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Carver JJ, Zhu Y. Metzincin metalloproteases in PGC migration and gonadal sex conversion. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114137. [PMID: 36191636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of a functional gonad includes migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiations of somatic and germ cells, formation of primary follicles or spermatogenic cysts with somatic gonadal cells, development and maturation of gametes, and subsequent releasing of mature germ cells. These processes require extensive cellular and tissue remodeling, as well as broad alterations of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Metalloproteases, including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases), and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), are suggested to have critical roles in the remodeling of the ECM during gonad development. However, few research articles and reviews are available on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in remodeling gonadal ECM, gonadal development, or gonadal differentiation. Moreover, most studies focused on the roles of transcription and growth factors in early gonad development and primary sex determination, leaving a significant knowledge gap on how differentially expressed metalloproteases exert effects on the ECM, cell migration, development, and survival of germ cells during the development and differentiation of ovaries or testes. We will review gonad development with focus on the evidence of metalloprotease involvements, and with an emphasis on zebrafish as a model for studying gonadal sex differentiation and metalloprotease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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2
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Jangid P, Rai U, Bakshi A, Singh R. Significance of Complement Regulatory Protein Tetraspanins in the Male Reproductive System and Fertilization. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2023; 24:240-246. [PMID: 36718968 DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666230131110203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a very sophisticated and unique process involving several key steps resulting in a zygote's formation. Recent research has indicated that some immune system-related cell surface molecules (CD molecules from the tetraspanin superfamily) may have a role in fertilization. Extracellular vesicles are undeniably involved in a variety of cellular functions, including reproduction. Tetraspanin proteins identified in extracellular vesicles are now used mostly as markers; mounting evidence indicates that they also participate in cell targeting, cargo selection, and extracellular vesicle formation. Their significance and potential in mammalian reproduction are currently being studied extensively. Despite the fact that the current data did not establish any theory, the crucial function of tetraspanins in the fertilization process was not ruled out, and the specific role of tetraspanins is still unknown. In this review, we bring insight into the existing knowledge regarding the expression of tetraspanins in spermatozoa and seminal fluid and their role in gamete binding and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Jangid
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110052, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Amrita Bakshi
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110052, India
- Department of Environmental Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
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Antalíková J, Sečová P, Michalková K, Horovská Ľ, Páleníková V, Jankovičová J. Expression of αV integrin and its potential partners in bull reproductive tissues, germ cells and spermatozoa. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:542-551. [PMID: 35413326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors expressed in all nucleated mammalian cells, critically involved in cell-matrix adhesion and cell-cell interactions that modulate many signalling cascades. It is assumed that integrins also provide essential functions of the reproductive system. In this study, we describe the detailed localization and distribution of αV integrin in the plasma membrane of bull sperm head and tail. Integrin αV was observed in the area of forming acrosome in developing sperm since the stage of round spermatids and persists in the acrosome during epididymal maturation and ejaculation till the acrosomal exocytosis. We detected CD9 and CD81 tetraspanins as the potential partners of αV integrin. Their similar staining pattern in testicular tissue suggested the involvement of these molecules in the tetraspanin web of "testisomes". Moreover, the complex of αV with β1 and β3 integrin subunits cannot be excluded at least in sperm. The presented findings contribute to understanding the mutual action of integrins and tetraspanins during sperm development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Michalková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ľubica Horovská
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Veronika Páleníková
- Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Dúbravská cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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4
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Zhang L, Li F, Lei P, Guo M, Liu R, Wang L, Yu T, Lv Y, Zhang T, Zeng W, Lu H, Zheng Y. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals the dynamic process and novel markers in porcine spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:122. [PMID: 34872612 PMCID: PMC8650533 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes are formed from spermatogonial stem cells and it is essential for the reliable transmission of genetic information between generations. To date, the dynamic transcriptional changes of defined populations of male germ cells in pigs have not been reported. Results To characterize the atlas of porcine spermatogenesis, we profiled the transcriptomes of ~ 16,966 testicular cells from a 150-day-old pig testis through single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). The scRNA-seq analysis identified spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and three somatic cell types in porcine testes. The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these cell types played diverse roles in porcine spermatogenesis. The accuracy of the defined porcine germ cell types was further validated by comparing the data from scRNA-seq with those from bulk RNA-seq. Since we delineated four distinct spermatogonial subsets, we further identified CD99 and PODXL2 as novel cell surface markers for undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, respectively. Conclusions The present study has for the first time analyzed the transcriptome of male germ cells and somatic cells in porcine testes through scRNA-seq. Four subsets of spermatogonia were identified and two novel cell surface markers were discovered, which would be helpful for studies on spermatogonial differentiation in pigs. The datasets offer valuable information on porcine spermatogenesis, and pave the way for identification of key molecular markers involved in development of male germ cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00638-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingkai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fuyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peipei Lei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi, China
| | - Taiyong Yu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinghua Lv
- College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Hongzhao Lu
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Fetal and Postnatal Nicotine Exposure Modifies Maturation of Gonocytes to Spermatogonia in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 2020:8892217. [PMID: 33381390 PMCID: PMC7758125 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8892217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Studies in laboratory animals have shown that male offspring from dams, exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and postnatal periods, show alterations in fertility, although the origin of this is still uncertain. In this study, we examined in a mouse model if the process of gonocyte maturation to spermatogonia was affected in male offspring from dams with nicotine administration during pregnancy and postnatal periods. BALB/C mice, with and without nicotine administrations in pregnancy and postnatal periods, were studied. The animals were euthanized at 3, 7, 10, 16, and 35 days postpartum (dpp). Testicular tissue samples were processed for histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies; and testicular lipoperoxidation was determined. It was observed that in the nicotine-exposed animals, there was increased apoptosis and a reduction in the number of gonocytes that matured to spermatogonia. This gonocyte-spermatogonia maturation reduction was associated with a greater immunoreactivity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the germ cells. Lipoperoxidation was similar in both groups until 16 dpp, with significant reduction at 35 dpp. Our findings suggest that nicotine intake during pregnancy and postnatal periods can affect the process of maturation of gonocytes to spermatogonia and the pool of available spermatogonia for spermatogenesis.
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Jankovičová J, Neuerová Z, Sečová P, Bartóková M, Bubeníčková F, Komrsková K, Postlerová P, Antalíková J. Tetraspanins in mammalian reproduction: spermatozoa, oocytes and embryos. Med Microbiol Immunol 2020; 209:407-425. [PMID: 32424440 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-020-00676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is known that tetraspanin proteins are involved in many physiological somatic cell mechanisms. Additionally, research has indicated they also have a role in various infectious diseases and cancers. This review focuses on the molecular interactions underlying the tetraspanin web formation in gametes. Primarily, tetraspanins act in the reproductive tract as organizers of membrane complexes, which include the proteins involved in the contact and association of sperm and oocyte membranes. In addition, recent data shows that tetraspanins are likely to be involved in these processes in a complex way. In mammalian fertilization, an important role is attributed to CD molecules belonging to the tetraspanin superfamily, particularly CD9, CD81, CD151, and also CD63; mostly as part of extracellular vesicles, the significance of which and their potential in reproduction is being intensively investigated. In this article, we reviewed the existing knowledge regarding the expression of tetraspanins CD9, CD81, CD151, and CD63 in mammalian spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos and their involvement in reproductive processes, including pathological events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zdeňka Neuerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michaela Bartóková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Filipa Bubeníčková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Komrsková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Center of Biosciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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7
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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8
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Liao J, Ng SH, Luk AC, Suen HC, Qian Y, Lee AWT, Tu J, Fung JCL, Tang NLS, Feng B, Chan WY, Fouchet P, Hobbs RM, Lee TL. Revealing cellular and molecular transitions in neonatal germ cell differentiation using single cell RNA sequencing. Development 2019; 146:dev174953. [PMID: 30824552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal germ cell development provides the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, a systematic understanding of this process is still limited. To resolve cellular and molecular heterogeneity in this process, we profiled single cell transcriptomes of undifferentiated germ cells from neonatal mouse testes and employed unbiased clustering and pseudotime ordering analysis to assign cells to distinct cell states in the developmental continuum. We defined the unique transcriptional programs underlying migratory capacity, resting cellular states and apoptosis regulation in transitional gonocytes. We also identified a subpopulation of primitive spermatogonia marked by CD87 (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), which exhibited a higher level of self-renewal gene expression and migration potential. We further revealed a differentiation-primed state within the undifferentiated compartment, in which elevated Oct4 expression correlates with lower expression of self-renewal pathway factors, higher Rarg expression, and enhanced retinoic acid responsiveness. Lastly, a knockdown experiment revealed the role of Oct4 in the regulation of gene expression related to the MAPK pathway and cell adhesion, which may contribute to stem cell differentiation. Our study thus provides novel insights into cellular and molecular regulation during early germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Ng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred Chun Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Qian
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Annie Wing Tung Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Chak Lam Fung
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nelson Leung Sang Tang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- CEA DRF IBFJ IRCM, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Sud, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Bejarano I, Rodríguez AB, Pariente JA. Apoptosis Is a Demanding Selective Tool During the Development of Fetal Male Germ Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:65. [PMID: 30003081 PMCID: PMC6031705 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is widely known to play a major role on diseases related to male infertility. Diseases of the male genital tract as defective spermatogenesis, decreased sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation, testicular torsion, varicocele and immunological infertility are strongly related to apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis must not be considered only as a fail on germ cell physiology or a secondary effect of certain pathologies and exogenous hazardous agents. Apoptosis orchestrates correct function and development of the male germ cell from the early embryonic stages of gonadal differentiation to the fertilization. In this review we have tried to address a reading frame of the main knowledge about apoptosis in male germ cell development. Focussing on mechanisms concerning cellular apoptosis, which are independent of exogenous stimuli, we aimed to highlight that apoptosis is a selective instrument that guarantees the delivery of genetic message to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José A. Pariente
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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Christante CM, Pinto-Fochi ME, Negrin AC, Taboga SR, Góes RM. Effects of gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate and mineral oil on testis development of the Mongolian gerbil. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1604-1615. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalate esters are endocrine disrupters that can affect the development of the testis in a species-specific manner. However, their interference in the male gonads of the Mongolian gerbil is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) interferes with the development of the gerbil testis during the first six weeks of life. Males were evaluated at 1, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 42 days of age in an untreated (control) group or groups exposed from 8 to 23 days gestation to DBP (100 mg kg−1 day−1 in mineral oil) or vehicle by maternal gavage. DBP exposure impaired cell proliferation within the seminiferous cords at birth, but increased proliferation at the end of the first week, when higher testosterone concentrations were observed. The vehicle (mineral oil) reduced the total number of gonocytes and attenuated the decrease in testosterone concentrations at 7 days. The vehicle also altered gonocyte relocation at 14 days and increased oestrogen concentrations at 28 days by approximately 112%. In summary, both DBP and oil interfered in gonadal development and testosterone plasma concentrations in the first week of postnatal life. However, the changes observed at the beginning of puberty were not seen after exposure to DBP, indicating a more harmful effect of mineral oil in this period.
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11
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Song HW, Bettegowda A, Lake BB, Zhao AH, Skarbrevik D, Babajanian E, Sukhwani M, Shum EY, Phan MH, Plank TDM, Richardson ME, Ramaiah M, Sridhar V, de Rooij DG, Orwig KE, Zhang K, Wilkinson MF. The Homeobox Transcription Factor RHOX10 Drives Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cell Establishment. Cell Rep 2017; 17:149-164. [PMID: 27681428 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins of most adult stem cells are poorly understood. Here, we report the identification of a transcription factor-RHOX10-critical for the initial establishment of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Conditional loss of the entire 33-gene X-linked homeobox gene cluster that includes Rhox10 causes progressive spermatogenic decline, a phenotype indistinguishable from that caused by loss of only Rhox10. We demonstrate that this phenotype results from dramatically reduced SSC generation. By using a battery of approaches, including single-cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we show that Rhox10 drives SSC generation by promoting pro-spermatogonia differentiation. Rhox10 also regulates batteries of migration genes and promotes the migration of pro-spermatogonia into the SSC niche. The identification of an X-linked homeobox gene that drives the initial generation of SSCs has implications for the evolution of X-linked gene clusters and sheds light on regulatory mechanisms influencing adult stem cell generation in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Won Song
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anilkumar Bettegowda
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Blue B Lake
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adrienne H Zhao
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David Skarbrevik
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eric Babajanian
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Eleen Y Shum
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mimi H Phan
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Terra-Dawn M Plank
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Marcy E Richardson
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Madhuvanthi Ramaiah
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sridhar
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- School of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California at 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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12
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Wu RC, Zeng Y, Chen YF, Lanz RB, Wu MY. Temporal-Spatial Establishment of Initial Niche for the Primary Spermatogonial Stem Cell Formation Is Determined by an ARID4B Regulatory Network. Stem Cells 2017; 35:1554-1565. [PMID: 28207192 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During neonatal testis development, centrally located gonocytes migrate to basement membrane of the seminiferous cords, where physical contact with a niche established by Sertoli cells is essential for transition of gonocytes into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). To provide structural support and signaling stimuli for the gonocyte-to-SSC transition that occurs at a specific location during a finite phase, temporal-spatial establishment of the niche is critical. To date, the factors that guide Sertoli cells to establish the initial stem cell niche remain largely unknown. Using the Sertoli cell-specific Arid4b knockout (Arid4bSCKO) mice, we demonstrated that ablation of AT-rich interaction domain 4B (ARID4B) resulted in abnormal detachment of Sertoli cells from the basement membrane of seminiferous cords during the gonocyte-to-SSC transition phase, suggesting failure to establish a niche for the SSC formation. Without support by a niche environment, gonocytes showed disarranged cell distribution in the Arid4bSCKO testes and underwent apoptosis. The commitment of gonocytes to differentiate into the spermatogonial lineage was broken and the capability of SSCs to self-renew and differentiate was also impaired. Gene expression profiling revealed the molecular mechanisms responsible for the phenotypic changes in the Arid4bSCKO testes, by identifying genes important for stem cell niche function as downstream effectors of ARID4B, including genes that encode gap junction protein alpha-1, KIT ligand, anti-Müllerian hormone, Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, inhibin alpha, inhibin beta, and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily b polypeptide 1. Our results identified ARID4B as a master regulator of a signaling network that governs the establishment of a niche during the critical gonocyte-to-SSC transition phase to control the fate of gonocytes and SSCs. Stem Cells 2017;35:1554-1565.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray-Chang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yu-Fang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rainer B Lanz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mei-Yi Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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13
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Wang B, Qi T, Chen SQ, Ye L, Huang ZS, Li H. RFX1 maintains testis cord integrity by regulating the expression of Itga6 in male mouse embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:606-14. [PMID: 27228460 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Formation and maintenance of testis cords during embryogenesis are essential for establishing testicular structure and function in adults. At least five genes (Wt1, Dhh, Sox8/Sox9, and Dax1) appear to be required for the maintenance of testis cord integrity in mice. Here, we report that RFX1 is specifically expressed in fetal Sertoli cells. Mouse embryos conditionally deficient in Rfx1 (Rfx1(flox/flox) , Amh-Cre) possessed disrupted testis cords, as the basal lamina lining was fragmented or completely absent in some areas of the testes. Spermatogenesis was blocked, leading to complete infertility. Expression of integrin alpha-6 was significantly decreased in Rfx1-deficient testes compared to control testes; indeed, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that RFX1 directly activates transcription of Itga6 (the gene coding for integrin alpha-6). Taken together, RFX1 transcriptionally targets Itga6 in Sertoli cells, thereby, helping maintain the integrity of the basal lamina during testis cord development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 606-614, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, China
| | - Tao Qi
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, China
| | - Shi-Qin Chen
- Assisted Reproductive Center, General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, China
| | - Zhan-Sen Huang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, China
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14
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Manku G, Culty M. Dynamic changes in the expression of apoptosis-related genes in differentiating gonocytes and in seminomas. Asian J Androl 2015; 17:403-14. [PMID: 25677133 PMCID: PMC4430938 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.146101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is an integral part of the spermatogenic process, necessary to maintain a proper ratio of Sertoli to germ cell numbers and provide an adequate microenvironment to germ cells. Apoptosis may also represent a protective mechanism mediating the elimination of abnormal germ cells. Extensive apoptosis occurs between the first and second postnatal weeks, at the point when gonocytes, precursors of spermatogonial stem cells, should have migrated toward the basement membrane of the tubules and differentiated into spermatogonia. The mechanisms regulating this process are not well-understood. Gonocytes undergo phases of proliferation, migration, and differentiation which occur in a timely and closely regulated manner. Gonocytes failing to migrate and differentiate properly undergo apoptosis. Inadequate gonocyte differentiation has been suggested to lead to testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) formation. Here, we examined the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes during gonocyte differentiation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, identifying 48 pro- and anti-apoptotic genes increased by at least two-fold in rat gonocytes induced to differentiate by retinoic acid, when compared to untreated gonocytes. Further analysis of the most highly expressed genes identified the pro-apoptotic genes Gadd45a and Cycs as upregulated in differentiating gonocytes and in spermatogonia compared with gonocytes. These genes were also significantly downregulated in seminomas, the most common type of TGCT, compared with normal human testicular tissues. These results indicate that apoptosis-related genes are actively regulated during gonocyte differentiation. Moreover, the down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes in seminomas suggests that they could represent new therapeutic targets in the treatment of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Manku
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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15
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Lin ZYC, Hirano T, Shibata S, Seki NM, Kitajima R, Sedohara A, Siomi MC, Sasaki E, Siomi H, Imamura M, Okano H. Gene expression ontogeny of spermatogenesis in the marmoset uncovers primate characteristics during testicular development. Dev Biol 2015; 400:43-58. [PMID: 25624265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis has been investigated extensively in rodents and a strictly controlled developmental process has been defined at cellular and molecular levels. In comparison, primate spermatogenesis has been far less well characterized. However, important differences between primate and rodent spermatogenesis are emerging so it is not always accurate to extrapolate findings in rodents to primate systems. Here, we performed an extensive immunofluorescence study of spermatogenesis in neonatal, juvenile, and adult testes in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to determine primate-specific patterns of gene expression that underpin primate germ cell development. Initially we characterized adult spermatogonia into two main classes; mitotically active C-KIT(+)Ki67(+) cells and mitotically quiescent SALL4(+)PLZF(+)LIN28(+)DPPA4(+) cells. We then explored the expression of a set of markers, including PIWIL1/MARWI, VASA, DAZL, CLGN, RanBPM, SYCP1 and HAPRIN, during germ cell differentiation from early spermatocytes through round and elongating spermatids, and a clear program of gene expression changes was determined as development proceeded. We then examined the juvenile marmoset testis. Markers of gonocytes demonstrated two populations; one that migrates to the basal membrane where they form the SALL4(+) or C-KIT(+) spermatogonia, and another that remains in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. This later population, historically identified as pre-spermatogonia, expressed meiotic and apoptotic markers and were eliminated because they appear to have failed to correctly migrate. Our findings provide the first platform of gene expression dynamics in adult and developing germ cells of the common marmoset. Although we have characterized a limited number of genes, these results will facilitate primate spermatogenesis research and understanding of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Yu-Ching Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takamasa Hirano
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Naomi M Seki
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Kitajima
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Ayako Sedohara
- Department of Applied Developmental Biology, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Mikiko C Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Applied Developmental Biology, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; PRESTO Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masanori Imamura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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16
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Rodriguez D, Sanders EN, Farell K, Langenbacher AD, Taketa DA, Hopper MR, Kennedy M, Gracey A, De Tomaso AW. Analysis of the basal chordate Botryllus schlosseri reveals a set of genes associated with fertility. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1183. [PMID: 25542255 PMCID: PMC4523013 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonad differentiation is an essential function for all sexually reproducing species, and many aspects of these developmental processes are highly conserved among the metazoa. The colonial ascidian, Botryllus schlosseri is a chordate model organism which offers two unique traits that can be utilized to characterize the genes underlying germline development: a colonial life history and variable fertility. These properties allow individual genotypes to be isolated at different stages of fertility and gene expression can be characterized comprehensively. Results Here we characterized the transcriptome of both fertile and infertile colonies throughout blastogenesis (asexual development) using differential expression analysis. We identified genes (as few as 7 and as many as 647) regulating fertility in Botryllus at each stage of blastogenesis. Several of these genes appear to drive gonad maturation, as they are expressed by follicle cells surrounding both testis and oocyte precursors. Spatial and temporal expression of differentially expressed genes was analyzed by in situ hybridization, confirming expression in developing gonads. Conclusion We have identified several genes expressed in developing and mature gonads in B. schlosseri. Analysis of genes upregulated in fertile animals suggests a high level of conservation of the mechanisms regulating fertility between basal chordates and vertebrates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1183) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delany Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Erin N Sanders
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Kelsea Farell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Adam D Langenbacher
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Daryl A Taketa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Michelle Rae Hopper
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Morgan Kennedy
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Andrew Gracey
- Department of Marine Environmental Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Anthony W De Tomaso
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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17
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Zheng B, Zhou Q, Guo Y, Shao B, Zhou T, Wang L, Zhou Z, Sha J, Guo X, Huang X. Establishment of a proteomic profile associated with gonocyte and spermatogonial stem cell maturation and differentiation in neonatal mice. Proteomics 2014; 14:274-85. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Binbin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine; Department of Histology and Embryology; Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing P. R. China
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18
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Christante CM, Taboga SR, Pinto-Fochi ME, Góes RM. Maternal obesity disturbs the postnatal development of gonocytes in the rat without impairment of testis structure at prepubertal age. Reproduction 2013; 146:549-58. [PMID: 24043845 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated whether maternal obesity (MO) affects testis development and gonocyte differentiation in the rat from 0.5 to 14.5 postnatal days. Male Wistar rats were used at 0.5, 4.5, 7.5, and 14.5 days post partum (dpp). These rats were born from obese mothers, previously fed with a high-fat diet (20% saturated fat), for 15 weeks, or normal mothers that had received a balanced murine diet (4% lipids). MO did not affect testis weight or histology at birth but changed the migratory behavior of gonocytes. The density of relocated cells was higher in MO pups at 0.5 dpp, decreased at 4.5 dpp, and differed from those of control pups, where density increased exponentially from 0.5 to 7.5 dpp. The numerical density of gonocytes within seminiferous cords did not vary in MO, in relation to control neonates, for any age considered, but the testis weight was 50% lower at 4.5 dpp. A wide variation in plasmatic testosterone and estrogen levels was observed among the groups during the first week of age and MO pups exhibited higher steroid concentrations at 4.5 dpp, in comparison with controls. At this age, higher estrogen levels of MO pups impaired the gonocyte proliferation. At 7.5 dpp, the testicular size and other parameters of gonocyte development are retrieved. In conclusion, MO and saturated lipid diets disturb gonocyte development and sexual steroid levels during the first days of life, with recovery at prepubertal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maria Christante
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, IBILCE/UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, CEP 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Culty M. Gonocytes, from the Fifties to the Present: Is There a Reason to Change the Name?1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:46. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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20
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Liu F, Wang H, Li J. An integrated bioinformatics analysis of mouse testis protein profiles with new understanding. BMB Rep 2011; 44:347-51. [PMID: 21615991 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2011.44.5.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis is major male gonad responsible for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Much knowledge is still remained to be learned about the control of these events. In this study, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis on 1,196 mouse testis proteins screened from public protein database. Integrated function and pathway analysis were performed through Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), and significant features were clustered. Protein membrane organization and gene density on chromosomes were analyzed and discussed. The enriched bioinformatics analysis could provide clues and basis to the development of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for infertility and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- FuJun Liu
- Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Yu-Huang-Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
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21
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Fu-Jun L, Hai-Yan W, Jian-Yuan L. A new analysis of testicular proteins through integrative bioinformatics. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:3965-70. [PMID: 21766181 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The testis is the male gonad responsible for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Much remains to be known about the control of these events. In this study, we performed a new bioinformatic enrichment analysis of human testicular proteins selected from a protein database. Integrated function and pathway analyses were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis programmes, and significant features were found to be clustered. Protein membrane organization and gene density on chromosomes were analyzed and discussed. The analysis could provide a basis for the understanding of testicular physiology and function, and facilitating biological interpretation of testicular functions in a network context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Fu-Jun
- Shandong Research Centre for Stem Cell Engineering, Yu-Huang-Ding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Kaewmala K, Uddin MJ, Cinar MU, Grosse-Brinkhaus C, Jonas E, Tesfaye D, Phatsara C, Tholen E, Looft C, Schellander K. Association study and expression analysis of CD9 as candidate gene for boar sperm quality and fertility traits. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 125:170-9. [PMID: 21398056 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cluster-of-differentiation antigen 9 (CD9) gene expressed in the male germ line stem cells is crucial for sperm-egg fusion, and was therefore selected as candidate gene for boar semen quality. The association of CD9 with boar sperm quality and fertility trait was analyzed using a total of 340 boars both from purebred Pietrain and Pietrain×Hampshire crosses. A single nucleotide polymorphism (g.358A>T) in intron 6 was significantly associated with sperm motility (MOT) (P<0.001), plasma droplet rate (PDR) (P<0.001) and abnormal spermatozoa rate (ASR) (P<0.01). Boars were divided into two groups with group 1 (G-I) boars having a higher SCON and SMOT, lower SVOL (sperm volume) and group 2 (G-II) having a lower SCON and SMOT, higher SVOL. The mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated in reproductive, non-reproductive tissues and spermatozoa from G-I and G-II animals by using quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. When both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues were examined, highest mRNA was expressed in prostate gland, then in the body of the epididymis, vas deferens and tail of the epididymis. In case of reproductive tissues, CD9 expression was higher in tissues and spermatozoa collected from G-I boars than those collected from G-II boars. The mRNA expression was significantly different (P<0.05) in body of epididymis from G-I and G-II boars. The CD9 protein expression results from western blot were coincided with the results of qRT-PCR. Moreover, CD9 protein localization in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, epithelial cells and spermatozoa was remarkable which indicated the important role of CD9 in spermatogenesis process. By using mRNA and protein expression profiles, it could be shown that CD9 plays a crucial role during sperm development, especially within the epididymis where the maturation of the sperm, a key process for the sperm quality and motility takes place. These results will improve the understanding of the functions of the CD9 in spermatogenesis within the reproductive tracts and will shed light on CD9 as a candidate gene in the selection of good sperm quality boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Kaewmala
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) mRNA-binding proteins (IMPs) are a family of posttranscriptional regulatory factors with well-understood roles in embryonic development and cancer but with poorly characterized functions in normal adult cells and tissues. We now show that IMP-2, the most ubiquitously expressed member of the family, is abundant in human and mouse adult skeletal myoblasts, where it is indispensable for cell motility and for stabilization of microtubules. To explore the functions of IMP-2, we analyzed the transcripts that were differentially regulated in IMP-2-depleted myoblasts and bound to IMP-2 in normal myoblasts. Among them were the mRNAs of PINCH-2, an important mediator of cell adhesion and motility, and MURF-3, a microtubule-stabilizing protein. By gain- and loss-of-function assays and gel shift experiments, we show that IMP-2 regulates the expression of PINCH-2 and MURF-3 proteins via direct binding to their mRNAs. Upregulation of PINCH-2 in IMP-2-depleted myoblasts is the key event responsible for their decreased motility. Our data reveal how the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by IMP-2 contributes to the control of adhesion structures and stable microtubules and demonstrate an important function for IMP-2 in cellular motility.
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Gartlan KH, Belz GT, Tarrant JM, Minigo G, Katsara M, Sheng KC, Sofi M, van Spriel AB, Apostolopoulos V, Plebanski M, Robb L, Wright MD. A Complementary Role for the Tetraspanins CD37 and Tssc6 in Cellular Immunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:3158-66. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Ovalle S, Gutiérrez-López MD, Olmo N, Turnay J, Lizarbe MA, Majano P, Molina-Jiménez F, López-Cabrera M, Yáñez-Mó M, Sánchez-Madrid F, Cabañas C. The tetraspanin CD9 inhibits the proliferation and tumorigenicity of human colon carcinoma cells. Int J Cancer 2007; 121:2140-52. [PMID: 17582603 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The implication of the tetraspanin CD9 in cancer has received much recent attention and an inverse correlation between CD9 expression and the metastatic potential and cancer survival rate has been established for different tumor types. In contrast to the well-established role of CD9 in metastasis, very little is known about the involvement of this tetraspanin in the process of development of primary tumors. In the present study, we present evidence on the implication of CD9 in colon carcinoma tumorigenesis. We report here that ectopic expression of CD9 in colon carcinoma cells results in enhanced integrin-dependent adhesion and inhibition of cell growth. Consistently with these effects, treatment of these cells with anti-CD9-specific antibodies resulted in (i) increased beta1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion through a mechanism involving clustering of integrin molecules rather than altered affinity; (ii) induction of morphological changes characterized by the acquisition of an elongated cell phenotype; (iii) inhibition of cell proliferation with no significant effect on cell survival; (iv) increased expression of membrane TNF-alpha, and finally (v) inhibition of the in vivo tumorigenic capacity in nude mice. In addition, through the use of selective blockers of TNF-alpha, we have demonstrated that this cytokine partly mediates the antiproliferative effects of CD9. These results clearly establish for the first time a role for CD9 in the tumorigenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Ovalle
- Instituto de Farmacología y Toxicología (CSIC-UCM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Clark AT. The Stem Cell Identity of Testicular Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 3:49-59. [PMID: 17873381 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-007-0002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors account for 1% of all cancers, and are the most common malignancies to affect males between the ages of 15 and 34. Understanding the pathogenesis of testis cancer has been challenging because the molecular and cellular events that result in the formation of germ cell tumors are hypothesized to occur during human fetal development. In this review, the molecular pathways involved in human testis cancer will be presented based on our research in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and also research using animal models. Testis germ cell tumors are unique in that the normal germ cell from which the tumor is derived has distinct stem cell characteristics that are shared with pluripotent hESCs. In particular, normal fetal germ cells express the core pluripotent transcription factors NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4. In contrast to hESCs, the germ line is not pluripotent. As a result, germ cell tumorigenesis may arise from loss of germ line-specific inhibitors which in normal germ cells prevent overt pluripotency and self-renewal and when absent in abnormal germ cells, result in the conversion to germ line cancer stem cells. At the conclusion of this review, a model for the molecular events involved in germ cell tumor formation and the relationship between germ cell tumorigenesis and stem cell biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, 90054 USA.
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Yan HHN, Mruk DD, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Ectoplasmic specialization: a friend or a foe of spermatogenesis? Bioessays 2007; 29:36-48. [PMID: 17187371 PMCID: PMC2804921 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ectoplasmic specialization (ES) is a testis-specific, actin-based hybrid anchoring and tight junction. It is confined to the interface between Sertoli cells at the blood-testis barrier, known as the basal ES, as well as between Sertoli cells and developing spermatids designated the apical ES. The ES shares features of adherens junctions, tight junctions and focal contacts. By adopting the best features of each junction type, this hybrid nature of ES facilitates the extensive junction-restructuring events in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis. For instance, the alpha6beta1-integrin-laminin 333 complex, which is usually limited to the cell-matrix interface in other epithelia to facilitate cell movement, is a putative apical ES constituent. Furthermore, JAM-C and CAR, two tight junction integral membrane proteins, are also components of apical ES involving in spermatid orientation. We discuss herein the mechanisms that maintain the cross-talk between ES and blood-testis barrier to facilitate cell movement and orientation in the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H N Yan
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Kierszenbaum AL, Rosselot C, Rivkin E, Tres LL. Role of integrins, tetraspanins, and ADAM proteins during the development of apoptotic bodies by spermatogenic cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:906-17. [PMID: 16557522 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported that Sertoli cell geometric changes induced by a Fas (CD95) agonist or by restricting Sertoli cell spreading can trigger spermatogenic cell detachment from Sertoli cell surfaces and initiate a programmed cell death sequence. Here, we have focused on ADAM proteins, tetraspanins CD9 and CD81, and the integrin beta1 subunit, which is co-expressed in testis with integrin alpha3 and integrin alpha6 subunits, to understand how these molecules may stabilize spermatogenic cell attachment to Sertoli cell surfaces. Like ADAM proteins, integrin beta1, alpha3, and alpha6 subunits, and CD9 and CD81 transcripts are expressed in the fetal testis and throughout testicular maturation, as well as, in Sertoli-spermatogenic cell co-cultures. Prespermatogonia (gonocytes) display CD9 and CD81 immunoreactive sites. Integrin alpha6 subunit transcripts have unusual developmental characteristics: fetal testis expresses the integrin alpha6B isoform exclusively. In contrast, the integrin alpha6B isoform co-exists with the integrin alpha6A isoform in prepubertal testes and Sertoli-spermatogenic cell co-cultures. A blocking anti body targeting the extracellular domain (N-terminal) of the integrin beta1 subunit causes rapid contraction of Sertoli cells leading to the gradual detachment of associated spermatogenic cells. In contrast, predicted active site peptides targeting the disintegrin domain of ADAM 1, ADAM 2, ADAM 3 (cyritestin), ADAM 4, ADAM 5, ADAM 6, and ADAM 15 (metragidin) do not disturb significantly the attachment of spermatogenic cells to Sertoli cell surfaces. Spermatogenic cells dislodged from their attachment sites by the integrin beta1 subunit blocking antibody display annexin V immunoreactivity, a sign of early apoptosis. Time-lapse videomicroscopy demonstrates that the removal by apoptosis of a single member of a spermatogenic cell cohort inter-connected by cytoplasmic bridges does not affect the remaining members of the cohort. During spermatogenic cell apoptosis, integrin beta1, alpha3, and alpha6 subunits, and tetraspanins CD9 and C81 become displaced away from the developing apoptotic bodies. In contrast, the intermediate filament protein Sak57, a keratin 5 ortholog, concentrates in the developing apoptotic bodies. We propose that the redistribution of integrin-tetraspanin complexes during spermatogenic cell apoptosis may be evidence of a signaling cascade initiated by Sertoli cell geometric changes. As a result, Sertoli cell reduction in surface area may be a limiting factor of spermatogenic cell survival and in the developmental regulation of spermatogenic cell progenies in the intact seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/The City University of New York Medical School, New York, NY 10031, USA
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