1
|
Dos Santos FCA, Negre AFP, Rodríguez DAO, de Sousa GC, Rodrigues GA, Sanches BDA, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR, Biancardi MF. Female Prostate Development: Morphological Analysis of the Budding Dynamic. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:272-280. [PMID: 35039106 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621014008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the prostate in female mammals has long been known. However, pieces of information related to its development are still lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the budding dynamic during the initial prostate development in female gerbils. Pregnant females were timed, the fetuses were euthanized, and the urogenital sinus was dissected out between the embryonic days 20 and 24 (E20-E24 groups). Newborn pups (1-day-old; P1 group) underwent the same procedures. The female prostate development was based on epithelial buds which arose far from the paraurethral mesenchyme (PAM). The epithelial buds reached the PAM at prenatal day 24, crossing a small gap in the smooth muscle layer between the periurethral mesenchyme (PEM) and the PAM. Steroid nuclear receptors such as the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor alpha were localized in the PEM through the urethral wall, although some epithelial labeling was also present in the urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE). P63-positive cells were found only in the UGE, becoming restricted to the basal compartment after the 23rd prenatal day. The results showed that the gerbil female prostate exhibits a distinct budding pattern as compared to the male prostate development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C A Dos Santos
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Ana F P Negre
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel A O Rodríguez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Géssica C de Sousa
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Giovanna A Rodrigues
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Biology, State University of São Paulo, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo15054-000, Brazil
| | - Manoel F Biancardi
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu Y, Jiang W. Pluripotent stem cell differentiation as an emerging model to study human prostate development. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:285. [PMID: 32678004 PMCID: PMC7364497 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01801-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate development is a complex process, and knowledge about this process is increasingly required for both basic developmental biology studies and clinical prostate cancer research, as prostate tumorigenesis can be regarded as the restoration of development in the adult prostate. Using rodent animal models, scientists have revealed that the development of the prostate is mainly mediated by androgen receptor (AR) signaling and that some other signaling pathways also play indispensable roles. However, there are still many unknowns in human prostate biology, mainly due to the limited availability of proper fetal materials. Here, we first briefly review prostate development with a focus on the AR, WNT, and BMP signaling pathways is necessary for prostate budding/BMP signaling pathways. Based on the current progress in in vitro prostatic differentiation and organoid techniques, we propose human pluripotent stem cells as an emerging model to study human prostate development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Yu
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 116 East-Lake Road, District of Wuchang, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 116 East-Lake Road, District of Wuchang, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
GLI3 resides at the intersection of hedgehog and androgen action to promote male sex differentiation. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32497091 PMCID: PMC7297385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital tract abnormalities are among the most common congenital defects in humans. Male urogenital development requires Hedgehog-GLI signaling and testicular hormones, but how these pathways interact is unclear. We found that Gli3XtJ mutant mice exhibit cryptorchidism and hypospadias due to local effects of GLI3 loss and systemic effects of testicular hormone deficiency. Fetal Leydig cells, the sole source of these hormones in developing testis, were reduced in numbers in Gli3XtJ testes, and their functional identity diminished over time. Androgen supplementation partially rescued testicular descent but not hypospadias in Gli3XtJ mutants, decoupling local effects of GLI3 loss from systemic effects of androgen insufficiency. Reintroduction of GLI3 activator (GLI3A) into Gli3XtJ testes restored expression of Hedgehog pathway and steroidogenic genes. Together, our results show a novel function for the activated form of GLI3 that translates Hedgehog signals to reinforce fetal Leydig cell identity and stimulate timely INSL3 and testosterone synthesis in the developing testis. In turn, exquisite timing and concentrations of testosterone are required to work alongside local GLI3 activity to control development of a functionally integrated male urogenital tract. Disorders in male sex differentiation (DSD) are among the most common defects in all live births, yet in many cases, pediatric patient families are reluctant to address the issue and endure lifelong consequences. Urogenital tract development, as in many organ systems, depends on exquisite timing among layers of a number of signaling pathways. Here, we show that interactions between the hedgehog and androgen signaling pathways are required for the development of internal and external male sex characteristics, but results for each tissue is distinct. This new knowledge will aid in discovering the means by which congenital malformations might occur, identify potential developmental targets that might be vulnerable to environmental exposures, and promote new ideas for how they might be prevented.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruetten H, Wegner KA, Zhang HL, Wang P, Sandhu J, Sandhu S, Morkrid J, Mueller B, Wang Z, Macoska J, Peterson RE, Bjorling DE, Ricke WA, Marker PC, Vezina CM. Insight and Resources From a Study of the "Impact of Sex, Androgens, and Prostate Size on C57BL/6J Mouse Urinary Physiology. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 47:1038-1042. [PMID: 31662055 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319877867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this symposium report is to summarize information from a session 3 oral presentation at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mice are genetically tractable and are likely to play an important role in elucidating environmental, genetic, and aging-related mechanisms of urinary dysfunction in men. We and others have made significant strides in developing quantitative methods for assessing mouse urinary function and our collaborators recently showed that aging male mice, like men, develop urinary dysfunction. Yet, it remains unclear how mouse prostate anatomy and histology relate to urinary function. The purpose of this report is to share foundational resources for evaluating mouse prostate histology and urinary physiology from our recent publication "Impact of Sex, Androgens, and Prostate Size on C57BL/6J Mouse Urinary Physiology: Functional Assessment." We will begin with a review of prostatic embryology in men and mice, then move to comparative histology resources, and conclude with quantitative measures of rodent urinary physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ruetten
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle A Wegner
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Helen L Zhang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peiqing Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jaskiran Sandhu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simran Sandhu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Morkrid
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brett Mueller
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zunyi Wang
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jill Macoska
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard E Peterson
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dale E Bjorling
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - William A Ricke
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul C Marker
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Chad M Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/UMASS Boston George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, WI, and Boston, MA, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cunha GR, Vezina CM, Isaacson D, Ricke WA, Timms BG, Cao M, Franco O, Baskin LS. Development of the human prostate. Differentiation 2018; 103:24-45. [PMID: 30224091 PMCID: PMC6234090 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a detailed compilation of human prostatic development that includes human fetal prostatic gross anatomy, histology, and ontogeny of selected epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation markers and signaling molecules throughout the stages of human prostatic development: (a) pre-bud urogenital sinus (UGS), (b) emergence of solid prostatic epithelial buds from urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE), (c) bud elongation and branching, (d) canalization of the solid epithelial cords, (e) differentiation of luminal and basal epithelial cells, and (f) secretory cytodifferentiation. Additionally, we describe the use of xenografts to assess the actions of androgens and estrogens on human fetal prostatic development. In this regard, we report a new model of de novo DHT-induction of prostatic development from xenografts of human fetal female urethras, which emphasizes the utility of the xenograft approach for investigation of initiation of human prostatic development. These studies raise the possibility of molecular mechanistic studies on human prostatic development through the use of tissue recombinants composed of mutant mouse UGM combined with human fetal prostatic epithelium. Our compilation of human prostatic developmental processes is likely to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer as the neoformation of ductal-acinar architecture during normal development is shared during the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Chad M Vezina
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Barry G Timms
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Omar Franco
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University Health System, 1001 University Place, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hu WY, Hu DP, Xie L, Li Y, Majumdar S, Nonn L, Hu H, Shioda T, Prins GS. Isolation and functional interrogation of adult human prostate epithelial stem cells at single cell resolution. Stem Cell Res 2017. [PMID: 28651114 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Using primary cultures of normal human prostate epithelial cells, we developed a novel prostasphere-based, label-retention assay that permits identification and isolation of stem cells at a single cell level. Their bona fide stem cell nature was corroborated using in vitro and in vivo regenerative assays and documentation of symmetric/asymmetric division. Robust WNT10B and KRT13 levels without E-cadherin or KRT14 staining distinguished individual stem cells from daughter progenitors in spheroids. Following FACS to isolate label-retaining stem cells from label-free progenitors, RNA-seq identified unique gene signatures for the separate populations which may serve as useful biomarkers. Knockdown of KRT13 or PRAC1 reduced sphere formation and symmetric self-renewal highlighting their role in stem cell maintenance. Pathways analysis identified ribosome biogenesis and membrane estrogen-receptor signaling enriched in stem cells with NF-ĸB signaling enriched in progenitors; activities that were biologically confirmed. Further, bioassays identified heightened autophagy flux and reduced metabolism in stem cells relative to progenitors. These approaches similarly identified stem-like cells from prostate cancer specimens and prostate, breast and colon cancer cell lines suggesting wide applicability. Together, the present studies isolate and identify unique characteristics of normal human prostate stem cells and uncover processes that maintain stem cell homeostasis in the prostate gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dan-Ping Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lishi Xie
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Shyama Majumdar
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Larisa Nonn
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Hong Hu
- Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park HJ, Bolton EC. RET-mediated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor signaling inhibits mouse prostate development. Development 2017; 144:2282-2293. [PMID: 28506996 DOI: 10.1242/dev.145086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In humans and rodents, the prostate gland develops from the embryonic urogenital sinus (UGS). The androgen receptor (AR) is thought to control the expression of morphogenetic genes in inductive UGS mesenchyme, which promotes proliferation and cytodifferentiation of the prostatic epithelium. However, the nature of the AR-regulated morphogenetic genes and the mechanisms whereby AR controls prostate development are not understood. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) and signals through activation of RET tyrosine kinase. Gene disruption studies in mice have revealed essential roles for GDNF signaling in development; however, its role in prostate development is unexplored. Here, we establish novel roles of GDNF signaling in mouse prostate development. Using an organ culture system for prostate development and Ret mutant mice, we demonstrate that RET-mediated GDNF signaling in UGS increases proliferation of mesenchyme cells and suppresses androgen-induced proliferation and differentiation of prostate epithelial cells, inhibiting prostate development. We also identify Ar as a GDNF-repressed gene and Gdnf and Gfrα1 as androgen-repressed genes in UGS, thus establishing reciprocal regulatory crosstalk between AR and GDNF signaling in prostate development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Eric C Bolton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Investigation of sexual dimorphisms through mouse models and hormone/hormone-disruptor treatments. Differentiation 2016; 91:78-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
9
|
|
10
|
Gamat M, Chew KY, Shaw G, Renfree MB. FOXA1 and SOX9 Expression in the Developing Urogenital Sinus of the Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii). Sex Dev 2015; 9:216-28. [PMID: 26406875 DOI: 10.1159/000439499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian prostate is a compact structure in humans but multi-lobed in mice. In humans and mice, FOXA1 and SOX9 play pivotal roles in prostate morphogenesis, but few other species have been examined. We examined FOXA1 and SOX9 in the marsupial tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, which has a segmented prostate more similar to human than to mouse. In males, prostatic budding in the urogenital epithelium (UGE) was initiated by day 24 postpartum (pp), but in the female the UGE remained smooth and had begun forming the marsupial vaginal structures. FOXA1 was upregulated in the male urogenital sinus (UGS) by day 51 pp, whilst in the female UGS FOXA1 remained basal. FOXA1 was localised in the UGE in both sexes between day 20 and 80 pp. SOX9 was upregulated in the male UGS at day 21-30 pp and remained high until day 51-60 pp. SOX9 protein was localised in the distal tips of prostatic buds which were highly proliferative. The persistent upregulation of the transcription factors SOX9 and FOXA1 after the initial peak and fall of androgen levels suggest that in the tammar, as in other mammals, these factors are required to sustain prostate differentiation, development and proliferation as androgen levels return to basal levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Gamat
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics, Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Georgas KM, Armstrong J, Keast JR, Larkins CE, McHugh KM, Southard-Smith EM, Cohn MJ, Batourina E, Dan H, Schneider K, Buehler DP, Wiese CB, Brennan J, Davies JA, Harding SD, Baldock RA, Little MH, Vezina CM, Mendelsohn C. An illustrated anatomical ontology of the developing mouse lower urogenital tract. Development 2015; 142:1893-908. [PMID: 25968320 DOI: 10.1242/dev.117903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malformation of the urogenital tract represents a considerable paediatric burden, with many defects affecting the lower urinary tract (LUT), genital tubercle and associated structures. Understanding the molecular basis of such defects frequently draws on murine models. However, human anatomical terms do not always superimpose on the mouse, and the lack of accurate and standardised nomenclature is hampering the utility of such animal models. We previously developed an anatomical ontology for the murine urogenital system. Here, we present a comprehensive update of this ontology pertaining to mouse LUT, genital tubercle and associated reproductive structures (E10.5 to adult). Ontology changes were based on recently published insights into the cellular and gross anatomy of these structures, and on new analyses of epithelial cell types present in the pelvic urethra and regions of the bladder. Ontology changes include new structures, tissue layers and cell types within the LUT, external genitalia and lower reproductive structures. Representative illustrations, detailed text descriptions and molecular markers that selectively label muscle, nerves/ganglia and epithelia of the lower urogenital system are also presented. The revised ontology will be an important tool for researchers studying urogenital development/malformation in mouse models and will improve our capacity to appropriately interpret these with respect to the human situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Georgas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jane Armstrong
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Janet R Keast
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christine E Larkins
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kirk M McHugh
- Centre for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Division of Anatomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205/10, USA
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Martin J Cohn
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA Department of Biology, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Hanbin Dan
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kerry Schneider
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Carrie B Wiese
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jane Brennan
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Jamie A Davies
- Center for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Simon D Harding
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Richard A Baldock
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Melissa H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chad M Vezina
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Cathy Mendelsohn
- Columbia University, Department of Urology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Park HJ, Bolton EC. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor induces cell proliferation in the mouse urogenital sinus. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 29:289-306. [PMID: 25549043 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a TGFβ family member, and GDNF signals through a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface receptor (GFRα1) and RET receptor tyrosine kinase. GDNF signaling plays crucial roles in urogenital processes, ranging from cell fate decisions in germline progenitors to ureteric bud outgrowth and renal branching morphogenesis. Gene ablation studies in mice have revealed essential roles for GDNF signaling in urogenital development, although its role in prostate development is unclear. We investigated the functional role of GDNF signaling in the urogenital sinus (UGS) and the developing prostate of mice. GDNF, GFRα1, and RET show time-specific and cell-specific expression during prostate development in vivo. In the UGS, GDNF and GFRα1 are expressed in the urethral mesenchyme (UrM) and epithelium (UrE), whereas RET is restricted to the UrM. In each lobe of the developing prostate, GDNF and GFRα1 expression declines in the epithelium and becomes restricted to the stroma. Using a well-established organ culture system, we determined that exogenous GDNF increases proliferation of UrM and UrE cells, altering UGS morphology. With regard to mechanism, GDNF signaling in the UrM increased RET expression and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of RET kinase activity or ERK kinases suppressed GDNF-induced proliferation of UrM cells but not UrE cells. We therefore propose that GDNF signaling in the UGS increases proliferation of UrM and UrE cells by different mechanisms, which are distinguished by the role of RET receptor tyrosine kinase and ERK kinase signaling, thus implicating GDNF signaling in prostate development and growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Keil KP, Abler LL, Laporta J, Altmann HM, Yang B, Jarrard DF, Hernandez LL, Vezina CM. Androgen receptor DNA methylation regulates the timing and androgen sensitivity of mouse prostate ductal development. Dev Biol 2014; 396:237-45. [PMID: 25446526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling initiates mouse prostate development by stimulating prostate ductal bud formation and specifying bud patterns. Curiously, however, prostatic bud initiation lags behind the onset of gonadal testosterone synthesis by about three days. This study's objective was to test the hypothesis that DNA methylation controls the timing and scope of prostate ductal development by regulating Ar expression in the urogenital sinus (UGS) from which the prostate derives. We determined that Ar DNA methylation decreases in UGS mesenchyme during prostate bud formation in vivo and that this change correlates with decreased DNA methyltransferase expression in the same cell population during the same time period. To examine the role of DNA methylation in prostate development, fetal UGSs were grown in serum-free medium and 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the DNA methylation inhibitor 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5AzadC) were introduced into the medium at specific times. As a measure of prostate development, in situ hybridization was used to visualize and count Nkx3-1 mRNA positive prostatic buds. We determined that inhibiting DNA methylation when prostatic buds are being specified, accelerates the onset of prostatic bud development, increases bud number, and sensitizes the budding response to androgens. Inhibition of DNA methylation also reduces Ar DNA methylation in UGS explants and increases Ar mRNA and protein in UGS mesenchyme and epithelium. Together, these results support a novel mechanism whereby Ar DNA methylation regulates UGS androgen sensitivity to control the rate and number of prostatic buds formed, thereby establishing a developmental checkpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lisa L Abler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jimena Laporta
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Helene M Altmann
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David F Jarrard
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA; Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura L Hernandez
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Chad M Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bryant SL, Francis JC, Lokody IB, Wang H, Risbridger GP, Loveland KL, Swain A. Sex specific retinoic acid signaling is required for the initiation of urogenital sinus bud development. Dev Biol 2014; 395:209-17. [PMID: 25261715 PMCID: PMC4211671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian urogenital sinus (UGS) develops in a sex specific manner, giving rise to the prostate in the male and the sinus vagina in the embryonic female. Androgens, produced by the embryonic testis, have been shown to be crucial to this process. In this study we show that retinoic acid signaling is required for the initial stages of bud development from the male UGS. Enzymes involved in retinoic acid synthesis are expressed in the UGS mesenchyme in a sex specific manner and addition of ligand to female tissue is able to induce prostate-like bud formation in the absence of androgens, albeit at reduced potency. Functional studies in mouse organ cultures that faithfully reproduce the initiation of prostate development indicate that one of the roles of retinoic acid signaling in the male is to inhibit the expression of Inhba, which encodes the βA subunit of Activin, in the UGS mesenchyme. Through in vivo genetic analysis and culture studies we show that inhibition of Activin signaling in the female UGS leads to a similar phenotype to that of retinoic acid treatment, namely bud formation in the absence of androgens. Our data also reveals that both androgens and retinoic acid have extra independent roles to that of repressing Activin signaling in the development of the prostate during fetal stages. This study identifies a novel role for retinoic acid as a mesenchymal factor that acts together with androgens to determine the position and initiation of bud development in the male UGS epithelia. We show that sex specific retinoic acid is required for male UGS bud initiation. An increase in retinoic acid can lead to prostate-like formation in females. We find that activin repression is a downstream target of RA signalling. RA is a novel mesenchymal signal regulating bud initiation along the UGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Bryant
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey C Francis
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel B Lokody
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda Swain
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Keil KP, Altmann HM, Mehta V, Abler LL, Elton EA, Vezina CM. Catalog of mRNA expression patterns for DNA methylating and demethylating genes in developing mouse lower urinary tract. Gene Expr Patterns 2013; 13:413-24. [PMID: 23920106 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The mouse prostate develops from a component of the lower urinary tract (LUT) known as the urogenital sinus (UGS). This process requires androgens and signaling between mesenchyme and epithelium. Little is known about DNA methylation during prostate development, including which factors are expressed, whether their expression changes over time, and if DNA methylation contributes to androgen signaling or influences signaling between mesenchyme and epithelium. We used in situ hybridization to evaluate the spatial and temporal expression pattern of mRNAs which encode proteins responsible for establishing, maintaining or remodeling DNA methylation. These include DNA methyltransferases, DNA deaminases, DNA glycosylases, base excision repair and mismatch repair pathway members. The mRNA expression patterns were compared between male and female LUT prior to prostatic bud formation (14.5 days post coitus (dpc)), during prostatic bud formation (17.5 dpc) and during prostatic branching morphogenesis (postnatal day (P) 5). We found dramatic changes in the patterns of these mRNAs over the course of prostate development and identified examples of sexually dimorphic mRNA expression. Future investigation into how DNA methylation patterns are established, maintained and remodeled during the course of embryonic prostatic bud formation may provide insight into prostate morphogenesis and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mehta V, Schmitz CT, Keil KP, Joshi PS, Abler LL, Lin TM, Taketo MM, Sun X, Vezina CM. Beta-catenin (CTNNB1) induces Bmp expression in urogenital sinus epithelium and participates in prostatic bud initiation and patterning. Dev Biol 2013; 376:125-35. [PMID: 23396188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fetal prostate development is initiated by androgens and patterned by androgen dependent and independent signals. How these signals integrate to control epithelial cell differentiation and prostatic bud patterning is not fully understood. To test the role of beta-catenin (Ctnnb1) in this process, we used a genetic approach to conditionally delete or stabilize Ctnnb1 in urogenital sinus (UGS) epithelium from which the prostate derives. Two opposing mechanisms of action were revealed. By deleting Ctnnb1, we found it is required for separation of UGS from cloaca, emergence or maintenance of differentiated UGS basal epithelium and formation of prostatic buds. By genetically inducing a patchy subset of UGS epithelial cells to express excess CTNNB1, we found its excess abundance increases Bmp expression and leads to a global impairment of prostatic bud formation. Addition of NOGGIN partially restores prostatic budding in UGS explants with excess Ctnnb1. These results indicate a requirement for Ctnnb1 in UGS basal epithelial cell differentiation, prostatic bud initiation and bud spacing and suggest some of these actions are mediated in part through activation of BMP signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vatsal Mehta
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Keil KP, Mehta V, Branam AM, Abler LL, Buresh-Stiemke RA, Joshi PS, Schmitz CT, Marker PC, Vezina CM. Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) is regulated by androgens and enhances androgen-dependent prostate development. Endocrinology 2012; 153:6091-103. [PMID: 23087175 PMCID: PMC3512059 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal prostate development from urogenital sinus (UGS) epithelium requires androgen receptor (AR) activation in UGS mesenchyme (UGM). Despite growing awareness of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the UGS, we are still limited in our knowledge of androgen-responsive genes in UGM that initiate prostate ductal development. We found that WNT inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) mRNA is more abundant in male vs. female mouse UGM in which its expression temporally and spatially overlaps androgen-responsive steroid 5α-reductase 2 (Srd5a2). Wif1 mRNA is also present in prostatic buds during their elongation and branching morphogenesis. Androgens are necessary and sufficient for Wif1 expression in mouse UGS explant mesenchyme, and testicular androgens remain necessary for normal Wif1 expression in adult mouse prostate stroma. WIF1 contributes functionally to prostatic bud formation. In the presence of androgens, exogenous WIF1 protein increases prostatic bud number and UGS basal epithelial cell proliferation without noticeably altering the pattern of WNT/β-catenin-responsive Axin2 or lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (Lef1) mRNA. Wif1 mutant male UGSs exhibit increased (Sfrp)2 and (Sfrp)3 expression and form the same number of prostatic buds as the wild-type control males. Collectively our results reveal Wif1 as one of the few known androgen-responsive genes in the fetal mouse UGM and support the hypothesis that androgen-dependent Wif1 expression is linked to the mechanism of androgen-induced prostatic bud formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Keil KP, Mehta V, Abler LL, Joshi PS, Schmitz CT, Vezina CM. Visualization and quantification of mouse prostate development by in situ hybridization. Differentiation 2012; 84:232-9. [PMID: 22898663 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to validate a combined in situ hybridization (ISH)/immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining method for visualizing and quantifying mouse prostatic buds. To refine animal usage in prostate development studies, we also determined whether a comparable number of prostatic buds were formed in male and female mouse urogenital sinus (UGS) explants grown in vitro in the presence of androgen. We used IHC to label UGS epithelium and ISH to label prostatic buds with one of three different prostatic bud marking riboprobes: a previously identified prostatic bud marker, NK-3 transcription factor, locus 1 (Nkx3-1), and two newly identified prostatic bud markers, wingless-related MMTV integration site 10b (Wnt10b) and ectodysplasin-A receptor (Edar). We calculated total buds formed per UGS and the proportion marked by each mRNA after male UGS development in vivo and male and female UGS development in vitro. Nkx3-1 was first to mark the prostate field during UGS development in vivo but all three mRNAs marked prostatic buds during later developmental stages. The mRNAs localized to different domains: Nkx3-1 was present along about half the prostatic bud length while Edar and Wnt10b were restricted to distal bud tips. None of the mRNAs marked all buds formed in vitro and the proportion marked was developmental stage- and gender-dependent. Nkx3-1 marked the highest proportion of prostatic buds during in vitro UGS development. Together, our results reveal that ISH staining of mouse UGS can be used to quantify prostatic bud number, Nkx3-1 is currently the best suited riboprobe for this method, and female UGSs cannot be used interchangeably with male UGSs when conducting prostate development studies in vitro. We also found that Nkx3-1, Edar, and Wnt10b mark different prostatic bud regions and are likely to be useful in future studies of regional differences in prostatic bud gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Keil
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1656 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mehta V, Vezina CM. Potential protective mechanisms of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Differentiation 2012; 82:211-9. [PMID: 21684673 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an evolutionarily conserved ligand activated transcription factor best known for its role in mediating toxic responses to dioxin-like environmental contaminants. However, AHR signaling has also emerged as an active participant in processes of normal development and disease progression. Here, we review the role of AHR signaling in prostate development and disease processes, with a particular emphasis on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inappropriate AHR activation has recently been associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic BPH in humans and has been shown to impair prostate development and disrupt endocrine signaling in rodents. We highlight known physiological responses to AHR activation in prostate and other tissues and discuss potential mechanisms by which it may act in adult human prostate to protect against symptomatic BPH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vatsal Mehta
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abler LL, Keil KP, Mehta V, Joshi PS, Schmitz CT, Vezina CM. A high-resolution molecular atlas of the fetal mouse lower urogenital tract. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:2364-77. [PMID: 21905163 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-stromal interactions in the lower urogenital tract (LUT) are integral to prostatic and seminal vesicle development in males, vaginal and uterine development in females, and urethral development in both sexes. Gene expression profiling of isolated LUT stroma and epithelium has unraveled mechanisms of LUT development, but such studies are confounded by heterogeneous and ill-defined cell sub-populations contained within each tissue compartment. We used in situ hybridization to synthesize a high-resolution molecular atlas of 17-day post-coitus fetal mouse LUT. We identified mRNAs that mark selective cell populations of the seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct, prostate, urethra, and vagina, subdividing these tissues into 16 stromal and 8 epithelial sub-compartments. These results provide a powerful tool for mapping LUT gene expression patterns and also reveal previously uncharacterized sub-compartments that may play mechanistic roles in LUT development of which we were previously unaware.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Abler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|