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Ding Y, Chen ZQ, Pan WF, Chen HJ, Wu M, Lyu YQ, Xie H, Huang YC, Chen ZZ, Chen F. The association and underlying mechanism of the digit ratio (2D:4D) in hypospadias. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:356-365. [PMID: 38563741 PMCID: PMC11280205 DOI: 10.4103/aja202377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is thought to be associated with prenatal androgen exposure. However, the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and hypospadias is poorly understood, and its molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, by analyzing the hand digit length of 142 boys with hypospadias (23 distal, 68 middle, and 51 proximal) and 196 controls enrolled in Shanghai Children's Hospital (Shanghai, China) from December 2020 to December 2021, we found that the 2D:4D ratio was significantly increased in boys with hypospadias ( P < 0.001) and it was positively correlated with the severity of the hypospadias. This was further verified by the comparison of control mice and prenatal low testosterone mice model obtained by knocking out the risk gene (dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 [ DNAH8 ]) associated with hypospadias. Furthermore, the discrepancy was mainly caused by a shift in 4D. Proteomic characterization of a mouse model validated that low testosterone levels during pregnancy can impair the growth and development of 4D. Comprehensive mechanistic explorations revealed that during the androgen-sensitive window, the downregulation of the androgen receptor (AR) caused by low testosterone levels, as well as the suppressed expression of chondrocyte proliferation-related genes such as Wnt family member 5a ( Wnt5a ), Wnt5b , Smad family member 2 ( Smad2 ), and Smad3 ; mitochondrial function-related genes in cartilage such as AMP-activated protein kinase ( AMPK ) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 ( Nrf-1 ); and vascular development-related genes such as myosin light chain ( MLC ), notch receptor 3 ( Notch3 ), and sphingosine kinase 1 ( Sphk1 ), are responsible for the limitation of 4D growth, which results in a higher 2D:4D ratio in boys with hypospadias via decreased endochondral ossification. This study indicates that the ratio of 2D:4D is a risk marker of hypospadias and provides a potential molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ding
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zu-Quan Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wen-Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Hao-Jie Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yi-Qing Lyu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zhong-Zhong Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Urogenital Development Research Center, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Clinical Research Center for Hypospadias, Pediatric College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
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Banavar SP, Nelson CM. Mechanical properties pattern the skin. Science 2023; 382:880. [PMID: 37995222 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Morphogens induce variations in tissue mechanics to promote feather budding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samhita P Banavar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Celeste M Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Craig SEL, Michalski MN, Williams BO. Got WNTS? Insight into bone health from a WNT perspective. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:327-346. [PMID: 36967199 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
WNT signaling, essential for many aspects of development, is among the most commonly altered pathways associated with human disease. While initially studied in cancer, dysregulation of WNT signaling has been determined to be essential for skeletal development and the maintenance of bone health throughout life. In this review, we discuss the role of Wnt signaling in bone development and disease with a particular focus on two areas. First, we discuss the roles of WNT signaling pathways in skeletal development, with an emphasis on congenital and idiopathic skeletal syndromes and diseases that are associated with genetic variations in WNT signaling components. Next, we cover a topic that has long been an interest of our laboratory, how high and low levels of WNT signaling affects the establishment and maintenance of healthy bone mass. We conclude with a discussion of the status of WNT-based therapeutics in the treatment of skeletal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya E L Craig
- Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Megan N Michalski
- Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Bart O Williams
- Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.
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Wooldridge LK, Keane JA, Rhoads ML, Ealy AD. Bioactive supplements influencing bovine in vitro embryo development. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620796. [PMID: 35772761 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Bai B, Hou M, Hao J, Liu Y, Ji G, Zhou G. Research progress in seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering. Regen Med 2022; 17:659-675. [PMID: 35703020 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cartilage defects trouble millions of patients worldwide and their repair via conventional treatment is difficult. Excitingly, tissue engineering technology provides a promising strategy for efficient cartilage regeneration with structural regeneration and functional reconstruction. Seed cells, as biological prerequisites for cartilage regeneration, determine the quality of regenerated cartilage. The proliferation, differentiation and chondrogenesis of seed cells are greatly affected by their type, origin and generation. Thus, a systematic description of the characteristics of seed cells is necessary. This article reviews in detail the cellular characteristics, research progress, clinical translation challenges and future research directions of seed cells while providing guidelines for selecting appropriate seed cells for cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoshuai Bai
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical University, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261053, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Mengjie Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Junxiang Hao
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical University, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261053, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yanhan Liu
- Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guangyu Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guangdong Zhou
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical University, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261053, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.,National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai, 200240, China
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Gamart J, Barozzi I, Laurent F, Reinhardt R, Martins LR, Oberholzer T, Visel A, Zeller R, Zuniga A. SMAD4 target genes are part of a transcriptional network that integrates the response to BMP and SHH signaling during early limb bud patterning. Development 2021; 148:273522. [PMID: 34822715 PMCID: PMC8714076 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SMAD4 regulates gene expression in response to BMP and TGFβ signal transduction, and is required for diverse morphogenetic processes, but its target genes have remained largely elusive. Here, we identify the SMAD4 target genes in mouse limb buds using an epitope-tagged Smad4 allele for ChIP-seq analysis in combination with transcription profiling. This analysis shows that SMAD4 predominantly mediates BMP signal transduction during early limb bud development. Unexpectedly, the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes is precociously downregulated and intracellular cholesterol levels are reduced in Smad4-deficient limb bud mesenchymal progenitors. Most importantly, our analysis reveals a predominant function of SMAD4 in upregulating target genes in the anterior limb bud mesenchyme. Analysis of differentially expressed genes shared between Smad4- and Shh-deficient limb buds corroborates this function of SMAD4 and also reveals the repressive effect of SMAD4 on posterior genes that are upregulated in response to SHH signaling. This analysis uncovers opposing trans-regulatory inputs from SHH- and SMAD4-mediated BMP signal transduction on anterior and posterior gene expression during the digit patterning and outgrowth in early limb buds. Summary: The transcriptional targets of SMAD4 in early limb buds are identified and the largely opposing impact of BMP and SHH signaling on early digit patterning and outgrowth is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gamart
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Functional Genomics Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Frédéric Laurent
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Reinhardt
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurène Ramos Martins
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Oberholzer
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Visel
- Functional Genomics Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.,US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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