351
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Pelzman DL, Orwig KE, Hwang K. Progress in translational reproductive science: testicular tissue transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:500-509. [PMID: 32111477 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first child conceived via in vitro fertilization 40 years ago, fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology have allowed many couples to reach their reproductive goals. As of yet, no fertility options are available for men who cannot produce functional sperm, but many experimental therapies have demonstrated promising results in animal models. Both autologous (stem cell transplantation, de novo morphogenesis, and testicular tissue grafting) and outside-the-body (xenografting and in vitro spermatogenesis) approaches exist for restoring sperm production in infertile animals with varying degrees of success. Once safety profiles are established and an ideal patient population is chosen, some of these techniques may be ready for human experimentation in the near future, with likely clinical implementation within the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Pelzman
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathleen Hwang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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352
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Ferreira LC, Dantas Junior JH. Report of a Father With Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens Fathering a Child With Beare–Stevenson Syndrome. Front Genet 2020; 11:104. [PMID: 32158469 PMCID: PMC7052335 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo C. Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Leonardo C. Ferreira,
| | - José H. Dantas Junior
- University Hospital Onofre Lopes, Urologic Unit, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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353
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Patel DP, Jenkins TG, Aston KI, Guo J, Pastuszak AW, Hanson HA, Hotaling JM. Harnessing the full potential of reproductive genetics and epigenetics for male infertility in the era of "big data". Fertil Steril 2020; 113:478-488. [PMID: 32089255 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of male reproductive impairment has hampered characterization of the underlying genetic causes of male infertility. However, in the last 20 years, more powerful and affordable tools to interrogate the genetic and epigenetic determinants of male infertility have accelerated the number of new discoveries in the characterization of male infertility. With this explosion of new data, integration in a systems-based approach-including complete phenotypic information-to male infertility is imperative. We briefly review the current understanding of genetic and epigenetic causes of male infertility and how findings may be translated into a practical component for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan P Patel
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Tim G Jenkins
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Heidi A Hanson
- Department of Surgery and Population Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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354
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Wu X, Luo C, Hu L, Chen X, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Unraveling epigenomic abnormality in azoospermic human males by WGBS, RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:789-802. [PMID: 32056059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine associations between genomic DNA methylation in testicular cells and azoospermia in human males. METHODS This was a case-control study investigating the differences and conservations in DNA methylation, genome-wide DNA methylation, and bulk RNA-Seq for transcriptome profiling using testicular biopsy tissues from NOA and OA patients. Differential methylation and different conserved methylation regions associated with azoospermia were identified by comparing genomic DNA methylation of testicular seminiferous cells derived from NOA and OA patients. RESULTS The genome methylation modification of testicular cells from NOA patients was disordered, and the reproductive-related gene expression was significantly different. CONCLUSION Our findings not only provide valuable knowledge of human spermatogenesis but also paved the way for the identification of genes/proteins involved in male germ cell development. The approach presented in this report provides a powerful tool to identify responsible biomolecules, and/or cellular changes (e.g., epigenetic abnormality) that induce male reproductive dysfunction such as OA and NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, USA.
| | - Fei Sun
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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355
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Guo J, Nie X, Giebler M, Mlcochova H, Wang Y, Grow EJ, Kim R, Tharmalingam M, Matilionyte G, Lindskog C, Carrell DT, Mitchell RT, Goriely A, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR. The Dynamic Transcriptional Cell Atlas of Testis Development during Human Puberty. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:262-276.e4. [PMID: 31928944 PMCID: PMC7298616 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The human testis undergoes dramatic developmental and structural changes during puberty, including proliferation and maturation of somatic niche cells, and the onset of spermatogenesis. To characterize this understudied process, we profiled and analyzed single-cell transcriptomes of ∼10,000 testicular cells from four boys spanning puberty and compared them to those of infants and adults. During puberty, undifferentiated spermatogonia sequentially expand and differentiate prior to the initiation of gametogenesis. Notably, we identify a common pre-pubertal progenitor for Leydig and myoid cells and delineate candidate factors controlling pubertal differentiation. Furthermore, pre-pubertal Sertoli cells exhibit two distinct transcriptional states differing in metabolic profiles before converging to an alternative single mature population during puberty. Roles for testosterone in Sertoli cell maturation, antimicrobial peptide secretion, and spermatogonial differentiation are further highlighted through single-cell analysis of testosterone-suppressed transfemale testes. Taken together, our transcriptional atlas of the developing human testis provides multiple insights into developmental changes and key factors accompanying male puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Guo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; The Andrology Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Xichen Nie
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Maria Giebler
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - Hana Mlcochova
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - Yueqi Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Edward J Grow
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Robin Kim
- Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Melissa Tharmalingam
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH91LF, UK
| | - Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH91LF, UK
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- The Andrology Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH91LF, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - James M Hotaling
- The Andrology Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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356
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Kurek M, Albalushi H, Hovatta O, Stukenborg JB. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Reproductive Science-a Comparison of Protocols Used to Generate and Define Male Germ Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031028. [PMID: 32033159 PMCID: PMC7038013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, fertility-related issues affect around 15% of couples. In 20%–30% of cases men are solely responsible, and they contribute in around 50% of all cases. Hence, understanding of in vivo germ-cell specification and exploring different angles of fertility preservation and infertility intervention are considered hot topics nowadays, with special focus on the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as a source of in vitro germ-cell generation. However, the generation of male germ cells from hPSCs can currently be considered challenging, making a judgment on the real perspective of these innovative approaches difficult. Ever since the first spontaneous germ-cell differentiation studies, using human embryonic stem cells, various strategies, including specific co-cultures, gene over-expression, and addition of growth factors, have been applied for human germ-cell derivation. In line with the variety of differentiation methods, the outcomes have ranged from early and migratory primordial germ cells up to post-meiotic spermatids. This variety of culture approaches and cell lines makes comparisons between protocols difficult. Considering the diverse strategies and outcomes, we aim in this mini-review to summarize the literature regarding in vitro derivation of human male germ cells from hPSCs, while keeping a particular focus on the culture methods, growth factors, and cell lines used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kurek
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Halima Albalushi
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, 123 Muscat, Oman
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-8524-82788
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357
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Tan K, Song HW, Wilkinson MF. Single-cell RNAseq analysis of testicular germ and somatic cell development during the perinatal period. Development 2020; 147:dev.183251. [PMID: 31964773 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pro-spermatogonia (SG) serve as the gateway to spermatogenesis. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we studied the development of ProSG, their SG descendants and testicular somatic cells during the perinatal period in mice. We identified both gene and protein markers for three temporally distinct ProSG cell subsets, including a migratory cell population with a transcriptome distinct from the previously defined T1- and T2-ProSG stages. This intermediate (I)-ProSG subset translocates from the center of seminiferous tubules to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) 'niche' in its periphery soon after birth. We identified three undifferentiated SG subsets at postnatal day 7, each of which expresses distinct genes, including transcription factor and signaling genes. Two of these subsets have the characteristics of newly emergent SSCs. We also molecularly defined the development of Sertoli, Leydig and peritubular myoid cells during the perinatal period, allowing us to identify candidate signaling pathways acting between somatic and germ cells in a stage-specific manner during the perinatal period. Our study provides a rich resource for those investigating testicular germ and somatic cell developmental during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hye-Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA .,Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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358
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Cerván-Martín M, Castilla JA, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Genetic Landscape of Nonobstructive Azoospermia and New Perspectives for the Clinic. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020300. [PMID: 31973052 PMCID: PMC7074441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe expression of male infertility, involving around 1% of the male population and 10% of infertile men. This condition is characterised by the inability of the testis to produce sperm cells, and it is considered to have an important genetic component. During the last two decades, different genetic anomalies, including microdeletions of the Y chromosome, karyotype defects, and missense mutations in genes involved in the reproductive function, have been described as the primary cause of NOA in many infertile men. However, these alterations only explain around 25% of azoospermic cases, with the remaining patients showing an idiopathic origin. Recent studies clearly suggest that the so-called idiopathic NOA has a complex aetiology with a polygenic inheritance, which may alter the spermatogenic process. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA, the use of the new technologies for genetic analysis has enabled a considerable increase in knowledge during the last years. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the genetic basis of NOA, with a special focus on the possible application of the recent insights in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Calle Maestro Bretón 1, 18004 Granada, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-000 (ext 20170)
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359
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Evaluating genetic causes of azoospermia: What can we learn from a complex cellular structure and single-cell transcriptomics of the human testis? Hum Genet 2020; 140:183-201. [PMID: 31950241 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02116-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is a condition defined as the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, but the testicular phenotype of men with azoospermia may be very variable, ranging from full spermatogenesis, through arrested maturation of germ cells at different stages, to completely degenerated tissue with ghost tubules. Hence, information regarding the cell-type-specific expression patterns is needed to prioritise potential pathogenic variants that contribute to the pathogenesis of azoospermia. Thanks to technological advances within next-generation sequencing, it is now possible to obtain detailed cell-type-specific expression patterns in the testis by single-cell RNA sequencing. However, to interpret single-cell RNA sequencing data properly, substantial knowledge of the highly sophisticated data processing and visualisation methods is needed. Here we review the complex cellular structure of the human testis in different types of azoospermia and outline how known genetic alterations affect the pathology of the testis. We combined the currently available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets originating from the human testis into one dataset covering 62,751 testicular cells, each with a median of 2637 transcripts quantified. We show what effects the most common data-processing steps have, and how different visualisation methods can be used. Furthermore, we calculated expression patterns in pseudotime, and show how splicing rates can be used to determine the velocity of differentiation during spermatogenesis. With the combined dataset we show expression patterns and network analysis of genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of azoospermia. Finally, we provide the combined dataset as an interactive online resource where expression of genes and different visualisation methods can be explored ( https://testis.cells.ucsc.edu/ ).
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360
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Portela JMD, Heckmann L, Wistuba J, Sansone A, van Pelt AMM, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010224. [PMID: 31947706 PMCID: PMC7019285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy and conditioning treatments of non-malignant diseases affect spermatogonial function and may lead to male infertility. Data on the molecular properties of spermatogonia and the influence of disease and/or treatment on spermatogonial subpopulations remain limited. Here, we assessed if the density and percentage of spermatogonial subpopulation changes during development (n = 13) and due to disease and/or treatment (n = 18) in tissues stored in fertility preservation programs, using markers for spermatogonia (MAGEA4), undifferentiated spermatogonia (UTF1), proliferation (PCNA), and global DNA methylation (5mC). Throughout normal prepubertal testicular development, only the density of 5mC-positive spermatogonia significantly increased with age. In comparison, patients affected by disease and/or treatment showed a reduced density of UTF1-, PCNA- and 5mC-positive spermatogonia, whereas the percentage of spermatogonial subpopulations remained unchanged. As an exception, sickle cell disease patients treated with hydroxyurea displayed a reduction in both density and percentage of 5mC- positive spermatogonia. Our results demonstrate that, in general, a reduction in spermatogonial density does not alter the percentages of undifferentiated and proliferating spermatogonia, nor the establishment of global methylation. However, in sickle cell disease patients’, establishment of spermatogonial DNA methylation is impaired, which may be of importance for the potential use of this tissues in fertility preservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. D. Portela
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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361
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Ramaiah M, Tan K, Plank TM, Song H, Chousal JN, Jones S, Shum EY, Sheridan SD, Peterson KJ, Gromoll J, Haggarty SJ, Cook‐Andersen H, Wilkinson MF. Response to: X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs promote FMRP expression in mouse spermatogonia. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49354. [PMID: 31808609 PMCID: PMC6944912 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvanthi Ramaiah
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Terra‐Dawn M Plank
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Hye‐Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Jennifer N Chousal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Samantha Jones
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Eleen Y Shum
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Chemical Neurobiology LaboratoryCenter for Genomic MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Departments of Neurology and PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | | - Jörg Gromoll
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology LaboratoryCenter for Genomic MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Departments of Neurology and PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Heidi Cook‐Andersen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Institute of Genomic MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
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362
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Wen L, Liu Q, Xu J, Liu X, Shi C, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Xu H, Liu J, Yang H, Huang H, Qiao J, Tang F, Chen ZJ. Recent advances in mammalian reproductive biology. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:18-58. [PMID: 31813094 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive biology is a uniquely important topic since it is about germ cells, which are central for transmitting genetic information from generation to generation. In this review, we discuss recent advances in mammalian germ cell development, including preimplantation development, fetal germ cell development and postnatal development of oocytes and sperm. We also discuss the etiologies of female and male infertility and describe the emerging technologies for studying reproductive biology such as gene editing and single-cell technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chaoyi Shi
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zuwei Yang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yili Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, 250021, China.
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363
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Fan C, Lu W, Li K, Ding Y, Wang J. ACE2 Expression in Kidney and Testis May Cause Kidney and Testis Infection in COVID-19 Patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:563893. [PMID: 33521006 DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.12.20022418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, a new type of pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan and has been discovered in many countries around the world. ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) has been shown to be one of the major receptors that mediate the entry of SARS-Cov-2 into human cells. Here in this study, we used the online datasets to analyze ACE2 expression in different human organs. The results indicated that ACE2 highly expresses in renal tubular cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and cells in seminiferous ducts in testis. Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBD) domain and ACE2 of RPTEC/SerC cell-binding assays confirmed that SARS-Cov-2 can bind to ACE2 on the surface of these cells. Our results suggest that ACE2 expression could contribute to kidney and testis infection after COVID-19 infection. Renal function evaluation and special care should be performed during clinical work. Clinicians should also pay attention to the risk of testicular lesions in patients during hospitalization and later clinical follow-up, especially the assessment and appropriate intervention in young patients' fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caibin Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- School of Nursing, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhong Ding
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianqing Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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364
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Pont F, Tosolini M, Fournié JJ. Single-Cell Signature Explorer for comprehensive visualization of single cell signatures across scRNA-seq datasets. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e133. [PMID: 31294801 PMCID: PMC6868346 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The momentum of scRNA-seq datasets prompts for simple and powerful tools exploring their meaningful signatures. Here we present Single-Cell_Signature_Explorer (https://sites.google.com/site/fredsoftwares/products/single-cell-signature-explorer), the first method for qualitative and high-throughput scoring of any gene set-based signature at the single cell level and its visualization using t-SNE or UMAP. By scanning datasets for single or combined signatures, it rapidly maps any multi-gene feature, exemplified here with signatures of cell lineages, biological hallmarks and metabolic pathways in large scRNAseq datasets of human PBMC, melanoma, lung cancer and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Pont
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- ERL 5294 CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer, TOUCAN
- Programme Hospitalo Universitaire en Cancérologie CAPTOR
- Institut Carnot CALYM
| | - Marie Tosolini
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- ERL 5294 CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer, TOUCAN
- Programme Hospitalo Universitaire en Cancérologie CAPTOR
- Institut Carnot CALYM
| | - Jean J Fournié
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- ERL 5294 CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer, TOUCAN
- Programme Hospitalo Universitaire en Cancérologie CAPTOR
- Institut Carnot CALYM
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365
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Gille AS, Lapoujade C, Wolf JP, Fouchet P, Barraud-Lange V. Contribution of Single-Cell Transcriptomics to the Characterization of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Toward an Application in Male Fertility Regenerative Medicine? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225773. [PMID: 31744138 PMCID: PMC6888480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing progress in genomic technologies offers exciting tools that can help to resolve transcriptome and genome-wide DNA modifications at single-cell resolution. These methods can be used to characterize individual cells within complex tissue organizations and to highlight various molecular interactions. Here, we will discuss recent advances in the definition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their progenitors in humans using the single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNAseq) approach. Exploration of gene expression patterns allows one to investigate stem cell heterogeneity. It leads to tracing the spermatogenic developmental process and its underlying biology, which is highly influenced by the microenvironment. scRNAseq already represents a new diagnostic tool for the personalized investigation of male infertility. One may hope that a better understanding of SSC biology could facilitate the use of these cells in the context of fertility preservation of prepubertal children, as a key component of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Gille
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Clémentine Lapoujade
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Wolf
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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366
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Tan K, Wilkinson MF. Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells Scrutinized under the Single-Cell Magnifying Glass. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:201-203. [PMID: 30735645 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for adult spermatogenesis. Recently, Wang et al. (2018), Guo et al. (2018), and Hermann et al. (2018) used single-cell RNA sequencing to define and molecularly characterize human testicular cell populations, including spermatogonial subsets with characteristics of human SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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367
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Zhou D, Wang X, Liu Z, Huang Z, Nie H, Zhu W, Tan Y, Fan L. The expression characteristics of FBXW7 in human testis suggest its function is different from that in mice. Tissue Cell 2019; 62:101315. [PMID: 32433022 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.101315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
F-box and WD domain protein 7 (FBXW7) is reported to bind with c-Myc in mouse spermatogonial stem cells, regulating self-renewal; however, the pattern and stage of expression of FBXW7 in human testes are unclear. In the present study, we examined the expression of human FBXW7 in adult testis, and analyzed fixed sections from adult testes and fetal testes to determine the cell type-specific expression pattern of FBXW7. The results showed that FBXW7α and FBXW7β genes are expressed in the testis; however, only FBXW7α protein could be detected. FBXW7 was not detected in human spermatogonial stem cells. Interestingly, FBXW7 was mainly expressed in the cell nuclei of later stage germ cells and differentiated somatic cells. We also observed high FBXW7 expression in human fetal germ cells, particularly in prespermatogonia. Our results raised the possibility that FBXW7 has different functions in humans and mice. The cell type-specific expression pattern of FBXW7 suggests that it performs regulatory functions during the late stage of human spermatogenesis instead of being involved in the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Xingming Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China.
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368
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Mariniello K, Ruiz-Babot G, McGaugh EC, Nicholson JG, Gualtieri A, Gaston-Massuet C, Nostro MC, Guasti L. Stem Cells, Self-Renewal, and Lineage Commitment in the Endocrine System. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:772. [PMID: 31781041 PMCID: PMC6856655 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine system coordinates a wide array of body functions mainly through secretion of hormones and their actions on target tissues. Over the last decades, a collective effort between developmental biologists, geneticists, and stem cell biologists has generated a wealth of knowledge related to the contribution of stem/progenitor cells to both organogenesis and self-renewal of endocrine organs. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the role of tissue stem cells in the development and self-renewal of endocrine organs. Pathways governing crucial steps in both development and stemness maintenance, and that are known to be frequently altered in a wide array of endocrine disorders, including cancer, are also described. Crucially, this plethora of information is being channeled into the development of potential new cell-based treatment modalities for endocrine-related illnesses, some of which have made it through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Mariniello
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Emily C. McGaugh
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James G. Nicholson
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelica Gualtieri
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Nostro
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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369
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Goldmann JM, Veltman JA, Gilissen C. De Novo Mutations Reflect Development and Aging of the Human Germline. Trends Genet 2019; 35:828-839. [PMID: 31610893 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Human germline de novo mutations (DNMs) are both a driver of evolution and an important cause of genetic diseases. In the past few years, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of parent-offspring trios has facilitated the large-scale detection and study of human DNMs, which has led to exciting discoveries. The overarching theme of all of these studies is that the DNMs of an individual are a complex mixture of mutations that arise through different biological processes acting at different times during human development and life.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Goldmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J A Veltman
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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370
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Gauthier-Fisher A, Kauffman A, Librach CL. Potential use of stem cells for fertility preservation. Andrology 2019; 8:862-878. [PMID: 31560823 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and gonadal dysfunction can result from gonadotoxic therapies, environmental exposures, aging, or genetic conditions. In men, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) results from defects in the spermatogenic process that can be attributed to spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) or their niche, or both. While assisted reproductive technologies and sperm banking can enable fertility preservation (FP) in men of reproductive age who are at risk for infertility, FP for pre-pubertal patients remains experimental. Therapeutic options for NOA are limited. The rapid advance of stem cell research and of gene editing technologies could enable new FP options for these patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), SSC, and testicular niche cells, as well as mesenchymal stromal cells (aka medicinal signaling cells, MSCs), have been investigated for their potential use in male FP strategies. OBJECTIVE Here, we review the benefits and challenges for three types of stem cell-based approaches under investigation for male FP, focusing on the role that promising sources of MSC derived from human umbilical cord, specifically human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC), could fulfill. These approaches are as follows: 1. isolation and ex vivo expansion of autologous SSC for in vivo transplantation or in vitro spermatogenesis; 2. in vitro differentiation toward germ cell and testicular somatic cell lineages using autologous SSC, or stem cells such iPSC or MSC; and 3. protection or regeneration of the spermatogenic niche after gonadotoxic insults in vivo. CONCLUSION Our studies suggest that HUCPVC are promising sources of cells that could be utilized in multiple aspects of male FP strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Kauffman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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371
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Dong L, Gul M, Hildorf S, Pors SE, Kristensen SG, Hoffmann ER, Cortes D, Thorup J, Andersen CY. Xeno-Free Propagation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Infant Boys. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215390. [PMID: 31671863 PMCID: PMC6862004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation therapy is a promising strategy to renew spermatogenesis for prepubertal boys whose fertility is compromised. However, propagation of SSCs is required due to a limited number of SSCs in cryopreserved testicular tissue. This propagation must be done under xeno-free conditions for clinical application. SSCs were propagated from infant testicular tissue (7 mg and 10 mg) from two boys under xeno-free conditions using human platelet lysate and nutrient source. We verified SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immune-reaction assay using the SSC markers undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1), GDNF receptor alpha-1 (GFRα-1) Fα and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The functionality of the propagated SSCs was investigated by pre-labelling using green fluorescent Cell Linker PKH67 and xeno-transplantation of the SSCLCs into busulfan-treated, therefore sterile, immunodeficient mice. SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) appeared after 2 weeks in primary passage. The SSCLCs were SSC-like as the UTF1, UCHL1, GFRα1 and PLZF were all positive. After 2.5 months’ culture period, a total of 13 million cells from one sample were harvested for xenotransplantation. Labelled human propagated SSCs were identified and verified in mouse seminiferous tubules at 3–6 weeks, confirming that the transplanted cells contain SSCLCs. The present xeno-free clinical culture protocol allows propagation of SSCs from infant boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Urology, Aksaray University School of Medicine, Aksaray 68100, Turkey.
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pediatrics, Hvidovre, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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372
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Pandey A, Yadav SK, Vishvkarma R, Singh B, Maikhuri JP, Rajender S, Gupta G. The dynamics of gene expression during and post meiosis sets the sperm agenda. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1921-1939. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Pandey
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Rahul Vishvkarma
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Bineta Singh
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
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373
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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374
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Lipshultz LI, Ramasamy R, Sandlow JI, Hotaling J, Eisenberg M, Niederberger C, Brannigan RE. Microsurgical varicocelectomy: novel applications to optimize patient outcomes. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:632-639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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375
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Oliver E, Stukenborg JB. Rebuilding the human testis in vitro. Andrology 2019; 8:825-834. [PMID: 31539453 PMCID: PMC7496374 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing rates of male infertility have led to a greater need for relevant model systems to gain further insight into male fertility and its failings. Spermatogenesis and hormone production occur within distinct regions of the testis. Defined by specialized architecture and a diverse population of cell types, it is no surprise that disruption of this highly organized microenvironment can lead to infertility. To date, no robust in vitro system has facilitated full spermatogenesis resulting in the production of fertilization‐competent human spermatozoa. Here, we review a selection of current in vitro systems available for modelling the human testis microenvironment with focus on the progression of spermatogenesis and recapitulation of the testis microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Oliver
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - J-B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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376
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Wen L, Tang F. Human Germline Cell Development: from the Perspective of Single-Cell Sequencing. Mol Cell 2019; 76:320-328. [PMID: 31563431 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Germline cells are the beginning of new individuals in multicellular animals, including humans. Our understanding of these cell types is limited by the difficulty of analyzing the precious and heterogeneous germline tissue samples. The rapid development of single-cell sequencing technologies provides a chance for comprehensive profiling of the omics dynamics of human germline development. In this review, we discuss progress in analyzing the development of human germline cells, including preimplantation and implantation embryos, fetal germ cells (FGCs), and adult spermatogenesis by single-cell transcriptome and epigenome sequencing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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377
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Dong L, Kristensen SG, Hildorf S, Gul M, Clasen-Linde E, Fedder J, Hoffmann ER, Cortes D, Thorup J, Andersen CY. Propagation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Like Cells From Infant Boys. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1155. [PMID: 31607938 PMCID: PMC6761273 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonadotoxic treatment of malignant diseases as well as some non-malignant conditions such as cryptorchidism in young boys may result in infertility and failure to father children later in life. As a fertility preserving strategy, several centers collect testicular biopsies to cryopreserve spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) world-wide. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies is to transplant SSCs back into the seminiferous tubules to initiate endogenous spermatogenesis. However, to obtain sufficient numbers of SSC to warrant transplantation, in vitro propagation of cells is needed together with proper validation of their stem cell identity. Materials and Methods A minute amount of testicular biopsies (between 5 mg and 10 mg) were processed by mechanical and enzymatic digestion. SSCs were enriched by differential plating method in StemPro-34 medium supplemented with several growth factors. SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) were passaged five times. SSCLCs were identified by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, using protein expression patterns in testis biopsies as reference. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of SSC markers LIN-28 homolog A (LIN28A), G antigen 1 (GAGE1), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), integrin alpha 6 (ITGA6), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) were also used to validate the SSC-like cell identity. Results Proliferation of SSCLCs was achieved. The presence of SSCs in SSCLCs was confirmed by positive immunostaining of LIN28, UCHL1 and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for LIN28A, UCHL1, PLZF, ITGA6, and ITGB1, respectively. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that SSCs from infant boys possess the capacity for in vitro proliferation and advance a fertility preservation strategy for pre-pubertal boys who may otherwise lose their fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Urology, Aksaray University School of Medicine, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Erik Clasen-Linde
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.,Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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378
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Pineau C, Hikmet F, Zhang C, Oksvold P, Chen S, Fagerberg L, Uhlén M, Lindskog C. Cell Type-Specific Expression of Testis Elevated Genes Based on Transcriptomics and Antibody-Based Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:4215-4230. [PMID: 31429579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One of the most complex organs in the human body is the testis, where spermatogenesis takes place. This physiological process involves thousands of genes and proteins that are activated and repressed, making testis the organ with the highest number of tissue-specific genes. However, the function of a large proportion of the corresponding proteins remains unknown and testis harbors many missing proteins (MPs), defined as products of protein-coding genes that lack experimental mass spectrometry evidence. Here, an integrated omics approach was used for exploring the cell type-specific protein expression of genes with an elevated expression in testis. By combining genome-wide transcriptomics analysis with immunohistochemistry, more than 500 proteins with distinct testicular protein expression patterns were identified, and these were selected for in-depth characterization of their in situ expression in eight different testicular cell types. The cell type-specific protein expression patterns allowed us to identify six distinct clusters of expression at different stages of spermatogenesis. The analysis highlighted numerous poorly characterized proteins in each of these clusters whose expression overlapped with that of known proteins involved in spermatogenesis, including 85 proteins with an unknown function and 60 proteins that previously have been classified as MPs. Furthermore, we were able to characterize the in situ distribution of several proteins that previously lacked spatial information and cell type-specific expression within the testis. The testis elevated expression levels both at the RNA and protein levels suggest that these proteins are related to testis-specific functions. In summary, the study demonstrates the power of combining genome-wide transcriptomics analysis with antibody-based protein profiling to explore the cell type-specific expression of both well-known proteins and MPs. The analyzed proteins constitute important targets for further testis-specific research in male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Pineau
- Univ Rennes , Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085 , 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.,Protim , Univ Rennes , 35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Feria Hikmet
- Uppsala University , Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory , 75185 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Science for Life Laboratory , School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology , 17121 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Per Oksvold
- Science for Life Laboratory , School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology , 17121 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Shuqi Chen
- Science for Life Laboratory , School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology , 17121 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Linn Fagerberg
- Science for Life Laboratory , School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology , 17121 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- Science for Life Laboratory , School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology , 17121 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Uppsala University , Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory , 75185 Uppsala , Sweden
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379
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Maher GJ, Goriely A. Teasing apart the multiple roles of Shp2 ( Ptpn11) in spermatogenesis. Asian J Androl 2019; 22:122. [PMID: 31361219 PMCID: PMC6958989 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_79_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey J Maher
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
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380
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Pohl E, Höffken V, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Gromoll J, Wistuba J. Ageing in men with normal spermatogenesis alters spermatogonial dynamics and nuclear morphology in Sertoli cells. Andrology 2019; 7:827-839. [PMID: 31250567 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing in men is believed to be associated with fertility decline and elevated risk of congenital disorders for the offspring. The previous studies also reported reduced germ and Sertoli cell numbers in older men. However, it is not clear whether ageing in men with normal spermatogenesis affects the testis and germ cell population dynamics in a way sufficient for transmitting adverse age effects to the offspring. OBJECTIVES We examined men with normal spermatogenesis at different ages concerning effects on persisting testicular cell types, that is the germ line and Sertoli cells, as these cell populations are prone to be exposed to age effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ageing was assessed in testicular biopsies of 32 patients assigned to three age groups: (i) 28.8 ± 2.7 years; (ii) 48.1 ± 1 years; and (iii) 70.9 ± 6.2 years, n = 8 each, with normal spermatogenesis according to the Bergmann-Kliesch score, and in a group of meiotic arrest patients (29.9 ± 3.8 years, n = 8) to decipher potential links between different germ cell types. Besides morphometry of seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cell nuclei, we investigated spermatogenic output/efficiency, and dynamics of spermatogonial populations via immunohistochemistry for MAGE A4, PCNA, CREM and quantified A-pale/A-dark spermatogonia. RESULTS We found a constant spermatogenic output (CREM-positive round spermatids) in all age groups studied. In men beyond their mid-40s (group 2), we detected increased nuclear and nucleolar size in Sertoli cells, indirectly indicating an elevated protein turnover. From the 7th decade (group 3) of life onwards, testes showed increased proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia, decreased spermatogenic efficiency and elevated numbers of proliferating A-dark spermatogonia. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Maintaining normal sperm output seems to be an intrinsic determinant of spermatogenesis. Ageing appears to affect this output and might provoke compensatory proliferation increase in A spermatogonia which, in turn, might hamper germ cell integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pohl
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - V Höffken
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J Gromoll
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J Wistuba
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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381
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Abstract
Single cell biology is currently revolutionizing developmental and evolutionary biology, revealing new cell types and states in an impressive range of biological systems. With the accumulation of data, however, the field is grappling with a central unanswered question: what exactly is a cell type? This question is further complicated by the inherently dynamic nature of developmental processes. In this Hypothesis article, we propose that a 'periodic table of cell types' can be used as a framework for distinguishing cell types from cell states, in which the periods and groups correspond to developmental trajectories and stages along differentiation, respectively. The different states of the same cell type are further analogous to 'isotopes'. We also highlight how the concept of a periodic table of cell types could be useful for predicting new cell types and states, and for recognizing relationships between cell types throughout development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xia
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Itai Yanai
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
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382
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Wang JH, Li Y, Deng SL, Liu YX, Lian ZX, Yu K. Recent Research Advances in Mitosis during Mammalian Gametogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060567. [PMID: 31185583 PMCID: PMC6628140 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is a highly sophisticated and well-regulated process during the development and differentiation of mammalian gametogenesis. The regulation of mitosis plays an essential role in keeping the formulation in oogenesis and gametogenesis. In the past few years, substantial research progress has been made by showing that cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) have roles in the regulation of meiosis. In addition, more functional signaling molecules have been discovered in mitosis. Growing evidence has also indicated that miRNAs influence cell cycling. In this review, we focus on specific genes, cyclins/Cdk, signaling pathways/molecules, and miRNAs to discuss the latest achievements in understanding their roles in mitosis during gametogenesis. Further elucidation of mitosis during gametogenesis may facilitate delineating all processes of mammalian reproduction and the development of disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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383
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Feichtinger J, McFarlane RJ. Meiotic gene activation in somatic and germ cell tumours. Andrology 2019; 7:415-427. [PMID: 31102330 PMCID: PMC6766858 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Germ cell tumours are uniquely associated with the gametogenic tissues of males and females. A feature of these cancers is that they can express genes that are normally tightly restricted to meiotic cells. This aberrant gene expression has been used as an indicator that these cancer cells are attempting a programmed germ line event, meiotic entry. However, work in non‐germ cell cancers has also indicated that meiotic genes can become aberrantly activated in a wide range of cancer types and indeed provide functions that serve as oncogenic drivers. Here, we review the activation of meiotic factors in cancers and explore commonalities between meiotic gene activation in germ cell and non‐germ cell cancers. Objectives The objectives of this review are to highlight key questions relating to meiotic gene activation in germ cell tumours and to offer possible interpretations as to the biological relevance in this unique cancer type. Materials and Methods PubMed and the GEPIA database were searched for papers in English and for cancer gene expression data, respectively. Results We provide a brief overview of meiotic progression, with a focus on the unique mechanisms of reductional chromosome segregation in meiosis I. We then offer detailed insight into the role of meiotic chromosome regulators in non‐germ cell cancers and extend this to provide an overview of how this might relate to germ cell tumours. Conclusions We propose that meiotic gene activation in germ cell tumours might not indicate an unscheduled attempt to enter a full meiotic programme. Rather, it might simply reflect either aberrant activation of a subset of meiotic genes, with little or no biological relevance, or aberrant activation of a subset of meiotic genes as positive tumour evolutionary/oncogenic drivers. These postulates provide the provocation for further studies in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,OMICS Center Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - R J McFarlane
- North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
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384
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Oud MS, Volozonoka L, Smits RM, Vissers LELM, Ramos L, Veltman JA. A systematic review and standardized clinical validity assessment of male infertility genes. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:932-941. [PMID: 30865283 PMCID: PMC6505449 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which genes are confidently linked to human monogenic male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Our systematic literature search and clinical validity assessment reveals that a total of 78 genes are currently confidently linked to 92 human male infertility phenotypes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The discovery of novel male infertility genes is rapidly accelerating with the availability of next-generating sequencing methods, but the quality of evidence for gene-disease relationships varies greatly. In order to improve genetic research, diagnostics and counseling, there is a need for an evidence-based overview of the currently known genes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a systematic literature search and evidence assessment for all publications in Pubmed until December 2018 covering genetic causes of male infertility and/or defective male genitourinary development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two independent reviewers conducted the literature search and included papers on the monogenic causes of human male infertility and excluded papers on genetic association or risk factors, karyotype anomalies and/or copy number variations affecting multiple genes. Next, the quality and the extent of all evidence supporting selected genes was weighed by a standardized scoring method and used to determine the clinical validity of each gene-disease relationship as expressed by the following six categories: no evidence, limited, moderate, strong, definitive or unable to classify. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From a total of 23 526 records, we included 1337 publications about monogenic causes of male infertility leading to a list of 521 gene-disease relationships. The clinical validity of these gene-disease relationships varied widely and ranged from definitive (n = 38) to strong (n = 22), moderate (n = 32), limited (n = 93) or no evidence (n = 160). A total of 176 gene-disease relationships could not be classified because our scoring method was not suitable. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our literature search was limited to Pubmed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The comprehensive overview will aid researchers and clinicians in the field to establish gene lists for diagnostic screening using validated gene-disease criteria and help to identify gaps in our knowledge of male infertility. For future studies, the authors discuss the relevant and important international guidelines regarding research related to gene discovery and provide specific recommendations for the field of male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a VICI grant from The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (918-15-667 to J.A.V.), the Royal Society, and Wolfson Foundation (WM160091 to J.A.V.) as well as an investigator award in science from the Wellcome Trust (209451 to J.A.V.). PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ludmila Volozonoka
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Roos M Smits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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385
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Single cell RNA-sequencing identified Dec2 as a suppressive factor for spermatogonial differentiation by inhibiting Sohlh1 expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6063. [PMID: 30988352 PMCID: PMC6465314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonocyte-to-spermatogonia transition is a critical fate determination process to initiate sperm production throughout the lifecycle. However, the molecular dynamics of this process has not been fully elucidated mainly due to the asynchronized differentiation stages of neonatal germ cells. In this study, we employed single cell RNA sequencing analyses of P1.5–5.5 germ cells to clarify the temporal dynamics of gene expression during gonocyte-to-spermatogonia transition. The analyses identified transcriptional modules, one of which regulates spermatogonial gene network in neonatal germ cells. Among them, we identified Dec2, a bHLH-type transcription factor, as a transcriptional repressor for a spermatogonial differentiation factor Sohlh1. Deficiency of Dec2 in mice induces significant reduction of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and transplantation assay using Dec2-depleted cells also demonstrated the impaired efficiency of engraftment, suggesting its role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Collectively, this study revealed the intrinsic role of a new SSC factor Dec2, which protects germ cells from inadequate differentiation during neonatal testis development.
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386
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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387
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Ernst C, Eling N, Martinez-Jimenez CP, Marioni JC, Odom DT. Staged developmental mapping and X chromosome transcriptional dynamics during mouse spermatogenesis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1251. [PMID: 30890697 PMCID: PMC6424977 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Male gametes are generated through a specialised differentiation pathway involving a series of developmental transitions that are poorly characterised at the molecular level. Here, we use droplet-based single-cell RNA-Sequencing to profile spermatogenesis in adult animals and at multiple stages during juvenile development. By exploiting the first wave of spermatogenesis, we both precisely stage germ cell development and enrich for rare somatic cell-types and spermatogonia. To capture the full complexity of spermatogenesis including cells that have low transcriptional activity, we apply a statistical tool that identifies previously uncharacterised populations of leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes. Focusing on post-meiotic events, we characterise the temporal dynamics of X chromosome re-activation and profile the associated chromatin state using CUT&RUN. This identifies a set of genes strongly repressed by H3K9me3 in spermatocytes, which then undergo extensive chromatin remodelling post-meiosis, thus acquiring an active chromatin state and spermatid-specific expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ernst
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Nils Eling
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Celia P Martinez-Jimenez
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Welcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John C Marioni
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK.
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Welcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Duncan T Odom
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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