1
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Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Yamamoto T, Morimoto H, Liu T, Shinohara T. Spermatogonial stem cells in the 129 inbred strain exhibit unique requirements for self-renewal. Development 2024; 151:dev202553. [PMID: 38934417 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) undergo self-renewal division to sustain spermatogenesis. Although it is possible to derive SSC cultures in most mouse strains, SSCs from a 129 background never proliferate under the same culture conditions, suggesting they have distinct self-renewal requirements. Here, we established long-term culture conditions for SSCs from mice of the 129 background (129 mice). An analysis of 129 testes showed significant reduction of GDNF and CXCL12, whereas FGF2, INHBA and INHBB were higher than in testes of C57BL/6 mice. An analysis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in 129 mice showed higher expression of Chrna4, which encodes an acetylcholine (Ach) receptor component. By supplementing medium with INHBA and Ach, SSC cultures were derived from 129 mice. Following lentivirus transduction for marking donor cells, transplanted cells re-initiated spermatogenesis in infertile mouse testes and produced transgenic offspring. These results suggest that the requirements of SSC self-renewal in mice are diverse, which has important implications for understanding self-renewal mechanisms in various animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tianjiao Liu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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2
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Nitahara K, Kawamura A, Kitamura Y, Kato K, Namekawa SH, Nishiyama M. Chromatin remodeler CHD8 is required for spermatogonial proliferation and early meiotic progression. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2995-3010. [PMID: 38224953 PMCID: PMC11014243 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1256] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a key step during germ cell differentiation, accompanied by the activation of thousands of genes through germline-specific chromatin reorganization. The chromatin remodeling mechanisms underpinning early meiotic stages remain poorly understood. Here we focus on the function of one of the major autism genes, CHD8, in spermatogenesis, based on the epidemiological association between autism and low fertility rates. Specific ablation of Chd8 in germ cells results in gradual depletion of undifferentiated spermatogonia and the failure of meiotic double-strand break (DSB) formation, leading to meiotic prophase I arrest and cell death. Transcriptional analyses demonstrate that CHD8 is required for extensive activation of spermatogenic genes in spermatogonia, necessary for spermatogonial proliferation and meiosis. CHD8 directly binds and regulates genes crucial for meiosis, including H3K4me3 histone methyltransferase genes, meiotic cohesin genes, HORMA domain-containing genes, synaptonemal complex genes, and DNA damage response genes. We infer that CHD8 contributes to meiotic DSB formation and subsequent meiotic progression through combined regulation of these meiosis-related genes. Our study uncovers an essential role of CHD8 in the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia and the successful progression of meiotic prophase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Nitahara
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsuki Kawamura
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Masaaki Nishiyama
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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3
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Morimoto H, Ogonuki N, Matoba S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Restoration of fertility in nonablated recipient mice after spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:443-455. [PMID: 38458191 PMCID: PMC11096438 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation is a valuable tool for studying stem cell-niche interaction. However, the conventional approach requires the removal of endogenous SSCs, causing damage to the niche. Here we introduce WIN18,446, an ALDH1A2 inhibitor, to enhance SSC colonization in nonablated recipients. Pre-transplantation treatment with WIN18,446 induced abnormal claudin protein expression, which comprises the blood-testis barrier and impedes SSC colonization. Consequently, WIN18,446 increased colonization efficiency by 4.6-fold compared with untreated host. WIN18,446-treated testes remained small despite the cessation of WIN18,446, suggesting its irreversible effect. Offspring were born by microinsemination using donor-derived sperm. While WIN18,446 was lethal to busulfan-treated mice, cyclophosphamide- or radiation-treated animals survived after WIN18,446 treatment. Although WIN18,446 is not applicable to humans due to toxicity, similar ALDH1A2 inhibitors may be useful for SSC transplantation into nonablated testes, shedding light on the role of retinoid metabolism on SSC-niche interactions and advancing SSC research in animal models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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4
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Tian H, Wang X, Li X, Song W, Mi J, Zou K. Regulation of spermatogonial stem cell differentiation by Sertoli cells-derived exosomes through paracrine and autocrine signaling. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31202. [PMID: 38291718 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
In the orchestrated environment of the testicular niche, the equilibrium between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is meticulously maintained, ensuring a stable stem cell reserve and robust spermatogenesis. Within this milieu, extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, have emerged as critical conveyors of intercellular communication. Despite their recognized significance, the implications of testicular exosomes in modulating SSC fate remain incompletely characterized. Given the fundamental support and regulatory influence of Sertoli cells (SCs) on SSCs, we were compelled to explore the role of SC-derived exosomes (SC-EXOs) in the SSC-testicular niche. Our investigation hinged on the hypothesis that SC-EXOs, secreted by SCs from the testes of 5-day-old mice-a developmental juncture marking the onset of SSC differentiation-participate in the regulation of this process. We discovered that exposure to SC-EXOs resulted in an upsurge of PLZF, MVH, and STRA8 expression in SSC cultures, concomitant with a diminution of ID4 and GFRA1 levels. Intriguingly, obstructing exosomal communication in a SC-SSC coculture system with the exosome inhibitor GW4869 attenuated SSC differentiation, suggesting that SC-EXOs may modulate this process via paracrine signaling. Further scrutiny revealed the presence of miR-493-5p within SC-EXOs, which suppresses Gdnf mRNA in SCs to indirectly restrain SSC differentiation through the modulation of GDNF expression-an indication of autocrine regulation. Collectively, our findings illuminate the complex regulatory schema by which SC-EXOs affect SSC differentiation, offering novel perspectives and laying the groundwork for future preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairui Tian
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingju Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixiang Song
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Mi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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5
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Song Y, Zhang X, Desmarais JA, Nagano M. Postnatal development of mouse spermatogonial stem cells as determined by immunophenotype, regenerative capacity, and long-term culture-initiating ability: a model for practical applications. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2299. [PMID: 38280889 PMCID: PMC10821885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52824-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of life-long spermatogenesis. While SSC research has advanced greatly over the past two decades, characterization of SSCs during postnatal development has not been well documented. Using the mouse as a model, in this study, we defined the immunophenotypic profiles of testis cells during the course of postnatal development using multi-parameter flow cytometry with up to five cell-surface antigens. We found that the profiles progress over time in a manner specific to developmental stages. We then isolated multiple cell fractions at different developmental stages using fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) and identified specific cell populations with prominent capacities to regenerate spermatogenesis upon transplantation and to initiate long-term SSC culture. The data indicated that the cell fraction with the highest level of regeneration capacity exhibited the most prominent potential to initiate SSC culture, regardless of age. Interestingly, refinement of cell fractionation using GFRA1 and KIT did not lead to further enrichment of regenerative and culture-initiating stem cells, suggesting that when a high degree of SSC enrichment is achieved, standard markers of SSC self-renewal or commitment may lose their effectiveness to distinguish cells at the stem cell state from committed progenitors. This study provides a significant information resource for future studies and practical applications of mammalian SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Xiangfan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Joëlle A Desmarais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- JEFO Nutrition Inc, 5020 Avenue Jefo, Saint-Hyachinthe, Quebec, J2R 2E7, Canada
| | - Makoto Nagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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6
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Morimoto H, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Shinohara T. WIN18,446 enhances spermatogonial stem cell homing and fertility after germ cell transplantation by increasing blood-testis barrier permeability. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:347-355. [PMID: 37899250 PMCID: PMC10721852 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) possess a unique ability to recolonize the seminiferous tubules. Upon microinjection into the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules, SSCs transmigrate through the blood-testis barrier (BTB) to the basal compartment of the tubule and reinitiate spermatogenesis. It was recently discovered that inhibiting retinoic acid signaling with WIN18,446 enhances SSC colonization by transiently suppressing spermatogonia differentiation, thereby promoting fertility restoration. In this study, we report that WIN18,446 increases SSC colonization by disrupting the BTB. WIN18,446 altered the expression patterns of tight junction proteins (TJPs) and disrupted the BTB in busulfan-treated mice. WIN18,446 upregulated the expression of FGF2, one of the self-renewal factors for SSCs. While WIN18,446 enhanced SSC colonization in busulfan-treated wild-type mice, it did not increase colonization levels in busulfan-treated Cldn11-deficient mice, which lack the BTB, indicating that the enhancement of SSC colonization in wild-type testes depended on the loss of the BTB. Serial transplantation analysis revealed impaired self-renewal caused by WIN18,446, indicating that WIN18,446-mediated inhibition of retinoic acid signaling impaired SSC self-renewal. Strikingly, WIN18,446 administration resulted in the death of 45% of busulfan-treated recipient mice. These findings suggest that TJP modulation is the primary mechanism behind enhanced SSC homing by WIN18,446 and raise concerns regarding the use of WIN18,446 for human SSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Chen Q, Malki S, Xu X, Bennett B, Lackford BL, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB, Hu G. Cnot3 is required for male germ cell development and spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.13.562256. [PMID: 37873304 PMCID: PMC10592795 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The foundation of spermatogenesis and lifelong fertility is provided by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs divide asymmetrically to either replenish their numbers (self-renewal) or produce undifferentiated progenitors that proliferate before committing to differentiation. However, regulatory mechanisms governing SSC maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we show that the CCR4-NOT mRNA deadenylase complex subunit CNOT3 plays a critical role in maintaining spermatogonial populations in mice. Cnot3 is highly expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and its deletion in spermatogonia resulted in germ cell loss and infertility. Single cell analyses revealed that Cnot3 deletion led to the de-repression of transcripts encoding factors involved in spermatogonial differentiation, including those in the glutathione redox pathway that are critical for SSC maintenance. Together, our study reveals that CNOT3 - likely via the CCR4-NOT complex - actively degrades transcripts encoding differentiation factors to sustain the spermatogonial pool and ensure the progression of spermatogenesis, highlighting the importance of CCR4-NOT-mediated post-transcriptional gene regulation during male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Present address: Clinical Microbiome Unit (CMU), Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome (LHIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Safia Malki
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Present address: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Brian Bennett
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Brad L. Lackford
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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8
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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9
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Lee SJ, Kim KH, Lee DJ, Kim P, Park J, Kim SJ, Jung HS. MAST4 controls cell cycle in spermatogonial stem cells. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13390. [PMID: 36592615 PMCID: PMC10068930 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal is regulated by reciprocal interactions between Sertoli cells and SSCs in the testis. In a previous study, microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase 4 (MAST4) has been studied in Sertoli cells as a regulator of SSC self-renewal. The present study focused on the mechanism by which MAST4 in Sertoli cells transmits the signal and regulates SSCs, especially cell cycle regulation. The expression of PLZF, CDK2 and PLZF target genes was examined in WT and Mast4 KO testes by Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot. In addition, IdU and BrdU were injected into WT and Mast4 KO mice and cell cycle of SSCs was analysed. Finally, the testis tissues were cultured in vitro to examine the regulation of cell cycle by MAST4 pathway. Mast4 KO mice showed infertility with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and reduced sperm count. Furthermore, Mast4 deletion led to decreased PLZF expression and cell cycle progression in the testes. MAST4 also induced cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) to phosphorylate PLZF and activated PLZF suppressed the transcriptional levels of genes related to cell cycle arrest, leading SSCs to remain stem cell state. MAST4 is essential for maintaining cell cycle in SSCs via the CDK2-PLZF interaction. These results demonstrate the pivotal role of MAST4 regulating cell cycle of SSCs and the significance of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Jun Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ka-Hwa Kim
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Joon Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pyunggang Kim
- Department of MAST Research, Division in GILO Research Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinah Park
- Department of MAST Research, Division in GILO Research Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- Department of MAST Research, Division in GILO Research Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, South Korea.,Division in Research Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Research, Medpacto Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Sung Jung
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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11
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Suzuki T. Overview of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and its application to spermatogenesis research. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12502. [PMID: 36726594 PMCID: PMC9884325 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Single-cell transcriptomics allows parallel analysis of multiple cell types in tissues. Because testes comprise somatic cells and germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis, single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for investigating the complex process of spermatogenesis. However, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis needs extensive knowledge of experimental technologies and bioinformatics, making it difficult for many, particularly experimental biologists and clinicians, to use it. Methods Aiming to make single-cell RNA sequencing analysis familiar, this review article presents an overview of experimental and computational methods for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis with a history of transcriptomics. In addition, combining the PubMed search and manual curation, this review also provides a summary of recent novel insights into human and mouse spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Main Findings Single-cell RNA sequencing identified mesenchymal cells and type II innate lymphoid cells as novel testicular cell types in the adult mouse testes, as well as detailed subtypes of germ cells. This review outlines recent discoveries into germ cell development and subtypes, somatic cell development, and cell-cell interactions. Conclusion The findings on spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing may contribute to a deeper understanding of spermatogenesis and provide new directions for male fertility therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS)Yokohama CityKanagawaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical Life ScienceYokohama City UniversityYokohama CityKanagawaJapan
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12
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The netrin-1 receptor UNC5C contributes to the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult mice. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102723. [PMID: 35247845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult testis, the cell mobility is essential for spermatogonia differentiation and is suspected to regulate spermatogonial stem cell fate. Netrin-1 controls cell migration and/or survival according to the cellular context. Its involvement in some self-renewing lineages raises the possibility that Netrin-1 could have a role in spermatogenesis. We show that in addition to Sertoli cells, a fraction of murine undifferentiated spermatogonia express the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5c and that UNC5c contributes to spermatogonia differentiation. Receptor loss in Unc5crcm males leads to the concomitant accumulation of transit-amplifying progenitors and short syncytia of spermatogonia. Without altering cell death rates, the consequences of Unc5c loss worsen with age: the increase in quiescent undifferentiated progenitors associated with a higher spermatogonial stem cell enriched subset leads to the spermatocyte I decline. We demonstrate in vitro that Netrin-1 promotes a guidance effect as it repulses both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia. Finally, we propose that UNC5c triggers undifferentiated spermatogonia adhesion/ migration and that the repulsive activity of Netrin-1 receptors could regulate spermatogonia differentiation, and maintain germ cell homeostasis.
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13
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Wright WW. The Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in an Adult Testis by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896390. [PMID: 35721702 PMCID: PMC9203831 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the in vivo regulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in adult testes by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). To study adult mouse testes, we reversibly inhibited GDNF stimulation of SSCs via a chemical-genetic approach. This inhibition diminishes replication and increases differentiation of SSCs, and inhibition for 9 days reduces transplantable SSC numbers by 90%. With more sustained inhibition, all SSCs are lost, and testes eventually resemble human testes with Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome. This resemblance prompted us to ask if GDNF expression is abnormally low in these infertile human testes. It is. Expression of FGF2 and FGF8 is also reduced, but some SCO testes contain SSCs. To evaluate the possible rebuilding of an SSC pool depleted due to inadequate GDNF signaling, we inhibited and then restored signaling to mouse SSCs. Partial rebuilding occurred, suggesting GDNF as therapy for men with SCO syndrome.
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14
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Integration and gene co-expression network analysis of scRNA-seq transcriptomes reveal heterogeneity and key functional genes in human spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19089. [PMID: 34580317 PMCID: PMC8476490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of cellular division and differentiation that begins with spermatogonia stem cells and leads to functional spermatozoa production. However, many of the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is used to sequence the entire transcriptome at the single-cell level to assess cell-to-cell variability. In this study, more than 33,000 testicular cells from different scRNA-seq datasets with normal spermatogenesis were integrated to identify single-cell heterogeneity on a more comprehensive scale. Clustering, cell type assignments, differential expressed genes and pseudotime analysis characterized 5 spermatogonia, 4 spermatocyte, and 4 spermatid cell types during the spermatogenesis process. The UTF1 and ID4 genes were introduced as the most specific markers that can differentiate two undifferentiated spermatogonia stem cell sub-cellules. The C7orf61 and TNP can differentiate two round spermatid sub-cellules. The topological analysis of the weighted gene co-expression network along with the integrated scRNA-seq data revealed some bridge genes between spermatogenesis's main stages such as DNAJC5B, C1orf194, HSP90AB1, BST2, EEF1A1, CRISP2, PTMS, NFKBIA, CDKN3, and HLA-DRA. The importance of these key genes is confirmed by their role in male infertility in previous studies. It can be stated that, this integrated scRNA-seq of spermatogenic cells offers novel insights into cell-to-cell heterogeneity and suggests a list of key players with a pivotal role in male infertility from the fertile spermatogenesis datasets. These key functional genes can be introduced as candidates for filtering and prioritizing genotype-to-phenotype association in male infertility.
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15
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Yang G, He Y, Yang H. The involvement of bioactive factors in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1813-1823. [PMID: 33459979 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is usually accompanied throughout mammalian lifetime, transmitting genetic information to the next generation, which is mainly dependent on the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). With further investigation on profiles of SSCs, the previous prevailing orthodoxy that SSCs are unipotent stem cells to differentiate into spermatids only, has been challenged. More notably, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that SSCs are capable of giving rise to cell lineages of the three germ layers, highlighting potential important applications of SSCs for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, it is unknown how the proliferation and stemness maintenance of SSCs are regulated intrinsically and strictly controlled in a special niche microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules. Based on the special niche microenvironment for SSCs, it is of vital interest to summarize the recent knowledge regarding several critical bioactive molecules in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs. In this review, we discuss most recent findings about these critical bioactive factors and further address the new advances on the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuqing He
- School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China. .,School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Translational Medicine Center, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China.
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16
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Neto FTL, Flannigan R, Goldstein M. Regulation of Human Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:255-286. [PMID: 34453741 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis (HS) is an intricate network of sequential processes responsible for the production of the male gamete, the spermatozoon. These processes take place in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of the testis, which are small tubular structures considered the functional units of the testes. Each human testicle contains approximately 600-1200 STs [1], and are capable of producing up to 275 million spermatozoa per day [2].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Azizi H, Niazi Tabar A, Skutella T, Govahi M. In Vitro and In Vivo Determinations of The Anti-GDNF Family Receptor Alpha 1 Antibody in Mice by Immunochemistry and RT-PCR. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 14:228-233. [PMID: 33098391 PMCID: PMC7604702 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.6051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family plays essential roles in the maintenance, growth, regulatory and signalling pathways of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In this study, we analysed the expression of anti-GDNF family receptor alpha 1 antibody (GFRa1) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), Fluidigm real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry analyses. Materials and Methods In this experiment study, ICC, IHC, Fluidigm RT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to analyse the expression of the germ cell marker GFRa1 in testis tissue and SSC culture. Results IHC analysis showed that there were two groups of GFRa1 positive cells in the seminiferous tubules based on their location and expression shape - a small round punctuated shape on the basal compartment donut shape and a C-shaped expression located between the basal and the luminal compartments of the seminiferous tubules. OCT4 and PLZF positive cells may have similar patterns of expression as the first group. Assessment of the seminiferous tubule sections demonstrated that about 27% of the SSCs were positive for GFRa1. Fluidigm RT-PCR confirmed the significant expression (P<0.001) of GFRa1 in the SSCs compared to testicular stromal cells (TSCs). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that about 75% of the isolated SSCs colonies were positive for GFRa1. Conclusion The results indicated that GFRa1 had a specific expression pattern both in vivo and in vitro. This finding could be helpful for understanding the proliferation, maintenance and signalling pathways of SSCs, and differentiation of meiotic and haploid germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Amirreza Niazi Tabar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mostafa Govahi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
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18
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Cai Y, Wang J, Zou K. The Progresses of Spermatogonial Stem Cells Sorting Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:94-102. [PMID: 31792769 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the research on stem cells has been more and more in-depth, and many achievements have been made in application. However, due to the small number of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and deficiency of efficient markers, it is difficult to obtain very pure SSCs, which results in the research on them being hindered. In fact, many methods have been developed to isolate and purify SSCs, but these methods have their shortcomings. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), as a method to enrich SSCs with the help of specific surface markers, has the characteristics of high efficiency and accuracy in enrichment of SSCs, thus it is widely accepted as an effective method for purification of SSCs. This review summarizes the recent studies on the application of FACS in SSCs, and introduces some commonly used markers of effective SSCs sorting, aiming to further optimize the FACS sorting method for SSCs, so as to promote the research of germline stem cells and provide new ideas for the research of reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Cai
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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19
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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20
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Tang RL, Fan LQ. PLZF posc-KIT pos-delineated A 1-A 4-differentiating spermatogonia by subset and stage detection upon Bouin fixation. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:309-318. [PMID: 30719983 PMCID: PMC6498726 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_103_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While hallmarks of rodent spermatogonia stem cell biomarkers' heterogeneity have recently been identified, their stage and subset distributions remain unclear. Furthermore, it is currently difficult to accurately identify subset-specific SSC marker distributions due to the poor nuclear morphological characteristics associated with fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde. In the present study, testicular cross-sections and whole-mount samples were Bouin fixed to optimize nuclear resolution and visualized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). The results identified an expression pattern of PLZFhighc-KITpos in A1 spermatogonia, while A2-A4-differentiating spermatogonia were PLZFlowc-KITpos. Additionally, this procedure was used to examine asymmetrically expressing GFRA1 and PLZF clones, asymmetric Apr and false clones were distinguished based on the presence or absence of TEX14, a molecular maker of intercellular bridges, despite having identical nuclear morphology and intercellular distances that were <25 μm. In conclusion, this optimized Bouin fixation procedure facilitates the accurate identification of spermatogonium subsets based on their molecular profiles and is capable of distinguishing asymmetric and false clones. Therefore, the findings presented herein will facilitate further morphological and functional analysis studies and provide further insight into spermatogonium subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ling Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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21
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Qi L, Li J, Le W, Zhang J. Low-dose ionizing irradiation triggers apoptosis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo and in vitro. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:591-600. [PMID: 32038955 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.10.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) induced apoptosis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo and in vitro. Methods Following 50 mGy IR, testicular tissues were collected from the adult DBA/2 mice at 1, 2 and 24 h; mice in the control group received pseudo-irradiation. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining and TUNEL were performed to assess DNA damage and apoptosis, respectively, in the irradiated testicular tissues. Furthermore, the spermatogonia were also irradiated in vitro, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was detected by Western blotting. TUNEL and flow cytometry were applied to assess cell apoptosis. Results γH2AX (a marker of DNA damage) was up-regulated in the seminiferous tubules at 1 and 2 h after IR, but it was reduced following the DNA repair. This was consistent with the finding that apoptosis of germline cells was present in the seminiferous tubules after IR, especially at 1 h (IF and TUNEL). Apoptosis was also present in the PLZF(+) spermatogonia, particularly at 1 h after IR. Apoptotic cells decreased with the increase in DNA repair time after IR. Moreover, the caspase-3 protein was expressed in the undifferentiated spermatogonia following IR. The expression of caspase-3, P53, Ku70 and DNA-PKcs in the cultured spermatogonia was also up-regulated following IR in vitro, but their expression decreased gradually over time after IR, which was supported by the findings from flow cytometry, and the apoptosis of spermatogonia peaked at 24 h post IR. Conclusions IR may induce the apoptosis of spermatogonia at early stage in vivo, but the apoptosis of spermatogonia secondary to IR occurs at a relatively later time point (24 h) in vitro mainly. The apoptosis of spermatogonia is improved over time after IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Qi
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Wei Le
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jinfu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.,Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200050, China
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22
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Rahmani F, Movahedin M, Mazaheri Z, Soleimani M. Transplantation of mouse iPSCs into testis of azoospermic mouse model: in vivo and in vitro study. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:1585-1594. [PMID: 31007064 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1594854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to induce spermatogenesis in azoospermic testis through induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) after iPSCs in vivo and in vitro transplantation and three-dimensional organ culture. DiI-labelled mouse iPSCs were transplanted to azoospermic testis mouse model (pretreated by busulfan 40 mg/kg). This study was designed based on two experimental groups. In experimental group 1(in vivo) labelled iPSCs were transplanted to azoospermic host testis. In experimental group 2 (in vitro) after cell transplantation, fragments of host testes were set as 3D organ culture and testis without cells transplantation served as the control group by the same method. The samples were evaluated by tracing DiI, cell homing, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT PCR assays. 2 weeks after iPSCs transplantation, the molecular assessment showed that Plzf, Thy1, Vasa and Gfra1 expression were increased significantly (p ≤ .05) in host testis and labelled iPSCs co-localized by the Plzf and Thy1 markers expression in the base of seminiferous tubules. These findings suggest the ability of iPSCs to achieve homing in the testis niche and indicate the critical inductive role of microenvironment signals in the differentiation of iPSCs to spermatogonial stem cell-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouzan Rahmani
- a Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- a Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- b Department of Anatomical Sciences, Basic Medical Research Center , Histogenotech Company , Tehran , Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- c Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medical Science , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
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23
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Valdivia M, Reyes J, Bravo Z, Cancho C, Castañeda S, Limaymanta O, Woll P, Santiani A, Gonzales GF. In vitro culture of spermatogonial stem cells isolated from adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) testes analysed with Dolichos biflorus by flow cytometry. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13269. [PMID: 30900308 DOI: 10.1111/and.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is known for its self-renewal capacity. We have studied the in vitro proliferation of isolated SSC from adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) testes. A total of 107 samples were evaluated of which 31 were evaluated at baseline, 36 were cultivated in DMEM and 40 in STEMPRO media. Half of the cultivated samples was analysed after 14 days, and the rest after 21 days. Round cell subpopulations were identified with FITC-DBA by flow cytometry: strongly positive DBA (sDBA+) as SSC, weakly positive DBA (wDBA+) as in early differentiation and negative DBA as differentiated. At the beginning, 4.16% of the cells were SSC, 37.61% wDBA+ while 54.12% were DBA-. After 14 days, 42.28% of SSC, 44.68% wDBA+ and 11.07% DBA- were found in DMEM while 47.09% of SSC, 32.57% wDBA+ and 18.48% DBA- in STEMPRO. After 21 days 38.66% were SSC, 52.78% wDBA and 7.65% DBA- in DMEM and on STEMPRO media 47.92% SSC, 44.20% wDBA+, 4.93% DBA-. There is a significant difference between the number of initial and SSC cultivated, as well as between DBA- (p < 0.05), while there is no significant difference between the wDBA+ (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that both culture media are appropriate for the in vitro proliferation of alpacas SSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Valdivia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú.,Endocrine and Reproductive Laboratory, Department of Biological and Physiological Science, Laboratory of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Jhakelin Reyes
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Zezé Bravo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Christian Cancho
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Orlando Limaymanta
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Patricia Woll
- Biochemical Laboratory, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Alexei Santiani
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Endocrine and Reproductive Laboratory, Department of Biological and Physiological Science, Laboratory of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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24
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Costa GMJ, Sousa AL, Figueiredo AFA, Lacerda SMSN, França LR. Characterization of spermatogonial cells and niche in the scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:163-171. [PMID: 29966660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) or spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are committed to the establishment and maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility throughout a male's life and are located in a highly specialized microenvironment called niche that regulates their fate. Although several studies have been developed on SSCs in mammalian testis, little is known about other vertebrate classes. The present study is the first to perform a more detailed investigation on the spermatogonial cells and their niche in a reptilian species. Thus, we characterized Aund/SSCs and evaluated the existence of SSCs niche in the Kinosternon scorpioides, a freshwater turtle found from Mexico to northern and central South America. Our results showed that, in this species, Aund/SSCs exhibited a nuclear morphological pattern similar to those described for other mammalian species already investigated. However, in comparison to other spermatogonial cell types, Aund/SSCs presented the largest nuclear volume in this turtle. Similar to some mammalian and fish species investigated, both GFRA1 and CSF1 receptors were expressed in Aund/SSCs in K. scorpioides. Also, as K. scorpioides Aund/SSCs were preferentially located near blood vessels, it can be suggested that this niche characteristic is a well conserved feature during evolution. Besides being valuable for comparative reproductive biology, our findings represent an important step towards the understanding of SSCs biology and the development of valuable systems/tools for SSCs culture and cryopreservation in turtles. Moreover, we expect that the above-mentioned results will be useful for reproductive biotechnologies as well as for governmental programs aiming at reptilian species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A L Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S M S N Lacerda
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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Lara NDLEM, Costa GMJ, Avelar GF, Guimarães DA, França LR. Postnatal testis development in the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), with emphasis on spermatogonial stem cells markers and niche. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:98-107. [PMID: 29763586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) present a unique testis cytoarchitecture, where Leydig cells (LC) are mainly located in cords around the seminiferous tubules (ST) lobes. This peculiar arrangement is very useful to better investigate and understand the role of LC in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) biology and niche. Recent studies from our laboratory using adult peccaries have shown that the undifferentiated type A spermatogonia (Aund or SSCs) are preferentially located in ST regions adjacent to the intertubular compartment without LC. Following these studies, our aims were to investigate the collared peccary postnatal testis development, from birth to adulthood, with emphasis on the establishment of LC cytoarchitecture and the SSCs niche. Our findings demonstrated that the unique LC cytoarchitecture is already present in the neonate peccary's testis, indicating that this arrangement is established during fetal development. Based on the most advanced germ cell type present at each time period evaluated, puberty (the first sperm release in the ST lumen) in this species was reached at around one year of age, being preceded by high levels of estradiol and testosterone and the end of Sertoli cell proliferation. Almost all gonocytes and SSCs expressed Nanos1, Nanos2 and GFRA1. The analysis of SSCs preferential location indicated that the establishment of SSCs niche is coincident with the occurrence of puberty. Taken together, our findings reinforced and extended the importance of the collared peccary as an animal model to investigate testis function in mammals, particularly the aspects related to testis organogenesis and the SSCs biology and niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gleide Fernandes Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Diva Anelie Guimarães
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Luiz Renato França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; National Institute for Amazonian Research, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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Yoshida S. Heterogeneous, dynamic, and stochastic nature of mammalian spermatogenic stem cells. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:245-285. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Shimizu N, Matsuda M. Identification of a Novel Zebrafish Mutant Line that Develops Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Zebrafish 2018; 16:15-28. [PMID: 30300574 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular tumors are the most common solid malignant tumors in men 20-35 years of age. Although most of testicular tumors are curable, current treatments still fail in 15%-20% of patients. However, insufficient understanding of the molecular basis and lack of animal models limit development of more effective treatments. This study reports the identification of a novel zebrafish mutant line, ns1402, which develops testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). While both male and female ns1402 mutants were fertile at young age, male ns1402 mutants became infertile as early as 9 months of age. This infertility was associated with progressive loss of mature sperm. Failure of spermatogenesis was, at least in part, explained by progressive loss of mature Leydig cells, a source of testosterone that is essential for spermatogenesis. Interestingly, TGCTs in ns1402 mutants contained a large number of Sertoli cells and gene expression profiles of Sertoli cells were altered before loss of mature Leydig cells. This suggests that changes in Sertoli cell properties happened first, followed by loss of mature Leydig cells and failure of spermatogenesis. Taken together, this study emphasizes the importance of cell-cell interactions and cell signaling in the testis for spermatogenesis and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Miho Matsuda
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
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Niedenberger BA, Cook K, Baena V, Serra ND, Velte EK, Agno JE, Litwa KA, Terasaki M, Hermann BP, Matzuk MM, Geyer CB. Dynamic cytoplasmic projections connect mammalian spermatogonia in vivo. Development 2018; 145:dev161323. [PMID: 29980567 PMCID: PMC6110146 DOI: 10.1242/dev.161323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the male reproductive lifespan, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) produce committed progenitors that proliferate and then remain physically connected in growing clones via short cylindrical intercellular bridges (ICBs). These ICBs, which enlarge in meiotic spermatocytes, have been demonstrated to provide a conduit for postmeiotic haploid spermatids to share sex chromosome-derived gene products. In addition to ICBs, spermatogonia exhibit multiple thin cytoplasmic projections. Here, we have explored the nature of these projections in mice and find that they are dynamic, span considerable distances from their cell body (≥25 μm), either terminate or physically connect multiple adjacent spermatogonia, and allow for sharing of macromolecules. Our results extend the current model that subsets of spermatogonia exist as isolated cells or clones, and support a model in which spermatogonia of similar developmental fates are functionally connected through a shared dynamic cytoplasm mediated by thin cytoplasmic projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Kenneth Cook
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Valentina Baena
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Julio E Agno
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Karen A Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Mark Terasaki
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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29
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Lord T, Oatley JM. Functional assessment of spermatogonial stem cell purity in experimental cell populations. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:129-133. [PMID: 29660605 PMCID: PMC6392036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, research in spermatogonial biology has been hindered by a lack of validated approaches to identify and isolate pure populations of the various spermatogonial subsets for in-depth analysis. In particular, although a number of markers of the undifferentiated spermatogonial population have now been characterized, standardized methodology for assessing their specificity to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) and transit amplifying progenitor pools has been lacking. To date, SSC content within an undefined population of spermatogonia has been inferred using either lineage tracing or spermatogonial transplantation analyses which generate qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Therefore, these techniques are not directly comparable, and are subject to variable interpretations as to a readout that is representative of a 'pure' SSC population. We propose standardization across the field for determining the SSC purity of a population via use of a limiting dilution transplantation assay that would eliminate subjectivity and help to minimize the generation of inconsistent data on 'SSC' populations. In the limiting dilution transplantation assay, a population of LacZ-expressing spermatogonia are selected based on a putative SSC marker, and a small, defined number of cells (i.e. 10 cells) are microinjected into the testis of a germ cell-deficient recipient mouse. Using colony counts and an estimated colonization efficiency of 5%; a quantitative value can be calculated that represents SSC purity in the starting population. The utilization of this technique would not only be useful to link functional relevance to novel markers that will be identified in the future, but also for providing validation of purity for marker-selected populations of spermatogonia that are commonly considered to be SSCs by many researchers in the field of spermatogenesis and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States.
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Fayomi AP, Orwig KE. Spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis in mice, monkeys and men. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:207-214. [PMID: 29730571 PMCID: PMC6010318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous spermatogenesis in post-pubertal mammals is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which balance self-renewing divisions that maintain stem cell pool with differentiating divisions that sustain continuous sperm production. Rodent stem and progenitor spermatogonia are described by their clonal arrangement in the seminiferous epithelium (e.g., Asingle, Apaired or Aaligned spermatogonia), molecular markers (e.g., ID4, GFRA1, PLZF, SALL4 and others) and most importantly by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis when transplanted into recipient testes. In contrast, stem cells in the testes of higher primates (nonhuman and human) are defined by description of their nuclear morphology and staining with hematoxylin as Adark and Apale spermatogonia. There is limited information about how dark and pale descriptions of nuclear morphology in higher primates correspond with clone size, molecular markers or transplant potential. Do the apparent differences in stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development between rodents and primates represent true biological differences or simply differences in the volume of research and the vocabulary that has developed over the past half century? This review will provide an overview of stem, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia that support spermatogenesis; identifying parallels between rodents and primates where they exist as well as features unique to higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetunji P Fayomi
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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31
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Lord T, Oatley JM. A revised A single model to explain stem cell dynamics in the mouse male germline. Reproduction 2018. [PMID: 28624768 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and progenitor spermatogonia encompass the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool in mammalian testes. In rodents, this population is comprised of Asingle, Apaired and chains of 4-16 Aaligned spermatogonia. Although traditional models propose that the entire Asingle pool represents SSCs, and formation of an Apaired syncytium symbolizes irreversible entry to a progenitor state destined for differentiation; recent models have emerged that suggest that the Asingle pool is heterogeneous, and Apaired/Aaligned can fragment to produce new SSCs. In this review, we explore evidence from the literature for these differing models representing SSC dynamics, including the traditional 'Asingle' and more recently formed 'fragmentation' models. Further, based on findings using a fluorescent reporter transgene (eGfp) that reflects expression of the SSC-specific transcription factor 'inhibitor of DNA binding 4' (Id4), we propose a revised version of the traditional model in which SSCs are a subset of the Asingle population; the ID4-eGFP bright cells (SSCultimate). From the SSCultimate pool, other Asingle and Apaired cohorts arise that are ID4-eGFP dim. Although the SSCultimate possess a transcriptome profile that reflects a self-renewing state, the transcriptome of the ID4-eGFP dim population resembles that of cells in transition (SSCtransitory) to a progenitor state. Accordingly, at the next mitotic division, these SSCtransitory are likely to join the progenitor pool and have lost stem cell capacity. This model supports the concept of a linear relationship between spermatogonial chain length and propensity for differentiation, while leaving open the possibility that the SSCtransitory (some Asingle and potentially some Apaired spermatogonia), may contribute to the self-renewing pool rather than transition to a progenitor state in response to perturbations of steady-state conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Expression patterns and role of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in boar spermatogonial stem cells. Theriogenology 2018; 113:221-228. [PMID: 29573661 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The signaling of chemokine stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and its receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is involved in the cellular proliferation, survival, and migration of various cell types. Although SDF-1/CXCR4 has been implicated in the maintenance of the spermatogonial population during mouse testis development, their expression patterns and functions in boar testis remain unclear. In the present study, the expression pattern of SDF-1 and CXCR4 was determined during pre-pubertal and post-pubertal stage boar testes and in vitro cultured porcine spermatogonial stem cells (pSSCs). The role of these proteins in colony formation in cultured pSSCs was also investigated. Interestingly, SDF-1 expression was observed in PGP 9.5-positve spermatogonia in all developing stages of boar testis; however, CXCR4 expression was only detected in spermatogonia from 5-day-old boar testis. In addition, SDF-1 and CXCR4 expression was observed in cultured pSSCs from 5-day-old boar testes, and inhibition of the CXCR4 receptor signaling pathway by AMD3100 significantly decreased the colony formation of pSSCs. These results suggest that SDF-1 and CXCR4 are useful markers for detecting stage-specific spermatogonia in boar testis. Our results reveal the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in pSSC in vitro culture.
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Neuhaus N, Yoon J, Terwort N, Kliesch S, Seggewiss J, Huge A, Voss R, Schlatt S, Grindberg RV, Schöler HR. Single-cell gene expression analysis reveals diversity among human spermatogonia. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:79-90. [PMID: 28093458 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the molecular profile of human spermatogonia homogeneous or heterogeneous when analysed at the single-cell level? SUMMARY ANSWER Heterogeneous expression profiles may be a key characteristic of human spermatogonia, supporting the existence of a heterogeneous stem cell population. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite the fact that many studies have sought to identify specific markers for human spermatogonia, the molecular fingerprint of these cells remains hitherto unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Testicular tissues from patients with spermatogonial arrest (arrest, n = 1) and with qualitatively normal spermatogenesis (normal, n = 7) were selected from a pool of 179 consecutively obtained biopsies. Gene expression analyses of cell populations and single-cells (n = 105) were performed. Two OCT4-positive individual cells were selected for global transcriptional capture using shallow RNA-seq. Finally, expression of four candidate markers was assessed by immunohistochemistry. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Histological analysis and blood hormone measurements for LH, FSH and testosterone were performed prior to testicular sample selection. Following enzymatic digestion of testicular tissues, differential plating and subsequent micromanipulation of individual cells was employed to enrich and isolate human spermatogonia, respectively. Endpoint analyses were qPCR analysis of cell populations and individual cells, shallow RNA-seq and immunohistochemical analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Unexpectedly, single-cell expression data from the arrest patient (20 cells) showed heterogeneous expression profiles. Also, from patients with normal spermatogenesis, heterogeneous expression patterns of undifferentiated (OCT4, UTF1 and MAGE A4) and differentiated marker genes (BOLL and PRM2) were obtained within each spermatogonia cluster (13 clusters with 85 cells). Shallow RNA-seq analysis of individual human spermatogonia was validated, and a spermatogonia-specific heterogeneous protein expression of selected candidate markers (DDX5, TSPY1, EEF1A1 and NGN3) was demonstrated. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The heterogeneity of human spermatogonia at the RNA and protein levels is a snapshot. To further assess the functional meaning of this heterogeneity and the dynamics of stem cell populations, approaches need to be developed to facilitate the repeated analysis of individual cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data suggest that heterogeneous expression profiles may be a key characteristic of human spermatogonia, supporting the model of a heterogeneous stem cell population. Future studies will assess the dynamics of spermatogonial populations in fertile and infertile patients. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data is published in the GEO database: GSE91063. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Max Planck Society and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG-Research Unit FOR 1041 Germ Cell Potential (grant numbers SCHO 340/7-1, SCHL394/11-2). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - J Yoon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstrasse 20, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - N Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Department of Clinical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - J Seggewiss
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - A Huge
- Core Facility Genomik, Medical Faculty of Münster, Domagkstrasse 3, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - R Voss
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research in the Faculty of Medicine, Domagkstrasse 3, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - R V Grindberg
- University Hospital Zurich, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, 8091 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - H R Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstrasse 20, 48149 Münster , Germany
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Testicular Architecture Is Critical for Mediation of Retinoic Acid Responsiveness by Undifferentiated Spermatogonial Subtypes in the Mouse. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:538-552. [PMID: 29398482 PMCID: PMC5830974 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis requires retinoic acid (RA) induction of the undifferentiated to differentiating transition in transit amplifying (TA) progenitor spermatogonia, whereas continuity of the spermatogenic lineage relies on the RA response being suppressed in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we discovered that, in mouse testes, both spermatogonial populations possess intrinsic RA-response machinery and exhibit hallmarks of the differentiating transition following direct exposure to RA, including loss of SSC regenerative capacity. We determined that SSCs are only resistant to RA-driven differentiation when situated in the normal topological organization of the testis. Furthermore, we show that the soma is instrumental in “priming” TA progenitors for RA-induced differentiation through elevated RA receptor expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that SSCs and TA progenitor spermatogonia inhabit disparate niche microenvironments within seminiferous tubules that are critical for mediating extrinsic cues that drive fate decisions. Contrary to previous dogma, SSCs do express RARγ, as well as other RAR/RXR variants Following direct exposure, SSCs exhibit an RA signaling response SSCs are protected from RA by the niche microenvironment in the testis Signals from the soma prime progenitors for RA-driven differentiation
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Awang-Junaidi AH, Honaramooz A. Optimization of culture conditions for short-term maintenance, proliferation, and colony formation of porcine gonocytes. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:8. [PMID: 29372053 PMCID: PMC5771198 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gonocytes give rise to spermatogonial stem cells, and thereby play an essential role in establishing spermatogenesis. Optimized culture conditions for gonocytes provide an opportunity for their study and in vitro manipulation for potential application in reproductive technologies. Using six experiments in a step-wise design, we examined the effects of several culture conditions on the maintenance, proliferation, and colony formation of porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from neonatal piglets were cultured for 7 d in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The examined culture conditions included using different cell seeding densities, gonocyte proportions, incubation temperatures, sampling strategies, and medium changing regimens. Results Confluency of cells was optimal (>90% by ~6 d) when 3.0 × 104 testis cells/cm2 containing ~40% gonocytes were used. Incubating the cells at 35 °C or 37 °C resulted in similar cell number and viability at confluency, but incubation at 35 °C resulted in a delayed confluency. In the first 2 d of culture, gonocytes remained mostly floating in the medium and gradually settled over the next 5 d. Consequently, not changing the medium for 7 d (as opposed to changing it every 2 d) led to a significant increase in the number of gonocyte colonies by reducing the loss of “floating gonocytes”. Conclusion We found that gonocytes require the presence of a critical minimum number of somatic cells for settlement, and can proliferate and form growing colonies even in a basic medium. Large numbers of viable gonocytes remain floating in the medium for several days. The optimized culture conditions in the present study included seeding with 3.0 × 104 testis cells/cm2 containing ~40% gonocytes, incubating at 37 °C, and without changing the medium in the first week, which can result in improved colony formation of porcine gonocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awang Hazmi Awang-Junaidi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4 Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4 Canada
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Garbuzov A, Pech MF, Hasegawa K, Sukhwani M, Zhang RJ, Orwig KE, Artandi SE. Purification of GFRα1+ and GFRα1- Spermatogonial Stem Cells Reveals a Niche-Dependent Mechanism for Fate Determination. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:553-567. [PMID: 29337115 PMCID: PMC5830912 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia comprise a pool of stem cells and progenitor cells that show heterogeneous expression of markers, including the cell surface receptor GFRα1. Technical challenges in isolation of GFRα1+ versus GFRα1– undifferentiated spermatogonia have precluded the comparative molecular characterization of these subpopulations and their functional evaluation as stem cells. Here, we develop a method to purify these subpopulations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and show that GFRα1+ and GFRα1– undifferentiated spermatogonia both demonstrate elevated transplantation activity, while differing principally in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and cell cycle. We identify the cell surface molecule melanocyte cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) as differentially expressed in these populations and show that antibodies to MCAM allow isolation of highly enriched populations of GFRα1+ and GFRα1– spermatogonia from adult, wild-type mice. In germ cell culture, GFRα1– cells upregulate MCAM expression in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)/fibroblast growth factor (FGF) stimulation. In transplanted hosts, GFRα1– spermatogonia yield GFRα1+ spermatogonia and restore spermatogenesis, albeit at lower rates than their GFRα1+ counterparts. Together, these data provide support for a model of a stem cell pool in which the GFRα1+ and GFRα1– cells are closely related but show key cell-intrinsic differences and can interconvert between the two states based, in part, on access to niche factors. A new method to purify GFRα1+ and GFRα1– undifferentiated spermatogonia by FACS GFRα1+ and GFRα1– cells differ in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling Differential surface MCAM expression can distinguish GFRα1+ and GFRα1– cells GFRα1– cells have a third of the transplantation activity of GFRα1+ cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Garbuzov
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew F Pech
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kazuteru Hasegawa
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ruixuan J Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Steven E Artandi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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37
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von Kopylow K, Spiess AN. Human spermatogonial markers. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:300-309. [PMID: 29239848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide an up-to-date compilation of published human spermatogonial markers, with focus on the three nuclear subtypes Adark, Apale and B. In addition, we have extended our recently published list of putative spermatogonial markers with protein expression and RNA-sequencing data from the Human Protein Atlas and supported these by literature evidence. Most importantly, we have put substantial effort in acquiring a comprehensive list of new and potentially interesting markers by refiltering the raw data of 15 published germ cell expression datasets (four human, eleven rodent) and subsequent building of intersections to acquire a robust, cross-species set of spermatogonia-enriched or -specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrein von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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The protein phosphatase 1 regulator NIPP1 is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13364. [PMID: 29042623 PMCID: PMC5645368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NIPP1 is one of the major nuclear interactors of protein phosphatase PP1. The deletion of NIPP1 in mice is early embryonic lethal, which has precluded functional studies in adult tissues. Hence, we have generated an inducible NIPP1 knockout model using a tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase transgene. The inactivation of the NIPP1 encoding alleles (Ppp1r8) in adult mice occurred very efficiently in testis and resulted in a gradual loss of germ cells, culminating in a Sertoli-cell only phenotype. Before the overt development of this phenotype Ppp1r8−/− testis showed a decreased proliferation and survival capacity of cells of the spermatogenic lineage. A reduced proliferation was also detected after the tamoxifen-induced removal of NIPP1 from cultured testis slices and isolated germ cells enriched for undifferentiated spermatogonia, hinting at a testis-intrinsic defect. Consistent with the observed phenotype, RNA sequencing identified changes in the transcript levels of cell-cycle and apoptosis regulating genes in NIPP1-depleted testis. We conclude that NIPP1 is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis because it is indispensable for the proliferation and survival of progenitor germ cells, including (un)differentiated spermatogonia.
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Dai MS, Hall SJ, Vantangoli Policelli MM, Boekelheide K, Spade DJ. Spontaneous testicular atrophy occurs despite normal spermatogonial proliferation in a Tp53 knockout rat. Andrology 2017; 5:1141-1152. [PMID: 28834365 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53) has many functions in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair and is also involved in spermatogenesis in the mouse. To evaluate the role of p53 in spermatogenesis in the rat, we characterized testis biology in adult males of a novel p53 knockout rat (SD-Tp53tm1sage ). p53 knockout rats exhibited variable levels of testicular atrophy, including significantly decreased testis weights, atrophic seminiferous tubules, decreased seminiferous tubule diameter, and elevated spermatocyte TUNEL labeling rates, indicating a dysfunction in spermatogenesis. Phosphorylated histone H2AX protein levels and distribution were similar in the non-atrophic seminiferous tubules of both genotypes, showing evidence of pre-synaptic DNA double-strand breaks in leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes, preceding cell death in p53 knockout rat testes. Quantification of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation rate with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, in addition to staining with the undifferentiated type A spermatogonial marker GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1), indicated that the undifferentiated spermatogonial population was normal in p53 knockout rats. Following exposure to 0.5 or 5 Gy X-ray, p53 knockout rats exhibited no germ cell apoptotic response beyond their unirradiated phenotype, while germ cell death in wild-type rat testes was elevated to a level similar to the unexposed p53 knockout rats. This study indicates that seminiferous tubule atrophy occurs following spontaneous, elevated levels of spermatocyte death in the p53 knockout rat. This phenomenon is variable across individual rats. These results indicate a critical role for p53 in rat germ cell survival and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Dai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Di Persio S, Saracino R, Fera S, Muciaccia B, Esposito V, Boitani C, Berloco BP, Nudo F, Spadetta G, Stefanini M, de Rooij DG, Vicini E. Spermatogonial kinetics in humans. Development 2017; 144:3430-3439. [PMID: 28827392 DOI: 10.1242/dev.150284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human spermatogonial compartment is essential for daily production of millions of sperm. Despite this crucial role, the molecular signature, kinetic behavior and regulation of human spermatogonia are poorly understood. Using human testis biopsies with normal spermatogenesis and by studying marker protein expression, we have identified for the first time different subpopulations of spermatogonia. MAGE-A4 marks all spermatogonia, KIT marks all B spermatogonia and UCLH1 all Apale-dark (Ap-d) spermatogonia. We suggest that at the start of the spermatogenic lineage there are Ap-d spermatogonia that are GFRA1High, likely including the spermatogonial stem cells. Next, UTF1 becomes expressed, cells become quiescent and GFRA1 expression decreases. Finally, GFRA1 expression is lost and subsequently cells differentiate into B spermatogonia, losing UTF1 and acquiring KIT expression. Strikingly, most human Ap-d spermatogonia are out of the cell cycle and even differentiating type B spermatogonial proliferation is restricted. A novel scheme for human spermatogonial development is proposed that will facilitate further research in this field, the understanding of cases of infertility and the development of methods to increase sperm output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Rossana Saracino
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Fera
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Barbara Muciaccia
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Carla Boitani
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo P Berloco
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Nudo
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gustavo Spadetta
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mario Stefanini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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Singh D, Paduch DA, Schlegel PN, Orwig KE, Mielnik A, Bolyakov A, Wright WW. The production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor by human sertoli cells is substantially reduced in sertoli cell-only testes. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1108-1117. [PMID: 28369535 PMCID: PMC6075567 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do human Sertoli cells in testes that exhibit the Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype produce substantially less glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) than Sertoli cells in normal testes? SUMMARY ANSWER In human SCO testes, both the amounts of GDNF mRNA per testis and the concentration of GDNF protein per Sertoli cell are markedly reduced as compared to normal testes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vivo, GDNF is required to sustain the numbers and function of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and their immediate progeny, transit-amplifying progenitor spermatogonia. GDNF is expressed in the human testis, and the ligand-binding domain of the GDNF receptor, GFRA1, has been detected on human SSCs. The numbers and/or function of these stem cells are markedly reduced in some infertile men, resulting in the SCO histological phenotype. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION We determined the numbers of human spermatogonia per mm2 of seminiferous tubule surface that express GFRA1 and/or UCHL1, another marker of human SSCs. We measured GFRA1 mRNA expression in order to document the reduced numbers and/or function of SSCs in SCO testes. We quantified GDNF mRNA in testes of humans and mice, a species with GDNF-dependent SSCs. We also compared GDNF mRNA expression in human testes with normal spermatogenesis to that in testes exhibiting the SCO phenotype. As controls, we also measured transcripts encoding two other Sertoli cell products, kit ligand (KITL) and clusterin (CLU). Finally, we compared the amounts of GDNF per Sertoli cell in normal and SCO testes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Normal human testes were obtained from beating heart organ donors. Biopsies of testes from men who were infertile due to maturation arrest or the SCO phenotype were obtained as part of standard care during micro-testicular surgical sperm extraction. Cells expressing GFRA1, UCHL1 or both on whole mounts of normal human seminiferous tubules were identified by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy and their numbers were determined by image analysis. Human GDNF mRNA and GFRA1 mRNA were quantified by use of digital PCR and Taqman primers. Transcripts encoding mouse GDNF and human KITL, CLU and 18 S rRNA, used for normalization of data, were quantified by use of real-time PCR and Taqman primers. Finally, we used two independent methods, flow cytometric analysis of single cells and ELISA assays of homogenates of whole testis biopsies, to compare amounts of GDNF per Sertoli cell in normal and SCO testes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Normal human testes contain a large population of SSCs that express GFRA1, the ligand-binding domain of the GDNF receptor. In human SCO testes, GFRA1 mRNA was detected but at markedly reduced levels. Expression of GDNF mRNA and the amount of GDNF protein per Sertoli cell were also significantly reduced in SCO testes. These results were observed in multiple, independent samples, and the reduced amount of GDNF in Sertoli cells of SCO testes was demonstrated using two different analytical approaches. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There currently are no approved protocols for the in vivo manipulation of human testis GDNF concentrations. Thus, while our data suggest that insufficient GDNF may be the proximal cause of some cases of human male infertility, our results are correlative in nature. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We propose that insufficient GDNF expression may contribute to the infertility of some men with an SCO testicular phenotype. If their testes contain some SSCs, an approach that increases their testicular GDNF concentrations might expand stem cell numbers and possibly sperm production. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility Program (NCTRI) Grant 1R01HD074542-04, as well as grants R01 HD076412-02 and P01 HD075795-02 and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Support for this research was also provided by NIH P50 HD076210, the Robert Dow Foundation, the Frederick & Theresa Dow Wallace Fund of the New York Community Trust and the Brady Urological Foundation. There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - D. A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - P. N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - K. E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - A. Mielnik
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - A. Bolyakov
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - W. W. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Azizi H, Skutella T, Shahverdi A. Generation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem-Cell-Colonies in A Non-Adherent Culture. CELL JOURNAL 2017; 19:238-249. [PMID: 28670516 PMCID: PMC5412782 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The properties of self-renewal and division in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) support spermatogenesis. There is a number of reported methods for in vitro SSC culture systems. The development of a culture system that effectively supports isolation and selfrenewal of germline stem cells (GSCs) is of tremendous benefit for clinical trials, experimental research, and as potential treatment for male infertility. The current study aims to consider the cultivation and behavior of GSCs in a non-adherent culture system. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, we cultured testicular cells from neonatal mice in agarose coated plates in the presence of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) medium (CTRL group), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)+DMEM (10% group), and growth factor (G group) that contained 2% FBS, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Mouse spermatogonial stem-like colonies were isolated approximately 3 weeks after digestion of the testis tissue. After passages 2-3, the identity of the mouse spermatogonial stem-like cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and flow cytometry against the germ cell markers α6, β1, c-Kit, Thy-1, c-Ret, Plzf, and Oct4. The statistical significance between mean values in different groups was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS We observed spermatogonial stem-like colonies in the G and 10% groups, but not the CTRL group. Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR confirmed expressions of germ cell markers in these cells. In the spermatogonial stem-like cells, we observed a significant expression (P<0.05) of germ cell markers in the G and 10% groups versus the testis cells (T). Their proliferative and apoptotic activities were examined by Ki67 and PI/annexin V-FITC. Alkaline phosphatase assay showed that mouse spermato- gonial stem-like colonies were partially positive. CONCLUSION A non-adherent culture system could provide a favorable method for in vitro short-term culture of spermatogonial stem-like cell colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Tokue M, Ikami K, Mizuno S, Takagi C, Miyagi A, Takada R, Noda C, Kitadate Y, Hara K, Mizuguchi H, Sato T, Taketo MM, Sugiyama F, Ogawa T, Kobayashi S, Ueno N, Takahashi S, Takada S, Yoshida S. SHISA6 Confers Resistance to Differentiation-Promoting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Mouse Spermatogenic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:561-575. [PMID: 28196692 PMCID: PMC5355566 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the seminiferous tubules of mouse testes, a population of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1)-positive spermatogonia harbors the stem cell functionality and supports continual spermatogenesis, likely independent of asymmetric division or definitive niche control. Here, we show that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes spermatogonial differentiation and reduces the GFRα1+ cell pool. We further discovered that SHISA6 is a cell-autonomous Wnt inhibitor that is expressed in a restricted subset of GFRα1+ cells and confers resistance to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Shisa6+ cells appear to show stem cell-related characteristics, conjectured from the morphology and long-term fates of T (Brachyury)+ cells that are found largely overlapped with Shisa6+ cells. This study proposes a generic mechanism of stem cell regulation in a facultative (or open) niche environment, with which different levels of a cell-autonomous inhibitor (SHISA6, in this case) generates heterogeneous resistance to widely distributed differentiation-promoting extracellular signaling, such as WNTs. Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes the differentiation of GFRα1+ spermatogonia SHISA6 is a cell-autonomous Wnt inhibitor expressed in subset GFRα1+ cells SHISA6 confers resistance to differentiation induction by Wnt/β-catenin signaling SHISA6+ spermatogonia show stem cell-related properties
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Tokue
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kanako Ikami
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Chiyo Takagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Asuka Miyagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Takada
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Chiyo Noda
- Division of Developmental Genetics, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroko Mizuguchi
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Sugiyama
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Satoru Kobayashi
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Division of Developmental Genetics, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shinji Takada
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.
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Potter SJ, DeFalco T. Role of the testis interstitial compartment in spermatogonial stem cell function. Reproduction 2017; 153:R151-R162. [PMID: 28115580 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Intricate cellular and molecular interactions ensure that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proceed in a step-wise differentiation process through spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis to produce sperm. SSCs lie within the seminiferous tubule compartment, which provides a nurturing environment for the development of sperm. Cells outside of the tubules, such as interstitial and peritubular cells, also help direct SSC activity. This review focuses on interstitial (interstitial macrophages, Leydig cells and vasculature) and peritubular (peritubular macrophages and peritubular myoid cells) cells and their role in regulating the SSC self-renewal and differentiation in mammals. Leydig cells, the major steroidogenic cells in the testis, influence SSCs through secreted factors, such as insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) and colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1). Macrophages interact with SSCs through various potential mechanisms, such as CSF1 and retinoic acid (RA), to induce the proliferation or differentiation of SSCs respectively. Vasculature influences SSC dynamics through CSF1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and by regulating oxygen levels. Lastly, peritubular myoid cells produce one of the most well-known factors that is required for SSC self-renewal, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as well as CSF1. Overall, SSC interactions with interstitial and peritubular cells are critical for SSC function and are an important underlying factor promoting male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Potter
- Division of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Helsel AR, Yang QE, Oatley MJ, Lord T, Sablitzky F, Oatley JM. ID4 levels dictate the stem cell state in mouse spermatogonia. Development 2017; 144:624-634. [PMID: 28087628 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a classic model of cycling cell lineages that depend on a balance between stem cell self-renewal for continuity and the formation of progenitors as the initial step in the production of differentiated cells. The mechanisms that guide the continuum of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) to progenitor spermatogonial transition and precise identifiers of subtypes in the process are undefined. Here we used an Id4-eGfp reporter mouse to discover that EGFP intensity is predictive of the subsets, with the ID4-EGFPBright population being mostly, if not purely, SSCs, whereas the ID4-EGFPDim population is in transition to the progenitor state. These subsets are also distinguishable by transcriptome signatures. Moreover, using a conditional overexpression mouse model, we found that transition from the stem cell to the immediate progenitor state requires downregulation of Id4 coincident with a major change in the transcriptome. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the level of ID4 is predictive of stem cell or progenitor capacity in spermatogonia and dictates the interface of transition between the different functional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen R Helsel
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.,Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH 810001, China
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Fred Sablitzky
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Harichandan A, Sivasubramaniyan K, Hennenlotter J, Poths S, Bedke J, Kruck S, Stenzl A, Bühring HJ. Molecular Signatures of Primary Human Spermatogonial Progenitors and Its Neighboring Peritubular Stromal Compartment. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 26:263-273. [PMID: 27821019 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In-depth understanding of human spermatogenesis requires studying specific molecular signatures and interactions of spermatogonia with other testicular cell populations, for which isolation of pure populations of different cell types is crucial. Here, we describe a technique to simultaneously enrich pure, multiple testicular cell populations, including spermatogonia, endothelial (TECs), and perivascular mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (TMSCs), from testicular tissue by flow cytometry using a combination of defined markers. Immunohistochemical studies, multicolor staining, and cell sorting followed by multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that spermatogonia were highly enriched in the CD49f+CD49a-HLA-ABC-SSEA-4+ fraction of primary testicular cells. In contrast to spermatogonia, TMSCs and TECs were highly enriched in the CD49f+CD49a+HLA-ABC+CD144- and CD49f+CD49a+HLA-ABC+CD144+subsets, respectively. The delineation was confirmed by the expression of specific stromal and endothelial key markers as well as by the differentiation and angiogenic capacity of the sorted populations. In this article, for the first time, we performed transcriptome profiling of highly enriched, freshly isolated human spermatogonia and compared their expression profile with that of TMSCs. Our RNA sequencing data favor the hypothesis that TMSCs are candidate niche components for spermatogonia. The composite genotype and phenotype of defined testicular cell populations combined with a robust isolation procedure from small biopsies contributes to a better understanding of cellular interactions and for the establishment of efficient culture techniques to maintain spermatogonial progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Harichandan
- 1 Division of Hematology, Immunology, Oncology, Rheumatology and Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
- 2 Department of Urology, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kavitha Sivasubramaniyan
- 1 Division of Hematology, Immunology, Oncology, Rheumatology and Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hennenlotter
- 2 Department of Urology, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Poths
- 3 Institute for Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bedke
- 2 Department of Urology, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Kruck
- 2 Department of Urology, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arnulf Stenzl
- 2 Department of Urology, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Bühring
- 1 Division of Hematology, Immunology, Oncology, Rheumatology and Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Clinic of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
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Marjault HB, Allemand I. Consequences of irradiation on adult spermatogenesis: Between infertility and hereditary risk. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 770:340-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Escada‐Rebelo S, Silva AF, Amaral S, Tavares RS, Paiva C, Schlatt S, Ramalho‐Santos J, Mota PC. Spermatogonial stem cell organization in felid testis as revealed by
Dolichos biflorus
lectin. Andrology 2016; 4:1159-1168. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Escada‐Rebelo
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - A. F. Silva
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - S. Amaral
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - R. S. Tavares
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - C. Paiva
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB) Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - S. Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - J. Ramalho‐Santos
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - P. C. Mota
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC)University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
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49
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Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:10-26. [PMID: 27143445 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.
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50
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Azizollahi S, Aflatoonian R, Sadighi Gilani MA, Behnam B, Tajik N, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Asgari HR, Koruji M. Alteration of spermatogenesis following spermatogonial stem cells transplantation in testicular torsion-detorsion mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:771-81. [PMID: 27052833 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Testicular ischemia is the main consequence of testicular torsion, in both clinical and experimental aspects. Preservation and auto-transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) could be a new treatment for infertility in testicular ischemia following testicular torsion. METHODS To apply the idea in this study, animals were randomly divided into four groups of control, sham, with torsion, and with torsion followed by transplantation (TT). Isolated SSCs from neonatal mice were cultured and identified by flow cytometry (C-KIT(-), INTEGRIN β1 (+)) and RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) for specific spermatogonial cell markers (Oct4, Gfrα-1, Plzf, Vasa, Itgα 6 , and Itgβ 1 ). SSCs were transplanted upon a 2-h testicular torsion in the TT group. Cultured cells were transplanted into ischemia reperfusion testicle 2 weeks post-testicular torsion. Eight weeks after SSCs transplantation, the SSCs-transplanted testes and epididymis were removed for sperm analysis, weight and histopathological evaluation, and pre- and post-meiotic gene expression assessment by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Our findings indicated that all evaluated parameters (epididymal sperm profile, Johnsen score, Plzf, Gfrα-1, Scp-1, Tekt-1 expressions, and histopathological profile) were significantly decreased following testicular torsion (group 3) when compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). However, all abovementioned parameters showed a significant increase/improvement in torsion-transplantation group compared to torsion group. However, these parameters in the TT group were significantly lower in the sham and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION SSCs transplantation could up-regulate the expression of pre- and post-meiotic genes in testicular ischemia, which resulted in improvement of both testicular function and structure after testicular torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Azizollahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Behnam
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, NIH, Office of the Director, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Highway, P. O. Box 14155-5983, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Tajik
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamid Reza Asgari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Highway, P. O. Box 14155-5983, Tehran, Iran.
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