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Farini D, De Felici M. The Beginning of Meiosis in Mammalian Female Germ Cells: A Never-Ending Story of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012571. [PMID: 36293427 PMCID: PMC9604137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the unique division of germ cells resulting in the recombination of the maternal and paternal genomes and the production of haploid gametes. In mammals, it begins during the fetal life in females and during puberty in males. In both cases, entering meiosis requires a timely switch from the mitotic to the meiotic cell cycle and the transition from a potential pluripotent status to meiotic differentiation. Revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying these interrelated processes represents the essence in understanding the beginning of meiosis. Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and acts as a fundamental driver of evolution. Major differences between sexes and among species complicate the understanding of how meiosis begins. Basic meiotic research is further hindered by a current lack of meiotic cell lines. This has been recently partly overcome with the use of primordial-germ-cell-like cells (PGCLCs) generated from pluripotent stem cells. Much of what we know about this process depends on data from model organisms, namely, the mouse; in mice, the process, however, appears to differ in many aspects from that in humans. Identifying the mechanisms and molecules controlling germ cells to enter meiosis has represented and still represents a major challenge for reproductive medicine. In fact, the proper execution of meiosis is essential for fertility, for maintaining the integrity of the genome, and for ensuring the normal development of the offspring. The main clinical consequences of meiotic defects are infertility and, probably, increased susceptibility to some types of germ-cell tumors. In the present work, we report and discuss data mainly concerning the beginning of meiosis in mammalian female germ cells, referring to such process in males only when pertinent. After a brief account of this process in mice and humans and an historical chronicle of the major hypotheses and progress in this topic, the most recent results are reviewed and discussed.
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2
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Spiller C, Bowles J. Instructing Mouse Germ Cells to Adopt a Female Fate. Sex Dev 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35320803 DOI: 10.1159/000523763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells are critical for the survival of our species. They are the only cells that undergo meiosis - the reductive form of cell division that is necessary for genetic reassortment of chromosomes and production of the haploid gametes, the sperm and eggs. Remarkably, the initial female/male fate decision in fetal germ cells does not depend on whether they are chromosomally XX or XY; rather, initial sexual fate is imposed by influences from the surrounding tissue. In mammals, the female germline is particularly precious: despite recent suggestions that germline stem cells exist in the ovary, it is still generally accepted that the ovarian reserve is finite, and its size is dependant on germ cells of the fetal ovary initiating meiosis in a timely manner. SUMMARY Prior to 2006, evidence suggested that gonadal germ cells initiate meiotic prophase I by default, but more recent data support a key role for the signalling molecule retinoic acid (RA) in instructing female germ cell fate. Newer findings also support a key meiosis-inducing role for another signalling molecule, bone morphogenic protein (BMP). Nonetheless, many questions remain. KEY MESSAGES Here, we review knowledge thus far regarding extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of a female germ cell fate, focusing on the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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3
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AOP Key Event Relationship report: Linking decreased retinoic acid levels with disrupted meiosis in developing oocytes. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100069. [PMID: 35345548 PMCID: PMC8957012 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The first case study to develop and publish an individual KER as a stand-alone unit of information under the AOP framework overseen by the OECD. Full description of a KER linking decreased all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) levels in developing ovaries with disrupted meiotic entry of oogonia. KER described is associated with an intended AOP linking inhibition of the atRA producing ALDH1A enzymes with reduced fertility in women.
The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept is an emerging tool in regulatory toxicology that uses simplified descriptions to show cause-effect relationships between stressors and toxicity outcomes in intact organisms. The AOP structure is a modular framework, with Key Event Relationships (KERs) representing the unit of causal relationship based on existing knowledge, describing the connection between two Key Events. Because KERs are the only unit to support inference it has been argued recently that KERs should be recognized as the core building blocks of knowledge assembly within the AOP-Knowledge Base. Herein, we present a first case to support this proposal and provide a full description of a KER linking decreased all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) levels in developing ovaries with disrupted meiotic entry of oogonia. We outline the evidence to support a role for atRA in inducing meiosis in oogonia across mammals; this is important because elements of the RA synthesis/degradation pathway are recognized targets for numerous environmental chemicals. The KER we describe will be used to support an intended AOP linking inhibition of the atRA producing ALDH1A enzymes with reduced fertility in women.
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4
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Yang H, Li Y, Cao Y, Shi W, Xie E, Mu N, Du G, Shen Y, Tang D, Cheng Z. Nitrogen nutrition contributes to plant fertility by affecting meiosis initiation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:485. [PMID: 35079011 PMCID: PMC8789853 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen (N), one of the most important plant nutrients, plays crucial roles in multiple plant developmental processes. Spikelets are the primary sink tissues during reproductive growth, and N deficiency can cause floral abortion. However, the roles of N nutrition in meiosis, the crucial step in plant sexual reproduction, are poorly understood. Here, we identified an N-dependent meiotic entrance mutant with loss of function of ELECTRON TRANSFER FLAVOPROTEIN SUBUNIT β (ETFβ) in rice (Oryza sativa). etfβ displayed meiosis initiation defects, excessive accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and decrease in total N contents in spikelets under N starvation, which were rescued by applying excess exogenous inorganic N. Under N starvation, ETFβ, through its involvement in BCAA catabolism, promotes N reutilization and contributes to meeting N demands of spikelets, highlighting the impact of N nutrition on meiosis initiation. We conclude that N nutrition contributes to plant fertility by affecting meiosis initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Cao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Shi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - En Xie
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Na Mu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Guijie Du
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Yi Shen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Ding Tang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Zhukuan Cheng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Lab of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China ,grid.268415.cJiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, China
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5
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Zhao ZH, Schatten H, Sun QY. High-throughput sequencing reveals landscapes of female germ cell development. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:738-747. [PMID: 32866227 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Female germ cell development is a highly complex process that includes meiosis initiation, oocyte growth recruitment, oocyte meiosis retardation and resumption and final meiotic maturation. A series of coordinated molecular signaling factors ensure successful oogenesis. The recent rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies allows for the dynamic omics in female germ cells, which is essential for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of molecular events comprehensively. In this review, we summarize the current literature of multi-omics sequenced by epigenome-, transcriptome- and proteome-associated technologies, which provide valuable information for understanding the regulation of key events during female germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Feng CW, Burnet G, Spiller CM, Cheung FKM, Chawengsaksophak K, Koopman P, Bowles J. Identification of regulatory elements required for Stra8 expression in fetal ovarian germ cells of the mouse. Development 2021; 148:dev.194977. [PMID: 33574039 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In mice, the entry of germ cells into meiosis crucially depends on the expression of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8). Stra8 is expressed specifically in pre-meiotic germ cells of females and males, at fetal and postnatal stages, respectively, but the mechanistic details of its spatiotemporal regulation are yet to be defined. In particular, there has been considerable debate regarding whether retinoic acid is required, in vivo, to initiate Stra8 expression in the mouse fetal ovary. We show that the distinctive anterior-to-posterior pattern of Stra8 initiation, characteristic of germ cells in the fetal ovary, is faithfully recapitulated when 2.9 kb of the Stra8 promoter is used to drive eGFP expression. Using in vitro transfection assays of cutdown and mutant constructs, we identified two functional retinoic acid responsive elements (RAREs) within this 2.9 kb regulatory element. We also show that the transcription factor DMRT1 enhances Stra8 expression, but only in the presence of RA and the most proximal RARE. Finally, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutation studies to demonstrate that both RAREs are required for optimal Stra8 expression levels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Guillaume Burnet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cassy M Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fiona Ka Man Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Vídenská 1083, 4 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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7
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, Zhang YT, Safian D, Furmanek T, Skaftnesmo KO, Norberg B, Ge W, Choi YC, den Broeder MJ, Legler J, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Insulin-like 3 affects zebrafish spermatogenic cells directly and via Sertoli cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:204. [PMID: 33589679 PMCID: PMC7884674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary hormones can use local signaling molecules to regulate target tissue functions. In adult zebrafish testes, follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) strongly increases the production of insulin-like 3 (Insl3), a Leydig cell-derived growth factor found in all vertebrates. Little information is available regarding Insl3 function in adult spermatogenesis. The Insl3 receptors Rxfp2a and 2b were expressed by type A spermatogonia and Sertoli and myoid cells, respectively, in zebrafish testis tissue. Loss of insl3 increased germ cell apoptosis in males starting at 9 months of age, but spermatogenesis appeared normal in fully fertile, younger adults. Insl3 changed the expression of 409 testicular genes. Among others, retinoic acid (RA) signaling was up- and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) signaling was down-regulated. Follow-up studies showed that RA and Pparg signaling mediated Insl3 effects, resulting in the increased production of differentiating spermatogonia. This suggests that Insl3 recruits two locally active nuclear receptor pathways to implement pituitary (Fsh) stimulation of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Present Address: Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiz H. C. Assis
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Ting Zhang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, PR China ,grid.449133.80000 0004 1764 3555Present Address: Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Diego Safian
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Present Address: Experimental Zoology Group and Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Furmanek
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Wei Ge
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Yung-Ching Choi
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Marjo J. den Broeder
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juliette Legler
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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8
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Liu Y, Fan X, Yue M, Yue W, Zhang X, Zhang J, Ren G, He J. Expression and localization of meiosis-associated protein in gonads of female rats at different stages. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151509. [PMID: 31964534 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It was well known that a critical process of oogenesis in the female mammalian was the entry of mitotic oogonia into meiosis. Early studies from model animal mice suggested that the retinoic acid (RA) response signal protein STRA8 (stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) and the meiosis-specific chromosomal behavior marker protein SCP3 (Synaptonemal Complex Protein 3) were two crucial molecular markers during meiosis. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 at different stages in rat ovaries was investigated by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Immunohistochemistry results showed that STRA8 and SCP3 were mainly expressed in embryonic stage. And STRA8 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the ovaries after birth. qRT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of STRA8 and SCP3 were expressed in embryonic stage. The expression of STRA8 and SCP3 indicated germ cells enter meiosis in rats embryo, and STRA8 and SCP3 could serve as molecular markers for the meiosis in rats. The localization of STRA8 in the nucleus increased the possibility that STRA8 might act as transcription factor or activate transcription to function after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Fan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Meishan Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Weidong Yue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Gaoya Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Junping He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China.
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9
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Retinoic Acid and Germ Cell Development in the Ovary and Testis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120775. [PMID: 31771306 PMCID: PMC6995559 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, is critical for the production of oocytes and sperm in mammals. These gametes derive from primordial germ cells, which colonize the nascent gonad, and later undertake sexual differentiation to produce oocytes or sperm. During fetal development, germ cells in the ovary initiate meiosis in response to RA, whereas those in the testis do not yet initiate meiosis, as they are insulated from RA, and undergo cell cycle arrest. After birth, male germ cells resume proliferation and undergo a transition to spermatogonia, which are destined to develop into haploid spermatozoa via spermatogenesis. Recent findings indicate that RA levels change periodically in adult testes to direct not only meiotic initiation, but also other key developmental transitions to ensure that spermatogenesis is precisely organized for the prodigious output of sperm. This review focuses on how female and male germ cells develop in the ovary and testis, respectively, and the role of RA in this process.
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10
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, van de Kant HJG, de Waard S, Safian D, Lemos MS, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Endocrine and local signaling interact to regulate spermatogenesis in zebrafish: follicle-stimulating hormone, retinoic acid and androgens. Development 2019; 146:dev.178665. [PMID: 31597660 DOI: 10.1242/dev.178665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is crucial for mammalian spermatogonia differentiation, and stimulates Stra8 expression, a gene required for meiosis. Certain fish species, including zebrafish, have lost the stra8 gene. While RA still seems important for spermatogenesis in fish, it is not known which stage(s) respond to RA or whether its effects are integrated into the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis. In zebrafish, RA promoted spermatogonia differentiation, supported androgen-stimulated meiosis, and reduced spermatocyte and spermatid apoptosis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) stimulated RA production. Expressing a dominant-negative RA receptor variant in germ cells clearly disturbed spermatogenesis but meiosis and spermiogenesis still took place, although sperm quality was low in 6-month-old adults. This condition also activated Leydig cells. Three months later, spermatogenesis apparently had recovered, but doubling of testis weight demonstrated hypertrophy, apoptosis/DNA damage among spermatids was high and sperm quality remained low. We conclude that RA signaling is important for zebrafish spermatogenesis but is not of crucial relevance. As Fsh stimulates androgen and RA production, germ cell-mediated, RA-dependent reduction of Leydig cell activity may form a hitherto unknown intratesticular negative-feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Luiz H C Assis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Henk J G van de Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Sjors de Waard
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Moline S Lemos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands .,Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen NO-5817, Norway
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11
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Abnormal Meiosis Initiation in Germ Cell Caused by Aberrant Differentiation of Gonad Somatic Cell. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:8030697. [PMID: 31583044 PMCID: PMC6748189 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8030697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between germ cell and somatic cell plays important roles in germ cell development. However, the exact function of gonad somatic cell in germ cell differentiation is unclear. In the present study, the function of gonad somatic cell in germ cell meiosis was examined by using mouse models with aberrant somatic cell differentiation. In Wt1R394W/R394W mice, the genital ridge is absent due to the apoptosis of coelomic epithelial cells. Interestingly, in both male and female Wt1R394W/R394W germ cells, STRA8 was detected at E12.5 and the scattered SYCP3 foci were observed at E13.5 which was consistent with control females. In Wt1-/flox; Cre-ERTM mice, Wt1 was inactivated by the injection of tamoxifen at E9.5 and the differentiation of Sertoli and granulosa cells was completely blocked. We found that most germ cells were located outside of genital ridge after Wt1 inactivation. STRA8, SYCP3, and γH2AX proteins were detected in germ cells of both male and female Wt1-/flox; Cre-ERTM gonads, whereas no thread-like SYCP3 signal was observed. Our study demonstrates that aberrant development of gonad somatic cells leads to ectopic expression of meiosis-associated genes in germ cells, but meiosis was arrested before prophase I. These results suggest that the proper differentiation of gonad somatic cells is essential for germ cell meiosis.
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12
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Ge W, Li L, Dyce PW, De Felici M, Shen W. Establishment and depletion of the ovarian reserve: physiology and impact of environmental chemicals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1729-1746. [PMID: 30810760 PMCID: PMC11105173 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive life span in women starts at puberty and ends at menopause, following the exhaustion of the follicle stockpile termed the ovarian reserve. Increasing data from experimental animal models and epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to a number of ubiquitously distributed reproductively toxic environmental chemicals (RTECs) can contribute to earlier menopause and even premature ovarian failure. However, the causative relationship between environmental chemical exposure and earlier menopause in women remains poorly understood. The present work, is an attempt to review the current evidence regarding the effects of RTECs on the main ovarian activities in mammals, focusing on how such compounds can affect the ovarian reserve at any stages of ovarian development. We found that in rodents, strong evidence exists that in utero, neonatal, prepubescent and even adult exposure to RTECs leads to impaired functioning of the ovary and a shortening of the reproductive lifespan. Regarding human, data from cross-sectional surveys suggest that human exposure to certain environmental chemicals can compromise a woman's reproductive health and in some cases, correlate with earlier menopause. In conclusion, evidences exist that exposure to RTECs can compromise a woman's reproductive health. However, human exposures may date back to the developmental stage, while the adverse effects are usually diagnosed decades later, thus making it difficult to determine the association between RTECs exposure and human reproductive health. Therefore, epidemiological surveys and more experimental investigation on humans, or alternatively primates, are needed to determine the direct and indirect effects caused by RTECs exposure on the ovary function, and to characterize their action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Paul W Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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13
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Abstract
Germ cells are the stem cells of the species. Thus, it is critical that we have a good understanding of how they are specified, how the somatic cells instruct and support them, how they commit to one or other sex, and how they ultimately develop into functional gametes. Here, we focus on specifics of how sexual fate is determined during fetal life. Because the majority of relevant experimental work has been done using the mouse model, we focus on that species. We review evidence regarding the identity of instructive signals from the somatic cells, and the molecular responses that occur in germ cells in response to those extrinsic signals. In this way we aim to clarify progress to date regarding the mechanisms underlying the mitotic to meiosis switch in germ cells of the fetal ovary, and those involved in adopting and securing male fate in germ cells of the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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14
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Mu X, Wen J, Chen Q, Wang Z, Wang Y, Guo M, Yang Y, Xu J, Wei Z, Xia G, Yang M, Wang C. Retinoic acid-induced CYP51 nuclear translocation promotes meiosis prophase I process and is correlated to the expression of REC8 and STAG3 in mice. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.035626. [PMID: 30420384 PMCID: PMC6262859 DOI: 10.1242/bio.035626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase (CYP51) plays a crucial role in cholesterol biosynthesis. In gamete development, CYP51 is involved in initiating meiosis resumption in oocytes through its product, meiosis activating sterol (MAS). In this study, CYP51 was observed to localize within the nucleus of germ cells undergoing meiotic prophase I. Following the addition of retinoic acid (RA) to induce meiosis or the RA receptor pan-antagonist AGN193109 to block meiosis in fetal ovaries, the translocation of CYP51 into the nucleus of oocytes was advanced or delayed, respectively. In addition, treatment with Cyp51-siRNA or RS21745, a specific CYP51 inhibitor, significantly delayed the meiotic progression of oocytes in the ovary, with most oocytes arresting at the zygotene stage, and likewise, significantly reduced perinatal primordial follicle formation. Furthermore, inhibition of CYP51 is correlated to significantly decreased expression of REC8 and STAG3, both of which are meiosis-specific cohesin subunits. To sum up, RA-induced CYP51 nuclear translocation is critical for oocytes meiotic progression, and consequently folliculogenesis, which might act through impacting the expression of meiosis-specific cohesins REC8 and STAG3. Summary: CYP51 displays cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation in germ cells in mice. CYP51 participates in germ cell meiotic progression and folliculogenesis via regulating the expression of cohesin REC8 and STAG3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jia Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meng Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, 539 W Helanshan Road, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
| | - JinRui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, 539 W Helanshan Road, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
| | - Zhiqing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, 539 W Helanshan Road, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, 539 W Helanshan Road, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
| | - Mengye Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Luojia Hill, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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15
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Radhakrishnan S, Literman R, Neuwald JL, Valenzuela N. Thermal Response of Epigenetic Genes Informs Turtle Sex Determination with and without Sex Chromosomes. Sex Dev 2018; 12:308-319. [PMID: 30278451 DOI: 10.1159/000492188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate sexual fate can be established by environmental cues (e.g., temperature-dependent sex determination, TSD) or by genetic content (genotypic sex determination, GSD). While methylation is implicated in TSD, the influence of broader epigenetic processes in sexual development remains obscure. Here, we investigated for the first time the embryonic gonadal expression of the genome-wide epigenetic machinery in turtles, including genes and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in DNA/histone acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and RNAi. This machinery was active and differentially thermosensitive in TSD versus GSD (ZZ/ZW) turtles. Methylation and histone acetylation genes responded the strongest. The results suggest these working hypotheses: (i) TSD might be mediated by epigenetically controlled hormonal pathways (via acetylation, methylation, and ncRNAs), or by (ii) hormonally controlled epigenetic processes, and (iii) key epigenetic events prior to the canonical thermosensitive period may explain differences between TSD and GSD. Novel epigenetic candidate regulators other than methylation were identified, including previously unknown ncRNAs that could potentially mediate gonadogenesis. These findings illuminate the molecular ecology of reptilian sex determination and permitted hypothesis building to help guide future functional studies on the epigenetic transduction of external cues in TSD versus GSD systems.
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16
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Shen C, Li M, Zhang P, Guo Y, Zhang H, Zheng B, Teng H, Zhou T, Guo X, Huo R. A Comparative Proteome Profile of Female Mouse Gonads Suggests a Tight Link between the Electron Transport Chain and Meiosis Initiation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2018; 17:31-42. [PMID: 29158290 PMCID: PMC5750849 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m117.066993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Generation of haploid gametes by meiosis is a unique property of germ cells and is critical for sexual reproduction. Leaving mitosis and entering meiosis is a key step in germ cell development. Several inducers or intrinsic genes are known to be important for meiotic initiation, but the regulation of meiotic initiation, especially at the protein level, is still not well understood. We constructed a comparative proteome profile of female mouse fetal gonads at specific time points (11.5, 12.5, and 13.5 days post coitum), spanning a critical window for initiation of meiosis in female germ cells. We identified 3666 proteins, of which 473 were differentially expressed. Further bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins were enriched in the mitochondria, especially in the electron transport chain and, notably, 9 proteins in electron transport chain Complex I were differentially expressed. We disrupted the mitochondrial electron transport chain function by adding the complex I inhibitor, rotenone to 11.5 days post coitum female gonads cultured in vitro. This treatment resulted in a decreased proportion of meiotic germ cells, as assessed by staining for histone γH2AX. Rotenone treatment also caused decreased ATP levels, increased reactive oxygen species levels and failure of the germ cells to undergo premeiotic DNA replication. These effects were partially rescued by adding Coenzyme Q10. Taken together, our results suggested that a functional electron transport chain is important for meiosis initiation. Our characterization of the quantitative proteome of female gonads provides an inventory of proteins, useful for understanding the mechanisms of meiosis initiation and female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Shen
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
- §Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou 215002, P.R. China
| | - Mingrui Li
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Pan Zhang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zheng
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
- §Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou 215002, P.R. China
| | - Hui Teng
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China;
| | - Ran Huo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China;
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17
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Li X, Chen W, Chen Y, Zhang X, Gu J, Zhang MQ. Network embedding-based representation learning for single cell RNA-seq data. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e166. [PMID: 28977434 PMCID: PMC5737094 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) techniques can reveal valuable insights of cell-to-cell heterogeneities. Projection of high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional subspace is a powerful strategy in general for mining such big data. However, scRNA-seq suffers from higher noise and lower coverage than traditional bulk RNA-seq, hence bringing in new computational difficulties. One major challenge is how to deal with the frequent drop-out events. The events, usually caused by the stochastic burst effect in gene transcription and the technical failure of RNA transcript capture, often render traditional dimension reduction methods work inefficiently. To overcome this problem, we have developed a novel Single Cell Representation Learning (SCRL) method based on network embedding. This method can efficiently implement data-driven non-linear projection and incorporate prior biological knowledge (such as pathway information) to learn more meaningful low-dimensional representations for both cells and genes. Benchmark results show that SCRL outperforms other dimensional reduction methods on several recent scRNA-seq datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division/Center for Synthetic & System Biology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Weizheng Chen
- Institute of Network Computing and Information System, Department of Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division/Center for Synthetic & System Biology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division/Center for Synthetic & System Biology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division/Center for Synthetic & System Biology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Michael Q Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division/Center for Synthetic & System Biology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, RL11 Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA
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18
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction crucially depends on the production of sperm in males and oocytes in females. Both types of gamete arise from the same precursor, the germ cells. We review the events that characterize the development of germ cells during fetal life as they commit to, and prepare for, oogenesis or spermatogenesis. In females, fetal germ cells enter meiosis, whereas in males they delay meiosis and instead lose pluripotency, activate an irreversible program of prospermatogonial differentiation, and temporarily cease dividing. Both pathways involve sex-specific molecular signals from the somatic cells of the developing gonads and a suite of intrinsic receptors, signal transducers, transcription factors, RNA stability factors, and epigenetic modulators that act in complex, interconnected positive and negative regulatory networks. Understanding these networks is important in the contexts of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility and gonadal cancers, and in efforts to augment human and animal fertility using stem cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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19
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Abstract
Recently, the existence of a mechanism for neo-oogenesis in the ovaries of adult mammals has generated much controversy within reproductive biology. This mechanism, which proposes that the ovary has cells capable of renewing the follicular reserve, has been described for various species of mammals. The first evidence was found in prosimians and humans. However, these findings were not considered relevant because the predominant dogma for reproductive biology at the time was that of Zuckerman. This dogma states that female mammals are born with finite numbers of oocytes that decline throughout postnatal life. Currently, the concept of neo-oogenesis has gained momentum due to the discovery of cells with mitotic activity in adult ovaries of various mammalian species (mice, humans, rhesus monkeys, domestic animals such as pigs, and wild animals such as bats). Despite these reports, the concept of neo-oogenesis has not been widely accepted by the scientific community, generating much criticism and speculation about its accuracy because it has been impossible to reproduce some evidence. This controversy has led to the creation of two positions: one in favour of neo-oogenesis and the other against it. Various animal models have been used in support of both camps, including both classic laboratory animals and domestic and wild animals. The aim of this review is to critically present the current literature on the subject and to evaluate the arguments pro and contra neo-oogenesis in mammals.
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20
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Hickford DE, Wong SFL, Frankenberg SR, Shaw G, Yu H, Chew KY, Renfree MB. Expression of STRA8 is conserved in therian mammals but expression of CYP26B1 differs between marsupials and mice. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:217-229. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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21
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Wang C, Zhou B, Xia G. Mechanisms controlling germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2547-2566. [PMID: 28197668 PMCID: PMC11107689 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In fetal females, oogonia proliferate immediately after sex determination. The progress of mitosis in oogonia proceeds so rapidly that the incompletely divided cytoplasm of the sister cells forms cysts. The oogonia will then initiate meiosis and arrest at the diplotene stage of meiosis I, becoming oocytes. Within each germline cyst, oocytes with Balbiani bodies will survive after cyst breakdown (CBD). After CBD, each oocyte is enclosed by pre-granulosa cells to form a primordial follicle (PF). Notably, the PF pool formed perinatally will be the sole lifelong oocyte source of a female. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of CBD and PF formation is not only meaningful for solving mysteries related to ovarian development but also contributes to the preservation of reproduction. However, the mechanisms that regulate these phenomena are largely unknown. This review summarizes the progress of cellular and molecular research on these processes in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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22
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Potential role of retinoids in ovarian physiology and pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 469:87-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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23
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Radhakrishnan S, Literman R, Neuwald J, Severin A, Valenzuela N. Transcriptomic responses to environmental temperature by turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination assessed by RNAseq inform the genetic architecture of embryonic gonadal development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172044. [PMID: 28296881 PMCID: PMC5352168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate sexual fate is decided primarily by the individual's genotype (GSD), by the environmental temperature during development (TSD), or both. Turtles exhibit TSD and GSD, making them ideal to study the evolution of sex determination. Here we analyze temperature-specific gonadal transcriptomes (RNA-sequencing validated by qPCR) of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta TSD) before and during the thermosensitive period, and at equivalent stages in soft-shell turtles (Apalone spinifera-GSD), to test whether TSD's and GSD's transcriptional circuitry is identical but deployed differently between mechanisms. Our data show that most elements of the mammalian urogenital network are active during turtle gonadogenesis, but their transcription is generally more thermoresponsive in TSD than GSD, and concordant with their sex-specific function in mammals [e.g., upregulation of Amh, Ar, Esr1, Fog2, Gata4, Igf1r, Insr, and Lhx9 at male-producing temperature, and of β-catenin, Foxl2, Aromatase (Cyp19a1), Fst, Nf-kb, Crabp2 at female-producing temperature in Chrysemys]. Notably, antagonistic elements in gonadogenesis (e.g., β-catenin and Insr) were thermosensitive only in TSD early-embryos. Cirbp showed warm-temperature upregulation in both turtles disputing its purported key TSD role. Genes that may convert thermal inputs into sex-specific development (e.g., signaling and hormonal pathways, RNA-binding and heat-shock) were differentially regulated. Jak-Stat, Nf-κB, retinoic-acid, Wnt, and Mapk-signaling (not Akt and Ras-signaling) potentially mediate TSD thermosensitivity. Numerous species-specific ncRNAs (including Xist) were differentially-expressed, mostly upregulated at colder temperatures, as were unannotated loci that constitute novel TSD candidates. Cirbp showed warm-temperature upregulation in both turtles. Consistent transcription between turtles and alligator revealed putatively-critical reptilian TSD elements for male (Sf1, Amh, Amhr2) and female (Crabp2 and Hspb1) gonadogenesis. In conclusion, while preliminary, our data helps illuminate the regulation and evolution of vertebrate sex determination, and contribute genomic resources to guide further research into this fundamental biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srihari Radhakrishnan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Robert Literman
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Neuwald
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Severin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Genome Informatics Facility, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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24
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Retinoic acid signaling is dispensable for somatic development and function in the mammalian ovary. Dev Biol 2017; 424:208-220. [PMID: 28274610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent inducer of cell differentiation and plays an essential role in sex-specific germ cell development in the mammalian gonad. RA is essential for male gametogenesis and hence fertility. However, RA can also disrupt sexual cell fate in somatic cells of the testis, promoting transdifferentiation of male Sertoli cells to female granulosa-like cells when the male sexual regulator Dmrt1 is absent. The feminizing ability of RA in the Dmrt1 mutant somatic testis suggests that RA might normally play a role in somatic cell differentiation or cell fate maintenance in the ovary. To test for this possibility we disrupted RA signaling in somatic cells of the early fetal ovary using three genetic strategies and one pharmaceutical approach. We found that deleting all three RA receptors (RARs) in the XX somatic gonad at the time of sex determination did not significantly affect ovarian differentiation, follicle development, or female fertility. Transcriptome analysis of adult triple mutant ovaries revealed remarkably little effect on gene expression in the absence of somatic RAR function. Likewise, deletion of three RA synthesis enzymes (Aldh1a1-3) at the time of sex determination did not masculinize the ovary. A dominant-negative RAR transgene altered granulosa cell proliferation, likely due to interference with a non-RA signaling pathway, but did not prevent granulosa cell specification and oogenesis or abolish fertility. Finally, culture of fetal XX gonads with an RAR antagonist blocked germ cell meiotic initiation but did not disrupt sex-biased gene expression. We conclude that RA signaling, although crucial in the ovary for meiotic initiation, is not required for granulosa cell specification, differentiation, or reproductive function.
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25
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Guo M, Zhang C, Wang Y, Feng L, Wang Z, Niu W, Du X, Tang W, Li Y, Wang C, Chen Z. Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 Mediates Progesterone-Induced Suppression of Oocyte Meiotic Prophase I and Primordial Folliculogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36869. [PMID: 27848973 PMCID: PMC5111101 DOI: 10.1038/srep36869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-timed progression of primordial folliculogenesis is essential for mammalian female fertility. Progesterone (P4) inhibits primordial follicle formation under physiological conditions; however, P4 receptor that mediates this effect and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we used an in vitro organ culture system to show that progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) mediated P4-induced inhibition of oocyte meiotic prophase I and primordial follicle formation. We found that membrane-impermeable BSA-conjugated P4 inhibited primordial follicle formation similar to that by P4. Interestingly, PGRMC1 and its partner serpine1 mRNA-binding protein 1 were highly expressed in oocytes in perinatal ovaries. Inhibition or RNA interference of PGRMC1 abolished the suppressive effect of P4 on follicle formation. Furthermore, P4-PGRMC1 interaction blocked oocyte meiotic progression and decreased intra-oocyte cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in perinatal ovaries. cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP reversed P4–PGRMC1 interaction-induced inhibition of meiotic progression and follicle formation. Thus, our results indicated that PGRMC1 mediated P4-induced suppression of oocyte meiotic progression and primordial folliculogenesis by decreasing intra-oocyte cAMP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Lizhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Development Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
| | - Wanbo Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Du
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Wang Tang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Yuna Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Zhenwen Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, Peoples' Republic of China
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26
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Stage-Specific Demethylation in Primordial Germ Cells Safeguards against Precocious Differentiation. Dev Cell 2016; 39:75-86. [PMID: 27618282 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Remodeling DNA methylation in mammalian genomes can be global, as seen in preimplantation embryos and primordial germ cells (PGCs), or locus specific, which can regulate neighboring gene expression. In PGCs, global and locus-specific DNA demethylation occur in sequential stages, with an initial global decrease in methylated cytosines (stage I) followed by a Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase (Tet)-dependent decrease in methylated cytosines that act at imprinting control regions (ICRs) and meiotic genes (stage II). The purpose of the two-stage mechanism is unclear. Here we show that Dnmt1 preserves DNA methylation through stage I at ICRs and meiotic gene promoters and is required for the pericentromeric enrichment of 5hmC. We discovered that the functional consequence of abrogating two-stage DNA demethylation in PGCs was precocious germline differentiation leading to hypogonadism and infertility. Therefore, bypassing stage-specific DNA demethylation has significant consequences for progenitor germ cell differentiation and the ability to transmit DNA from parent to offspring.
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27
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Sabath N, Itescu Y, Feldman A, Meiri S, Mayrose I, Valenzuela N. Sex determination, longevity, and the birth and death of reptilian species. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:5207-20. [PMID: 27551377 PMCID: PMC4984498 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate sex-determining mechanisms (SDMs) are triggered by the genotype (GSD), by temperature (TSD), or occasionally, by both. The causes and consequences of SDM diversity remain enigmatic. Theory predicts SDM effects on species diversification, and life-span effects on SDM evolutionary turnover. Yet, evidence is conflicting in clades with labile SDMs, such as reptiles. Here, we investigate whether SDM is associated with diversification in turtles and lizards, and whether alterative factors, such as lifespan's effect on transition rates, could explain the relative prevalence of SDMs in turtles and lizards (including and excluding snakes). We assembled a comprehensive dataset of SDM states for squamates and turtles and leveraged large phylogenies for these two groups. We found no evidence that SDMs affect turtle, squamate, or lizard diversification. However, SDM transition rates differ between groups. In lizards TSD-to-GSD surpass GSD-to-TSD transitions, explaining the predominance of GSD lizards in nature. SDM transitions are fewer in turtles and the rates are similar to each other (TSD-to-GSD equals GSD-to-TSD), which, coupled with TSD ancestry, could explain TSD's predominance in turtles. These contrasting patterns can be explained by differences in life history. Namely, our data support the notion that in general, shorter lizard lifespan renders TSD detrimental favoring GSD evolution in squamates, whereas turtle longevity permits TSD retention. Thus, based on the macro-evolutionary evidence we uncovered, we hypothesize that turtles and lizards followed different evolutionary trajectories with respect to SDM, likely mediated by differences in lifespan. Combined, our findings revealed a complex evolutionary interplay between SDMs and life histories that warrants further research that should make use of expanded datasets on unexamined taxa to enable more conclusive analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niv Sabath
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Yuval Itescu
- Department of Zoology Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Anat Feldman
- Department of Zoology Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Shai Meiri
- Department of Zoology Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Itay Mayrose
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Iowa State University Ames Iowa 50011
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28
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ALDH1A1 provides a source of meiosis-inducing retinoic acid in mouse fetal ovaries. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10845. [PMID: 26892828 PMCID: PMC4762892 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence exists that during fetal ovarian development in mammals, retinoic acid (RA) induces germ cells to express the pre-meiotic marker Stra8 and enter meiosis, and that these effects are prevented in the fetal testis by the RA-degrading P450 enzyme CYP26B1. Nonetheless, the role of RA has been disputed principally because germ cells in embryos lacking two major RA-synthesizing enzymes, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, remain able to enter meiosis. Here we show that a third RA-synthesizing enzyme, ALDH1A1, is expressed in fetal ovaries, providing a likely source of RA in the absence of ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3. In ovaries lacking ALDH1A1, the onset of germ cell meiosis is delayed. Our data resolve the conundrum posed by conflicting published data sets and reconfirm the model that meiosis is triggered by endogenous RA in the developing ovary.
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29
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Abstract
Germ cells are the precursors of the sperm and oocytes and hence are critical for survival of the species. In mammals, they are specified during fetal life, migrate to the developing gonads and then undergo a critical period during which they are instructed, by the soma, to adopt the appropriate sexual fate. In a fetal ovary, germ cells enter meiosis and commit to oogenesis, whereas in a fetal testis, they avoid entry into meiosis and instead undergo mitotic arrest and mature toward spermatogenesis. Here, we discuss what we know so far about the regulation of sex-specific differentiation of germ cells, considering extrinsic molecular cues produced by somatic cells, as well as critical intrinsic changes within the germ cells. This review focuses almost exclusively on our understanding of these events in the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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30
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Mu X, Liao X, Chen X, Li Y, Wang M, Shen C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Liu X, He J. DEHP exposure impairs mouse oocyte cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly through estrogen receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 298:232-240. [PMID: 26073378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen plays an essential role in the development of mammalian oocytes, and recent studies suggest that it also regulates primordial follicle assembly in the neonatal ovaries. During the last decade, potential exposure of humans and animals to estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals has become a growing concern. In the present study, we focused on the effect of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a widespread plasticizer with estrogen-like activity, on germ-cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly in the early ovarian development of mouse. Neonatal mice injected with DEHP displayed impaired cyst breakdown. Using ovary organ cultures, we revealed that impairment was mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs), as ICI 182,780, an efficient antagonist of ER, reversed this DEHP-mediated effect. DEHP exposure reduced the expression of ERβ, progesterone receptor (PR), and Notch2 signaling components. Finally, DEHP reduced proliferation of pregranulosa precursor cells during the process of primordial folliculogenesis. Together, our results indicate that DEHP influences oocyte cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation through several mechanisms. Therefore, exposure to estrogen-like chemicals during fetal or neonatal development may adversely influence early ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Mu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xinggui Liao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yanli Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Meirong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Cha Shen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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31
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Rossitto M, Philibert P, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:84-93. [PMID: 26454096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
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32
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Suzuki H, Kanai-Azuma M, Kanai Y. From Sex Determination to Initial Folliculogenesis in Mammalian Ovaries: Morphogenetic Waves along the Anteroposterior and Dorsoventral Axes. Sex Dev 2015; 9:190-204. [DOI: 10.1159/000440689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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33
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Zhang C, Wu J. Retinoid acid: the trigger for the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the adult testis? Biol Reprod 2015; 92:115. [PMID: 25810475 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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34
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Aksoy H, Cinar L, Acmaz G, Aksoy U, Aydin T, Vurdem UE, Oz L, Idem Karadag O, Kartal D. The Effect of Isotretinoin on Ovarian Reserve Based on Hormonal Parameters, Ovarian Volume, and Antral Follicle Count in Women with Acne. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2015; 79:78-82. [DOI: 10.1159/000371551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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35
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Wang Y, Teng Z, Li G, Mu X, Wang Z, Feng L, Niu W, Huang K, Xiang X, Wang C, Zhang H, Xia G. Cyclic AMP in oocytes controls meiotic prophase I and primordial folliculogenesis in the perinatal mouse ovary. Development 2014; 142:343-51. [PMID: 25503411 DOI: 10.1242/dev.112755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian ovaries, a fixed population of primordial follicles forms during the perinatal stage and the oocytes contained within are arrested at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I. In the current study, we provide evidence that the level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in oocytes regulates oocyte meiotic prophase I and primordial folliculogenesis in the perinatal mouse ovary. Our results show that the early meiotic development of oocytes is closely correlated with increased levels of intra-oocyte cAMP. Inhibiting cAMP synthesis in fetal ovaries delayed oocyte meiotic progression and inhibited the disassembly and degradation of synaptonemal complex protein 1. In addition, inhibiting cAMP synthesis in in vitro cultured fetal ovaries prevented primordial follicle formation. Finally, using an in situ oocyte chromosome analysis approach, we found that the dictyate arrest of oocytes is essential for primordial follicle formation under physiological conditions. Taken together, these results suggest a role for cAMP in early meiotic development and primordial follicle formation in the mouse ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhen Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ge Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lizhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanbao Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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36
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Feng CW, Bowles J, Koopman P. Control of mammalian germ cell entry into meiosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:488-497. [PMID: 24076097 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells are unique in undergoing meiosis to generate oocytes and sperm. In mammals, meiosis onset is before birth in females, or at puberty in males, and recent studies have uncovered several regulatory steps involved in initiating meiosis in each sex. Evidence suggests that retinoic acid (RA) induces expression of the critical pre-meiosis gene Stra8 in germ cells of the fetal ovary, pubertal testis and adult testis. In the fetal testis, CYP26B1 degrades RA, while FGF9 further antagonises RA signalling to suppress meiosis. Failsafe mechanisms involving Nanos2 may further suppress meiosis in the fetal testis. Here, we draw together the growing knowledge relating to these meiotic control mechanisms, and present evidence that they are co-ordinately regulated and that additional factors remain to be identified. Understanding this regulatory network will illuminate not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but also how mis-regulation of these steps can result in infertility or germline tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Feng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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37
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Rodríguez-Marí A, Cañestro C, BreMiller RA, Catchen JM, Yan YL, Postlethwait JH. Retinoic acid metabolic genes, meiosis, and gonadal sex differentiation in zebrafish. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73951. [PMID: 24040125 PMCID: PMC3769385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To help understand the elusive mechanisms of zebrafish sex determination, we studied the genetic machinery regulating production and breakdown of retinoic acid (RA) during the onset of meiosis in gonadogenesis. Results uncovered unexpected mechanistic differences between zebrafish and mammals. Conserved synteny and expression analyses revealed that cyp26a1 in zebrafish and its paralog Cyp26b1 in tetrapods independently became the primary genes encoding enzymes available for gonadal RA-degradation, showing lineage-specific subfunctionalization of vertebrate genome duplication (VGD) paralogs. Experiments showed that zebrafish express aldh1a2, which encodes an RA-synthesizing enzyme, in the gonad rather than in the mesonephros as in mouse. Germ cells in bipotential gonads of all zebrafish analyzed were labeled by the early meiotic marker sycp3, suggesting that in zebrafish, the onset of meiosis is not sexually dimorphic as it is in mouse and is independent of Stra8, which is required in mouse but was lost in teleosts. Analysis of dead-end knockdown zebrafish depleted of germ cells revealed the germ cell-independent onset and maintenance of gonadal aldh1a2 and cyp26a1 expression. After meiosis initiated, somatic cell expression of cyp26a1 became sexually dimorphic: up-regulated in testes but not ovaries. Meiotic germ cells expressing the synaptonemal complex gene sycp3 occupied islands of somatic cells that lacked cyp26a1 expression, as predicted by the hypothesis that Cyp26a1 acts as a meiosis-inhibiting factor. Consistent with this hypothesis, females up-regulated cyp26a1 in oocytes that entered prophase-I meiotic arrest, and down-regulated cyp26a1 in oocytes resuming meiosis. Co-expression of cyp26a1 and the pluripotent germ cell stem cell marker pou5f1(oct4) in meiotically arrested oocytes was consistent with roles in mouse to promote germ cell survival and to prevent apoptosis, mechanisms that are central for tipping the sexual fate of gonads towards the female pathway in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Rodríguez-Marí
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
- Departament de Genètica, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Cañestro
- Departament de Genètica, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (JHP); (CC)
| | - Ruth A. BreMiller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Julian M. Catchen
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Yi-Lin Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - John H. Postlethwait
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JHP); (CC)
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