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Grim-19 plays a key role in mitochondrial steroidogenic acute regulatory protein stability and ligand-binding properties in Leydig cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102671. [PMID: 36334625 PMCID: PMC9768377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Grim-19 (gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality 19), the essential component of complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain, functions as a noncanonical tumor suppressor by controlling apoptosis and energy metabolism. However, additional biological actions of Grim-19 have been recently suggested in male reproduction. We investigated here the expression and functional role of Grim-19 in murine testis. Testicular Grim-19 expression was detected from mouse puberty and increased progressively thereafter, and GRIM-19 protein was observed to be expressed exclusively in interstitial Leydig cells (LCs), with a prominent mitochondrial localization. In vivo lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of Grim-19 resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone production and triggered aberrant oxidative stress in testis, thus impairing male fertility by inducing germ cell apoptosis and oligozoospermia. The control of testicular steroidogenesis by GRIM-19 was validated using the in vivo knockdown model with isolated primary LCs and in vitro experiments with MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Mechanistically, we suggest that the negative regulation exerted by GRIM-19 deficiency-induced oxidative stress on steroidogenesis may be the result of two phenomena: a direct effect through inhibition of phosphorylation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and subsequent impediment to StAR localization in mitochondria and an indirect pathway that is to facilitate the inhibiting role exerted by the extracellular matrix on the steroidogenic capacity of LCs via promotion of integrin activation. Altogether, our observations suggest that Grim-19 plays a potent role in testicular steroidogenesis and that its alterations may contribute to testosterone deficiency-related disorders linked to metabolic stress and male infertility.
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Bakhtyukov AA, Derkach KV, Dar’in DV, Sorokoumov VN, Shpakov AO. Differential Stimulation of Testicular Steroidogenesis by Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093020050075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Walker C, Ghazisaeidi S, Collet B, Boisvert A, Culty M. In utero exposure to low doses of genistein and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters innate immune cells in neonatal and adult rat testes. Andrology 2020; 8:943-964. [PMID: 32533902 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although humans are exposed to mixtures of endocrine disruptor chemicals, few studies have examined their toxicity on male reproduction. We previously found that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered gene expression in adult rat testes. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to investigate the effects of fetal exposure to GEN-DEHP mixtures at two doses relevant to humans on testicular function and transcriptome in neonatal and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant SD rats were gavaged with vehicle, GEN or DEHP, alone or mixed at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 14 to birth. Fertility, steroid levels, and testis morphology were examined in neonatal and adult rats. Testicular transcriptomes were examined by gene array and functional pathway analyses. Cell-specific genes/proteins were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GEN-DEHP mixtures increased the rates of infertility and abnormal testes in adult rats. Gene array analysis identified more genes exclusively altered by the mixtures than individual compounds. Altered top canonical pathways included urogenital/reproductive developmental and inflammatory processes. GEN-DEHP mixtures increased innate immune cells and macrophages markers at both doses and ages, more strongly and consistently than DEHP or GEN alone. Genes exclusively increased by the mixture in adult testis related to innate immune cells and macrophages included Kitlg, Rps6ka3 (Rsk2), Nr3c1, Nqo1, Lif, Fyn, Ptprj (Dep-1), Gpr116, Pfn2, and Ptgr1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that GEN-DEHP mixtures at doses relevant to human induce adverse testicular phenotypes, concurrent with age-dependent and non-monotonic changes in testicular transcriptomes. The involvement of innate immune cells such as macrophages suggests immediate and delayed inflammatory responses which may contribute to testicular dysfunction. Moreover, these effects are complex and likely involve multiple interactions between immune and non-immune testicular cell types that will entail further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casandra Walker
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ghazisaeidi
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Berenice Collet
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Mansouri S, Jalali M, Nikravesh MR, Soukhtanloo M. Alteration of collagen type IV and laminin α5 expression in seminiferous tubules of BALB/c mice following methamphetamine exposure. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1649285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Somaieh Mansouri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Ferrer C, Martínez-Hernández J, Madrid JF, Sáez FJ, Canteras M, Pastor LM. Changes in Testicular Interstitial Connective Tissue of Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) During Ageing and After Exposure to Short Photoperiod. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:47-53. [PMID: 26602183 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The testicular interstitium of Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was studied during ageing and in testicular regression after exposure to a short photoperiod, in relation to the interstitial cells and their connective tissue. This tissue was assessed histochemically using Masson's trichrome technique and the expression of Heat Shock Protein 47 (HSP-47) and collagen IV (α5) was assessed in Leydig cells. Finally, an ultrastructural analysis of some cells of the testicular interstitium was made. Leydig cells were positive for HSP-47 and collagen IV (α5). Ageing did not change the parameters studied while the short photoperiod altered the synthetic activity of Leydig cells. The positivity index of these cells for HSP-47 was significantly higher in the regressed testis, but was lower for collagen IV (α5). During ageing no change were observed. Ultrastructural Leydig cells showed a discontinuous basal lamina that did not change during ageing. The basal lamina was not identified in Leydig cells regressed by exposure to a short photoperiod. In conclusion; the intertubular connective tissue suffers little change with age. By contrast, in the testis regressed after exposure to a short photoperiod the studied parameters related to the intertubular connective tissue were altered. These changes are probably related with the low synthetic activity of regressed Leydig cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - V Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J F Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - F J Sáez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology UFI11/44, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - M Canteras
- Department of Statistic, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L M Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB-Arrixaca, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Abnormal Accumulation of Collagen Type I Due to the Loss of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (Ddr2) Promotes Testicular Interstitial Dysfunction. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131947. [PMID: 26158267 PMCID: PMC4497730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Loss of functional allele for discoidin domain receptor 2 (Ddr2) results in impaired Leydig cell response to luteinizing hormone (LH), low testosterone production and arrested spermatogenesis in older male Ddr2slie/slie mice. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for this phenotype remains unknown. Herein, we reported for the first time that the deregulated expression of Ddr2 cognate ligand, namely collagen type I (COL1), may account for the disruption of the testicular steroidogenesis in Ddr2slie/slie mutant testes. Methodology/Principal Findings Expression of Ddr2 increased gradually along postnatal development, whereas COL1 expression became negligible from adulthood onwards. In Ddr2slie/slie mutant testis, however, in contrast to the undetectable staining of Ddr2, COL1 expression was constantly detected, with the highest values detected during adulthood. In the experimental vasectomy model, Ddr2slie/slie mutant mice exhibited an early androgen deficiency than wild-type mice, along with the accumulation of fibrotic tissue in the interstitium. Functionally, ablation of endogenous Ddr2 resulted in a significant decrease of testosterone (T) level in TM3 cells in the presence of higher concentration of COL1 treatment. Conversely, overexpression of Ddr2 could help TM3 cells to maintain a normal testicular steroidogenesis even in the presence of high concentration of COL1. Additionally, attenuated expression of Ddr2 correlates to the deregulated level of serum T levels in human pathological testes. Conclusions Abnormal accumulation of interstitial COL1 may be responsible for the steroidogenic dysfunction in Ddr2slie/slie mutant testes.
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Veldhuis JD, Liu PY, Keenan DM, Takahashi PY. Older men exhibit reduced efficacy of and heightened potency downregulation by intravenous pulses of recombinant human LH: a study in 92 healthy men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 302:E117-22. [PMID: 21971523 PMCID: PMC3328086 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00450.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Direct sampling of the human spermatic veins has disclosed concomitant LH and testosterone (T) pulses, suggesting pulsatile LH concentration-dependent stimulation of T secretion. However, studies to date have examined this hypothesis using only pharmacological stimulation with hCG. The present study tests the hypothesis that age is marked by decreased T secretory responses to repeated near-physiological iv pulses of recombinant human LH administered in a Clinical Translational Science Center. Participants included 92 healthy men aged 18-75 yr with BMI 18-34 kg/m(2). The contribution of endogenous LH pulses was minimized by combined injection of a selective GnRH receptor antagonist sc and successive pulses of biosynthetic LH iv. A new analytical dose response model was applied to estimate the properties of exogenous LH's drive of T secretion. Regression of LH-T dose response potency estimates on age showed that the efficacy of pulses of biosynthetic LH progressively decreased with age (P = 0.014, r = 0.26). Testis sensitivity to exogenous LH pulses also declined with age (P = 0.011, r = 0.27). Moreover, estimated Leydig cell downregulation by LH pulses rose significantly with age (P = 0.039, r = 0.22). These outcomes were selective, since the recovery potency of infused LH was not affected by age but was reduced by increasing BMI (P = 0.011, r = 0.27). Assuming stable bioactivity of infused recombinant human LH, these novel data indicate that factors associated with age and BMI attenuate LH efficacy and testis sensitivity and augment Leydig cell downregulation in healthy men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes D Veldhuis
- Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Tapia S, Rojas M, Morales P, Ramirez MA, Diaz ES. The Laminin-Induced Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm Is Mediated by Src Kinases and the Proteasome1. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:357-66. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Yao B, Liu HY, Gu YC, Shi SS, Tao XQ, Li XJ, Ge YF, Cui YX, Yang GB. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone positively regulates steroidogenesis via extracellular signal-regulated kinase in rat Leydig cells. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:438-45. [PMID: 21441942 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted from neurons within the hypothalamus and is necessary for reproductive function in all vertebrates. GnRH is also found in organs outside of the brain and plays an important role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis in the testis. However, the signalling pathways mediating this function remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are involved in GnRH agonist (GnRHa)-induced testis steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells. Primary cultures of rat Leydig cells were established. The expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and the production of testosterone in response to GnRHa were examined at different doses and for different durations by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and radioimmunoassay (RIA). The effects of GnRHa on ERK1/2, JNK and p38 kinase activation were also investigated in the presence or absence of the MAPK inhibitor PD-98059 by Western blot analysis. GnRHa induced testosterone production and upregulated 3β-HSD expression at both the mRNA and protein levels; it also activated ERK1/2, but not JNK and p38 kinase. Although the maximum effects of GnRHa were observed at a concentration of 100 nmnol L⁻¹ after 24 h, activation of ERK1/2 by GnRHa reached peak at 5 min and it returned to the basal level within 60 min. PD-98059 completely blocked the activation of ERK1/2, the upregulation of 3β-HSD and testosterone production. Our data show that GnRH positively regulates steroidogenesis via ERK signalling in rat Leydig cells. ERK1/2 activation by GnRH may be responsible for the induction of 3β-HSD gene expression and enzyme production, which may ultimately modulate steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Nanjing Jingling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
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Moore BC, Hamlin HJ, Botteri NL, Lawler AN, Mathavan KK, Guillette LJ. Posthatching development of Alligator mississippiensis ovary and testis. J Morphol 2010; 271:580-95. [PMID: 20013789 PMCID: PMC2851832 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We investigated ovary and testis development of Alligator mississippiensis during the first 5 months posthatch. To better describe follicle assembly and seminiferous cord development, we used histochemical techniques to detect carbohydrate-rich extracellular matrix components in 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 5-month-old gonads. We found profound morphological changes in both ovary and testis. During this time, oogenesis progressed up to diplotene arrest and meiotic germ cells increasingly interacted with follicular cells. Concomitant with follicles becoming invested with full complements of granulosa cells, a periodic acid Schiff's (PAS)-positive basement membrane formed. As follicles enlarged and thecal layers were observed, basement membranes and thecal compartments gained periodic acid-methionine silver (PAMS)-reactive fibers. The ovarian medulla increased first PAS- and then PAMS reactivity as it fragmented into wide lacunae lined with low cuboidal to squamous epithelia. During this same period, testicular germ cells found along the tubule margins were observed progressing from spermatogonia to round spermatids located within the center of tubules. Accompanying this meiotic development, interstitial Leydig cell clusters become more visible and testicular capsules thickened. During the observed testis development, the thickening tunica albuginea and widening interstitial tissues showed increasing PAS- and PAMS reactivity. We observed putative intersex structures in both ovary and testis. On the coelomic aspect of testes were cell clusters with germ cell morphology and at the posterior end of ovaries, we observed "medullary rests" resembling immature testis cords. We hypothesize laboratory conditions accelerated gonad maturation due to optimum conditions, including nutrients and temperature. Laboratory alligators grew more rapidly and with increased body conditions compared with previous measured, field-caught animals. Additionally, we predict the morphological maturation observed in these gonads is concomitant with increased endocrine activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Moore
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8525, USA.
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Thuillier R, Manku G, Wang Y, Culty M. Changes in MAPK pathway in neonatal and adult testis following fetal estrogen exposure and effects on rat testicular cells. Microsc Res Tech 2009; 72:773-86. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Le Magueresse-Battistoni B. Proteases and their cognate inhibitors of the serine and metalloprotease subclasses, in testicular physiology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009; 636:133-53. [PMID: 19856166 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09597-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mazaud Guittot S, Vérot A, Odet F, Chauvin MA, le Magueresse-Battistoni B. A comprehensive survey of the laminins and collagens type IV expressed in mouse Leydig cells and their regulation by LH/hCG. Reproduction 2008; 135:479-88. [PMID: 18367508 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been shown to alter Leydig cell steroidogenesis in vitro, substantiating the hypothesis that Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and matrix environment are interdependent events. However, the nature of the ECM components synthesized by Leydig cells and their regulation by LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) remain unknown. Here, we examine the occurrence of the 11 laminin subunits and the 6 alpha chains of collagen IV (COL4A1-6) by RT-PCR in Leydig cells cultured with or without LH/hCG. Leydig cells were a tumor Leydig cell line (mLTC-1) or 8-week-old mice Leydig cells. Based on PCR data, it is suggested that normal Leydig cells may synthesize a maximum of 11 laminin heterotrimers and the 6 alpha chains of collagen IV. They also may synthesize various proteases and inhibitors of the metzincin family. The mLTC-1 cells have a limited repertoire as compared with normal Leydig cells. Interestingly, none of the ten proteases and inhibitors monitored is under LH-hCG regulation whereas every protease and inhibitor of the serine protease family yet identified in Leydig cells is under gonadotropin regulation. In addition, a few laminin and collagen subunit genes are regulated by LH/hCG. These are laminins alpha3 and gamma3 (Lama3 and Lamc3), Col4a3, and Col4a6, which are negatively regulated by LH/hCG in both Leydig cell types, and Col4a4, which was downregulated in primary cultures but not in mLTC-1 cells. Collectively, the present study suggests that Leydig cells modulate in a selective fashion their matrix environment in response to their trophic hormone. This may alter the steroidogenic outcome of Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Mazaud Guittot
- Inserm U418, UCBL1, UMR INRA 1245, Hopital Debrousse, 29 rue soeur Bouvier, 69322 Lyon Cedex 05, France.
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Le Magueresse-Battistoni B. Serine proteases and serine protease inhibitors in testicular physiology: the plasminogen activation system. Reproduction 2007; 134:721-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The testis is an organ in which a series of radical remodeling events occurs during development and in adult life. These events likely rely on a sophisticated network of proteases and complementary inhibitors, including the plasminogen activation system. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the testicular occurrence and expression pattern of members of the plasminogen activation system. The various predicted functions for these molecules in the establishment and maintenance of the testicular architecture and in the process of spermatogenesis are presented.
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Odet F, Verot A, Le Magueresse-Battistoni B. The mouse testis is the source of various serine proteases and serine proteinase inhibitors (SERPINs): Serine proteases and SERPINs identified in Leydig cells are under gonadotropin regulation. Endocrinology 2006; 147:4374-83. [PMID: 16740973 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of various serine proteinases and serine proteinases inhibitors (SERPINs) was investigated by RT-PCR in whole testes of 1-, 3-, and 8-wk-old mice in crude and enriched germ cell fractions, mouse Leydig tumor cells (mLTC-1), and primary cultures of 3- and 8-wk-old enriched fractions of Leydig cells and 3-wk-old Sertoli cells. New members were identified in the testis protease repertoire. Within the Leydig repertoire, a PCR product was found for plasminogen activators urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue plasminogen activator (8-wk-old cells), matriptase-2 (mLTC-1), kallikrein-21, SERPINA5, SERPINB2 (primary cultures), and serine peptidase inhibitor Kunitz type 2 (SPINT2). The gonadotropin regulation was explored by semiquantitative RT-PCR, using steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) as a positive control. Matriptase-2, kallikrein-21, SPINT2, and SERPINA5 were down-regulated, whereas uPA and its receptor were up-regulated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) via cAMP in the mLTC-1 cells. Positive effects were observed transiently after 1-8 h of hCG exposure, and negative effects, first evidenced after 6 h, lasted 48 h. The hCG-induced effects were confirmed in primary cultures. In addition, SERPINB2 was augmented by hCG in primary cultures. Addition of either trypsin or protease inhibitors did not alter the hCG-induced surge of StAR. Because hCG regulated proteases and SERPINs (whereas testosterone did not), it could alter the proteolytic balance of Leydig cells and consequently the metabolism of extracellular matrix components. Therefore, even though a direct interplay between the early hCG-induced surge of uPA and StAR is unlikely, our data together with the literature suggest that extracellular matrix proteins alter Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Odet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 418, Université Lyon 1, Hopital Debrousse, 69322 Lyon cedex 05, France
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Theas MS, Rival C, Dietrich SJ, Guazzone VA, Lustig L. Death receptor and mitochondrial pathways are involved in germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of autoimmune orchitis. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:1734-42. [PMID: 16585127 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) have helped to elucidate immunological mechanisms involved in testicular damage. We previously demonstrated that EAO is characterized by lymphomononuclear cell infiltrates and apoptosis of spermatocytes and spermatids expressing Fas and TNFR1. The aim of this work was to characterize the pathways involved in germ cell apoptosis in EAO and to determine the involvement of the Bcl-2 protein family in this process. METHODS AND RESULTS EAO was induced in rats by immunization with testicular homogenate (TH) and adjuvants, whereas control (C) rats were injected with saline solution and adjuvants. Testis of EAO rats showed procaspase 8 cleavage products (western blot) with high caspase 8 activity. Cytochrome c content increased in the cytosol and decreased in the mitochondrial fraction of testis from EAO rats compared with C, concomitant with increased caspase 9 activity. Bax was mainly expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids and Bcl-2 in basal germ cells (immunohistochemistry). Baxbeta isoform content increased in EAO rat testis compared with C, whereas content of Baxalpha remained unchanged (western blot). However, Baxalpha content decreased in the cytosol and increased in the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-enriched fractions of testis from EAO rats compared with C (western blot). Bcl-2 content also increased in the testes of EAO rats. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that extrinsic, mitochondrial and possibly ER pathways are inducers of germ cell apoptosis in EAO and that Bax and Bcl-2 proteins modulate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Theas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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