout adulthood are either unknown or under debate. In this study we applied a novel method for the reconstruction of cell lineage trees utilizing microsatellite mutations, accumulated during mouse life, in oocytes and other cells, sampled from young and old mice. Analysis of the reconstructed cell lineage trees shows that oocytes are clustered separately from bone-marrow derived cells, that oocytes from different ovaries share common progenitors, and that oocyte depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote) increases significantly with mouse age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yitzhak Reizel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rivka Adar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Judith Elbaz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adrian Jinich
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Chapal-Ilani
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef E. Maruvka
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zipora Marx
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inna Horovitz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adam Wasserstrom
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Avi Mayo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irena Shur
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dafna Benayahu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Karl Skorecki
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eran Segal
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail: (ND); (ES)
| | - Ehud Shapiro
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail: (ND); (ES)
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Matson CK, Zarkower D. Sex and the singular DM domain: insights into sexual regulation, evolution and plasticity. Nat Rev Genet 2012; 13:163-74. [PMID: 22310892 PMCID: PMC3595575 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most animals reproduce sexually, but the genetic and molecular mechanisms that determine the eventual sex of each embryo vary remarkably. DM domain genes, which are related to the insect gene doublesex, are integral to sexual development and its evolution in many metazoans. Recent studies of DM domain genes reveal mechanisms by which new sexual dimorphisms have evolved in invertebrates and show that one gene, Dmrt1, was central to multiple evolutionary transitions between sex-determining mechanisms in vertebrates. In addition, Dmrt1 coordinates a surprising array of distinct cell fate decisions in the mammalian gonad and even guards against transdifferentiation of male cells into female cells in the adult testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clinton K Matson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
170
|
Sarraj MA, Drummond AE. Mammalian foetal ovarian development: consequences for health and disease. Reproduction 2012; 143:151-63. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of a normal ovary during foetal life is essential for the production and ovulation of a high-quality oocyte in adult life. Early in embryogenesis, the primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate to and colonise the genital ridges. Once the PGCs reach the bipotential gonad, the absence of the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene and the presence of female-specific genes ensure that the indifferent gonad takes the female pathway and an ovary forms. PGCs enter into meiosis, transform into oogonia and ultimately give rise to oocytes that are later surrounded by granulosa cells to form primordial follicles. Various genes and signals are implicated in germ and somatic cell development, leading to successful follicle formation and normal ovarian development. This review focuses on the differentiation events, cellular processes and molecular mechanisms essential for foetal ovarian development in the mice and humans. A better understanding of these early cellular and morphological events will facilitate further study into the regulation of oocyte development, manifestation of ovarian disease and basis of female infertility.
Collapse
|
171
|
Law AYS, Wei X, Zhang X, Mak NK, Cheung KC, Wong MH, Giesy JP, Wong CKC. Biological analysis of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animal meats from the Pearl River Delta, China. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2012; 22:93-100. [PMID: 21989503 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2011.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) consist of a diverse group of industrial chemicals and pharmacological agents. The use of instrumental analyses as the first screening tool might not be cost-effective to identify the existence of enormous numbers of chemical contaminants in environments. Also, knowledge of the concentration of individual residues is difficult to use to evaluate biological impacts of contaminants to wildlife and humans. The primary objective of the present study was to develop and to test the feasibility of using a battery of exposure biomarkers for the rapid-screening of various endocrine disrupting activities present in food. The measurement of the EDC-elicited activities involved various (i) receptor-mediated responses, including androgenic, estrogenic, dioxin-like, glucocorticoid-like, progesterone-like, peroxisome proliferator-like and retinoid-like as well as (ii) the non-receptor mediated responses through modulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP content. Samples of both local and imported pork, beef and chicken as well as freshwater and seawater fishes were collected. Extracts of different foods exhibited various dioxin-like and "hormonal" activities. Fish and chicken skin were found to be the major source of exogenous "hormonal" and dioxin-like substances in diets. Extracts of beef and pork contained lesser potencies of hormonally-active agents. Our data suggest that the proposed EDC-screening platform may be useful in a risk assessment for the routine monitoring of EDCs in foods. Continuous monitoring and research is warranted to assess the physiological consequences of the consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Yu Sheung Law
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute of Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
172
|
Ross AC, Zolfaghari R. Cytochrome P450s in the regulation of cellular retinoic acid metabolism. Annu Rev Nutr 2011; 31:65-87. [PMID: 21529158 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-072610-145127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The active metabolite of vitamin A, retinoic acid (RA), is a powerful regulator of gene transcription. RA is also a therapeutic drug. The oxidative metabolism of RA by certain members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily helps to maintain tissue RA concentrations within appropriate bounds. The CYP26 family--CYP26A1, CYP26B1, and CYP26C1--is distinguished by being both regulated by and active toward all-trans-RA (at-RA) while being expressed in different tissue-specific patterns. The CYP26A1 gene is regulated by multiple RA response elements. CYP26A1 is essential for embryonic development, whereas CYP26B1 is essential for postnatal survival as well as germ cell development. Enzyme kinetic studies have demonstrated that several CYP proteins are capable of metabolizing at-RA; however, it is likely that CYP26A1 plays a major role in RA clearance. Thus, pharmacological approaches to limiting the activity of CYP26 enzymes may extend the half-life of RA and could be useful clinically in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Catharine Ross
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
173
|
Baillet A, Le Bouffant R, Volff JN, Luangpraseuth A, Poumerol E, Thépot D, Pailhoux E, Livera G, Cotinot C, Mandon-Pépin B. TOPAZ1, a novel germ cell-specific expressed gene conserved during evolution across vertebrates. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26950. [PMID: 22069478 PMCID: PMC3206057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We had previously reported that the Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH) approach was relevant for the isolation of new mammalian genes involved in oogenesis and early follicle development. Some of these transcripts might be potential new oocyte and granulosa cell markers. We have now characterized one of them, named TOPAZ1 for the Testis and Ovary-specific PAZ domain gene. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Sheep and mouse TOPAZ1 mRNA have 4,803 bp and 4,962 bp open reading frames (20 exons), respectively, and encode putative TOPAZ1 proteins containing 1,600 and 1653 amino acids. They possess PAZ and CCCH domains. In sheep, TOPAZ1 mRNA is preferentially expressed in females during fetal life with a peak during prophase I of meiosis, and in males during adulthood. In the mouse, Topaz1 is a germ cell-specific gene. TOPAZ1 protein is highly conserved in vertebrates and specifically expressed in mouse and sheep gonads. It is localized in the cytoplasm of germ cells from the sheep fetal ovary and mouse adult testis. CONCLUSIONS We have identified a novel PAZ-domain protein that is abundantly expressed in the gonads during germ cell meiosis. The expression pattern of TOPAZ1, and its high degree of conservation, suggests that it may play an important role in germ cell development. Further characterization of TOPAZ1 may elucidate the mechanisms involved in gametogenesis, and particularly in the RNA silencing process in the germ line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Baillet
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Ronan Le Bouffant
- CEA, DSV/DRR/SEGG/LDRG, Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of the Gonads, Unit of Gametogenesis and Genotoxicity, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Jean Nicolas Volff
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, INRA, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alix Luangpraseuth
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Dominique Thépot
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- CEA, DSV/DRR/SEGG/LDRG, Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of the Gonads, Unit of Gametogenesis and Genotoxicity, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Corinne Cotinot
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pépin
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- ENVA, Maisons Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
McIver S, Roman S, Nixon B, McLaughlin E. miRNA and mammalian male germ cells. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 18:44-59. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
175
|
Chassot AA, Gregoire EP, Lavery R, Taketo MM, de Rooij DG, Adams IR, Chaboissier MC. RSPO1/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates oogonia differentiation and entry into meiosis in the mouse fetal ovary. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25641. [PMID: 21991325 PMCID: PMC3185015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of germ cells into male gonocytes or female oocytes is a central event in sexual reproduction. Proliferation and differentiation of fetal germ cells depend on the sex of the embryo. In male mouse embryos, germ cell proliferation is regulated by the RNA helicase Mouse Vasa homolog gene and factors synthesized by the somatic Sertoli cells promote gonocyte differentiation. In the female, ovarian differentiation requires activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in the somatic cells by the secreted protein RSPO1. Using mouse models, we now show that Rspo1 also activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in germ cells. In XX Rspo1−/− gonads, germ cell proliferation, expression of the early meiotic marker Stra8, and entry into meiosis are all impaired. In these gonads, impaired entry into meiosis and germ cell sex reversal occur prior to detectable Sertoli cell differentiation, suggesting that β-catenin signaling acts within the germ cells to promote oogonial differentiation and entry into meiosis. Our results demonstrate that RSPO1/β-catenin signaling is involved in meiosis in fetal germ cells and contributes to the cellular decision of germ cells to differentiate into oocyte or sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Amandine Chassot
- INSERM, U636, Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Normal et Pathologique, Nice, France
| | - Elodie P. Gregoire
- INSERM, U636, Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Normal et Pathologique, Nice, France
| | - Rowena Lavery
- INSERM, U636, Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Normal et Pathologique, Nice, France
| | - Makoto M. Taketo
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Yoshida-Konoé-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Dirk G. de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ian R. Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- INSERM, U636, Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Normal et Pathologique, Nice, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Su Y, Li Y, Ye P. Mammalian meiosis is more conserved by sex than by species: conserved co-expression networks of meiotic prophase. Reproduction 2011; 142:675-87. [PMID: 21908654 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of meiosis to human reproduction, we know remarkably little about the genes and pathways that regulate meiotic progression through prophase in any mammalian species. Microarray expression profiles of mammalian gonads provide a valuable resource for probing gene networks. However, expression studies are confounded by mixed germ cell and somatic cell populations in the gonad and asynchronous germ cell populations. Further, widely used clustering methods for analyzing microarray profiles are unable to prioritize candidate genes for testing. To derive a comprehensive understanding of gene expression in mammalian meiotic prophase, we constructed conserved co-expression networks by linking expression profiles of male and female gonads across mouse and human. We demonstrate that conserved gene co-expression dramatically improved the accuracy of detecting known meiotic genes compared with using co-expression in individual studies. Interestingly, our results indicate that meiotic prophase is more conserved by sex than by species. The co-expression networks allowed us to identify genes involved in meiotic recombination, chromatin cohesion, and piRNA metabolism. Further, we were able to prioritize candidate genes based on quantitative co-expression links with known meiotic genes. Literature studies of these candidate genes suggest that some are human disease genes while others are associated with mammalian gonads. In conclusion, our co-expression networks provide a systematic understanding of cross-sex and cross-species conservations observed during meiotic prophase. This approach further allows us to prioritize candidate meiotic genes for in-depth mechanistic studies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongchun Su
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Department of Statistics, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, PO Box 647520, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
177
|
Zhang J, Eto K, Honmyou A, Nakao K, Kiyonari H, Abé SI. Neuregulins are essential for spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation in neonatal mouse testis. Development 2011; 138:3159-68. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.062380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The transition from mitosis to meiosis is unique to germ cells. In murine embryonic ovaries and juvenile testes, retinoic acid (RA) induces meiosis via the stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), but its molecular pathway requires elucidation. We present genetic evidence in vivo and in vitro that neuregulins (NRGs) are essential for the proliferation of spermatogonia and the initiation of meiosis. Tamoxifen (TAM) was injected into 14-day post-partum (dpp) Sertoli cell-specific conditional Nrg1Ser–/– mutant mice. TAM induced testis degeneration, suppressed BrdU incorporation into spermatogonia and pre-leptotene primary spermatocytes, and decreased and increased the number of STRA8-positive and TUNEL-positive cells, respectively. In testicular organ cultures from 5-6 dpp wild-type mice and cultures of their re-aggregated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, FSH, RA [all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), AM580, 9-cis-RA] and NRG1 promoted spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation. However, TAM treatment of testicular organ cultures from the Nrg1Ser–/– mutants suppressed spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation that was promoted by FSH or AM580. In re-aggregated cultures of purified spermatogonia, NRG1, NRG3, ATRA and 9-cis-RA promoted their proliferation and meiotic initiation, but neither AM580 nor FSH did. In addition, FSH, RAs and NRG1 promoted Nrg1 and Nrg3 mRNA expression in Sertoli cells. These results indicate that in juvenile testes RA and FSH induced meiosis indirectly through Sertoli cells when NRG1 and NRG3 were upregulated, as NRG1 amplified itself and NRG3. The amplified NRG1 and NRG3 directly induced meiosis in spermatogonia. In addition, ATRA and 9-cis-RA activated spermatogonia directly and promoted their proliferation and eventually meiotic initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JiDong Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Ko Eto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Asuka Honmyou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakao
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, Center for Developmental Biology (CDB), RIKEN Kobe, 2-2-1 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, Center for Developmental Biology (CDB), RIKEN Kobe, 2-2-1 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Abé
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Kimble J. Molecular regulation of the mitosis/meiosis decision in multicellular organisms. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2011; 3:a002683. [PMID: 21646377 PMCID: PMC3140684 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a002683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A major step in the journey from germline stem cell to differentiated gamete is the decision to leave the mitotic cell cycle and begin progression through the meiotic cell cycle. Over the past decade, molecular regulators of the mitosis/meiosis decision have been discovered in most of the major model multicellular organisms. Historically, the mitosis/meiosis decision has been closely linked with controls of germline self-renewal and the sperm/egg decision, especially in nematodes and mice. Molecular explanations of those linkages clarify our understanding of this fundamental germ cell decision, and unifying themes have begun to emerge. Although the complete circuitry of the decision is not known in any organism, the recent advances promise to impact key issues in human reproduction and agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kimble
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Xu X, Pantakani DVK, Lührig S, Tan X, Khromov T, Nolte J, Dressel R, Zechner U, Engel W. Stage-specific germ-cell marker genes are expressed in all mouse pluripotent cell types and emerge early during induced pluripotency. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22413. [PMID: 21799849 PMCID: PMC3143132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) generated from the in-vitro culture of blastocyst stage embryos are known as equivalent to blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) in-vivo. Though several reports have shown the expression of germ cell/pre-meiotic (GC/PrM) markers in ESCs, their functional relevance for the pluripotency and germ line commitment are largely unknown. In the present study, we used mouse as a model system and systematically analyzed the RNA and protein expression of GC/PrM markers in ESCs and found them to be comparable to the expression of cultured pluripotent cells originated from the germ line. Further, siRNA knockdown experiments have demonstrated the parallel maintenance and independence of pluripotent and GC/PrM networks in ESCs. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we observed that pluripotent cells exhibit active chromatin states at GC marker genes and a bivalent chromatin structure at PrM marker genes. Moreover, gene expression analysis during the time course of iPS cells generation revealed that the expression of GC markers precedes pluripotency markers. Collectively, through our observations we hypothesize that the chromatin state and the expression of GC/PrM markers might indicate molecular parallels between in-vivo germ cell specification and pluripotent stem cell generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingbo Xu
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Lührig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Xiaoying Tan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Khromov
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Nolte
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Engel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Vitamin A: a multifunctional tool for development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011; 22:603-10. [PMID: 21693195 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research carried out over the last 100 years has established that the fat-soluble organic compound vitamin A plays crucial roles in early development, organogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis as well as in tissue homeostasis. Given its importance during development, the delivery of vitamin A to the embryo is very tightly regulated with perturbations leading to severe malformations. This review discusses the roles of vitamin A during human development and the molecular mechanisms controlling its biological effects, hence bridging the gap between human development and molecular genetic work carried out in animal models. Vitamin A delivery during pregnancy and its developmental teratology in humans are thus discussed alongside work on model organisms, such as chicken or mice, revealing the molecular layout and functions of vitamin A metabolism and signaling. We conclude that, during development, vitamin A-derived signals are very tightly controlled in time and space and that this complex regulation is achieved by elaborate autoregulatory loops and by sophisticated interactions with other signaling cascades.
Collapse
|
181
|
Hogarth CA, Amory JK, Griswold MD. Inhibiting vitamin A metabolism as an approach to male contraception. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011; 22:136-44. [PMID: 21277790 PMCID: PMC3070762 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although oral contraceptives have been available to women since the 1960s, contraceptive options for men have remained limited. Spermatogenesis relies on the active metabolite of vitamin A, retinoic acid, to drive spermatogonial differentiation and to allow the production of normal numbers of sperm. Recent evidence describes how the enzymes which control vitamin A metabolism in the testis could be targeted to generate effective male contraceptives; however, the detailed mechanism(s) regarding how vitamin A regulates normal spermatogenesis are still unknown. The essential nature of vitamin A to male germ cell development and the prospects of developing the proteins responsible for the generation, transport, and storage of retinoic acid as targets for male contraceptive development are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn A. Hogarth
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - John K. Amory
- University of Washington Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D. Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Clagett-Dame M, Knutson D. Vitamin A in reproduction and development. Nutrients 2011; 3:385-428. [PMID: 22254103 PMCID: PMC3257687 DOI: 10.3390/nu3040385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The requirement for vitamin A in reproduction was first recognized in the early 1900's, and its importance in the eyes of developing embryos was realized shortly after. A greater understanding of the large number of developmental processes that require vitamin A emerged first from nutritional deficiency studies in rat embryos, and later from genetic studies in mice. It is now generally believed that all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the form of vitamin A that supports both male and female reproduction as well as embryonic development. This conclusion is based on the ability to reverse most reproductive and developmental blocks found in vitamin A deficiency induced either by nutritional or genetic means with RA, and the ability to recapitulate the majority of embryonic defects in retinoic acid receptor compound null mutants. The activity of the catabolic CYP26 enzymes in determining what tissues have access to RA has emerged as a key regulatory mechanism, and helps to explain why exogenous RA can rescue many vitamin A deficiency defects. In severely vitamin A-deficient (VAD) female rats, reproduction fails prior to implantation, whereas in VAD pregnant rats given small amounts of carotene or supported on limiting quantities of RA early in organogenesis, embryos form but show a collection of defects called the vitamin A deficiency syndrome or late vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is also essential for the maintenance of the male genital tract and spermatogenesis. Recent studies show that vitamin A participates in a signaling mechanism to initiate meiosis in the female gonad during embryogenesis, and in the male gonad postnatally. Both nutritional and genetic approaches are being used to elucidate the vitamin A-dependent pathways upon which these processes depend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Clagett-Dame
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Danielle Knutson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Hua J, Zhu H, Pan S, Liu C, Sun J, Ma X, Dong W, Liu W, Li W. Pluripotent Male Germline Stem Cells from Goat Fetal Testis and Their Survival in Mouse Testis. Cell Reprogram 2011; 13:133-44. [PMID: 21473690 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaohui Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwei Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China Shaanxi Key Lab for Agriculture Molecular Biotechnology Centre, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Weishuai Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yangling Demonstration Zone Hospital, Yang Ling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- North Branch Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. of Jiangsu Province, Taizhou, Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Abstract
The idea that a sperm or egg might be formed outside of a gonad is perhaps as bizarre today as human assisted conception and test-tube babies were 30-40 years ago and has received a similar amount of media copy. Here, we review briefly the derivation of mammalian germ cells and sperm cells from embryonic stem cells in vitro, ask whether these methods are viable and could provide therapies in the future, and discuss what constitutes an 'artificial' sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Lokman
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
185
|
Niikura Y, Niikura T, Wang N, Satirapod C, Tilly JL. Systemic signals in aged males exert potent rejuvenating effects on the ovarian follicle reserve in mammalian females. Aging (Albany NY) 2011; 2:999-1003. [PMID: 21212462 PMCID: PMC3034188 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Through the use of parabiosis in mice, aging-related deterioration of skeletal muscle and liver has been linked to a loss of systemic factors that support adult stem or progenitor cell activity. Since aging-related ovarian failure has recently been attributed, at least in part, to a loss of de-novo oocyte-containing follicle formation associated with declining oogonial stem cell activity, herein we tested in mice if aging-related changes in systemic factors influence the size of the ovarian follicle reserve. Ovaries of young (2-month-old) females parabiotically joined with young females for 5 weeks possess comparable numbers of healthy and degenerative (atretic) oocyte-containing follicles in their ovaries as those detected in non-parabiotic young females. Joining of young females with young males significantly increases follicle atresia without a net change healthy follicle numbers. Surprisingly, young females joined with aged (24-month-old) males exhibit a significant increase in the number of primordial follicles comprising the ovarian reserve, and this occurs without changes in follicle growth activation or atresia. Blood of aged males also induces ovarian expression of the germ cell-specific meiosis gene, Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), in ovaries of female parabionts, further supporting the conclusion that the observed changes in the follicle reserve of females joined with aged males reflect increased oocyte formation. Thus, factors in male blood exert dramatic effects on ovarian follicle dynamics, and aging males possess a beneficial systemic factor that significantly expands the ovarian follicle reserve in females through enhanced oogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Niikura
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
186
|
Yano A, Nicol B, Guerin A, Guiguen Y. The duplicated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) T-box transcription factors 1, tbx1a and tbx1b, are up-regulated during testicular development. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:172-80. [PMID: 21308851 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tbx1 is a member of the T-box transcription factor gene family involved in embryogenesis and organogenesis. Recently, within a pan-genomic screen using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cDNA microarrays, we identified a tbx1 homolog with testicular over-expression during sex differentiation. Here, we characterized two very similar rainbow trout tbx1 paralogs, tbx1a and tbx1b. In adult tissues, tbx1a expression is restricted to the gonads, with high expression in the testis, while tbx1b is more widely expressed in gonads, gills, brains, muscle, and skin. During gonadal differentiation, both genes are differentially expressed in favor of testis formation shortly after hatching. These genes are expressed in somatic cells surrounding germ cells of the differentiating testis, while no or only weak expression was observed in the differentiating ovary. tbx1a and tbx1b were also both down-regulated in the differentiating testis during feminization with estrogens and up-regulated in the differentiating ovary during masculinization with an aromatase inhibitor. These results suggest that tbx1a and tbx1b are probably involved in the regulation of testicular differentiation in rainbow trout. Since Tbx1 is known to interact with the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway, we also examined the effect of RA on the rainbow trout tbx1 expression pattern. Expression of tbx1a and tbx1b was down-regulated in RA-treated male gonads, suggesting that tbx1 interacts with the RA signaling pathway and thus could be involved in the control of rainbow trout gonadal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Yano
- INRA, UR1037 SCRIBE, IFR140, Ouest-Genopole, Rennes, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
187
|
Pennimpede T, Cameron DA, MacLean GA, Li H, Abu-Abed S, Petkovich M. The role of CYP26 enzymes in defining appropriate retinoic acid exposure during embryogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 88:883-94. [PMID: 20842651 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a pleiotropic derivative of vitamin A, or retinol, which is responsible for all of the bioactivity associated with this vitamin. The teratogenic influences of vitamin A deficiency and excess RA in rodents were first observed more than 50 years ago. Efforts over the last 15-20 years have refined these observations by defining the molecular mechanisms that control RA availability and signaling during murine embryonic development. This review will discuss our current understanding of the role of RA in teratogenesis, with specific emphasis on the essential function of the RA catabolic CYP26 enzymes in preventing teratogenic consequences caused by uncontrolled distribution of RA. Particular focus will be paid to the RA-sensitive tissues of the caudal and cranial regions, the limb, and the testis, and how genetic mutation of factors controlling RA distribution have revealed important roles for RA during embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracie Pennimpede
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
188
|
Heim C, Minniear K, Dann CT. Imatinib has deleterious effects on differentiating spermatogonia while sparing spermatogonial stem cell self renewal. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:454-63. [PMID: 21295132 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Imatinib mesylate is among a growing number of effective cancer drugs that provide molecularly targeted therapy; however, imatinib causes reproductive defects in rodents. The availability of an in vitro system for screening the effect of drugs on spermatogenesis would be beneficial. The imatinib targets, KIT and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB), were shown here to be expressed in "germline stem" (GS) cell cultures that contain spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). GS cell cultures were utilized to determine whether imatinib affects SSC self renewal or differentiation. GS cells grown in imatinib retained self renewal based on multiple assays, including transplantation. However, growth in imatinib led to decreased numbers of differentiated spermatogonia and reduced culture growth consistent with the known requirement for KIT in survival and proliferation of spermatogonia. These results build upon the in vivo studies and support the possibility of utilizing GS cell cultures for preclinical drug tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Heim
- Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
189
|
Kumar S, Chatzi C, Brade T, Cunningham TJ, Zhao X, Duester G. Sex-specific timing of meiotic initiation is regulated by Cyp26b1 independent of retinoic acid signalling. Nat Commun 2011; 2:151. [PMID: 21224842 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific initiation of meiosis in the fetal ovary has been suggested to require retinoic acid (RA) for induction of Stra8, with expression of the RA-degrading enzyme Cyp26b1 in fetal testis delaying meiosis until postnatal development. In this study, we investigate Raldh2(-/-) mice lacking RA synthesis and signalling in mesonephros and adjacent gonad and reveal that Stra8 expression in the fetal ovary does not require RA signalling. In contrast to previous observations, we find that Stra8 is expressed in the absence of physiologically detectable levels of RA. Ketoconazole inhibition of Cyp26b1 in Raldh2(-/-) testis allows RA-independent induction of Stra8, but only when the mesonephros remains attached, pointing to a non-RA signal from the mesonephros that induces Stra8 in the adjacent gonad. These findings demonstrate that Cyp26b1 prevents the onset of meiosis by metabolizing a substrate other than RA that controls Stra8 expression, thus changing the paradigm for how studies on Cyp26 function are conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Development and Aging Program, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
190
|
Kumar R, De Massy B. Initiation of meiotic recombination in mammals. Genes (Basel) 2010; 1:521-49. [PMID: 24710101 PMCID: PMC3966222 DOI: 10.3390/genes1030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Revised: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by the induction of programmed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). DSB repair promotes homologous interactions and pairing and leads to the formation of crossovers (COs), which are required for the proper reductional segregation at the first meiotic division. In mammals, several hundred DSBs are generated at the beginning of meiotic prophase by the catalytic activity of SPO11. Currently it is not well understood how the frequency and timing of DSB formation and their localization are regulated. Several approaches in humans and mice have provided an extensive description of the localization of initiation events based on CO mapping, leading to the identification and characterization of preferred sites (hotspots) of initiation. This review presents the current knowledge about the proteins known to be involved in this process, the sites where initiation takes place, and the factors that control hotspot localization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Kumar
- Institute of Human Genetics, UPR1142, CNRS, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| | - Bernard De Massy
- Institute of Human Genetics, UPR1142, CNRS, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Ewen K, Jackson A, Wilhelm D, Koopman P. A Male-Specific Role for p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Germ Cell Sex Differentiation in Mice1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:1005-14. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.086801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
|
192
|
The mammalian doublesex homolog DMRT1 is a transcriptional gatekeeper that controls the mitosis versus meiosis decision in male germ cells. Dev Cell 2010; 19:612-24. [PMID: 20951351 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The switch from mitosis to meiosis is a unique feature of germ cell development. In mammals, meiotic initiation requires retinoic acid (RA), which activates meiotic inducers, including Stra8, but how the switch to meiosis is controlled in male germ cells (spermatogonia) remains poorly understood. Here we examine the role of the Doublesex-related transcription factor DMRT1 in adult spermatogenesis using conditional gene targeting in the mouse. Loss of Dmrt1 causes spermatogonia to precociously exit the spermatogonial program and enter meiosis. Therefore, DMRT1 determines whether male germ cells undergo mitosis and spermatogonial differentiation or meiosis. Loss of Dmrt1 in spermatogonia also disrupts cyclical gene expression in Sertoli cells. DMRT1 acts in spermatogonia to restrict RA responsiveness, directly repress Stra8 transcription, and activate transcription of the spermatogonial differentiation factor Sohlh1, thereby preventing meiosis and promoting spermatogonial development. By coordinating spermatogonial development and mitotic amplification with meiosis, DMRT1 allows abundant, continuous production of sperm.
Collapse
|
193
|
Morgan DE, Crittenden SL, Kimble J. The C. elegans adult male germline: stem cells and sexual dimorphism. Dev Biol 2010; 346:204-14. [PMID: 20659446 PMCID: PMC2945412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The hermaphrodite Caenorhabditis elegans germline has become a classic model for stem cell regulation, but the male C. elegans germline has been largely neglected. This work provides a cellular analysis of the adult C. elegans male germline, focusing on its predicted stem cell region in the distal gonad. The goals of this study were two-fold: to establish the C. elegans male germline as a stem cell model and to identify sex-specific traits of potential relevance to the sperm/oocyte decision. Our results support two major conclusions. First, adult males do indeed possess a population of germline stem cells (GSCs) with properties similar to those of hermaphrodite GSCs (lack of cell cycle quiescence and lack of reproducibly oriented divisions). Second, germ cells in the mitotic region, including those most distal within the niche, exhibit sex-specific behaviors (e.g. cell cycle length) and therefore have acquired sexual identity. Previous studies demonstrated that some germ cells are not committed to a sperm or oocyte cell fate, even in adults. We propose that germ cells can acquire sexual identity without being committed to a sperm or oocyte cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dyan E. Morgan
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Sarah L. Crittenden
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Judith Kimble
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| |
Collapse
|
194
|
Bowles J, Feng CW, Spiller C, Davidson TL, Jackson A, Koopman P. FGF9 suppresses meiosis and promotes male germ cell fate in mice. Dev Cell 2010; 19:440-9. [PMID: 20833365 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination of mammalian germ cells occurs during fetal development and depends on signals from gonadal somatic cells. Previous studies have established that retinoic acid (RA) triggers ovarian germ cells to enter meiosis and thereby commit to oogenesis, whereas in the developing testis, the enzyme CYP26B1 degrades RA and germ cells are not induced to enter meiosis. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) produced in the fetal testis acts directly on germ cells to inhibit meiosis; in addition, FGF9 maintains expression of pluripotency-related genes and upregulates markers associated with male germ cell fate. We conclude that two independent and mutually antagonistic pathways involving RA and FGF9 act in concert to determine mammalian germ cell sexual fate commitment and support a model in which the mitosis/meiosis switch is robustly controlled by both positive and negative regulatory factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Bowles
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
195
|
Li Y, Lam KS, Dasgupta N, Ye P. A yeast's eye view of mammalian reproduction: cross-species gene co-expression in meiotic prophase. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2010; 4:125. [PMID: 20819218 PMCID: PMC2944139 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-4-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Meiotic prophase is a critical stage in sexual reproduction. Aberrant chromosome recombination during this stage is a leading cause of human miscarriages and birth defects. However, due to the experimental intractability of mammalian gonads, only a very limited number of meiotic genes have been characterized. Here we aim to identify novel meiotic genes important in human reproduction through computational mining of cross-species and cross-sex time-series expression data from budding yeast, mouse postnatal testis, mouse embryonic ovary, and human fetal ovary. Results Orthologous gene pairs were ranked by order statistics according to their co-expression profiles across species, allowing us to infer conserved meiotic genes despite obvious differences in cellular synchronicity and composition in organisms. We demonstrated that conserved co-expression networks could successfully recover known meiotic genes, including homologous recombination genes, chromatin cohesion genes, and genes regulating meiotic entry. We also showed that conserved co-expression pairs exhibit functional connections, as evidenced by the annotation similarity in Gene Ontology and overlap with physical interactions. More importantly, we predicted six new meiotic genes through their co-expression linkages with known meiotic genes, and subsequently used the genetically more amenable yeast system for experimental validation. The deletion mutants of all six genes showed sporulation defects, equivalent to a 100% validation rate. Conclusions We identified evolutionarily conserved gene modules in meiotic prophase by integrating cross-species and cross-sex expression profiles from budding yeast, mouse, and human. Our co-expression linkage analyses confirmed known meiotic genes and identified several novel genes that might be critical players in meiosis in multiple species. These results demonstrate that our approach is highly efficient to discover evolutionarily conserved novel meiotic genes, and yeast can serve as a valuable model system for investigating mammalian meiotic prophase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Li
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, PO Box 647520, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
196
|
Guerquin MJ, Duquenne C, Lahaye JB, Tourpin S, Habert R, Livera G. New testicular mechanisms involved in the prevention of fetal meiotic initiation in mice. Dev Biol 2010; 346:320-30. [PMID: 20707993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, early fetal germ cells are unique in their ability to initiate the spermatogenesis or oogenesis programs dependent of their somatic environment. In mice, female germ cells enter into meiosis at 13.5 dpc whereas in the male, germ cells undergo mitotic arrest. Recent findings indicate that Cyp26b1, a RA-degrading enzyme, is a key factor preventing initiation of meiosis in the fetal testis. Here, we report evidence for additional testicular pathways involved in the prevention of fetal meiosis. Using a co-culture model in which an undifferentiated XX gonad is cultured with a fetal or neonatal testis, we demonstrated that the testis prevented the initiation of meiosis and induced male germ cell differentiation in the XX gonad. This testicular effect disappeared when male meiosis starts in the neonatal testis and was not directly due to Cyp26b1 expression. Moreover, neither RA nor ketoconazole, an inhibitor of Cyp26b1, completely prevented testicular inhibition of meiosis in co-cultured ovary. We found that secreted factor(s), with molecular weight greater than 10 kDa contained in conditioned media from cultured fetal testes, inhibited meiosis in the XX gonad. Lastly, although both Sertoli and interstitial cells inhibited meiosis in XX germ cells, only interstitial cells induced mitotic arrest in germ cell. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that male germ cell determination is supported by additional non-retinoid secreted factors inhibiting both meiosis and mitosis and produced by the testicular somatic cells during fetal and neonatal life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Justine Guerquin
- aboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology ofGonads, Unit of Gametogenesis and Genotoxicity, UMR-U566, INSERM, U566, F_92265 Fontenay-aux-roses, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
197
|
Le Bouffant R, Guerquin MJ, Duquenne C, Frydman N, Coffigny H, Rouiller-Fabre V, Frydman R, Habert R, Livera G. Meiosis initiation in the human ovary requires intrinsic retinoic acid synthesis. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2579-90. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
198
|
Saitou M, Yamaji M. Germ cell specification in mice: signaling, transcription regulation, and epigenetic consequences. Reproduction 2010; 139:931-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The specification of germ cell fate in development initiates mechanisms essential for the perpetuation of genetic information across the generations. Recent studies in mice have shown that germ cell specification requires at least three key molecular/cellular events: repression of the somatic program, re-acquisition of potential pluripotency, and an ensuing genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming. Moreover, a signaling and transcriptional principle governing these processes has been identified, raising the possibility of inducing the germ cell fate precisely from pluripotent stem cells in culture. These advances will in turn serve as a basis to explore the mechanism of germ cell specification in other mammals, including humans. The recapitulation of germ cell development in humans in culture will provide unprecedented opportunities to understand the basis of the propagation of our genome, both under normal and diseased conditions.
Collapse
|
199
|
Bowles J, Koopman P. Sex determination in mammalian germ cells: extrinsic versus intrinsic factors. Reproduction 2010; 139:943-58. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian germ cells do not determine their sexual fate based on their XX or XY chromosomal constitution. Instead, sexual fate is dependent on the gonadal environment in which they develop. In a fetal testis, germ cells commit to the spermatogenic programme of development during fetal life, although they do not enter meiosis until puberty. In a fetal ovary, germ cells commit to oogenesis by entering prophase of meiosis I. Although it was believed previously that germ cells are pre-programmed to enter meiosis unless they are actively prevented from doing so, recent results indicate that meiosis is triggered by a signaling molecule, retinoic acid (RA). Meiosis is avoided in the fetal testis because a male-specifically expressed enzyme actively degrades RA during the critical time period. Additional extrinsic factors are likely to influence sexual fate of the germ cells, and in particular, we postulate that an additional male-specific fate-determining factor or factors is involved. The full complement of intrinsic factors that underlie the competence of gonadal germ cells to respond to RA and other extrinsic factors is yet to be defined.
Collapse
|
200
|
Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 5: intercellular junctions and contacts between germs cells and Sertoli cells and their regulatory interactions, testicular cholesterol, and genes/proteins associated with more than one germ cell generation. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:409-94. [PMID: 19941291 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In the testis, cell adhesion and junctional molecules permit specific interactions and intracellular communication between germ and Sertoli cells and apposed Sertoli cells. Among the many adhesion family of proteins, NCAM, nectin and nectin-like, catenins, and cadherens will be discussed, along with gap junctions between germ and Sertoli cells and the many members of the connexin family. The blood-testis barrier separates the haploid spermatids from blood borne elements. In the barrier, the intercellular junctions consist of many proteins such as occludin, tricellulin, and claudins. Changes in the expression of cell adhesion molecules are also an essential part of the mechanism that allows germ cells to move from the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubule to the adluminal compartment thus crossing the blood-testis barrier and well-defined proteins have been shown to assist in this process. Several structural components show interactions between germ cells to Sertoli cells such as the ectoplasmic specialization which are more closely related to Sertoli cells and tubulobulbar complexes that are processes of elongating spermatids embedded into Sertoli cells. Germ cells also modify several Sertoli functions and this also appears to be the case for residual bodies. Cholesterol plays a significant role during spermatogenesis and is essential for germ cell development. Lastly, we list genes/proteins that are expressed not only in any one specific generation of germ cells but across more than one generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|