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Comments on Li et al. Effects of in Utero Exposure to Dicyclohexyl Phthalate on Rat Fetal Leydig Cells. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 246. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13060532. [PMID: 27231928 PMCID: PMC4923989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Profiling the expression levels of genes or proteins in tissues comprising two or more cell types is commonplace in biological sciences. Such analyses present particular challenges, however, for example a potential shift in cellular composition, or ‘cellularity’, between specimens. That is, does an observed change in expression level represent what occurs within individual cells, or does it represent a shift in the ratio of different cell types within the tissue? This commentary attempts to highlight the importance of considering cellularity when interpreting quantitative expression data, using the mammalian testis and a recent study on the effects of phthalate exposure on testis function as an example.
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Egbowon BF, Harris W, Arnott G, Mills CL, Hargreaves AJ. Sub-lethal concentrations of CdCl2 disrupt cell migration and cytoskeletal proteins in cultured mouse TM4 Sertoli cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 32:154-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Inoue M, Shima Y, Miyabayashi K, Tokunaga K, Sato T, Baba T, Ohkawa Y, Akiyama H, Suyama M, Morohashi KI. Isolation and Characterization of Fetal Leydig Progenitor Cells of Male Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1222-33. [PMID: 26697723 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal and adult Leydig cells develop in mammalian prenatal and postnatal testes, respectively. In mice, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) emerge in the interstitial space of the testis at embryonic day 12.5 and thereafter increase in number, possibly through differentiation from progenitor cells. However, the progenitor cells have not yet been identified. Previously, we established transgenic mice in which FLCs are labeled strongly with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Interestingly, fluorescence-activated cell sorting provided us with weakly EGFP-labeled cells as well as strongly EGFP-labeled FLCs. In vitro reconstruction of fetal testes demonstrated that weakly EGFP-labeled cells contain FLC progenitors. Transcriptome from the 2 cell populations revealed, as expected, marked differences in the expression of genes required for growth factor/receptor signaling and steroidogenesis. In addition, genes for energy metabolisms such as glycolytic pathways and the citrate cycle were activated in strongly EGFP-labeled cells, suggesting that metabolism is activated during FLC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Inoue
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shima
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Kanako Miyabayashi
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Kaori Tokunaga
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sato
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ohkawa
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Ken-ichirou Morohashi
- Division of Molecular Life Science (M.I., Y.S., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Systems Life Science; Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., K.M., K.T., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Division of Bioinformatics (T.S., M.S.), Medical Institute of Bioregulation; and Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives (Y.O.), Japan Science and Technology Agency-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; and Department of Orthopaedics (H.A.), Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
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204
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Windley SP, Wilhelm D. Signaling Pathways Involved in Mammalian Sex Determination and Gonad Development. Sex Dev 2016; 9:297-315. [PMID: 26905731 DOI: 10.1159/000444065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of any organ system requires a complex interplay of cellular signals to initiate the differentiation and development of the heterogeneous cell and tissue types required to carry out the organs' functions. In this way, an extracellular stimulus is transmitted to an intracellular target through an array of interacting protein intermediaries, ultimately enabling the target cell to elicit a response. Surprisingly, only a small number of signaling pathways are implicated throughout embryogenesis and are used over and over again. Gonadogenesis is a unique process in that 2 morphologically distinct organs, the testes and ovaries, arise from a common precursor, the bipotential genital ridge. Accordingly, most of the signaling pathways observed throughout embryogenesis also have been shown to be important for mammalian sex determination and gonad development. Here, we review the mechanisms of signal transduction within these pathways and the importance of these pathways throughout mammalian gonad development, mainly concentrating on data obtained in mouse but including other species where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Windley
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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205
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Abstract
Male and female differ genetically by their respective sex chromosome composition, that is, XY as male and XX as female. Although both X and Y chromosomes evolved from the same ancestor pair of autosomes, the Y chromosome harbors male-specific genes, which play pivotal roles in male sex determination, germ cell differentiation, and masculinization of various tissues. Deletions or translocation of the sex-determining gene, SRY, from the Y chromosome causes disorders of sex development (previously termed as an intersex condition) with dysgenic gonads. Failure of gonadal development results not only in infertility, but also in increased risks of germ cell tumor (GCT), such as gonadoblastoma and various types of testicular GCT. Recent studies demonstrate that either loss of Y chromosome or ectopic expression of Y chromosome genes is closely associated with various male-biased diseases, including selected somatic cancers. These observations suggest that the Y-linked genes are involved in male health and diseases in more frequently than expected. Although only a small number of protein-coding genes are present in the male-specific region of Y chromosome, the impacts of Y chromosome genes on human diseases are still largely unknown, due to lack of in vivo models and differences between the Y chromosomes of human and rodents. In this review, we highlight the involvement of selected Y chromosome genes in cancer development in men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun-Fai Chris Lau
- Division of Cell and Developmental Genetics, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94121, USA
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206
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França LR, Hess RA, Dufour JM, Hofmann MC, Griswold MD. The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity. Andrology 2016; 4:189-212. [PMID: 26846984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular 'nurse cell', not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - R A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J M Dufour
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - M C Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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207
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Chen SR, Liu YX. Testis Cord Maintenance in Mouse Embryos: Genes and Signaling1. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:42. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.137117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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208
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Dmy initiates masculinity by altering Gsdf/Sox9a2/Rspo1 expression in medaka (Oryzias latipes). Sci Rep 2016; 6:19480. [PMID: 26806354 PMCID: PMC4726206 DOI: 10.1038/srep19480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite identification of several sex-determining genes in non-mammalian vertebrates, their detailed molecular cascades of sex determination/differentiation are not known. Here, we used a novel RNAi to characterise the molecular mechanism of Dmy (the sex-determining gene of medaka)-mediated masculinity in XY fish. Dmy knockdown (Dmy-KD) suppressed male pathway (Gsdf, Sox9a2, etc.) and favoured female cascade (Rspo1, etc.) in embryonic XY gonads, resulting in a fertile male-to-female sex-reversal. Gsdf, Sox9a2, and Rspo1 directly interacted with Dmy, and co-injection of Gsdf and Sox9a2 re-established masculinity in XY-Dmy-KD transgenics, insinuating that Dmy initiates masculinity by stimulating and suppressing Gsdf/Sox9a2 and Rspo1 expression, respectively. Gonadal expression of Wt1a starts prior to Dmy and didn’t change upon Dmy-KD. Furthermore, Wt1a stimulated the promoter activity of Dmy, suggesting Wt1a as a regulator of Dmy. These findings provide new insights into the role of vertebrate sex-determining genes associated with the molecular interplay between the male and female pathways.
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209
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Kidder GM, Cyr DG. Roles of connexins in testis development and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 50:22-30. [PMID: 26780117 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development and differentiation of cells involved in spermatogenesis requires highly regulated and coordinated interactions between cells. Intercellular communication, particularly via connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions, plays a critical role in the development of germ cells during fetal development and during spermatogenesis in the adult. Loss of Cx43 in the fetus results in a decreased number of germ cells, while the loss of Cx43 in the adult Sertoli cells results in complete inhibition of spermatogenesis. Connexins 26, 32, 33, 36, 45, 46 and 50 have also been localized to specific compartments of the testis in various mammals. Loss of Cx46 is associated with an increase in germ cell apoptosis and loss of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, while loss of other connexins appears to have more subtle effects within the seminiferous tubule. Outside the seminiferous tubule, the interstitial Leydig cells express connexins 36 and 45 along with Cx43; deletion of the latter connexin did not reveal it to be crucial for steroidogenesis or for the development and differentiation of Leydig cells. In contrast, loss of Cx43 from Sertoli cells results in Leydig cell hyperplasia, suggesting important cross-talk between Sertoli and Leydig cells. In the epididymis connexins 26, 30.3, Cx31.1, 32, and 43 have been identified and differentiation of the epithelium is associated with dramatic changes in their expression. Decreased expression of Cx43 results in decreased sperm motility, a function acquired by spermatozoa during epididymal transit. Clearly, intercellular gap junctional communication within the testis and epididymis represents a critical aspect of male reproductive function and fertility. The implications of this mode of intercellular communication for male fertility remains a poorly understood but important facet of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
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210
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Rios-Rojas C, Spiller C, Bowles J, Koopman P. Germ cells influence cord formation and leydig cell gene expression during mouse testis development. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:433-44. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Rios-Rojas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Cassy Spiller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
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211
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Chojnacka K, Zarzycka M, Mruk DD. Biology of the Sertoli Cell in the Fetal, Pubertal, and Adult Mammalian Testis. Results Probl Cell Differ 2016; 58:225-251. [PMID: 27300181 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A healthy man typically produces between 50 × 10(6) and 200 × 10(6) spermatozoa per day by spermatogenesis; in the absence of Sertoli cells in the male gonad, this individual would be infertile. In the adult testis, Sertoli cells are sustentacular cells that support germ cell development by secreting proteins and other important biomolecules that are essential for germ cell survival and maturation, establishing the blood-testis barrier, and facilitating spermatozoa detachment at spermiation. In the fetal testis, on the other hand, pre-Sertoli cells form the testis cords, the future seminiferous tubules. However, the role of pre-Sertoli cells in this process is much less clear than the function of Sertoli cells in the adult testis. Within this framework, we provide an overview of the biology of the fetal, pubertal, and adult Sertoli cell, highlighting relevant cell biology studies that have expanded our understanding of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Marta Zarzycka
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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212
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Kuckwa J, Fritzen K, Buttgereit D, Rothenbusch-Fender S, Renkawitz-Pohl R. A new level of plasticity: Drosophila smooth-like testes muscles compensate failure of myoblast fusion. Development 2015; 143:329-38. [PMID: 26657767 PMCID: PMC4725342 DOI: 10.1242/dev.126730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The testis of Drosophila resembles an individual testis tubule of mammals. Both are surrounded by a sheath of smooth muscles, which in Drosophila are multinuclear and originate from a pool of myoblasts that are set aside in the embryo and accumulate on the genital disc later in development. These muscle stem cells start to differentiate early during metamorphosis and give rise to all muscles of the inner male reproductive system. Shortly before the genital disc and the developing testes connect, multinuclear nascent myotubes appear on the anterior tips of the seminal vesicles. Here, we show that adhesion molecules are distinctly localized on the seminal vesicles; founder cell (FC)-like myoblasts express Dumbfounded (Duf) and Roughest (Rst), and fusion-competent myoblast (FCM)-like cells mainly express Sticks and stones (Sns). The smooth but multinuclear myotubes of the testes arose by myoblast fusion. RNAi-mediated attenuation of Sns or both Duf and Rst severely reduced the number of nuclei in the testes muscles. Duf and Rst probably act independently in this context. Despite reduced fusion in all of these RNAi-treated animals, myotubes migrated onto the testes, testes were shaped and coiled, muscle filaments were arranged as in the wild type and spermatogenesis proceeded normally. Hence, the testes muscles compensate for fusion defects so that the myofibres encircling the adult testes are indistinguishable from those of the wild type and male fertility is guaranteed. Summary:Drosophila testes muscles arise from stem cells and can compensate for fusion defects to safeguard fertility; this plasticity may compensate for the observed lack of satellite cells in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kuckwa
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Entwicklungsbiologie, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Katharina Fritzen
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Entwicklungsbiologie, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Detlev Buttgereit
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Entwicklungsbiologie, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Silke Rothenbusch-Fender
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Entwicklungsbiologie, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Renate Renkawitz-Pohl
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Entwicklungsbiologie, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg 35043, Germany
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213
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Tremblay JJ. Molecular regulation of steroidogenesis in endocrine Leydig cells. Steroids 2015; 103:3-10. [PMID: 26254606 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate essential physiological processes and inadequate levels are associated with various pathological conditions. Consequently, the process of steroid hormone biosynthesis is finely regulated. In the testis, the main steroidogenic cells are the Leydig cells. There are two distinct populations of Leydig cells that arise during development: fetal and adult Leydig cells. Fetal Leydig cells are responsible for masculinizing the male urogenital tract and inducing testis descent. These cells atrophy shortly after birth and do not contribute to the adult Leydig cell population. Adult Leydig cells derive from undifferentiated precursors present after birth and become fully steroidogenic at puberty. The differentiation of both Leydig cell populations is controlled by locally produced paracrine factors and by endocrine hormones. In fully differentially and steroidogenically active Leydig cells, androgen production and hormone-responsiveness involve various signaling pathways and downstream transcription factors. This review article focuses on recent developments regarding the origin and function of Leydig cells, the regulation of their differentiation by signaling molecules, hormones, and structural changes, the signaling pathways, kinases, and transcription factors involved in their differentiation and in mediating LH-responsiveness, as well as the fine-tuning mechanisms that ensure adequate production steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada; Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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214
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Rossitto M, Philibert P, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:84-93. [PMID: 26454096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
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Fouchécourt S, Livera G, Messiaen S, Fumel B, Parent AS, Marine JC, Monget P. Apoptosis of Sertoli cells after conditional ablation of murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) gene is p53-dependent and results in male sterility. Cell Death Differ 2015; 23:521-30. [PMID: 26470726 PMCID: PMC5072445 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Beside its well-documented role in carcinogenesis, the function of p53 family has been more recently revealed in development and female reproduction, but it is still poorly documented in male reproduction. We specifically tested this possibility by ablating Mdm2, an E3 ligase that regulates p53 protein stability and transactivation function, specifically in Sertoli cells (SCs) using the AMH-Cre line and created the new SC-Mdm2−/− line. Heterozygous SC-Mdm2−/+ adult males were fertile, but SC-Mdm2−/− males were infertile and exhibited: a shorter ano-genital distance, an extra duct along the vas deferens that presents a uterus-like morphology, degenerated testes with no organized seminiferous tubules and a complete loss of differentiated germ cells. In adults, testosterone levels as well as StAR, P450c17 (Cyp17a1) and P450scc (Cyp11a1) mRNA levels decreased significantly, and both plasma LH and FSH levels increased. A detailed investigation of testicular development indicated that the phenotype arose during fetal life, with SC-Mdm2−/− testes being much smaller at birth. Interestingly, Leydig cells remained present until adulthood and fetal germ cells abnormally initiated meiosis. Inactivation of Mdm2 in SCs triggered p53 activation and apoptosis as early as 15.5 days post conception with significant increase in apoptotic SCs. Importantly, testis development occurred normally in SC-Mdm2−/− lacking p53 mice (SC-Mdm2−/−p53−/−) and accordingly, these mice were fertile indicating that the aforementioned phenotypes are entirely p53-dependent. These data not only highlight the importance of keeping p53 in check for proper testicular development and male fertility but also certify the critical role of SCs in the maintenance of meiotic repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fouchécourt
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France.,IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - G Livera
- Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, INSERM U967, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR/LDG, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-92265 Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - S Messiaen
- Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, INSERM U967, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR/LDG, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-92265 Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - B Fumel
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France.,IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - A-S Parent
- Developmental Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - J-C Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for the Biology of Disease, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Monget
- INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France.,IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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216
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Smith LB, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Rebourcet D. Cell-specific ablation in the testis: what have we learned? Andrology 2015; 3:1035-49. [PMID: 26446427 PMCID: PMC4950036 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development and function is the culmination of a complex process of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine interactions between multiple cell types. Dissecting this has classically involved the use of systemic treatments to perturb endocrine function, or more recently, transgenic models to knockout individual genes. However, targeting genes one at a time does not capture the more wide‐ranging role of each cell type in its entirety. An often overlooked, but extremely powerful approach to elucidate cellular function is the use of cell ablation strategies, specifically removing one cellular population and examining the resultant impacts on development and function. Cell ablation studies reveal a more holistic overview of cell–cell interactions. This not only identifies important roles for the ablated cell type, which warrant further downstream study, but also, and importantly, reveals functions within the tissue that occur completely independently of the ablated cell type. To date, cell ablation studies in the testis have specifically removed germ cells, Leydig cells, macrophages and recently Sertoli cells. These studies have provided great leaps in understanding not possible via other approaches; as such, cell ablation represents an essential component in the researchers’ tool‐kit, and should be viewed as a complement to the more mainstream approaches to advancing our understanding of testis biology. In this review, we summarise the cell ablation models used in the testis, and discuss what each of these have taught us about testis development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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217
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Dent MP, Carmichael PL, Jones KC, Martin FL. Towards a non-animal risk assessment for anti-androgenic effects in humans. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 83:94-106. [PMID: 26115536 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology testing is undergoing a transformation from a system based on high-dose studies in laboratory animals to one founded primarily on in vitro methods that evaluate changes in normal cellular signalling pathways using human-relevant cells or tissues. We review the tools and approaches that could be used to develop a non-animal safety assessment for anti-androgenic effects in humans, with a focus on the molecular initiating events (MIEs) that human disorders indicate critical for normal functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In vitro test systems exist which can be used to characterize the effects of test chemicals on some MIEs such as androgen receptor antagonism, inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes or 5α-reductase inhibition. When used alongside information describing the pharmacokinetics of a specific chemical exposure, these could be used to inform a pathways-based safety assessment. However, some parts of the HPT axis such as events occurring in the hypothalamus or pituitary are not well represented by accepted in vitro methods. In vitro tools to characterize perturbations in these events need to be developed before a fully integrated model of the HPT axis can be described. Knowledge gaps also exist which prevent us from using in vitro data to predict the type and severity of in vivo effect(s) that could arise from a given level of in vitro anti-androgenic activity. This means that more work is needed to reliably link an MIE with an adverse outcome. However, especially for chemicals with low anti-androgenic activity, human exposure data can be used to put in vitro mode of action data into context for risk-based safety decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Dent
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire MK44 1LQ, UK.
| | - Paul L Carmichael
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire MK44 1LQ, UK
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Francis L Martin
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
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218
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Suzuki H, Kanai-Azuma M, Kanai Y. From Sex Determination to Initial Folliculogenesis in Mammalian Ovaries: Morphogenetic Waves along the Anteroposterior and Dorsoventral Axes. Sex Dev 2015; 9:190-204. [DOI: 10.1159/000440689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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219
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Shima Y, Matsuzaki S, Miyabayashi K, Otake H, Baba T, Kato S, Huhtaniemi I, Morohashi KI. Fetal Leydig Cells Persist as an Androgen-Independent Subpopulation in the Postnatal Testis. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1581-93. [PMID: 26402718 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct types of Leydig cells emerge during the development of eutherian mammals. Fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) appear shortly after gonadal sex differentiation, and play a crucial role in masculinization of male fetuses. Meanwhile, adult Leydig cells (ALCs) emerge after birth and induce the secondary male-specific sexual maturation by producing testosterone. Previous histological studies suggested that FLCs regress completely soon after birth. Furthermore, gene disruption studies indicated that androgen signaling is dispensable for FLC differentiation but indispensable for postnatal ALC differentiation. Here, we performed lineage tracing of FLCs using a FLC enhancer of the Ad4BP/SF-1 (Nr5a1) gene and found that FLCs persist in the adult testis. Given that postnatal FLCs expressed androgen receptor (AR) as well as LH receptor (LuR), the effects of AR disruption on FLCs and ALCs were analyzed by crossing AR knockout (KO) mice with FLC-specific enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice. Moreover, to eliminate the influence of elevated LH levels in ARKO mice, LuRKO mice and AR/LuR double-KO mice were analyzed. The proportion of ALCs to postnatal FLCs was decreased in ARKO mice, and the effect was augmented in the double-KO mice, suggesting that androgen signaling plays important roles in ALCs, but not in FLCs. Finally, ARKO was achieved in an FLC-specific manner (FLCARKO mice), but the FLC number and gene expression pattern appeared unaffected. These findings support the conclusion that FLCs persist as an androgen-independent Leydig subpopulation in the postnatal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sawako Matsuzaki
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Kanako Miyabayashi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Hiroyuki Otake
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Shigeaki Kato
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ken-ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology (Y.S., S.M., K.M., H.O., T.B., K.-i.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Soma Central Hospital (S.K.), Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (I.H.), Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and Department of Physiology (I.H.), University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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220
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Van Saen D, Pino Sánchez J, Ferster A, van der Werff ten Bosch J, Tournaye H, Goossens E. Is the protein expression window during testicular development affected in patients at risk for stem cell loss? Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2859-70. [PMID: 26405262 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the protein expression window during testicular development affected in prepubertal patients at risk for stem cell loss? SUMMARY ANSWER Nuclear ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1) expression in Sertoli cells and interstitial expression of inhibin α (INHA), sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) was affected in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Some patients undergoing testicular tissue banking have already been treated before the testis biopsy is taken. These treatments include chemotherapy or hydroxyurea, which can have an influence on the stem cell number and function. A germinal loss occurs in Klinefelter patients, but its cause is currently unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Parrafin-embedded testicular tissue from 5 fetuses, 25 prepubertal patients and 5 adults was used to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of different testicular marker proteins during testicular development. Expression of the markers was evaluated in germ cells, Sertoli cell and interstitial cells. The integrity of this time window was analyzed in patients at risk for germ cell loss: patients treated with hydroxyurea (n = 7), patients treated with chemotherapy (n = 6) and patients affected by Klinefelter syndrome (n = 5). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed in normal fetal, prepubertal and adult testicular tissue to set up a timeline for the expression of melanoma antigen family A4 (MAGE-A4), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA4), homeobox protein NANOG, INHA, anti-Müllerian hormone, androgen receptor (AR), SOX9 and STAR. The established timeline was used to evaluate whether the expression of these markers was altered in patients at risk for germ cell loss (patients treated for sickle cell disease (hydroxyurea) or cancer (chemotherapy) and patients with Klinefelter syndrome). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A protein expression timeline was created using different markers expressed in different testicular cell types. Less positive tubules and less positive cells per tubule were observed for MAGE-A4 and UCHL1 expression in the KS compared with the non-treated group (P < 0.01). Higher nuclear UCHL1 Sertoli cell expression was observed in the KS group compared with the non-treated group (P < 0.05). Higher interstitial expression of INHA (P < 0.05), SOX9 (P < 0.01) and STAR (P < 0.05) was observed in KS compared with the non-treated group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Important age variations exist in the prepubertal groups. Therefore, data were represented in three age groups. However, owing to the limited access to prepubertal tissue, no statistical comparison was possible between these groups. For the Klinefelter group, tissue was only available from patients older than 12 years. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The expression timeline can add knowledge to the process of spermatogenesis and be used to evaluate altered protein patterns in patients undergoing potentially gonadotoxic treatments, to monitor spermatogenesis established in vitro and to unravel causes of germ cell loss in Klinefelter patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Van Saen
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine/Research Laboratory Biology of the Testis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090 Belgium
| | - J Pino Sánchez
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine/Research Laboratory Biology of the Testis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090 Belgium
| | - A Ferster
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Jean-Joseph Crocqlaan 15, Brussels, 1020 Belgium
| | - J van der Werff ten Bosch
- Department of Pediatrics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine/Research Laboratory Biology of the Testis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090 Belgium Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - E Goossens
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine/Research Laboratory Biology of the Testis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090 Belgium
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221
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Bagheri-Fam S, Ono M, Li L, Zhao L, Ryan J, Lai R, Katsura Y, Rossello FJ, Koopman P, Scherer G, Bartsch O, Eswarakumar JVP, Harley VR. FGFR2 mutation in 46,XY sex reversal with craniosynostosis. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6699-710. [PMID: 26362256 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) exhibit genital anomalies, which range from hypospadias to complete male-to-female sex reversal. However, a molecular diagnosis is made in only 30% of cases. Heterozygous mutations in the human FGFR2 gene cause various craniosynostosis syndromes including Crouzon and Pfeiffer, but testicular defects were not reported. Here, we describe a patient whose features we would suggest represent a new FGFR2-related syndrome, craniosynostosis with XY male-to-female sex reversal or CSR. The craniosynostosis patient was chromosomally XY, but presented as a phenotypic female due to complete GD. DNA sequencing identified the FGFR2c heterozygous missense mutation, c.1025G>C (p.Cys342Ser). Substitution of Cys342 by Ser or other amino acids (Arg/Phe/Try/Tyr) has been previously reported in Crouzon and Pfeiffer syndrome. We show that the 'knock-in' Crouzon mouse model Fgfr2c(C342Y/C342Y) carrying a Cys342Tyr substitution displays XY gonadal sex reversal with variable expressivity. We also show that despite FGFR2c-Cys342Tyr being widely considered a gain-of-function mutation, Cys342Tyr substitution in the gonad leads to loss of function, as demonstrated by sex reversal in Fgfr2c(C342Y/-) mice carrying the knock-in allele on a null background. The rarity of our patient suggests the influence of modifier genes which exacerbated the testicular phenotype. Indeed, patient whole exome analysis revealed several potential modifiers expressed in Sertoli cells at the time of testis determination in mice. In summary, this study identifies the first FGFR2 mutation in a 46,XY GD patient. We conclude that, in certain rare genetic contexts, maintaining normal levels of FGFR2 signaling is important for human testis determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology,
| | - Makoto Ono
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Li Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Janelle Ryan
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raymond Lai
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yukako Katsura
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerd Scherer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany and
| | - Oliver Bartsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jacob V P Eswarakumar
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology,
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Windschüttl S, Kampfer C, Mayer C, Flenkenthaler F, Fröhlich T, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Urbanski H, Arnold GJ, Mayerhofer A. Human testicular peritubular cells secrete pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which may be responsible for the avascularity of the seminiferous tubules. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12820. [PMID: 26333415 PMCID: PMC4986702 DOI: 10.1038/srep12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility depends on spermatogenesis, which takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. This compartment is devoid of blood vessels, which are however found in the wall of the seminiferous tubules. Our proteomic study using cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) i.e. the cells, which form this wall, revealed that they constitutively secrete pigment epithelium-derived factor, PEDF, which is known to exert anti-angiogenic actions. Immunohistochemistry supports its presence in vivo, in the human tubular wall. Co-culture studies and analysis of cell migration patterns showed that human endothelial cells (HUVECs) are repulsed by HTPCs. The factor involved is likely PEDF, as a PEDF-antiserum blocked the repulsing action. Thus testicular peritubular cells, via PEDF, may prevent vascularization of human seminiferous tubules. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased PEDF (qPCR) in HTPCs, however PEDF expression in the testis of a non-human primate occurs before puberty. Thus PEDF could be involved in the establishment of the avascular nature of seminiferous tubules and after puberty androgens may further reinforce this feature. Testicular microvessels and blood flow are known to contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Hence HTPCs via control of testicular microvessels may contribute to the regulation of spermatogonial stem cells, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Windschüttl
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - C Kampfer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - C Mayer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - J U Schwarzer
- Andrologie-Centrum-München, Lortzingstraße 26, 81241, Munich, Germany
| | - F M Köhn
- Andrologicum Burgstraße 7, 80331, Münich, Germany
| | - H Urbanski
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - G J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, LMU, Munich, Germany
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223
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Biason-Lauber A, Chaboissier MC. Ovarian development and disease: The known and the unexpected. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Prenatal Exposure to DEHP Affects Spermatogenesis and Sperm DNA Methylation in a Strain-Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132136. [PMID: 26244509 PMCID: PMC4526524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phtalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer with endocrine disrupting properties found ubiquitously in the environment and altering reproduction in rodents. Here we investigated the impact of prenatal exposure to DEHP on spermatogenesis and DNA sperm methylation in two distinct, selected, and sequenced mice strains. FVB/N and C57BL/6J mice were orally exposed to 300 mg/kg/day of DEHP from gestation day 9 to 19. Prenatal DEHP exposure significantly decreased spermatogenesis in C57BL/6J (fold-change = 0.6, p-value = 8.7*10-4), but not in FVB/N (fold-change = 1, p-value = 0.9). The number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by DEHP-exposure across the entire genome showed increased hyper- and decreased hypo-methylation in C57BL/6J compared to FVB/N. At the promoter level, three important subsets of genes were massively affected. Promoters of vomeronasal and olfactory receptors coding genes globally followed the same trend, more pronounced in the C57BL/6J strain, of being hyper-methylated in DEHP related conditions. In contrast, a large set of micro-RNAs were hypo-methylated, with a trend more pronounced in the FVB/N strain. We additionally analyze both the presence of functional genetic variations within genes that were associated with the detected DMRs and that could be involved in spermatogenesis, and DMRs related with the DEHP exposure that affected both strains in an opposite manner. The major finding in this study indicates that prenatal exposure to DEHP can decrease spermatogenesis in a strain-dependent manner and affects sperm DNA methylation in promoters of large sets of genes putatively involved in both sperm chemotaxis and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
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Zheng B, Zhao D, Zhang P, Shen C, Guo Y, Zhou T, Guo X, Zhou Z, Sha J. Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Essential Roles of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) in the Testicular Cord Formation in Mouse Testis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015. [PMID: 26199344 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.049569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cord formation in male gonadogenesis involves assembly of several cell types, the precise molecular mechanism is still not well known. With the high-throughput quantitative proteomics technology, a comparative proteomic profile of mouse embryonic male gonads were analyzed at three time points (11.5, 12.5, and 13.5 days post coitum), corresponding to critical stages of testicular cord formation in gonadal development. 4070 proteins were identified, and 338 were differentially expressed, of which the Sertoli cell specific genes were significant enrichment, with mainly increased expression across testis cord development. Additionally, we found overrepresentation of proteins related to oxidative stress in these Sertoli cell specific genes. Of these differentially expressed oxidative stress-associated Sertoli cell specific protein, stromal interaction molecule 1, was found to have discrepant mRNA and protein regulations, with increased protein expression but decreased mRNA levels during testis cord development. Knockdown of Stim1 in Sertoli cells caused extensive defects in gonadal development, including testicular cord disruption, loss of interstitium, and failed angiogenesis, together with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. And suppressing the aberrant elevation of reactive oxygen species could partly rescue the defects of testicular cord development. Taken together, our results suggest that reactive oxygen species regulation in Sertoli cells is important for gonadogenesis, and the quantitative proteomic data could be a rich resource to the elucidation of regulation of testicular cord development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cong Shen
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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226
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Nicol B, Yao HHC. Gonadal Identity in the Absence of Pro-Testis Factor SOX9 and Pro-Ovary Factor Beta-Catenin in Mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:35. [PMID: 26108792 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-reversal cases in humans and genetic models in mice have revealed that the fate of the bipotential gonad hinges upon the balance between pro-testis SOX9 and pro-ovary beta-catenin pathways. Our central query was: if SOX9 and beta-catenin define the gonad's identity, then what do the gonads become when both factors are absent? To answer this question, we developed mouse models that lack either Sox9, beta-catenin, or both in the somatic cells of the fetal gonads and examined the morphological outcomes and transcriptome profiles. In the absence of Sox9 and beta-catenin, both XX and XY gonads progressively lean toward the testis fate, indicating that expression of certain pro-testis genes requires the repression of the beta-catenin pathway, rather than a direct activation by SOX9. We also observed that XY double knockout gonads were more masculinized than their XX counterpart. To identify the genes responsible for the initial events of masculinization and to determine how the genetic context (XX vs. XY) affects this process, we compared the transcriptomes of Sox9/beta-catenin mutant gonads and found that early molecular changes underlying the XY-specific masculinization involve the expression of Sry and 21 SRY direct target genes, such as Sox8 and Cyp26b1. These results imply that when both Sox9 and beta-catenin are absent, Sry is capable of activating other pro-testis genes and drive testis differentiation. Our findings not only provide insight into the mechanism of sex determination, but also identify candidate genes that are potentially involved in disorders of sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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227
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Bandiera R, Sacco S, Vidal VPI, Chaboissier MC, Schedl A. Steroidogenic organ development and homeostasis: A WT1-centric view. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:145-55. [PMID: 25596547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal and gonads are the main steroidogenic organs and are central to regulate body homeostasis in the vertebrate organism. Although adrenals and gonads are physically separated in the adult organism, both organs share a common developmental origin, the adrenogonadal primordium. One of the key genes involved in the development of both organs is the Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, which encodes a zinc finger protein that has fascinated the scientific community for more than two decades. This review will provide an overview of the processes leading to the development of these unique organs with a particular focus on the multiple functions WT1 serves during adrenogonadal development. In addition, we will highlight some recent findings and open questions on how maintenance of steroidogenic organs is achieved in the adult organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bandiera
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Sonia Sacco
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Valerie P I Vidal
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France.
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228
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Kuroki S, Akiyoshi M, Ideguchi K, Kitano S, Miyachi H, Hirose M, Mise N, Abe K, Ogura A, Tachibana M. Development of a general-purpose method for cell purification using Cre/loxP-mediated recombination. Genesis 2015; 53:387-93. [PMID: 26012873 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A mammalian body is composed of more than 200 different types of cells. The purification of a certain cell type from tissues/organs enables a wide variety of studies. One popular cell purification method is immunological isolation, using antibodies against specific cell surface antigens. However, this is not a general-purpose method, since suitable antigens have not been found in certain cell types, including embryonic gonadal somatic cells and Sertoli cells. To address this issue, we established a knock-in mouse line, named R26 KI, designed to express the human cell surface antigen hCD271 through Cre/loxP-mediated recombination. First, we used the R26 Kl mouse line to purify embryonic gonadal somatic cells. Gonadal somatic cells were purified from the R26 KI; Nr5a1-Cre-transgenic (tg) embryos almost equally as efficiently as from Nr5a1-hCD271-tg embryos. Second, we used the R26 KI mouse line to purify Sertoli cells successfully from R26 KI; Amh-Cre-tg testes. In summary, we propose that the R26 KI mouse line is a powerful tool for the purification of various cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kuroki
- Department of Enzyme Chemistry, Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mika Akiyoshi
- Experimental Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ko Ideguchi
- Department of Enzyme Chemistry, Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satsuki Kitano
- Experimental Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyachi
- Experimental Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- Bioresource Center, RIKEN Tsukuba Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nathan Mise
- Bioresource Center, RIKEN Tsukuba Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kuniya Abe
- Bioresource Center, RIKEN Tsukuba Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Center, RIKEN Tsukuba Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Department of Enzyme Chemistry, Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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229
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McClelland KS, Bell K, Larney C, Harley VR, Sinclair AH, Oshlack A, Koopman P, Bowles J. Purification and Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Fetal Leydig Cells Reveals Candidate Genes for Specification of Gonadal Steroidogenic Cells1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:145. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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230
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Nygaard MB, Almstrup K, Lindbæk L, Christensen ST, Svingen T. Cell context-specific expression of primary cilia in the human testis and ciliary coordination of Hedgehog signalling in mouse Leydig cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10364. [PMID: 25992706 PMCID: PMC4438617 DOI: 10.1038/srep10364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are sensory organelles that coordinate numerous cellular signalling pathways during development and adulthood. Defects in ciliary assembly or function lead to a series of developmental disorders and diseases commonly referred to as ciliopathies. Still, little is known about the formation and function of primary cilia in the mammalian testis. Here, we characterized primary cilia in adult human testis and report a constitutive expression of cilia in peritubular myoid cells and a dynamic expression of cilia in differentiating Leydig cells. Primary cilia are generally absent from cells of mature seminiferous epithelium, but present in Sertoli cell-only tubules in Klinefelter syndrome testis. Peritubular cells in atrophic testis produce overly long cilia. Furthermore cultures of growth-arrested immature mouse Leydig cells express primary cilia that are enriched in components of Hedgehog signalling, including Smoothened, Patched-1, and GLI2, which are involved in regulating Leydig cell differentiation. Stimulation of Hedgehog signalling increases the localization of Smoothened to the cilium, which is followed by transactivation of the Hedgehog target genes, Gli1 and Ptch1. Our findings provide new information on the spatiotemporal formation of primary cilia in the testis and show that primary cilia in immature Leydig cells mediate Hedgehog signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Berg Nygaard
- 1] University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark [2] Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Louise Lindbæk
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | | | - Terje Svingen
- 1] University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark [2] Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
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231
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Yao B, Wang Q, Liu CF, Bhattaram P, Li W, Mead TJ, Crish JF, Lefebvre V. The SOX9 upstream region prone to chromosomal aberrations causing campomelic dysplasia contains multiple cartilage enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:5394-408. [PMID: 25940622 PMCID: PMC4477657 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Two decades after the discovery that heterozygous mutations within and around SOX9 cause campomelic dysplasia, a generalized skeleton malformation syndrome, it is well established that SOX9 is a master transcription factor in chondrocytes. In contrast, the mechanisms whereby translocations in the –350/–50-kb region 5′ of SOX9 cause severe disease and whereby SOX9 expression is specified in chondrocytes remain scarcely known. We here screen this upstream region and uncover multiple enhancers that activate Sox9-promoter transgenes in the SOX9 expression domain. Three of them are primarily active in chondrocytes. E250 (located at –250 kb) confines its activity to condensed prechondrocytes, E195 mainly targets proliferating chondrocytes, and E84 is potent in all differentiated chondrocytes. E84 and E195 synergize with E70, previously shown to be active in most Sox9-expressing somatic tissues, including cartilage. While SOX9 protein powerfully activates E70, it does not control E250. It requires its SOX5/SOX6 chondrogenic partners to robustly activate E195 and additional factors to activate E84. Altogether, these results indicate that SOX9 expression in chondrocytes relies on widely spread transcriptional modules whose synergistic and overlapping activities are driven by SOX9, SOX5/SOX6 and other factors. They help elucidate mechanisms underlying campomelic dysplasia and will likely help uncover other disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Yao
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Qiuqing Wang
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chia-Feng Liu
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Pallavi Bhattaram
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Timothy J Mead
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - James F Crish
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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232
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Padua MB, Jiang T, Morse DA, Fox SC, Hatch HM, Tevosian SG. Combined loss of the GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors in male mice disrupts testicular development and confers adrenal-like function in the testes. Endocrinology 2015; 156:1873-86. [PMID: 25668066 PMCID: PMC4398756 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The roles of the GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors in testis development were examined by simultaneously ablating Gata4 and Gata6 with Sf1Cre (Nr5a1Cre). The deletion of both genes resulted in a striking testicular phenotype. Embryonic Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) (conditional double mutant) testes were smaller than control organs and contained irregular testis cords and fewer gonocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed significant down-regulation of Dmrt1 and Mvh. Surprisingly, Amh expression was strongly up-regulated and remained high beyond postnatal day 7, when it is normally extinguished. Neither DMRT1 nor GATA1 was detected in the Sertoli cells of the mutant postnatal testes. Furthermore, the expression of the steroidogenic genes Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Hsd17b3 was low throughout embryogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a prominent reduction in cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1)- and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-positive (3βHSD) cells, with few 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase-positive (CYP17A1) cells present. In contrast, in postnatal Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) testes, the expression of the steroidogenic markers Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd3b6 was increased, but a dramatic down-regulation of Hsd17b3, which is required for testosterone synthesis, was observed. The genes encoding adrenal enzymes Cyp21a1, Cyp11b1, Cyp11b2, and Mcr2 were strongly up-regulated, and clusters containing numerous CYP21A2-positive cells were localized in the interstitium. These data suggest a lack of testis functionality, with a loss of normal steroidogenic testis function, concomitant with an expansion of the adrenal-like cell population in postnatal conditional double mutant testes. Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) animals of both sexes lack adrenal glands; however, despite this deficiency, males are viable in contrast to the females of the same genotype, which die shortly after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B Padua
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
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233
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Uversky VN. Unreported intrinsic disorder in proteins: Disorder emergency room. INTRINSICALLY DISORDERED PROTEINS 2015; 3:e1010999. [PMID: 28232885 DOI: 10.1080/21690707.2015.1010999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This article continues an "Unreported Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins" series, the goal of which is to expose some interesting cases of missed (or overlooked, or ignored) disorder in proteins. The need for this series is justified by the observation that despite the fact that protein intrinsic disorder is widely accepted by the scientific community, there are still numerous instances when appreciation of this phenomenon is absent. This results in the avalanche of research papers which are talking about intrinsically disordered proteins (or hybrid proteins with ordered and disordered regions) not recognizing that they are talking about such proteins. Articles in the "Unreported Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins" series provide a fast fix for some of the recent noticeable disorder overlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer Research Institute; Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida; Tampa, FL USA; Biology Department; Faculty of Science; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Laboratory of Structural Dynamics; Stability and Folding of Proteins; Institute of Cytology; Russian Academy of Sciences; St. Petersburg, Russia
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234
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Hasegawa K, Sin HS, Maezawa S, Broering TJ, Kartashov AV, Alavattam KG, Ichijima Y, Zhang F, Bacon WC, Greis KD, Andreassen PR, Barski A, Namekawa SH. SCML2 establishes the male germline epigenome through regulation of histone H2A ubiquitination. Dev Cell 2015; 32:574-88. [PMID: 25703348 PMCID: PMC4391279 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Gametogenesis is dependent on the expression of germline-specific genes. However, it remains unknown how the germline epigenome is distinctly established from that of somatic lineages. Here we show that genes commonly expressed in somatic lineages and spermatogenesis-progenitor cells undergo repression in a genome-wide manner in late stages of the male germline and identify underlying mechanisms. SCML2, a germline-specific subunit of a Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), establishes the unique epigenome of the male germline through two distinct antithetical mechanisms. SCML2 works with PRC1 and promotes RNF2-dependent ubiquitination of H2A, thereby marking somatic/progenitor genes on autosomes for repression. Paradoxically, SCML2 also prevents RNF2-dependent ubiquitination of H2A on sex chromosomes during meiosis, thereby enabling unique epigenetic programming of sex chromosomes for male reproduction. Our results reveal divergent mechanisms involving a shared regulator by which the male germline epigenome is distinguished from that of the soma and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuteru Hasegawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Ho-Su Sin
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Tyler J Broering
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Andrey V Kartashov
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Yosuke Ichijima
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - W Clark Bacon
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Kenneth D Greis
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Artem Barski
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA.
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235
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Teerds KJ, Huhtaniemi IT. Morphological and functional maturation of Leydig cells: from rodent models to primates. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:310-28. [PMID: 25724971 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells (LC) are the sites of testicular androgen production. Development of LC occurs in the testes of most mammalian species as two distinct growth phases, i.e. as fetal and pubertal/adult populations. In primates there are indications of a third neonatal growth phase. LC androgen production begins in embryonic life and is crucial for the intrauterine masculinization of the male fetal genital tract and brain, and continues until birth after which it rapidly declines. A short post-natal phase of LC activity in primates (including human) termed 'mini-puberty' precedes the period of juvenile quiescence. The adult population of LC evolves, depending on species, in mid- to late-prepuberty upon reawakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and these cells are responsible for testicular androgen production in adult life, which continues with a slight gradual decline until senescence. This review is an updated comparative analysis of the functional and morphological maturation of LC in model species with special reference to rodents and primates. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched between December 2012 and October 2014. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as were data in abstract form only. Studies available on primates were primarily examined and compared with available data from specific animal models with emphasis on rodents. RESULTS Expression of different marker genes in rodents provides evidence that at least two distinct progenitor lineages give rise to the fetal LC (FLC) population, one arising from the coelomic epithelium and the other from specialized vascular-associated cells along the gonad-mesonephros border. There is general agreement that the formation and functioning of the FLC population in rodents is gonadotrophin-responsive but not gonadotrophin-dependent. In contrast, although there is in primates some controversy on the role of gonadotrophins in the formation of the FLC population, there is consensus about the essential role of gonadotrophins in testosterone production. Like the FLC population, adult Leydig cells (ALC) in rodents arise from stem cells, which have their origin in the fetal testis. In contrast, in primates the ALC population is thought to originate from FLC, which undergo several cycles of regression and redifferentiation before giving rise to the mature ALC population, as well as from differentiation of stem cells/precursor cells. Despite this difference in origin, both in primates and rodents the formation of the mature and functionally active ALC population is critically dependent on the pituitary gonadotrophin, LH. From studies on rodents considerable knowledge has emerged on factors that are involved besides LH in the regulation of this developmental process. Whether the same factors also play a role in the development of the mature primate LC population awaits further investigation. CONCLUSION Distinct populations of LC develop along the life span of males, including fetal, neonatal (primates) and ALC. Despite differences in the LC lineages of rodents and primates, the end product is a mature population of LC with the main function to provide androgens necessary for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extra-gonadal androgen actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, UK Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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236
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Zimmermann C, Stévant I, Borel C, Conne B, Pitetti JL, Calvel P, Kaessmann H, Jégou B, Chalmel F, Nef S. Research resource: the dynamic transcriptional profile of sertoli cells during the progression of spermatogenesis. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:627-42. [PMID: 25710594 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs), the only somatic cells within seminiferous tubules, associate intimately with developing germ cells. They not only provide physical and nutritional support but also secrete factors essential to the complex developmental processes of germ cell proliferation and differentiation. The SC transcriptome must therefore adapt rapidly during the different stages of spermatogenesis. We report comprehensive genome-wide expression profiles of pure populations of SCs isolated at 5 distinct stages of the first wave of mouse spermatogenesis, using RNA sequencing technology. We were able to reconstruct about 13 901 high-confidence, nonredundant coding and noncoding transcripts, characterized by complex alternative splicing patterns with more than 45% comprising novel isoforms of known genes. Interestingly, roughly one-fifth (2939) of these genes exhibited a dynamic expression profile reflecting the evolving role of SCs during the progression of spermatogenesis, with stage-specific expression of genes involved in biological processes such as cell cycle regulation, metabolism and energy production, retinoic acid synthesis, and blood-testis barrier biogenesis. Finally, regulatory network analysis identified the transcription factors endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1/Hif2α), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT/Hif1β), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) as potential master regulators driving the SC transcriptional program. Our results highlight the plastic transcriptional landscape of SCs during the progression of spermatogenesis and provide valuable resources to better understand SC function and spermatogenesis and its related disorders, such as male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Zimmermann
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development (C.Z., I.S., C.B., B.C., J.-L.P., P.C., S.N.), University of Geneva Medical School, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Center for Integrative Genomics (H.K.), University of Lausanne, Génopode, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and Inserm U1085-IRSET (B.J., F.C.), Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes, France
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237
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Rios-Rojas C, Bowles J, Koopman P. On the role of germ cells in mammalian gonad development: quiet passengers or back-seat drivers? Reproduction 2015; 149:R181-91. [PMID: 25628441 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their role as endocrine organs, the gonads nurture and protect germ cells, and regulate the formation of gametes competent to convey the genome to the following generation. After sex determination, gonadal somatic cells use several known signalling pathways to direct germ cell development. However, the extent to which germ cells communicate back to the soma, the molecular signals they use to do so and the significance of any such signalling remain as open questions. Herein, we review findings arising from the study of gonadal development and function in the absence of germ cells in a range of organisms. Most published studies support the view that germ cells are unimportant for foetal gonadal development in mammals, but later become critical for stabilisation of gonadal function and somatic cell phenotype. However, the lack of consistency in the data, and clear differences between mammals and other vertebrates and invertebrates, suggests that the story may not be so simple and would benefit from more careful analysis using contemporary molecular, cell biology and imaging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Rios-Rojas
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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238
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Rossitto M, Ujjan S, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Multiple roles of the prostaglandin D2 signaling pathway in reproduction. Reproduction 2015; 149:R49-58. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins signaling molecules are involved in numerous physiological processes. They are produced by several enzyme-limited reactions upon fatty acids, which are catalyzed by two cyclooxygenases and prostaglandin synthases. In particular, the prostaglandins E2(PGE2), D2(PGD2), and F2(PGF2α) have been shown to be involved in female reproductive mechanisms. Furthermore, widespread expression of lipocalin- and hematopoietic-PGD2synthases in the male reproductive tract supports the purported roles of PGD2in the development of both embryonic and adult testes, sperm maturation, and spermatogenesis. In this review, we summarize the putative roles of PGD2signaling and the roles of both PGD2synthases in testicular formation and function. We review the data reporting the involvement of PGD2signaling in the differentiation of Sertoli and germ cells of the embryonic testis. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of lipocalin-PGD2synthase in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, in terms of lipid molecule transport and PGD2production. Finally, we discuss the hypothesis that PGD2signaling may be affected in certain reproductive diseases, such as infertility, cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer.
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239
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Zhao L, Svingen T, Ng ET, Koopman P. Female-to-male sex reversal in mice caused by transgenic overexpression of Dmrt1. Development 2015; 142:1083-8. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.122184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genes related to Dmrt1, which encodes a DNA-binding DM domain transcription factor, act as triggers for primary sex determination in a broad range of metazoan species. However, this role is fulfilled in mammals by Sry, a newly evolved gene on the Y chromosome, such that Dmrt1 has become dispensable for primary sex determination and instead maintains Sertoli cell phenotype in postnatal testes. Here, we report that enforced expression of Dmrt1 in XX mouse fetal gonads using a Wt1-BAC transgene system is sufficient to drive testicular differentiation and male secondary sex development. XX transgenic fetal gonads showed typical testicular size and vasculature. Key ovarian markers, including Wnt4 and Foxl2, were repressed. Sertoli cells expressing the hallmark testis-determining gene Sox9 were formed, although they did not assemble into normal testis cords. Other bipotential lineages differentiated into testicular cell types, including steroidogenic fetal Leydig cells and non-meiotic germ cells. As a consequence, male internal and external reproductive organs developed postnatally, with an absence of female reproductive tissues. These results reveal that Dmrt1 has retained its ability to act as the primary testis-determining trigger in mammals, even though this function is no longer normally required. Thus, Dmrt1 provides a common thread in the evolution of sex determination mechanisms in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Terje Svingen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ee Ting Ng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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240
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Sharma N, Li L, Ecelbarger CM. Sex differences in renal and metabolic responses to a high-fructose diet in mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2014; 308:F400-10. [PMID: 25537743 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00403.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High fructose intake has been associated with increased incidences of renal disease and hypertension, among other pathologies. Most fructose is cleared by the portal system and metabolized in the liver; however, systemic levels of fructose can rise with increased consumption. We tested whether there were sex differences in the renal responses to a high-fructose diet in mice. Two-month-old male and female C57BL6/129/SV mice (n = 6 mice per sex per treatment) were randomized to receive control or high-fructose (65% by weight) diets as pelleted chow ad libitum for 3 mo. Fructose feeding did not significantly affect body weight but led to a 19% and 10% increase in kidney weight in male and female mice, respectively. In male mice, fructose increased the expression (∼50%) of renal cortical proteins involved in metabolism, including glucose transporter 5 (facilitative fructose transporter), ketohexokinase, and the insulin receptor (β-subunit). Female mice had lower basal levels of glucose transporter 5, which were unresponsive to fructose. However, female mice had increased urine volume and plasma K(+) and decreased plasma Na(+) with fructose, whereas male mice were less affected. Likewise, female mice showed a two- to threefold reduction in the expression Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter 2 in the thick ascending limb and aquaporin-2 in the collecting duct with fructose relative to female control mice, whereas male mice had no change. Overall, our results support greater proximal metabolism of fructose in male animals and greater distal tubule/collecting duct (electrolyte homeostasis) alterations in female animals. These sex differences may be important determinants of the specific nature of pathologies that develop in association with high fructose consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sharma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia; and
| | - Lijun Li
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia; and Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging, and Disease, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - C M Ecelbarger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia; and Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging, and Disease, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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241
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Wang H, Graham I, Hastings R, Gunewardena S, Brinkmeier ML, Conn PM, Camper SA, Kumar TR. Gonadotrope-specific deletion of Dicer results in severely suppressed gonadotropins and fertility defects. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:2699-714. [PMID: 25525274 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.621565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are heterodimeric glycoproteins expressed in gonadotropes. They act on gonads and promote their development and functions including steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Although transcriptional regulation of gonadotropin subunits has been well studied, the post-transcriptional regulation of gonadotropin subunits is not well understood. To test if microRNAs regulate the hormone-specific gonadotropin β subunits in vivo, we deleted Dicer in gonadotropes by a Cre-lox genetic approach. We found that many of the DICER-dependent microRNAs, predicted in silico to bind gonadotropin β subunit mRNAs, were suppressed in purified gonadotropes of mutant mice. Loss of DICER-dependent microRNAs in gonadotropes resulted in profound suppression of gonadotropin-β subunit proteins and, consequently, the heterodimeric hormone secretion. In addition to suppression of basal levels, interestingly, the post-gonadectomy-induced rise in pituitary gonadotropin synthesis and secretion were both abolished in mutants, indicating a defective gonadal negative feedback control. Furthermore, mutants lacking Dicer in gonadotropes displayed severely reduced fertility and were rescued with exogenous hormones confirming that the fertility defects were secondary to suppressed gonadotropins. Our studies reveal that DICER-dependent microRNAs are essential for gonadotropin homeostasis and fertility in mice. Our studies also implicate microRNAs in gonadal feedback control of gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. Thus, DICER-dependent microRNAs confer a new layer of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in gonadotropes to orchestrate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Wang
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
| | - Ian Graham
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
| | - Richard Hastings
- Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160
| | | | - Michelle L Brinkmeier
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - P Michael Conn
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79430
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- From the Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, and
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242
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Wen Q, Zheng QS, Li XX, Hu ZY, Gao F, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Wt1 dictates the fate of fetal and adult Leydig cells during development in the mouse testis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E1131-43. [PMID: 25336526 PMCID: PMC6189632 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00425.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1) is a tumor suppressor gene encoding ∼24 zinc finger transcription factors. In the mammalian testis, Wt1 is expressed mostly by Sertoli cells (SCs) involved in testis development, spermatogenesis, and adult Leydig cell (ALC) steroidogenesis. Global knockout (KO) of Wt1 is lethal in mice due to defects in embryogenesis. Herein, we showed that Wt1 is involved in regulating fetal Leydig cell (FLC) degeneration and ALC differentiation during testicular development. Using Wt1(-/flox);Amh-Cre mice that specifically deleted Wt1 in the SC vs. age-matched wild-type (WT) controls, FLC-like-clusters were found in Wt1-deficient testes that remained mitotically active from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P56, and no ALC was detected at these ages. Leydig cells in mutant adult testes displayed morphological features of FLC. Also, FLC-like cells in adult mutant testes had reduced expression in ALC-associated genes Ptgds, Sult1e1, Vcam1, Hsd11b1, Hsd3b6, and Hsd17b3 but high expression of FLC-associated genes Thbs2 and Hsd3b1. Whereas serum LH and testosterone level in mutant mice were not different from controls, intratesticular testosterone level was significantly reduced. Deletion of Wt1 gene also perturbed the expression of steroidogenic enzymes Star, P450c17, Hsd3b6, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b1, and Hsd17b3. FLCs in adult mutant testes failed to convert androstenedione to testosterone due to a lack of Hsd17b3, and this defect was rescued by coculturing with fetal SCs. In summary, FLC-like cells in mutant testes are putative FLCs that remain mitotically active in adult mice, illustrating that Wt1 dictates the fate of FLC and ALC during postnatal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Qiao-Song Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Xi-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Yuan Hu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; and
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243
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Bao J, Tang C, Yuan S, Porse BT, Yan W. UPF2, a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor, is required for prepubertal Sertoli cell development and male fertility by ensuring fidelity of the transcriptome. Development 2014; 142:352-62. [PMID: 25503407 DOI: 10.1242/dev.115642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) represents a highly conserved RNA surveillance mechanism through which mRNA transcripts bearing premature termination codons (PTCs) are selectively degraded to maintain transcriptomic fidelity in the cell. Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated the importance of the NMD pathway; however, evidence supporting its physiological necessity has only just started to emerge. Here, we report that ablation of Upf2, which encodes a core NMD factor, in murine embryonic Sertoli cells (SCs) leads to severe testicular atrophy and male sterility owing to rapid depletion of both SCs and germ cells during prepubertal testicular development. RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analyses revealed impaired transcriptomic homeostasis in SC-specific Upf2 knockout testes, characterized by an accumulation of PTC-containing transcripts and the transcriptome-wide dysregulation of genes encoding splicing factors and key proteins essential for SC fate control. Our data demonstrate an essential role of UPF2-mediated NMD in prepubertal SC development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Chong Tang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Bo T Porse
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK2200, Denmark
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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244
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Wainwright EN, Svingen T, Ng ET, Wicking C, Koopman P. Primary cilia function regulates the length of the embryonic trunk axis and urogenital field in mice. Dev Biol 2014; 395:342-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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245
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Rastetter RH, Bernard P, Palmer JS, Chassot AA, Chen H, Western PS, Ramsay RG, Chaboissier MC, Wilhelm D. Marker genes identify three somatic cell types in the fetal mouse ovary. Dev Biol 2014; 394:242-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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246
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Li Y, Kido T, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH, Tabatabai ZL, Lau YFC. SRY interference of normal regulation of the RET gene suggests a potential role of the Y-chromosome gene in sexual dimorphism in Hirschsprung disease. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:685-97. [PMID: 25267720 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex congenital disorder, arising from abnormalities in enteric nervous system (ENS) development. There is a gender disparity among the patients, with the male to female ratio as high as 5 : 1. Loss-of-function mutations of HSCR genes and haploinsufficiency of their gene products are the primary pathogenic mechanisms for disease development. Recent studies identified over half of the HSCR disease susceptibility genes as targets for the sex-determining factor SRY, suggesting that this Y-encoded transcription factor could be involved in sexual dimorphism in HSCR. Among the SRY targets, the tyrosine kinase receptor RET represents the most important disease gene, whose mutations account for half of the familial and up to one-third of the sporadic forms of HSCR. RET is regulated by a distal and a proximal enhancer at its promoter, in which PAX3 and NKX2-1 are the resident transcription factors respectively. We show that the SRY-box 10 (SOX10) co-activator interacts and forms transcriptional complexes with PAX3 and NKX2-1 in a sequence-independent manner and exacerbates their respective transactivation activities on the RET promoter. SRY competitively displaces SOX10 in such transcription complexes and represses their regulatory functions on RET. Hence SRY could be a Y-located negative modifier of RET expression; and if it is ectopically expressed during ENS development, such SRY repression could result in RET protein haploinsufficiency and promotion of HSCR development, thereby contributing to sexual dimorphism in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmin Li
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
| | - Tatsuo Kido
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
| | - Maria M Garcia-Barcelo
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul K H Tam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yun-Fai Chris Lau
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
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247
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Shinomura M, Kishi K, Tomita A, Kawasumi M, Kanezashi H, Kuroda Y, Tsunekawa N, Ozawa A, Aiyama Y, Yoneda A, Suzuki H, Saito M, Picard JY, Kohno K, Kurohmaru M, Kanai-Azuma M, Kanai Y. A novel Amh-Treck transgenic mouse line allows toxin-dependent loss of supporting cells in gonads. Reproduction 2014; 148:H1-9. [PMID: 25212783 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cell ablation technology is useful for studying specific cell lineages in a developing organ in vivo. Herein, we established a novel anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-toxin receptor-mediated cell knockout (Treck) mouse line, in which the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor was specifically activated in Sertoli and granulosa cells in postnatal testes and ovaries respectively. In the postnatal testes of Amh-Treck transgenic (Tg) male mice, DT injection induced a specific loss of the Sertoli cells in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the specific degeneration of granulosa cells in the primary and secondary follicles caused by DT injection in Tg females. In the testes with depletion of Sertoli cell, germ cells appeared to survive for only several days after DT treatment and rapidly underwent cell degeneration, which led to the accumulation of a large amount of cell debris within the seminiferous tubules by day 10 after DT treatment. Transplantation of exogenous healthy Sertoli cells following DT treatment rescued the germ cell loss in the transplantation sites of the seminiferous epithelia, leading to a partial recovery of the spermatogenesis. These results provide not only in vivo evidence of the crucial role of Sertoli cells in the maintenance of germ cells, but also show that the Amh-Treck Tg line is a useful in vivo model of the function of the supporting cell lineage in developing mammalian gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Shinomura
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Kasane Kishi
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Ayako Tomita
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Miyuri Kawasumi
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Hiromi Kanezashi
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Yoshiko Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Naoki Tsunekawa
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Aisa Ozawa
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Yoshimi Aiyama
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Asuka Yoneda
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Hitomi Suzuki
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Michiko Saito
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Jean-Yves Picard
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Kenji Kohno
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Masamichi Kurohmaru
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, JapanDepartment of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCenter for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, JapanGraduate School of Biological SciencesNara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, JapanINSERM U1133BFA, University Paris VII, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
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Two classes of gap junction channels mediate soma-germline interactions essential for germline proliferation and gametogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2014; 198:1127-53. [PMID: 25195067 PMCID: PMC4224157 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.114.168815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In all animals examined, somatic cells of the gonad control multiple biological processes essential for germline development. Gap junction channels, composed of connexins in vertebrates and innexins in invertebrates, permit direct intercellular communication between cells and frequently form between somatic gonadal cells and germ cells. Gap junctions comprise hexameric hemichannels in apposing cells that dock to form channels for the exchange of small molecules. Here we report essential roles for two classes of gap junction channels, composed of five innexin proteins, in supporting the proliferation of germline stem cells and gametogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Transmission electron microscopy of freeze-fracture replicas and fluorescence microscopy show that gap junctions between somatic cells and germ cells are more extensive than previously appreciated and are found throughout the gonad. One class of gap junctions, composed of INX-8 and INX-9 in the soma and INX-14 and INX-21 in the germ line, is required for the proliferation and differentiation of germline stem cells. Genetic epistasis experiments establish a role for these gap junction channels in germline proliferation independent of the glp-1/Notch pathway. A second class of gap junctions, composed of somatic INX-8 and INX-9 and germline INX-14 and INX-22, is required for the negative regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation. Rescue of gap junction channel formation in the stem cell niche rescues germline proliferation and uncovers a later channel requirement for embryonic viability. This analysis reveals gap junctions as a central organizing feature of many soma–germline interactions in C. elegans.
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Chassot AA, Gillot I, Chaboissier MC. R-spondin1, WNT4, and the CTNNB1 signaling pathway: strict control over ovarian differentiation. Reproduction 2014; 148:R97-110. [PMID: 25187620 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sex differentiation is a unique developmental process. Starting from a bipotential gonad, it gives rise to the ovary and the testis, two highly specialized organs that differ morphologically and physiologically despite sharing common reproductive and endocrine functions. This highlights the specific plasticity of the gonadal precursors and the existence of complex antagonistic genetic regulation. Mammalian sex determination is controlled by paternal transmission of the Y-linked gene, sex-determining region Y (SRY). Using mouse models, it has been shown that the main role of Sry is to activate the expression of the transcription factor Sox9; either one of these two genes is necessary and sufficient to allow testicular development through Sertoli cell differentiation. Thus, defects in SRY/Sry and/or SOX9/Sox9 expression result in male-to-female sex reversal of XY individuals. Molecular mechanisms governing ovarian differentiation remained unknown for a long time, until the discovery of the roles of R-spondin1 (RSPO1) and WNT4. In XX individuals, activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway by the secreted proteins RSPO1 and WNT4 is required to allow granulosa cell differentiation and, in turn, ovarian differentiation. Thus, mutations in RSPO1 result in female-to-male sex reversal of XX patients, and mouse models have allowed the identification of genetic cascades activated by RSPO1 and WNT4 to regulate ovarian development. In this review, we will discuss the respective roles of RSPO1, WNT4, and the β-catenin signaling pathway during ovarian differentiation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Amandine Chassot
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Gillot
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisParc Valrose, F-06108 Nice, FranceUMR-INSERM1091IBV, F-06108 Nice, France
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Duong TB, Francois S, Thrane P, Culty M. Disruption of Rat Testis Development Following Combined In Utero Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Antiandrogenic Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:64. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.120907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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