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Chen J, Zhu H, Chen Y, Pan S, Liang H, Song X, Wu Q, Yuan W, Miao M, Wang Z. The Role of Placental DNA Methylation at Reproduction-Related Genes in Associations between Prenatal Bisphenol Analogues Exposure and the Digit Ratio in Children at Age 4: A Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11320-11330. [PMID: 38898774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Placental DNA methylation (DNAm) may be a potential mechanism underlying the effects of prenatal bisphenol analogues (BPs) exposure on reproductive health. Based on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study (S-MBCS), this study investigated associations of placental DNAm at reproduction-related genes with prenatal BPs exposure and children's digit ratios at age 4 using multiple linear regression models, and mediation analysis was further used to examine the mediating role of placental DNAm in the associations between prenatal BPs exposure and digit ratios among 345 mother-child pairs. Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) was associated with hypermethylation at Protocadherin 8 (PCDH8), RBMX Like 2 (RBMXL2), and Sperm Acrosome Associated 1 (SPACA1), while bisphenol F (BPF) exposure was associated with higher methylation levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 13 (FGF13). Consistent patterns were found in associations between higher DNAm at the 4 genes and increased digit ratios. Further mediation analysis showed that about 15% of the effect of BPF exposure on increased digit ratios was mediated by placental FGF13 methylation. In conclusion, the altered placental DNAm status might be a mediator underlying the feminizing effect of prenatal BPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxian Chen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haijun Zhu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yafei Chen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuqin Pan
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hong Liang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiuxia Song
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qihan Wu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
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Gregoire EP, De Cian MC, Migale R, Perea-Gomez A, Schaub S, Bellido-Carreras N, Stévant I, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Loubat A, Rivaud P, Sopena ML, Lachambre S, Linssen MM, Hohenstein P, Lovell-Badge R, Nef S, Chalmel F, Schedl A, Chaboissier MC. The -KTS splice variant of WT1 is essential for ovarian determination in mice. Science 2023; 382:600-606. [PMID: 37917714 PMCID: PMC7615308 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals depends on the differentiation of the supporting lineage of the gonads into Sertoli or pregranulosa cells that govern testis and ovary development, respectively. Although the Y-linked testis-determining gene Sry has been identified, the ovarian-determining factor remains unknown. In this study, we identified -KTS, a major, alternatively spliced isoform of the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1, as a key determinant of female sex determination. Loss of -KTS variants blocked gonadal differentiation in mice, whereas increased expression, as found in Frasier syndrome, induced precocious differentiation of ovaries independently of their genetic sex. In XY embryos, this antagonized Sry expression, resulting in male-to-female sex reversal. Our results identify -KTS as an ovarian-determining factor and demonstrate that its time of activation is critical in gonadal sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie P Gregoire
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Cécile De Cian
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Roberta Migale
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Sébastien Schaub
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Development Biology Laboratory (LBDV), 06234 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | | | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Agnès Loubat
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Paul Rivaud
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | | | - Simon Lachambre
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Margot M. Linssen
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
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Zhao L, Thomson E, Ng ET, Longmuss E, Svingen T, Bagheri-Fam S, Quinn A, Harley VR, Harrison LC, Pelosi E, Koopman P. Functional Analysis of Mmd2 and Related PAQR Genes During Sex Determination in Mice. Sex Dev 2023; 16:270-282. [PMID: 35306493 DOI: 10.1159/000522668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sex determination in eutherian mammals is controlled by the Y-linked gene Sry, which drives the formation of testes in male embryos. Despite extensive study, the genetic steps linking Sry action and male sex determination remain largely unknown. Here, we focused on Mmd2, a gene that encodes a member of the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family. Mmd2 is expressed during the sex-determining period in XY but not XX gonads, suggesting a specific role in testis development. METHODS We used CRISPR to generate mouse strains deficient in Mmd2 and its 2 closely related PAQR family members, Mmd and Paqr8, which are also expressed during testis development. Following characterization of Mmd2 expression in the developing testis, we studied sex determination in embryos from single knockout as well as Mmd2;Mmd and Mmd2;Paqr8 double knockout lines using quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Analysis of knockout mice deficient in Sox9 and Nr5a1 revealed that Mmd2 operates downstream of these known sex-determining genes. However, fetal testis development progressed normally in Mmd2-null embryos. To determine if other genes might have compensated for the loss of Mmd2, we analyzed Paqr8 and Mmd-null embryos and confirmed that in both knockout lines, sex determination occurred normally. Finally, we generated Mmd2;Mmd and Mmd2;Paqr8 double-null embryos and again observed normal testis development. DISCUSSION These results may reflect functional redundancy among PAQR factors, or their dispensability in gonadal development. Our findings highlight the difficulties involved in identifying genes with a functional role in sex determination and gonadal development through expression screening and loss-of-function analyses of individual candidate genes and may help to explain the paucity of genes in which variations have been found to cause human disorders/differences of sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ella Thomson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ee T Ng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Enya Longmuss
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Quinn
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonard C Harrison
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Rhen T, Even Z, Brenner A, Lodewyk A, Das D, Singh S, Simmons R. Evolutionary Turnover in Wnt Gene Expression but Conservation of Wnt Signaling during Ovary Determination in a TSD Reptile. Sex Dev 2021; 15:47-68. [PMID: 34280932 DOI: 10.1159/000516973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is a well-known characteristic of many reptilian species. However, the molecular processes linking ambient temperature to determination of gonad fate remain hazy. Here, we test the hypothesis that Wnt expression and signaling differ between female- and male-producing temperatures in the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina. Canonical Wnt signaling involves secretion of glycoproteins called WNTs, which bind to and activate membrane bound receptors that trigger β-catenin stabilization and translocation to the nucleus where β-catenin interacts with TCF/LEF transcription factors to regulate expression of Wnt targets. Non-canonical Wnt signaling occurs via 2 pathways that are independent of β-catenin: one involves intracellular calcium release (the Wnt/Ca2+ pathway), while the other involves activation of RAC1, JNK, and RHOA (the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway). We screened 20 Wnt genes for differential expression between female- and male-producing temperatures during sex determination in the snapping turtle. Exposure of embryos to the female-producing temperature decreased expression of 7 Wnt genes but increased expression of 2 Wnt genes and Rspo1 relative to embryos at the male-producing temperature. Temperature also regulated expression of putative Wnt target genes in vivo and a canonical Wnt reporter (6x TCF/LEF sites drive H2B-GFP expression) in embryonic gonadal cells in vitro. Results indicate that Wnt signaling was higher at the female- than at the male-producing temperature. Evolutionary analyses of all 20 Wnt genes revealed that thermosensitive Wnts, as opposed to insensitive Wnts, were less likely to show evidence of positive selection and experienced stronger purifying selection within TSD species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turk Rhen
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Zachary Even
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alaina Brenner
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alexandra Lodewyk
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Debojyoti Das
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Sunil Singh
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Rebecca Simmons
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
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5
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Deal KK, Rosebrock JC, Eeds AM, DeKeyser JML, Musser MA, Ireland SJ, May-Zhang AA, Buehler DP, Southard-Smith EM. Sox10-cre BAC transgenes reveal temporal restriction of mesenchymal cranial neural crest and identify glandular Sox10 expression. Dev Biol 2020; 471:119-137. [PMID: 33316258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diversity of neural crest derivatives has been studied with a variety of approaches during embryonic development. In mammals Cre-LoxP lineage tracing is a robust means to fate map neural crest relying on cre driven from regulatory elements of early neural crest genes. Sox10 is an essential transcription factor for normal neural crest development. A variety of efforts have been made to label neural crest derivatives using partial Sox10 regulatory elements to drive cre expression. To date published Sox10-cre lines have focused primarily on lineage tracing in specific tissues or during early fetal development. We describe two new Sox10-cre BAC transgenes, constitutive (cre) and inducible (cre/ERT2), that contain the complete repertoire of Sox10 regulatory elements. We present a thorough expression profile of each, identifying a few novel sites of Sox10 expression not captured by other neural crest cre drivers. Comparative mapping of expression patterns between the Sox10-cre and Sox10-cre/ERT2 transgenes identified a narrow temporal window in which Sox10 expression is present in mesenchymal derivatives prior to becoming restricted to neural elements during embryogenesis. In more caudal structures, such as the intestine and lower urinary tract, our Sox10-cre BAC transgene appears to be more efficient in labeling neural crest-derived cell types than Wnt1-cre. The analysis reveals consistent expression of Sox10 in non-neural crest derived glandular epithelium, including salivary, mammary, and urethral glands of adult mice. These Sox10-cre and Sox10-cre/ERT2 transgenic lines are verified tools that will enable refined temporal and cell-type specific lineage analysis of neural crest derivatives as well as glandular tissues that rely on Sox10 for proper development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K Deal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer C Rosebrock
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angela M Eeds
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jean-Marc L DeKeyser
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Present address: Northwestern University, Dept. of Pharmacology, USA
| | - Melissa A Musser
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Present address: Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Ireland
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aaron A May-Zhang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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6
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Li H, Wang B, Yang H, Wang Y, Xing L, Chen W, Wang J, Zheng N. Furosine Posed Toxic Effects on Primary Sertoli Cells through Regulating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153716. [PMID: 31366014 PMCID: PMC6696181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the Maillard reaction products, furosine has been widely reported in a variety of heat-processed foods, while the toxicity of furosine on the reproductive system and related mechanisms are unclear. Here, we constructed an intragastric gavage male mice model (42-day administration, 0.1/0.25/0.5 g furosine/Kg body weight per day) to investigate its effects on mice testicle index, hormones in serum, and mice sperm quality. Besides, the lipid metabonomics analysis was performed to screen out the special metabolites and relatively altered pathways in mice testicle tissue. Mice primary sertoli cells were separated from male mice testicle to validate the role of special metabolites in regulating pathways. We found that furosine affected testicle index, hormones expression level and sperm quality, as well as caused pathological damages in testicle tissue. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:0/16:1) was upregulated by furosine both in mice testicle tissue and in primary sertoli cells, meanwhile, PE(18:0/16:1) was proved to activate Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway, and as a functional protein in dairy products, lactoferrin could inhibit expression of this pathway when combined with furosine. In conclusion, for the first time we validated that furosine posed toxic effects on mice sperms and testicle tissue through upregulating PE(18:0/16:1) and activating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bingyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huaigu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Shanghai Applied Protein Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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7
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Carvalho CVD, Hermisdorff IDC, Souza IS, Junqueira GSB, Magalhães AFB, Fonseca LFS, de Albuquerque LG, Tonhati H, Carvalheiro R, de Camargo GMF, Costa RB. Influence of X-chromosome markers on reproductive traits of beef cattle. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Abstract
The process of sexual differentiation is central for reproduction of almost all metazoan and therefore for maintenance of practically all multicellular organisms. In sex development we can distinguish two different processes: First, sex determination is the developmental decision that directs the undifferentiated embryo into a sexually dimorphic individual. In mammals, sex determination equals gonadal development. The second process known as sex differentiation takes place once the sex determination decision has been made through factors produced by the gonads that determine the development of the phenotypic sex. Most of the knowledge on the factors involved in sexual development came from animal models and from studies of cases in whom the genetic or the gonadal sex does not match the phenotypical sex, i.e., patients affected by disorders of sex development (DSD). Generally speaking, factors influencing sex determination are transcriptional regulators, whereas factors important for sex differentiation are secreted hormones and their receptors. This review focuses on the factors involved in gonadal determination, and whenever possible, references on the "prismatic" clinical cases are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Biason-Lauber
- Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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9
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Molecular mechanism of male differentiation is conserved in the SRY-absent mammal, Tokudaia osimensis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32874. [PMID: 27611740 PMCID: PMC5017195 DOI: 10.1038/srep32874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex-determining gene SRY induces SOX9 expression in the testes of eutherian mammals via two pathways. SRY binds to testis-specific enhancer of Sox9 (TESCO) with SF1 to activate SOX9 transcription. SRY also up-regulates ER71 expression, and ER71 activates Sox9 transcription. After the initiation of testis differentiation, SOX9 enhances Amh expression by binding to its promoter with SF1. SOX8, SOX9 and SOX10, members of the SOXE gene family, also enhance the activities of the Amh promoter and TESCO. In this study, we investigated the regulation of these sexual differentiation genes in Tokudaia osimensis, which lacks a Y chromosome and the SRY gene. The activity of the AMH promoter was stimulated by SOXE genes and SF1. Mutant AMH promoters, with mutations in its SOX and SF1 binding sites, did not show significant activity by SOX9 and SF1. These results indicate that AMH expression was regulated by the binding of SOX9 and SF1. By contrast, SOXE genes could not enhance TESCO activity. These results indicate that TESCO enhancer activity was lost in this species. Furthermore, the activity of the SOX9 promoter was enhanced by ER71, indicating that ER71 may play an important role in the testis-specific expression of SOX9.
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10
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Heidargholizadeh S, Aydos SE, Yukselten Y, Ozkavukcu S, Sunguroglu A, Aydos K. A differential cytokine expression profile before and after rFSH treatment in Sertoli cell cultures of men with nonobstructive azoospermia. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Heidargholizadeh
- Department of Medical Biology; School of Medicine; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
| | - S. E. Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology; School of Medicine; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
| | - Y. Yukselten
- Department of Medical Biology; School of Medicine; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
| | - S. Ozkavukcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine; Assisted Reproduction Center; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
| | - A. Sunguroglu
- Department of Medical Biology; School of Medicine; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
| | - K. Aydos
- Department of Urology; School of Medicine; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
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11
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Munger SC, Natarajan A, Looger LL, Ohler U, Capel B. Fine time course expression analysis identifies cascades of activation and repression and maps a putative regulator of mammalian sex determination. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003630. [PMID: 23874228 PMCID: PMC3708841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, primary sex determination refers to the decision within a bipotential organ precursor to differentiate as a testis or ovary. Bifurcation of organ fate begins between embryonic day (E) 11.0-E12.0 in mice and likely involves a dynamic transcription network that is poorly understood. To elucidate the first steps of sexual fate specification, we profiled the XX and XY gonad transcriptomes at fine granularity during this period and resolved cascades of gene activation and repression. C57BL/6J (B6) XY gonads showed a consistent ~5-hour delay in the activation of most male pathway genes and repression of female pathway genes relative to 129S1/SvImJ, which likely explains the sensitivity of the B6 strain to male-to-female sex reversal. Using this fine time course data, we predicted novel regulatory genes underlying expression QTLs (eQTLs) mapped in a previous study. To test predictions, we developed an in vitro gonad primary cell assay and optimized a lentivirus-based shRNA delivery method to silence candidate genes and quantify effects on putative targets. We provide strong evidence that Lmo4 (Lim-domain only 4) is a novel regulator of sex determination upstream of SF1 (Nr5a1), Sox9, Fgf9, and Col9a3. This approach can be readily applied to identify regulatory interactions in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Munger
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Genome Dynamics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Anirudh Natarajan
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Loren L. Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Uwe Ohler
- Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Zhang X, Hao L, Meng L, Liu M, Zhao L, Hu F, Ding C, Wang Y, He B, Pan Y, Fang W, Chen J, Hu S, Jia M. Digital gene expression tag profiling analysis of the gene expression patterns regulating the early stage of mouse spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58680. [PMID: 23554914 PMCID: PMC3598852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed characterization of the gene expression patterns in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes is critical to understand the processes which occur prior to meiosis during normal spermatogenesis. The genome-wide expression profiles of mouse type B spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were investigated using the Solexa/Illumina digital gene expression (DGE) system, a tag based high-throughput transcriptome sequencing method, and the developmental processes which occur during early spermatogenesis were systematically analyzed. Gene expression patterns vary significantly between mouse type B spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. The functional analysis revealed that genes related to junction assembly, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and pluripotency were most significantly differently expressed. Pathway analysis indicated that the Wnt non-canonical signaling pathway played a central role and interacted with the actin filament organization pathway during the development of spermatogonia. This study provides a foundation for further analysis of the gene expression patterns and signaling pathways which regulate the molecular mechanisms of early spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujun Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Hao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Meng
- Department of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Tangshan College, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Meiling Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Fen Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Cunbao Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Baoling He
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yuxin Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Songnian Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (SH); (MJ)
| | - Mengchun Jia
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (SH); (MJ)
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13
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Sato Y, Shinka T, Chen G, Yan HT, Sakamoto K, Ewis AA, Aburatani H, Nakahori Y. Proteomics and transcriptome approaches to investigate the mechanism of human sex determination. Cell Biol Int 2013; 33:839-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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14
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Jiang X, Skibba M, Zhang C, Tan Y, Xin Y, Qu Y. The roles of fibroblast growth factors in the testicular development and tumor. J Diabetes Res 2013; 2013:489095. [PMID: 24159602 PMCID: PMC3789391 DOI: 10.1155/2013/489095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are classically known as hormonal factors and recent studies have revealed that FGFs have a key role in regulating growth and development of several reproductive organs, including the testis. The testis is mainly consisted of germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells to develop and maintain the male phenotype and reproduction. This review summarizes the structure and fuctions of testis, the roles of FGFs on testicular development and potential involvement in testicular tumor and its regulatory mechanism. Among 23 members of FGFs, the FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-4, FGF-8, FGF-9, and FGF-21 were involved and describe in details. Understanding the roles and mechanism of FGFs is the foundation to modeling testicular development and treatments in testicular disease. Therefore, in the last part, the potential therapy with FGFs for the testis of cancer and diabetes was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
| | - Melissa Skibba
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- The Chinese-American Research Institute for Diabetic Complications, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Yi Tan
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- The Chinese-American Research Institute for Diabetic Complications, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Ying Xin
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
- *Ying Xin: and
| | - Yaqin Qu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- *Yaqin Qu:
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15
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Xia X, Chen J, Zhang L, Du Q, Sun J, Chang Z. Molecular cloning and mRNA expression pattern of Sox10 in Paramisgurnus dabryanus. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:3123-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Magre S, Rebourcet D, Ishaq M, Wargnier R, Debard C, Meugnier E, Vidal H, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Le Magueresse-Battistoni B. Gender differences in transcriptional signature of developing rat testes and ovaries following embryonic exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40306. [PMID: 22808131 PMCID: PMC3392256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants interfering with endocrine systems and causing reproductive and developmental disorders. The objective of our project was to determine the impact of an in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on reproductive function of male and female offspring in the rat with a special emphasis on the immature period. We used a low dose of TCDD (unique exposure by oral gavage of 200 ng/kg at 15.5 days of gestation) in order to mirror a response to an environmental dose of TCDD not altering fertility of the progeny. We choose a global gene expression approach using Affymetrix microarray analysis, and testes of 5 days and ovaries of 14 days of age. Less than 1% of the expressed genes in gonads were altered following embryonic TCDD exposure; specifically, 113 genes in ovaries and 56 in testes with 7 genes common to both sex gonads. It included the repressor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahrr), the chemokines Ccl5 and Cxcl4 previously shown to be regulated by dioxin in testis, Pgds2/Hpgds and 3 others uncharacterized. To validate and extend the microarray data we realized real-time PCR on gonads at various developmental periods of interest (from 3 to 25 days for ovaries, from 5 to the adult age for testes). Overall, our results evidenced that both sex gonads responded differently to TCDD exposure. For example, we observed induction of the canonic battery of TCDD-induced genes coding enzymes of the detoxifying machinery in ovaries aged of 3–14 days of age (except Cyp1a1 induced at 3–10 days) but not in testes of 5 days (except Ahrr). We also illustrated that inflammatory pathway is one pathway activated by TCDD in gonads. Finally, we identified several new genes targeted by TCDD including Fgf13 in testis and one gene, Ptgds2/Hpgds regulated in the two sex gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Magre
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Université Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, INRA U1235, CarMeN, Laboratoire Lyonnais de Recherche en Cardiovasculaire, Métabolisme, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Oullins, France
| | - Muhammad Ishaq
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Paris, France
| | - Richard Wargnier
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Paris, France
| | - Cyrille Debard
- Université Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, INRA U1235, CarMeN, Laboratoire Lyonnais de Recherche en Cardiovasculaire, Métabolisme, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Oullins, France
| | - Emmanuelle Meugnier
- Université Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, INRA U1235, CarMeN, Laboratoire Lyonnais de Recherche en Cardiovasculaire, Métabolisme, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Oullins, France
| | - Hubert Vidal
- Université Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, INRA U1235, CarMeN, Laboratoire Lyonnais de Recherche en Cardiovasculaire, Métabolisme, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Oullins, France
| | - Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC CNRS 4413, Paris, France
| | - Brigitte Le Magueresse-Battistoni
- Université Lyon 1, INSERM U1060, INRA U1235, CarMeN, Laboratoire Lyonnais de Recherche en Cardiovasculaire, Métabolisme, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Oullins, France
- * E-mail:
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17
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Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. Many of the genes required for gonad development have been identified by analysis of DSD patients. However, the use of knockout and transgenic mouse strains have contributed enormously to the study of gonad gene function and interactions within the development network. Although the genetic basis of mammalian sex determination and differentiation has advanced considerably in recent years, a majority of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis patients still cannot be provided with an accurate diagnosis. Some of these unexplained DSD cases may be due to mutations in novel DSD genes or genomic rearrangements affecting regulatory regions that lead to atypical gene expression. Here, we review our current knowledge of mammalian sex determination drawing on insights from human DSD patients and mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Eggers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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18
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Silversides DW, Raiwet DL, Souchkova O, Viger RS, Pilon N. Transgenic mouse analysis of Sry expression during the pre- and peri-implantation stage. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1192-204. [PMID: 22539273 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SRY/Sry gene is expressed in pre-Sertoli cells of the male genital ridge and functions as the mammalian testis determining factor (TDF). In addition, expression of SRY/Sry outside the genital ridge has been reported, including preimplantation embryos, although the functional significance of this is not well understood. RESULTS Using Cre-mediated lineage studies and transgenic reporter mouse models, we now show that promoter sequences of human, pig and mouse SRY drive robust reporter gene expression in epiblast cells of peri-implantation embryos between embryonic day (E) 4.5 and E6.5. Analysis of endogenous Sry expression revealed that linear transcripts are produced by means of multiple polyadenylation sites in E4.5 embryos. Within the epiblast, SRY reporter expression mimics the expression seen using a Gata4 reporter model, but is dissimilar to that seen using an Oct4 reporter model. In addition, we report that overexpression of mouse Sry in embryonic stem cells leads to down-regulation of the core pluripotency markers Sox2 and Nanog. CONCLUSION We propose that SRY/Sry may function as a male-specific maturation factor in the peri-implantation mammalian embryo, providing a genetic mechanism to help explain the observation that male embryos are developmentally more advanced compared with female embryos, and suggesting a role for SRY beyond that of TDF.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Silversides
- Department of Veterinary Biomedicine, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
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19
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Liu Q, Lu H, Zhang L, Xie J, Shen W, Zhang W. Homologues of sox8 and sox10 in the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides: sequences, expression patterns, and their effects on cyp19a1a promoter activities in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 163:86-95. [PMID: 22580033 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sox8 and Sox10 are members of group E Sox proteins involved in a wide range of developmental processes including sex determination and neurogenesis in vertebrates. The orange-spotted grouper sox8a and sox10a homologues were isolated and characterized in the present study. Both sox8a and sox10a genes contain three exons and two introns, and encode putative proteins with typical structures of group E Sox. Sox8a was expressed in diverse tissues including the central nervous system and some peripheral tissues. In contrast, sox10a mRNA was detected primarily in the central nervous system. During embryogenesis, sox8a mRNA seemed to be de novo synthesized in the embryos from otic vesicle stage. However, sox10a mRNA was only detectable in juvenile fish 35 days post hatching and thereafter. The mRNA levels of sox8a in the gonads were not significantly different among ovarian developmental stages but increased in the testis. In vitro transfection assays showed that the Sox10a but not Sox8a up-regulated cyp19a1a promoter activities. Taken together, these results suggested that the sox8a may play roles in diverse tissues and during embryogenesis, whereas sox10a may be mainly involved in the neural regulation of juvenile and adult fish, and that certain Sox homologues may regulate the orange-spotted grouper cyp19a1a promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyou Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
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20
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Mork L, Maatouk DM, McMahon JA, Guo JJ, Zhang P, McMahon AP, Capel B. Temporal differences in granulosa cell specification in the ovary reflect distinct follicle fates in mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:37. [PMID: 21976597 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic origins of ovarian granulosa cells have been a subject of debate for decades. By tamoxifen-induced lineage tracing of Foxl2-expressing cells, we show that descendants of the bipotential supporting cell precursors in the early gonad contribute granulosa cells to a specific population of follicles in the medulla of the ovary that begin to grow immediately after birth. These precursor cells arise from the proliferative ovarian surface epithelium and enter mitotic arrest prior to upregulating Foxl2. Granulosa cells that populate the cortical primordial follicles activated in adult life derive from the surface epithelium perinatally, and enter mitotic arrest at that stage. Ingression from the surface epithelium dropped to undetectable levels by Postnatal Day 7, when most surviving oocytes were individually encapsulated by granulosa cells. These findings add complexity to the standard model of sex determination in which the Sertoli and granulosa cells of the adult testis and ovary directly stem from the supporting cell precursors of the bipotential gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Mork
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Uller T, Helanterä H. From the origin of sex-determining factors to the evolution of sex-determining systems. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2011; 86:163-80. [PMID: 21954700 DOI: 10.1086/661118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination is typically classified as either genotypic or environmental. However, this dichotomy obscures the developmental origin and evolutionary modification of determinants of sex, and therefore hinders an understanding of the processes that generates diversity in sex-determining systems. Recent research on reptiles and fish emphasizes that sex determination is a multifactorial regulatory process that is best understood as a threshold dichotomy rather than as the result of genetically inherited triggers of development. Here we critically assess the relationship between the developmental origin of sex-determining factors and evolutionary transitions in sex-determining systems. Our perspective emphasizes the importance of both genetic and nongenetic causes in evolution of sex determination and may help to generate predictions with respect to the evolutionary patterns of sex-determining systems and the underlying diversity of developmental and genetic regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Uller
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3PS United Kingdom.
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22
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Xia X, Zhao J, Du Q, Chang Z. cDNA cloning and expression analysis of two distinct Sox8 genes in Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Cypriniformes). J Genet 2011; 89:183-92. [PMID: 20861569 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-010-0024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Sox9 gene attracts a lot of attention because of its connection with gonadal development and differentiation. However, Sox8, belonging to the same subgroup SoxE, has rarely been studied. To investigate the function as well as the evolutionary origin of SOXE subgroup, we amplified the genomic DNA of Paramisgurnus dabryanu using a pair of degenerate primers. Using rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE), it was discovered that P. dabryanu has two duplicates: Sox8a and Sox8b. Each has an intron of different length in the conserved HMG-box region. The overall sequence similarity of the deduced amino acid of PdSox8a and PdSox8b was 46.26%, and only two amino acids changed in the HMG-box. This is the first evidence showing that there are two distinct duplications of Sox8 genes in Cypriniformes. Southern blot analysis showed only one hybrid band, with lengths 7.4 or 9.2 kb. Both semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR assay displayed that both PdSox8a and PdSox8b are downregulated during early embryonic development. In adult tissues, the two Sox8 genes expressed ubiquitously, and expression levels are particularly high in the gonads and brain. In gonads, both PdSox8a and PdSox8b are expressed at a higher level in the tesis than in the ovary. PdSox8a and PdSox8b may have functional overlaps and are essential for the neuronal development and differentiation of gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Xia
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, People's Republic of China
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23
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Portela VM, Machado M, Buratini J, Zamberlam G, Amorim RL, Goncalves P, Price CA. Expression and function of fibroblast growth factor 18 in the ovarian follicle in cattle. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:339-46. [PMID: 20484739 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.084277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are involved in paracrine signaling between cell types in the ovarian follicle. FGF8, for example, is secreted by oocytes and controls cumulus cell metabolism. The closely related FGF18 is also expressed in oocytes in mice. The objective of this study was to assess the potential role of FGF18 in follicle growth in a monovulatory species, the cow. Messenger RNA encoding FGF18 was detected primarily in theca cells, and in contrast to the mouse, FGF18 was not detected in bovine oocytes. Addition of FGF18 protein to granulosa cell cultures inhibited estradiol and progesterone secretion as well as the abundance of mRNA encoding steroidogenic enzymes and the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. In vivo, onset of atresia of the subordinate follicle was associated with increased thecal FGF18 mRNA levels and FGF18 protein in follicular fluid. In vitro, FGF18 altered cell cycle progression as measured by flow cytometry, resulting in increased numbers of dead cells (sub-G1 peak) and decreased cells in S phase. This was accompanied by decreased levels of mRNA encoding the cell cycle checkpoint regulator GADD45B. Collectively, these data point to a unique role for this FGF in signaling from theca cells to granulosa cells and suggest that FGF18 influences the process of atresia in ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio M Portela
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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24
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Wainwright EN, Wilhelm D. The game plan: cellular and molecular mechanisms of mammalian testis development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2010; 90:231-62. [PMID: 20691851 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(10)90006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, biological differences between males and females, which influence many aspects of their physical, social, and psychological environments, are solely determined genetically. In the presence of a Y chromosome, the gonadal primordium will differentiate into a testis, whereas in the absence of the Y chromosome an ovary will develop. Testis and ovary subsequently direct the differentiation of all secondary sex characteristics down the male and female pathway, respectively. The male-determining factor on the Y chromosome, SRY, was identified some 20 years ago. Since then, significant progress has been made toward understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that result in the formation of a testis. Here, we review what is known about testis differentiation in mice and humans, with reference to other species where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elanor N Wainwright
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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25
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Munger SC, Aylor DL, Syed HA, Magwene PM, Threadgill DW, Capel B. Elucidation of the transcription network governing mammalian sex determination by exploiting strain-specific susceptibility to sex reversal. Genes Dev 2009; 23:2521-36. [PMID: 19884258 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1835809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the identification of some key genes that regulate sex determination, most cases of disorders of sexual development remain unexplained. Evidence suggests that the sexual fate decision in the developing gonad depends on a complex network of interacting factors that converge on a critical threshold. To elucidate the transcriptional network underlying sex determination, we took the first expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) approach in a developing organ. We identified reproducible differences in the transcriptome of the embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) XY gonad between C57BL/6J (B6) and 129S1/SvImJ (129S1), indicating that the reported sensitivity of B6 to sex reversal is consistent with a higher expression of a female-like transcriptome in B6. Gene expression is highly variable in F2 XY gonads from B6 and 129S1 intercrosses, yet strong correlations emerged. We estimated the F2 coexpression network and predicted roles for genes of unknown function based on their connectivity and position within the network. A genetic analysis of the F2 population detected autosomal regions that control the expression of many sex-related genes, including Sry (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome) and Sox9 (Sry-box containing gene 9), the key regulators of male sex determination. Our results reveal the complex transcription architecture underlying sex determination, and provide a mechanism by which individuals may be sensitized for sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Munger
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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26
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Polanco JC, Wilhelm D, Davidson TL, Knight D, Koopman P. Sox10 gain-of-function causes XX sex reversal in mice: implications for human 22q-linked disorders of sex development. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 19:506-16. [PMID: 19933217 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male development in mammals is normally initiated by the Y-linked gene Sry, which activates expression of Sox9, leading to a cascade of gene activity required for testis formation. Although defects in this genetic cascade lead to human disorders of sex development (DSD), only a dozen DSD genes have been identified, and causes of 46,XX DSD (XX maleness) other than SRY translocation are almost completely unknown. Here, we show that transgenic expression of Sox10, a close relative of Sox9, in gonads of XX mice resulted in development of testes and male physiology. The degree of sex reversal correlated with levels of Sox10 expression in different transgenic lines. Sox10 was expressed at low levels in primordial gonads of both sexes during normal mouse development, becoming male-specific during testis differentiation. SOX10 protein was able to activate transcriptional targets of SOX9, explaining at a mechanistic level its ability to direct male development. Because over-expression of SOX10 alone is able to mimic the XX DSD phenotypes associated with duplication of human chromosome 22q13, and given that human SOX10 maps to 22q13.1, our results functionally implicate SOX10 in the etiology of these DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Polanco
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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27
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Lau YFC, Li Y. The human and mouse sex-determining SRY genes repress the Rspol/β-catenin signaling. J Genet Genomics 2009; 36:193-202. [DOI: 10.1016/s1673-8527(08)60107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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28
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Beverdam A, Svingen T, Bagheri-Fam S, Bernard P, McClive P, Robson M, Khojasteh MB, Salehi M, Sinclair AH, Harley VR, Koopman P. Sox9-dependent expression of Gstm6 in Sertoli cells during testis development in mice. Reproduction 2009; 137:481-6. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
GlutathioneS-transferases (GSTs) are an important family of multifunctional enzymes that play a role in the protection of tissues by the detoxification of hazardous and carcinogenic compounds. We found previously thatGstm6is upregulated in the somatic cells of male mouse fetal gonads relative to female gonads. In this study, we describe the spatial and temporal expression pattern ofGstm6during mouse development. We show thatGstm6is predominantly expressed in the reproductive system, at significantly higher levels in XY gonads compared with XX gonads from 11.5 dpc onwards, and remains expressed in the testes in adult mice. Its expression is associated with the Sertoli cell lineage, and is dependent on the expression of the male sex-determining geneSox9. Our data suggest thatGstm6plays a male-specific role in gonad development or function, possibly by modulating the exposure of somatic tissue and/or germ cells to endogenous or exogenous toxicants.
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Pilon N, Raiwet D, Viger RS, Silversides DW. Novel pre- and post-gastrulation expression of Gata4 within cells of the inner cell mass and migratory neural crest cells. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:1133-43. [PMID: 18351674 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA4 is a transcription factor known to be important for the development of many organs such as the heart, intestine, and gonads. However, information regarding the control of its expression is only now beginning to emerge. To further understand the regulation of Gata4 expression during mouse embryonic development, we have generated a novel knockin allele allowing expression of the Cre recombinase under the control of Gata4 regulatory sequences. When these Gata4(Cre/+) mice were crossed with the Cre reporter mouse R26R-YFP, we surprisingly found widespread mosaic YFP expression in e10.0 embryos. This particular expression pattern was traced back to the e5.5 stage via a cell lineage study, suggesting activation of transcription at the Gata4 locus around the blastocyst stage. In accordance with this hypothesis, we found that Gata4 is expressed in cultured embryonic stem (ES) cells and within the inner cell mass (ICM) of e4.5 blastocysts. Interestingly, such early Gata4 transcription can be recapitulated in transgenic reporter studies using 5 kb of the proximal rat Gata4 promoter. During mouse development, these 5-kb regulatory sequences were previously reported to direct reporter gene expression to Sertoli cells of the testes [Mazaud Guittot et al. (2007) Biol Reprod 76:85-95]. We now show that these regulatory sequences can also drive robust fluorescent reporter gene expression in migratory neural crest cells. Comparisons to Wnt1-Cre-mediated YFP labelling of neural crest cells suggest that most of the migratory neural crest cells are labelled in e9.5 to e11.5 Gata4p[5kb]-RFP or -GFP embryos. Analysis of GFP transcription via whole-mount in situ hybridization in e10.5 and e11.5 embryos demonstrated that the 5-kb Gata4 promoter is preferentially active in cells of the boundary caps at the dorsal root entry zone and motor exit points flanking the neural tube. RT-PCR gene expression analysis of FACS-purified GFP-positive cells from e9.5 Gata4p[5kb]-GFP embryos revealed co-expression of Gata4 with many neural crest stem cell markers. Together with sphere-forming and differentiation cell culture assays, our results indicate that the Gata4 promoter is active within at least a subset of the neural crest stem cells. Taken altogether, our studies have revealed new Gata4 expression patterns during mouse embryonic development, which are controlled by its 5-kb proximal 5' flanking sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pilon
- Department of Veterinary Biomedicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
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Cotton LM, O'Bryan MK, Hinton BT. Cellular signaling by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) in male reproduction. Endocr Rev 2008; 29:193-216. [PMID: 18216218 PMCID: PMC2528845 DOI: 10.1210/er.2007-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The major function of the reproductive system is to ensure the survival of the species by passing on hereditary traits from one generation to the next. This is accomplished through the production of gametes and the generation of hormones that function in the maturation and regulation of the reproductive system. It is well established that normal development and function of the male reproductive system is mediated by endocrine and paracrine signaling pathways. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), their receptors (FGFRs), and signaling cascades have been implicated in a diverse range of cellular processes including: proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival, chemotaxis, cell adhesion, motility, and differentiation. The maintenance and regulation of correct FGF signaling is evident from human and mouse genetic studies which demonstrate that mutations leading to disruption of FGF signaling cause a variety of developmental disorders including dominant skeletal diseases, infertility, and cancer. Over the course of this review, we will provide evidence for differential expression of FGFs/FGFRs in the testis, male germ cells, the epididymis, the seminal vesicle, and the prostate. We will show that this signaling cascade has an important role in sperm development and maturation. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that FGF/FGFR signaling is essential for normal epididymal function and prostate development. To this end, we will provide evidence for the involvement of the FGF signaling system in the regulation and maintenance of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Cotton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Baker PJ, Monteiro A, Cassie S, Bhattacharya S, Fowler PA. Developmental changes in human fetal testicular cell numbers and messenger ribonucleic acid levels during the second trimester. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:4792-801. [PMID: 17848411 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Normal fetal testis development is essential for masculinization and subsequent adult fertility. The second trimester is a critical period of human testicular development and masculinization, but there is a paucity of reliable developmental data. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze second-trimester human testicular morphology and function. DESIGN This was an observational study of second-trimester testis development. SETTING The study was conducted at the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Testes were collected from 57 morphologically normal fetuses of women undergoing elective termination of normally progressing pregnancies (11-19 wk gestation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Testicular morphology, cell numbers, and quantitative expression of 22 key testicular genes were determined. RESULTS Sertoli cell and germ cell number increased exponentially throughout the second trimester. Leydig cell number initially increased exponentially but slowed toward 19 wk. Transcripts encoding Sertoli (KITL, FGF9, SOX9, FSHR, WT1) and germ (CKIT, TFAP2C) cell-specific products increased per testis through the second trimester, but expression per cell was static apart from TFAP2C, which declined. Leydig cell transcripts (HSD17B3, CYP11A1, PTC1, CYP17, LHR, INSL3) also remained static per cell. Testicular expression of adrenal transcripts MC2R, CYP11B1, and CYP21 was detectable but unchanged. Expression of other transcripts known or postulated to be involved in testicular development (GATA4, GATA6, CXORF6, WNT2B, WNT4, WNT5A) increased significantly per testis during the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS The second trimester is essential for the establishment of Sertoli and germ cell numbers. Sertoli and Leydig cells are active throughout the period, but there is no evidence of changing transcript levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Division of Cell Sciences, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom. p.j.o'
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Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 regulates proliferation and Sertoli differentiation during male sex determination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16558-63. [PMID: 17940049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0702581104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted mutagenesis of Fgf9 in mice causes male-to-female sex reversal. Among the four FGF receptors, FGFR2 showed two highly specific patterns based on antibody staining, suggesting that it might be the receptor-mediating FGF9 signaling in the gonad. FGFR2 was detected at the plasma membrane in proliferating coelomic epithelial cells and in the nucleus in Sertoli progenitor cells. This expression pattern suggested that Fgfr2 might play more than one role in testis development. To test the hypothesis that Fgfr2 is required for male sex determination, we crossed mice carrying a floxed allele of Fgfr2 with two different Cre lines to induce a temporal or cell-specific deletion of this receptor. Results show that deletion of Fgfr2 in embryonic gonads phenocopies deletion of Fgf9 and leads to male-to-female sex reversal. Using these two Cre lines, we provide the first genetic evidence that Fgfr2 plays distinct roles in proliferation and Sertoli cell differentiation during testis development.
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