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Kulibin AY, Malolina EA. Thyroid Hormone Regulates Postnatal Development of the Rete Testis in Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae125. [PMID: 39279445 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone regulates the rate of testis maturation in mammals. Manipulations of thyroid hormone levels in neonatal animals affect various aspects of testis biology. However, there have been no studies examining the effects of thyroid hormone on the rete testis (RT). Here, we used animal models of neonatal hyperthyroidism (injections of triiodothyronine, or T3) and hypothyroidism (goitrogen 6-propyl-2-thiouracil [PTU] treatment) and found that higher levels of thyroid hormone accelerate RT development, while lower levels of thyroid hormone delay it. T3 and PTU treatments influence RT size, proliferation of RT cells, and expression of DMRT1 and androgen receptor in the RT. T3 supplementation accelerates RT development in an organ testicular culture, which indicates the local action of thyroid hormone. Additionally, it was found that follicle-stimulating hormone could be involved in the regulation both of RT proliferation and RT size. The fact that RT cells in a cell culture do not respond to T3 suggests indirect action of thyroid hormone on the RT in vivo or the loss of the responsiveness to the hormone in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Yu Kulibin
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina A Malolina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
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2
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Kato S, Yokoyama T, Okunishi N, Narita H, Fujikawa T, Kirizuki Y, Mantani Y, Miki T, Hoshi N. Direct diffusion of anti-Müllerian hormone from both the cranial and caudal regions of the testis during early gonadal development in mice. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:296-311. [PMID: 37787412 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.662] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Müllerian duct (MD), the primordium of the female reproductive tract, is also formed in males during the early stage of development, then regresses due to the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from the testes. However, the detailed diffusion pathway of AMH remains unclear. We herein investigated the mechanism by which AMH reaches the middle region of the MD using an organ culture system. RESULTS Injection of recombinant human AMH into the testis around the start of MD regression induced diffuse immunoreactivity in the mesonephros near the injection site. When the testis and mesonephros were cultured separately, the diameters of both cranial and middle MDs were significantly increased compared to the control. In the testis-mesonephros complex cultured by inhibiting the diffusion of AMH through the cranial region, the cranial MD diameter was significantly increased compared to the control, and there was no difference in middle MD diameter. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that AMH, which infiltrates from the testis through the cranial region at physiological concentrations, induces regression of the cranial MD at the start of MD regression. They also indicate that AMH infiltrating through the caudal regions induces regression of the middle MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kato
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokoyama
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nobusuke Okunishi
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroto Narita
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Taisei Fujikawa
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kirizuki
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Youhei Mantani
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takanori Miki
- Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hoshi
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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3
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Malolina EA, Galiakberova AA, Mun VV, Sabirov MS, Dashinimaev EB, Kulibin AY. A comparative analysis of genes differentially expressed between rete testis cells and Sertoli cells of the mouse testis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20896. [PMID: 38017073 PMCID: PMC10684643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48149-7] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The rete testis (RT) is a region of the mammalian testis that plays an important role in testicular physiology. The RT epithelium consists of cells sharing some well-known gene markers with supporting Sertoli cells (SCs). However, little is known about the differences in gene expression between these two cell populations. Here, we used fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to obtain pure cultures of neonatal RT cells and SCs and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cell types using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We then compared our data with the RNA-seq data of other studies that examined RT cells and SCs of mice of different ages and generated a list of DEGs permanently upregulated in RT cells throughout testis development and in culture, which included 86 genes, and a list of 79 DEGs permanently upregulated in SCs. The analysis of studies on DMRT1 function revealed that nearly half of the permanent DEGs could be regulated by this SC upregulated transcription factor. We suggest that useful cell lineage markers and candidate genes for the specification of both RT cells and SCs may be present among these permanent DEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A Malolina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Adelya A Galiakberova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valery V Mun
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat S Sabirov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - Erdem B Dashinimaev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Institutskiy Per., 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Andrey Yu Kulibin
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia
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4
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Omotehara T, Hess RA, Nakata H, Birch LA, Prins GS, Itoh M. Expression patterns of sex steroid receptors in developing mesonephros of the male mouse: three-dimensional analysis. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 393:577-593. [PMID: 37335379 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The androgen pathway via androgen receptor (AR) has received the most attention for development of male reproductive tracts. The estrogen pathway through estrogen receptor (ESR1) is also a major contributor to rete testis and efferent duct formation, but the role of progesterone via progesterone receptor (PGR) has largely been overlooked. Expression patterns of these receptors in the mesonephric tubules (MTs) and Wolffian duct (WD), which differentiate into the efferent ductules and epididymis, respectively, remain unclear because of the difficulty in distinguishing each region of the tracts. This study investigated AR, ESR1, and PGR expressions in the murine mesonephros using three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction. The receptors were localized in serial paraffin sections of the mouse testis and mesonephros by immunohistochemistry on embryonic days (E) 12.5, 15.5, and 18.5. Specific regions of the developing MTs and WD were determined by 3-D reconstruction using Amira software. AR was found first in the specific portion of the MTs near the MT-rete junction at E12.5, and the epithelial expression showed increasing strength from cranial to the caudal regions. Epithelial expression of ESR1 was found in the cranial WD and MTs near the WD first at E15.5. PGR was weakly positive only in the MTs and cranial WD starting on E15.5. This 3-D analysis suggests that gonadal androgen acts first on the MTs near the MT-rete junction but that estrogen is the first to influence MTs near the WD, while potential PGR activity is delayed and limited to the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Omotehara
- Department of Anatomy and Life Structure, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, IL, 61821, USA
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Lynn A Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Neirijnck Y, Sararols P, Kühne F, Mayère C, Weerasinghe Arachchige LC, Regard V, Nef S, Schedl A. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling redefines the origin and specification of early adrenogonadal progenitors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112191. [PMID: 36862551 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal cortex and gonads represent the two major steroidogenic organs in mammals. Both tissues are considered to share a common developmental origin characterized by the expression of Nr5a1/Sf1. The precise origin of adrenogonadal progenitors and the processes driving differentiation toward the adrenal or gonadal fate remain, however, elusive. Here, we provide a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas of early mouse adrenogonadal development including 52 cell types belonging to twelve major cell lineages. Trajectory reconstruction reveals that adrenogonadal cells emerge from the lateral plate rather than the intermediate mesoderm. Surprisingly, we find that gonadal and adrenal fates have already diverged prior to Nr5a1 expression. Finally, lineage separation into gonadal and adrenal fates involves canonical versus non-canonical Wnt signaling and differential expression of Hox patterning genes. Thus, our study provides important insights into the molecular programs of adrenal and gonadal fate choice and will be a valuable resource for further research into adrenogonadal ontogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IBV, 06108 Nice, France.
| | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Violaine Regard
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IBV, 06108 Nice, France.
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6
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Role of mesonephric contribution to mouse testicular development revisited. Differentiation 2023; 129:109-119. [PMID: 35000816 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of the mesonephros in testicular development was re-evaluated by growing embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) mouse testes devoid of mesonephros for 8-21 days in vivo under the renal capsule of castrated male athymic nude mice. This method provides improved growth conditions relative to previous studies based upon short-term (4-7 days) organ culture. Meticulous controls involved wholemount examination of dissected E11.5 mouse testes as well as serial sections of dissected E11.5 mouse testes which were indeed shown to be devoid of mesonephros. As expected, grafts of E11.5 mouse testes with mesonephros attached formed seminiferous tubules and also contained mesonephric derivatives. Grafts of E11.5 mouse testes without associated mesonephros also formed seminiferous tubules and never contained mesonephric derivatives. The consistent absence of mesonephric derivatives in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes grafted alone is further proof of the complete removal of the mesonephros from the E11.5 mouse testes. The testicular tissues that developed in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes alone contained canalized seminiferous tubules composed of Sox9-positive Sertoli cells as well as GENA-positive germ cells. The seminiferous tubules were surrounded by α-actin-positive myoid cells, and the interstitial space contained 3βHSD-1-positive Leydig cells. Grafts of E11.5 GFP mouse testes into wild-type hosts developed GFP-positive vasculature indicating that E11.5 mouse testes contain vascular precursors. These results indicate that the E11.5 mouse testis contains precursor cells for Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, myoid cells and vasculature whose development and differentiation are independent of cells migrating from the E11.5 mesonephros.
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7
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Uchida A, Imaimatsu K, Suzuki H, Han X, Ushioda H, Uemura M, Imura-Kishi K, Hiramatsu R, Takase HM, Hirate Y, Ogura A, Kanai-Azuma M, Kudo A, Kanai Y. SOX17-positive rete testis epithelium is required for Sertoli valve formation and normal spermiogenesis in the male mouse. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7860. [PMID: 36543770 PMCID: PMC9772346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminiferous tubules (STs) in the mammalian testes are connected to the rete testis (RT) via a Sertoli valve (SV). Spermatozoa produced in the STs are released into the tubular luminal fluid and passively transported through the SV into the RT. However, the physiological functions of the RT and SV remain unclear. Here, we identified the expression of Sox17 in RT epithelia. The SV valve was disrupted before puberty in RT-specific Sox17 conditional knockout (Sox17-cKO) male mice. This induced a backflow of RT fluid into the STs, which caused aberrant detachment of immature spermatids. RT of Sox17-cKO mice had reduced expression levels of various growth factor genes, which presumably support SV formation. When transplanted next to the Sox17+ RT, Sertoli cells of Sox17-cKO mice reconstructed the SV and supported proper spermiogenesis in the STs. This study highlights the novel and unexpected modulatory roles of the RT in SV valve formation and spermatogenesis in mouse testes, as a downstream action of Sox17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Uchida
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Kenya Imaimatsu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Honoka Suzuki
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Xiao Han
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroki Ushioda
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Mami Uemura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Kasane Imura-Kishi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hinako M. Takase
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirate
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- grid.7597.c0000000094465255Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Akihiko Kudo
- grid.411205.30000 0000 9340 2869Department of Microscopic Anatomy, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
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8
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Mayère C, Regard V, Perea-Gomez A, Bunce C, Neirijnck Y, Djari C, Bellido-Carreras N, Sararols P, Reeves R, Greenaway S, Simon M, Siggers P, Condrea D, Kühne F, Gantar I, Tang F, Stévant I, Batti L, Ghyselinck NB, Wilhelm D, Greenfield A, Capel B, Chaboissier MC, Nef S. Origin, specification and differentiation of a rare supporting-like lineage in the developing mouse gonad. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm0972. [PMID: 35613264 PMCID: PMC10942771 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination represents a unique model for studying cell fate decisions. However, a complete understanding of the different cell lineages forming the developing testis and ovary remains elusive. Here, we investigated the origin, specification, and subsequent sex-specific differentiation of a previously uncharacterized population of supporting-like cells (SLCs) in the developing mouse gonads. The SLC lineage is closely related to the coelomic epithelium and specified as early as E10.5, making it the first somatic lineage to be specified in the bipotential gonad. SLC progenitors are localized within the genital ridge at the interface with the mesonephros and initially coexpress Wnt4 and Sox9. SLCs become sexually dimorphic around E12.5, progressively acquire a more Sertoli- or pregranulosa-like identity and contribute to the formation of the rete testis and rete ovarii. Last, we found that WNT4 is a crucial regulator of the SLC lineage and is required for normal development of the rete testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Violaine Regard
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Cyril Djari
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Richard Reeves
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Simon Greenaway
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Michelle Simon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Diana Condrea
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP1014267404 ILLKIRCH CEDEX, France
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Gantar
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Furong Tang
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Batti
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP1014267404 ILLKIRCH CEDEX, France
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Omotehara T, Nakata H, Nagahori K, Itoh M. Comparative anatomy on the development of sperm transporting pathway between the testis and mesonephros. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:321-332. [PMID: 34988611 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The male genital tract is diverse among vertebrates, but its development remains unclear, especially in the rete region. In this study, we investigated the testis-mesonephros complex of rabbit, chicken, and frog (Xenopus tropicalis) by immunohistochemistry for markers such as Ad4BP/Sf-1 (gonadal somatic and rete cells in mammals) and Pax2 (mesonephric tubules), and performed a three-dimensional reconstruction. In all investigated animals, testis cords were bundled at the mesonephros side. Rete cells positive for Ad4BP/Sf-1 (rabbit) or Pax2 (chicken and frog) were clustered at the border region between the testis and mesonephros. The cluster possessed two types of cords; one connected to the testis cords and the other to the mesonephric tubules. The latter rete cords were contiguous to Bowman's capsules in rabbit and chicken but to nephrostomes in frog. In conclusion, this study showed that mammals, avian species, and frogs commonly develop the bundle between the testis cords (testis canal) and the cluster of rete cells (lateral kidney canal), indicating that these animals share basic morphogenesis in the male genital tract. The connection site between the rete cells and mesonephric tubules is suggested to have changed from the nephrostome to the Bowman's capsule during vertebrate evolution from anamniote to amniote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Omotehara
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenta Nagahori
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
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10
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Kulibin AY, Malolina EA. The Rete Testis: Development and Role in Testis Function. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421060072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The rete testis connects seminiferous tubules in which germ cells develop to the efferent ducts and the epididymis, where gametes mature and gain mobility. Several recent studies have thoroughly explored the morphogenesis of this structure in mice during embryonic and postnatal periods. A part of the rete testis has been shown to derive from the precursors of gonad somatic cells before sex determination. The other part forms from embryonal Sertoli cells of testis cords adjacent to the mesonephros. The transformation of Sertoli cells into rete testis cells is apparently not limited to the embryonic stage of development and continues during postnatal testis development. Recently, it was found that the rete testis participates in the formation and maintenance of specialized Sertoli cells in terminal segments of seminiferous tubules, transitional zones. Current views suggest that the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules may represent a niche for spermatogonial stem cells, the site of the prolonged proliferation of Sertoli cells in the pubertal and postpubertal periods of testis development, and also could be a generator of spermatogenic waves. To sum up, the rete testis transports gametes from the testis to the epididymis, maintains pressure within seminiferous tubules, regulates the composition of the testicular fluid, and impacts the spermatogenic process itself.
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11
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Omotehara T, Nakata H, Itoh M. Three-dimensional analysis of mesonephric tubules remodeling into efferent tubules in the male mouse embryo. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:513-524. [PMID: 34378268 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa are transported to the epididymal duct through efferent tubules. Although the origin of the efferent tubules is thought to be mesonephric tubules (MTs), their detailed developmental process, for example, where the rete testis and efferent tubules are connected, is unclear. We investigated the structural changes of the MTs in the male mouse embryo using a three-dimensional reconstruction method. RESULTS Three to six MTs were connected to the Wolffian duct, and some of them branched, resulting in five to nine tips. Rete cells contacted the three to six tips. The MTs showed a folded shape when the gonadal fate was determined. After the testis development started, they became short and straight but emerged as long and twisting by birth. Before birth, the efferent duct was composed of MTs and a cranial portion of the folded Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The contact between the rete testis and efferent tubules is possibly established at the tip of each MT. The MTs regress after gonadal fate is determined but is remodeled to the twisting efferent tubules by birth. The efferent tubules are composed of the MTs but also a cranial portion of the folded Wolffian duct in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Figueiredo AFA, Hess RA, Batlouni SR, Wnuk NT, Tavares AO, Abarikwu SO, Costa GMJ, França LR. Insights into differentiation and function of the transition region between the seminiferous tubule and rete testis. Differentiation 2021; 120:36-47. [PMID: 34229995 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Seminiferous tubules physically connect to the rete testis through short segments called the transition region (TR). During fetal development, this specialized junction is considered the initial site where testis cords begin to form and to grow in length well beyond birth and into adulthood and form convoluted tubular cores. Mitotic activity of the Sertoli cell, the somatic cell of the epithelium, ceases before puberty, but modified Sertoli cells in the TR remain immature and capable of proliferation. This review presents what is known about this specialized region of the testis, with an emphasis on the morphological, molecular and physiological features, which support the hypothesis that this short region of epithelial transition serves as a specialized niche for undifferentiated Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells. Also, the region is populated by an elevated number of immune cells, suggesting an important activity in monitoring and responding to any leakage of autoantigens, as sperm enter the rete testis. Several structure/function characteristics of the transition region are discussed and compared across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - S R Batlouni
- Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - N T Wnuk
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A O Tavares
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S O Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Nakata H, Omotehara T, Itoh M, Iseki S, Mizokami A. Three-dimensional structure of testis cords in mice and rats. Andrology 2021; 9:1911-1922. [PMID: 34128333 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testis cord elongation and coiling, which occur in the final stage of testis formation, have been attributed to Sertoli cell proliferation; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to clarify the precise three-dimensional structure of testis cords in the final stage of testis formation in mice and rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reconstructed whole testis cords in the final stage of testis formation in mice (on embryonic days 15.5 and 18.5) and rats (on embryonic days 16.5 and 19.5) using serial paraffin sections and high-performance three-dimensional reconstruction software. RESULTS Detailed morphometric parameters were calculated for three-dimensionally reconstructed testis cords in six mouse and rat testes each. The mean numbers of testis cords in mice and rats were 12.7 and 27.8, respectively. The mean number of branching points per testis cord was 1.52 in mice, whereas it was only 0.30 in rats. In contrast, the mean ratio of the inner cords, that is, cords not in contact with the tunica albuginea, was 23.0% in rats, whereas it was only 6.5% in mice. In both species, the cords on the cranial side coiled more strongly than those on the caudal side, consistent with the greater expansion of the testis volume on the caudal side. All cords formed right-handed helices from the rete testis side. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that testis cords undergo anastomosis at a higher frequency in mice than in rats and that the coiling of testis cords proceeds from the cranial to caudal side of the testis in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoichi Iseki
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Cao Y, Liu L, Lin J, Sun P, Guo K, Li S, Li X, Lan ZJ, Wang H, Lei Z. Dysregulation of Notch-FGF signaling axis in germ cells results in cystic dilation of the rete testis in mice. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:75-92. [PMID: 34101112 PMCID: PMC8688682 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00628-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Numb (Nb) and Numb-like (Nbl) are functionally redundant adaptor proteins that critically regulate cell fate and morphogenesis in a variety of organs. We selectively deleted Nb and Nbl in testicular germ cells by breeding Nb/Nbl floxed mice with a transgenic mouse line Tex101-Cre. The mutant mice developed unilateral or bilateral cystic dilation in the rete testis (RT). Dye trace indicated partial blockages in the testicular hilum. Morphological and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed that the lining epithelium of the cysts possessed similar characteristics of RT epithelium, suggesting that the cyst originated from dilation of the RT lumen. Spermatogenesis and the efferent ducts were unaffected. In comparisons of isolated germ cells from mutants to control mice, the Notch activity considerably increased and the expression of Notch target gene Hey1 significantly elevated. Further studies identified that germ cell Fgf4 expression negatively correlated the Notch activity and demonstrated that blockade of FGF receptors mediated FGF4 signaling induced enlargement of the RT lumen in vitro. The crucial role of the FGF4 signaling in modulation of RT development was verified by the selective germ cell Fgf4 ablation, which displayed a phenotype similar to that of germ cell Nb/Nbl null mutant males. These findings indicate that aberrant over-activation of the Notch signaling in germ cells due to Nb/Nbl abrogation impairs the RT development, which is through the suppressing germ cell Fgf4 expression. The present study uncovers the presence of a lumicrine signal pathway in which secreted/diffusible protein FGF4 produced by germ cells is essential for normal RT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Cao
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Penghao Sun
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengqiang Li
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
- Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Zi-Jian Lan
- Division of Life Sciences, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, 40356, USA
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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Major AT, Estermann MA, Smith CA. Anatomy, Endocrine Regulation, and Embryonic Development of the Rete Testis. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6154516. [PMID: 33661305 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction in males requires the transfer of spermatozoa from testis tubules via the rete system to the efferent ductules, epididymis, and vas deferens. The rete therefore forms an essential bridging system between the testis and excurrent ducts. Yet the embryonic origin and molecular regulation of rete testis development is poorly understood. This review examines the anatomy, endocrine control, and development of the mammalian rete testis, focusing on recent findings on its molecular regulation, identifying gaps in our knowledge, and identifying areas for future research. The rete testis develops in close association with Sertoli cells of the seminiferous cords, although unique molecular markers are sparce. Most recently, modern molecular approaches such as global RNA-seq have revealed the transcriptional signature of rete cell precursors, pointing to at least a partial common origin with Sertoli cells. In the mouse, genes involved in Sertoli cell development or maintenance, such as Sox9, Wt1, Sf1, and Dmrt1, are also expressed in cells of the rete system. Rete progenitor cells also express unique markers, such as Pax8, E-cadherin, and keratin 8. These must directly or indirectly regulate the physical joining of testis tubules to the efferent duct system and confer other physiological functions of the rete. The application of technologies such as single-cell RNA-seq will clarify the origin and developmental trajectory of this essential component of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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Hess RA, Sharpe RM, Hinton BT. Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens. Differentiation 2021; 118:41-71. [PMID: 33441255 PMCID: PMC8026493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802 USA and Epivara, Inc., Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Dr., Suite 230G, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Kulibin AY, Malolina EA. Formation of the rete testis during mouse embryonic development. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1486-1499. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Yu. Kulibin
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Malolina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
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