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Abou Nader N, Charrier L, Meisnsohn MC, Banville L, Deffrennes B, St-Jean G, Boerboom D, Zamberlam G, Brind'Amour J, Pépin D, Boyer A. Lats1 and Lats2 regulate YAP and TAZ activity to control the development of mouse Sertoli cells. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23633. [PMID: 38690712 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400346r] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest that the Hippo signaling pathway regulates testis development, though its exact roles in Sertoli cell differentiation remain unknown. Here, we examined the functions of the main Hippo pathway kinases, large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and 2 (Lats1 and Lats2) in developing mouse Sertoli cells. Conditional inactivation of Lats1/2 in Sertoli cells resulted in the disorganization and overgrowth of the testis cords, the induction of a testicular inflammatory response and germ cell apoptosis. Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (STRA8) expression in germ cells additionally suggested that germ cells may have been preparing to enter meiosis prior to their loss. Gene expression analyses of the developing testes of conditional knockout animals further suggested impaired Sertoli cell differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the induction of a specific set of genes associated with Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-mediated integrin signaling. Finally, the involvement of YAP/TAZ in Sertoli cell differentiation was confirmed by concomitantly inactivating Yap/Taz in Lats1/2 conditional knockout model, which resulted in a partial rescue of the testicular phenotypic changes. Taken together, these results identify Hippo signaling as a crucial pathway for Sertoli cell development and provide novel insight into Sertoli cell fate maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laureline Charrier
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meisnsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laurence Banville
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bérengère Deffrennes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume St-Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Zamberlam
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Brind'Amour
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Wong HN, Chen T, Wang PJ, Holzman LB. ARF6, a component of intercellular bridges, is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. Dev Biol 2024; 508:46-63. [PMID: 38242343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.01.007] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Male germ cells are connected by intercellular bridges (ICBs) in a syncytium due to incomplete cytokinesis. Syncytium is thought to be important for synchronized germ cell development by interchange of cytoplasmic factors via ICBs. Mammalian ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is a small GTPase that is involved in many cellular mechanisms including but not limited to regulating cellular structure, motility, vesicle trafficking and cytokinesis. ARF6 localizes to ICBs in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in mice. Here we report that mice with global depletion of ARF6 in adulthood using Ubc-CreERT2 display no observable phenotypes but are male sterile. ARF6-deficient males display a progressive loss of germ cells, including LIN28A-expressing spermatogonia, and ultimately develop Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. Specifically, intercellular bridges are lost in ARF6-deficient testis. Furthermore, germ cell-specific inactivation using the Ddx4-CreERT2 results in the same testicular morphological phenotype, showing the germ cell-intrinsic requirement of ARF6. Therefore, ARF6 is essential for spermatogenesis in mice and this function is conserved from Drosophila to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetty N Wong
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tingfang Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holzman
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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3
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Noguchi Y, Onodera Y, Miyamoto T, Maruoka M, Kosako H, Suzuki J. In vivo CRISPR screening directly targeting testicular cells. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100510. [PMID: 38447574 PMCID: PMC10943590 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 short guide RNA (sgRNA) library screening is a powerful approach to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena. However, its in vivo application is currently limited. Here, we developed our previously established in vitro revival screening method into an in vivo one to identify factors involved in spermatogenesis integrity by utilizing sperm capacitation as an indicator. By introducing an sgRNA library into testicular cells, we successfully pinpointed the retinal degeneration 3 (Rd3) gene as a significant factor in spermatogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis highlighted the high expression of Rd3 in round spermatids, and proteomics analysis indicated that Rd3 interacts with mitochondria. To search for cell-type-specific signaling pathways based on scRNA-seq and proteomics analyses, we developed a computational tool, Hub-Explorer. Through this, we discovered that Rd3 modulates oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial distribution upon ciliogenesis induction. Collectively, our screening system provides a valuable in vivo approach to decipher molecular mechanisms in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Noguchi
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Onodera
- Global Center for Biomedical Science and Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yamaguchi University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Maruoka
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for Integrated Biosystems, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hidetaka Kosako
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Jun Suzuki
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for Integrated Biosystems, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
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4
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Perrone R, Ashok Kumaar PV, Haky L, Hahn C, Riley R, Balough J, Zaza G, Soygur B, Hung K, Prado L, Kasler HG, Tiwari R, Matsui H, Hormazabal GV, Heckenbach I, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Duncan FE, Verdin E. CD38 regulates ovarian function and fecundity via NAD + metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:107949. [PMID: 37822499 PMCID: PMC10562803 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproductive lifespan is typically significantly shorter than life expectancy and is associated with a decrease in ovarian NAD+ levels. However, the mechanisms underlying this loss of ovarian NAD+ are unclear. Here, we show that CD38, an NAD+ consuming enzyme, is expressed in the ovarian extrafollicular space, primarily in immune cells, and its levels increase with reproductive age. Reproductively young mice lacking CD38 exhibit larger primordial follicle pools, elevated ovarian NAD+ levels, and increased fecundity relative to wild type controls. This larger ovarian reserve results from a prolonged window of follicle formation during early development. However, the beneficial effect of CD38 loss on reproductive function is not maintained at advanced age. Our results demonstrate a novel role of CD38 in regulating ovarian NAD+ metabolism and establishing the ovarian reserve, a critical process that dictates a female's reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lauren Haky
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
- The Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Cosmo Hahn
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | - Julia Balough
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Giuliana Zaza
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Bikem Soygur
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Hung
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Leandro Prado
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | - Ritesh Tiwari
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Indra Heckenbach
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Scheibye-Knudsen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric Verdin
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
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5
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Cooke CB, Barrington C, Baillie-Benson P, Nichols J, Moris N. Gastruloid-derived primordial germ cell-like cells develop dynamically within integrated tissues. Development 2023; 150:dev201790. [PMID: 37526602 PMCID: PMC10508693 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the early embryonic precursors of gametes - sperm and egg cells. PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) can currently be derived in vitro from pluripotent cells exposed to signalling cocktails and aggregated into large embryonic bodies, but these do not recapitulate the native embryonic environment during PGC formation. Here, we show that mouse gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model of gastrulation, contain a population of gastruloid-derived PGCLCs (Gld-PGCLCs) that resemble early PGCs in vivo. Importantly, the conserved organisation of mouse gastruloids leads to coordinated spatial and temporal localisation of Gld-PGCLCs relative to surrounding somatic cells, even in the absence of specific exogenous PGC-specific signalling or extra-embryonic tissues. In gastruloids, self-organised interactions between cells and tissues, including the endodermal epithelium, enables the specification and subsequent maturation of a pool of Gld-PGCLCs. As such, mouse gastruloids represent a new source of PGCLCs in vitro and, owing to their inherent co-development, serve as a novel model to study the dynamics of PGC development within integrated tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Cooke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
- Abcam, Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AX, UK
| | | | - Peter Baillie-Benson
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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6
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Ribeiro J, Crossan GP. GCNA is a histone binding protein required for spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4791-4813. [PMID: 36919611 PMCID: PMC10250205 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad168] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recycling and de-novo deposition of histones during DNA replication is a critical challenge faced by eukaryotic cells and is coordinated by histone chaperones. Spermatogenesis is highly regulated sophisticated process necessitating not only histone modification but loading of testis specific histone variants. Here, we show that Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic protein (GCNA), a germ cell specific protein in adult mice, can bind histones and purified GCNA exhibits histone chaperone activity. GCNA associates with the DNA replication machinery and supports progression through S-phase in murine undifferentiated spermatogonia (USGs). Whilst GCNA is dispensable for embryonic germ cell development, it is required for the maintenance of the USG pool and for long-term production of sperm. Our work describes the role of a germ cell specific histone chaperone in USGs maintenance in mice. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the male infertility observed in patients carrying GCNA mutations.
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7
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Kirsanov O, Johnson T, Malachowski T, Niedenberger BA, Gilbert EA, Bhowmick D, Ozdinler PH, Gray DA, Fisher-Wellman K, Hermann BP, Geyer CB. Modeling mammalian spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation in vitro. Development 2022; 149:282465. [PMID: 36250451 PMCID: PMC9845750 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, premeiotic spermatogonia respond to retinoic acid by completing an essential lengthy differentiation program before initiating meiosis. The molecular and cellular changes directing these developmental processes remain largely undefined. This wide gap in knowledge is due to two unresolved technical challenges: (1) lack of robust and reliable in vitro models to study differentiation and meiotic initiation; and (2) lack of methods to isolate large and pure populations of male germ cells at each stage of differentiation and at meiotic initiation. Here, we report a facile in vitro differentiation and meiotic initiation system that can be readily manipulated, including the use of chemical agents that cannot be safely administered to live animals. In addition, we present a transgenic mouse model enabling fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based isolation of millions of spermatogonia at specific developmental stages as well as meiotic spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Taylor Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Taylor Malachowski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Bryan A. Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Emma A. Gilbert
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - P. Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611, USA
| | - Douglas A. Gray
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada,Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Kelsey Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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8
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Reh B, Wang X, Feng Y, Bhandari RK. Potassium perchlorate effects on primordial germ cells of developing medaka larvae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 251:106283. [PMID: 36063761 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perchlorate is a chemical compound commonly used in military artillery and equipment. It has been detected in drinking water, air, soil, and breast milk. Exposure of humans to perchlorate can occur in the theater of war and areas adjacent to military training grounds. A high concentration of perchlorate has been found to affect reproduction in vertebrates, including fish. However, whether environmental concentrations of perchlorate can affect primordial germ cells (PGCs), the founders of sperm and eggs, is not clearly understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L potassium perchlorate exposure on the embryonic development of medaka and their PGCs. Perchlorate exposure delayed hatching time, reduced heartbeat, inhibited migration of PGCs, and increased developmental deformities in the larvae. The 10 and 20 mg/L concentrations of perchlorate were lethal to embryos, whereas vitamin C co-treatment (1 mg/L) completely blocked perchlorate-induced mortality. RNA-seq analysis of isolated PGCs showed a non-linear pattern in expression profiles of differentially altered genes. Significantly upregulated genes were found in PGCs from the 10 and 1000 μg/L groups, whereas the 100 μg/L groups showed the highest number of significantly downregulated genes. Gene ontology analysis predicted differentially expressed genes to be involved in proteolysis, metabolic processes, peptides activity, hydrolase activity, and hormone activity. Among the cellular components, extracellular, intracellular, sarcoplasmic, and 6-phosphofructokinase and membrane-bounded processes were affected. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of PGC transcriptomes revealed thyroid hormone signaling to be affected by all concentrations of perchlorate. The present results suggested that perchlorate affected the development of medaka larvae and vitamin C was able to ameliorate perchlorate-induced embryo mortality. Additionally, perchlorate altered the global transcriptional network in PGCs in a non-linear fashion suggesting its potential effects on developing germ cells and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beh Reh
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Xuegeng Wang
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA; Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Yashi Feng
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Ramji K Bhandari
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA.
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9
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Peart NJ, Johnson TA, Lee S, Sears MJ, Yang F, Quesnel-Vallières M, Feng H, Recinos Y, Barash Y, Zhang C, Hermann BP, Wang PJ, Geyer CB, Carstens RP. The germ cell-specific RNA binding protein RBM46 is essential for spermatogonial differentiation in mice. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010416. [PMID: 36129965 PMCID: PMC9529142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Control over gene expression is exerted, in multiple stages of spermatogenesis, at the post-transcriptional level by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). We identify here an essential role in mammalian spermatogenesis and male fertility for 'RNA binding protein 46' (RBM46). A highly evolutionarily conserved gene, Rbm46 is also essential for fertility in both flies and fish. We found Rbm46 expression was restricted to the mouse germline, detectable in males in the cytoplasm of premeiotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes. To define its requirement for spermatogenesis, we generated Rbm46 knockout (KO, Rbm46-/-) mice; although male Rbm46-/- mice were viable and appeared grossly normal, they were infertile. Testes from adult Rbm46-/- mice were small, with seminiferous tubules containing only Sertoli cells and few undifferentiated spermatogonia. Using genome-wide unbiased high throughput assays RNA-seq and 'enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation' coupled with RNA-seq (eCLIP-seq), we discovered RBM46 could bind, via a U-rich conserved consensus sequence, to a cohort of mRNAs encoding proteins required for completion of differentiation and subsequent meiotic initiation. In summary, our studies support an essential role for RBM46 in regulating target mRNAs during spermatogonia differentiation prior to the commitment to meiosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natoya J. Peart
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Taylor A. Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sungkyoung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Sears
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yocelyn Recinos
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Russ P. Carstens
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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10
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Ravindranathan R, Raveendran K, Papanikos F, San-Segundo P, Tóth A. Chromosomal synapsis defects can trigger oocyte apoptosis without elevating numbers of persistent DNA breaks above wild-type levels. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5617-5634. [PMID: 35580048 PMCID: PMC9177993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of haploid gametes depends on a modified version of homologous recombination in meiosis. Meiotic recombination is initiated by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) ends originating from programmed DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) that are generated by the topoisomerase-related SPO11 enzyme. Meiotic recombination involves chromosomal synapsis, which enhances recombination-mediated DSB repair, and thus, crucially contributes to genome maintenance in meiocytes. Synapsis defects induce oocyte apoptosis ostensibly due to unrepaired DSBs that persist in asynaptic chromosomes. In mice, SPO11-deficient oocytes feature asynapsis, apoptosis and, surprisingly, numerous foci of the ssDNA-binding recombinase RAD51, indicative of DSBs of unknown origin. Hence, asynapsis is suggested to trigger apoptosis due to inefficient DSB repair even in mutants that lack programmed DSBs. By directly detecting ssDNAs, we discovered that RAD51 is an unreliable marker for DSBs in oocytes. Further, SPO11-deficient oocytes have fewer persistent ssDNAs than wild-type oocytes. These observations suggest that oocyte quality is safeguarded in mammals by a synapsis surveillance mechanism that can operate without persistent ssDNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ravindranathan
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kavya Raveendran
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frantzeskos Papanikos
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Pedro A San-Segundo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Attila Tóth
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 351 458 6467; Fax: +49 351 458 6305;
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11
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Pathogenic variations in Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA) are associated with human male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1781-1788. [PMID: 34413498 PMCID: PMC8632907 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00946-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples, half of which are caused by a male factor. Male infertility can be caused by both, qualitative and quantitative defects, leading to Oligo- astheno-terato-zoospermia (OAT; impairment in ejaculate sperm cell concentration, motility and morphology). Azoospermia defined as complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculation. While hundreds of genes are involved in spermatogenesis the genetic etiology of men's infertility remains incomplete.We identified a hemizygous stop gain pathogenic variation (PV) in the X-linked Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA), in an Azoospermic patient by exome sequencing. Assessment of the prevalence of pathogenic variations in this gene in infertile males by exome sequence data of 11 additional unrelated patients identified a probable hemizygous causative missense PV in GCNA in a severe OAT patient. Expression of GCNA in the patients' testes biopsies and the stage of spermatogonial developmental arrest were determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The Azoospermic patient presented spermatogenic maturation arrest with an almost complete absence of early and late primary spermatocytes and thus the complete absence of sperm. GCNA is critical for genome integrity and its loss results in genomic instability and infertility in Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, and mouse. PVs in GCNA appear to be incompatible with male fertility in humans as well: A stop-gain PV caused Azoospermia and a missense PV caused severe OAT with very low fertilization rates and no pregnancy in numerous IVF treatments.
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12
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Fukuda E, Tanaka H, Yamaguchi K, Takasaka M, Kawamura Y, Okuda H, Isotani A, Ikawa M, Shapiro VS, Tsuchida J, Okada Y, Tsujimura A, Miyagawa Y, Fukuhara S, Kawakami Y, Wada M, Nishimune Y, Goshima N. Identification and characterization of the antigen recognized by the germ cell mAb TRA98 using a human comprehensive wet protein array. Genes Cells 2021; 26:180-189. [PMID: 33527666 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12832] [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: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
TRA98 is a rat monoclonal antibody (mAb) which recognizes a specific antigen in the nuclei of germ cells. mAb TRA98 has been used to understand the mechanism of germ cell development and differentiation in many studies. In mice, the antigen recognized by mAb TRA98 or GCNA1 has been reported to be a GCNA gene product, but despite the demonstration of the immunoreactivity of this mAb in human testis and sperm in 1997, the antigen in humans remains unknown, as of date. To identify the human antigen recognized by mAb TRA98, a human comprehensive wet protein array was developed containing 19,446 proteins derived from human cDNAs. Using this array, it was found that the antigen of mAb TRA98 is not a GCNA gene product, but nuclear factor-κB activating protein (NKAP). In mice, mAb TRA98 recognized both the GCNA gene product and NKAP. Furthermore, conditional knockout of Nkap in mice revealed a phenotype of Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Although NKAP is a ubiquitously expressed protein, NKAP recognized by mAb TRA98 in mouse testis was SUMOylated. These results suggest that NKAP undergoes modifications, such as SUMOylation in the testis, and plays an important role in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Fukuda
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Molecular Biology Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kei Yamaguchi
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mieko Takasaka
- Japan Biological Informatics Consortium (JBIC), Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hidenobu Okuda
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Junji Tsuchida
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasushi Miyagawa
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Kawakami
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morimasa Wada
- Molecular Biology Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Nishimune
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Goshima
- The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Human Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Musasino University, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Rosario R, Stewart HL, Walshe E, Anderson RA. Reduced retinoic acid synthesis accelerates prophase I and follicle activation. Reproduction 2021; 160:331-341. [PMID: 32520724 PMCID: PMC7424351 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In female mammals, reproductive potential is determined during fetal life by the formation of a non-renewable pool of primordial follicles. Initiation of meiosis is one of the defining features of germ cell differentiation and is well established to commence in response to retinoic acid. WIN 18,446 inhibits the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, and therefore it was used to explore the impact of reduced retinoic acid synthesis on meiotic progression and thus germ cell development and subsequent primordial follicle formation. e13.5 mouse fetal ovaries were cultured in vitro and treated with WIN 18,446 for the first 3 days of a total of up to 12 days. Doses as low as 0.01 µM reduced transcript levels of the retinoic acid response genes Stra8 and Rarβ without affecting germ cell number. Higher doses resulted in germ cell loss, rescued with the addition of retinoic acid. WIN 18,446 significantly accelerated the progression of prophase I; this was seen as early as 48 h post treatment using meiotic chromosome spreads and was still evident after 12 days of culture using Tra98/Msy2 immunostaining. Furthermore, ovaries treated with WIN 18,446 at e13.5 but not at P0 had a higher proportion of growing follicles compared to vehicle controls, thus showing evidence of increased follicle activation. These data therefore indicate that retinoic acid is not necessary for meiotic progression but may have a role in the regulation of its progression and germ cell survival at that time and provide evidence for a link between meiotic arrest and follicle growth initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne Rosario
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hazel L Stewart
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Walshe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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Torres-Fernández LA, Emich J, Port Y, Mitschka S, Wöste M, Schneider S, Fietz D, Oud MS, Di Persio S, Neuhaus N, Kliesch S, Hölzel M, Schorle H, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F, Kolanus W. TRIM71 Deficiency Causes Germ Cell Loss During Mouse Embryogenesis and Is Associated With Human Male Infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:658966. [PMID: 34055789 PMCID: PMC8155544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.658966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the germline can result in infertility or the generation of germ cell tumors (GCT), highlighting the need to identify and characterize the genes controlling germ cell development. The RNA-binding protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM71 is essential for embryogenesis, and its expression has been reported in GCT and adult mouse testes. To investigate the role of TRIM71 in mammalian germ cell embryonic development, we generated a germline-specific conditional Trim71 knockout mouse (cKO) using the early primordial germ cell (PGC) marker Nanos3 as a Cre-recombinase driver. cKO mice are infertile, with male mice displaying a Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype which in humans is defined as a specific subtype of non-obstructive azoospermia characterized by the absence of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Infertility in male Trim71 cKO mice originates during embryogenesis, as the SCO phenotype was already apparent in neonatal mice. The in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) revealed reduced numbers of PGCLCs in Trim71-deficient cells. Furthermore, TCam-2 cells, a human GCT-derived seminoma cell line which was used as an in vitro model for PGCs, showed proliferation defects upon TRIM71 knockdown. Additionally, in vitro growth competition assays, as well as proliferation assays with wild type and CRISPR/Cas9-generated TRIM71 mutant NCCIT cells showed that TRIM71 also promotes proliferation in this malignant GCT-derived non-seminoma cell line. Importantly, the PGC-specific markers BLIMP1 and NANOS3 were consistently downregulated in Trim71 KO PGCLCs, TRIM71 knockdown TCam-2 cells and TRIM71 mutant NCCIT cells. These data collectively support a role for TRIM71 in PGC development. Last, via exome sequencing analysis, we identified several TRIM71 variants in a cohort of infertile men, including a loss-of-function variant in a patient with an SCO phenotype. Altogether, our work reveals for the first time an association of TRIM71 deficiency with human male infertility, and uncovers further developmental roles for TRIM71 in the germline during mouse embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Emich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Yasmine Port
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sibylle Mitschka
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine (HZRM), Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Manon S. Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Mao GP, Niu MH, Cui YH, Tang RL, Chen W, Liu B, He Z. Characterization, isolation, and culture of spermatogonial stem cells in Macaca fascicularis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:240-248. [PMID: 33533740 PMCID: PMC8152426 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_95_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have great applications in both reproductive and regenerative medicine. Primates including monkeys are very similar to humans with regard to physiology and pathology. Nevertheless, little is known about the isolation, the characteristics, and the culture of primate SSCs. This study was designed to identify, isolate, and culture monkey SSCs. Immunocytochemistry was used to identify markers for monkey SSCs. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1)-enriched spermatogonia were isolated from monkeys, namely Macaca fascicularis (M. fascicularis), by two-step enzymatic digestion and magnetic-activated cell sorting, and they were cultured on precoated plates in the conditioned medium. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, and RNA sequencing were used to compare phenotype and transcriptomes in GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia between 0 day and 14 days of culture, and xenotransplantation was performed to evaluate the function of GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia. SSCs shared some phenotypes with rodent and human SSCs. GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia with high purity and viability were isolated from M. fascicularis testes. The freshly isolated cells expressed numerous markers for rodent SSCs, and they were cultured for 14 days. The expression of numerous SSC markers was maintained during the cultivation of GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia. RNA sequencing reflected a 97.3% similarity in global gene profiles between 0 day and 14 days of culture. The xenotransplantation assay indicated that the GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia formed colonies and proliferated in vivo in the recipient c-KitW/W (W) mutant mice. Collectively, GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia are monkey SSCs phenotypically both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that monkey might provide an alternative to human SSCs for basic research and application in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ping Mao
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ming-Hui Niu
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ying-Hong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Rui-Ling Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Bang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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16
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Ruthig VA, Yokonishi T, Friedersdorf MB, Batchvarova S, Hardy J, Garness JA, Keene JD, Capel B. A transgenic DND1GFP fusion allele reports in vivo expression and RNA-binding targets in undifferentiated mouse germ cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:861-874. [PMID: 33394034 PMCID: PMC8324984 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the RNA-binding protein (RBP) dead end 1 (DND1) is essential for primordial germ cell (PGC) survival and maintenance of cell identity. In multiple species, Dnd1 loss or mutation leads to severe PGC loss soon after specification or, in some species, germ cell transformation to somatic lineages. Our investigations into the role of DND1 in PGC specification and differentiation have been limited by the absence of an available antibody. To address this problem, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to establish a transgenic mouse line carrying a DND1GFP fusion allele. We present imaging analysis of DND1GFP expression showing that DND1GFP expression is heterogeneous among male germ cells (MGCs) and female germ cells (FGCs). DND1GFP was detected in MGCs throughout fetal life but lost from FGCs at meiotic entry. In postnatal and adult testes, DND1GFP expression correlated with classic markers for the premeiotic spermatogonial population. Utilizing the GFP tag for RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis in MGCs validated this transgenic as a tool for identifying in vivo transcript targets of DND1. The DND1GFP mouse line is a novel tool for isolation and analysis of embryonic and fetal germ cells, and the spermatogonial population of the postnatal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sofia Batchvarova
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Josiah Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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17
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Park HJ, Lee WY, Lee R, Park JK, Hong KH, Park C, Song H. Expression of paired box protein PAX7 in prepubertal boar testicular gonocytes. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151595. [PMID: 32778235 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151595] [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: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves mitosis, meiosis, growth, and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into spermatozoa. Markers of spermatogonia and other spermatogenic cells have been extensively studied in rodents, whereas physiological characteristics and stage-specific markers of germ cells remain largely unknown in large domestic animals. In rodents, paired box protein 7 (PAX7) is known to be a specific marker of a rare spermatogonial subpopulation in adult testes, while being expressed by a large proportion of neonatal testicular germ cells. However, the expression of PAX7 has not yet been investigated in domestic animals. The objective of this study was to characterize PAX7 expression during boar testis development and in in vitro cultured porcine SSCs (pSSCs). Notably, the expression of PAX7 was positively correlated with that of a known boar testis spermatogonial and gonocyte marker, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), in prepubertal (5-day-old) boar testes but was not observed during or following puberty. Furthermore, the early-stage spermatogonial markers GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4) were coexpressed in PAX7+ testicular cells from 5-day-old boars. PAX7 expression was also maintained in in vitro cultured undifferentiated porcine spermatogonia, with both PAX7 and PGP9.5 strongly expressed in pSSC colonies but not in feeder cells (testicular somatic cells). These data demonstrated that PAX7 expression only occurred in boar testes during prepuberty and was mainly restricted to very early-stage spermatogonial germ cells, such as gonocytes, which implies that PAX7 can be used as a boar gonocyte marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Young Lee
- Department of Beef and Dairy Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Ran Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ki Park
- Department of Swine & Poultry Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Ho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Vaz B, El Mansouri F, Liu X, Taketo T. Premature ovarian insufficiency in the XO female mouse on the C57BL/6J genetic background. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:678-688. [PMID: 32634219 PMCID: PMC7473787 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, all but 1% of monosomy 45.X embryos die in utero and those who reach term suffer from congenital abnormalities and infertility termed Turner's syndrome (TS). By contrast, XO female mice on various genetic backgrounds show much milder physical defects and normal fertility, diminishing their value as an animal model for studying the infertility of TS patients. In this article, we report that XO mice on the C57BL/6J (B6) genetic background showed early oocyte loss, infertility or subfertility and high embryonic lethality, suggesting that the effect of monosomy X in the female germline may be shared between mice and humans. First, we generated XO mice on either a mixed N2(C3H.B6) or B6 genetic background and compared the number of oocytes in neonatal ovaries; N2.XO females retained 45% of the number of oocytes in N2.XX females, whereas B6.XO females retained only 15% of that in B6.XX females. Second, while N2.XO females were as fertile as N2.XX females, both the frequency of delivery and the total number of pups delivered by B6.XO females were significantly lower than those by B6.XX females. Third, after mating with B6 males, both N2.XO and B6.XO females rarely produced XO pups carrying paternal X chromosomes, although a larger percentage of embryos was found to be XO before implantation. Furthermore, B6.XO females delivered 20% XO pups among female progeny after mating with C3H males. We conclude that the impact of monosomy X on female mouse fertility depends on the genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vaz
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - F El Mansouri
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - X Liu
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - T Taketo
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
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19
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Mixing and Matching Chromosomes during Female Meiosis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030696. [PMID: 32178277 PMCID: PMC7140621 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a key event in the manufacturing of an oocyte. During this process, the oocyte creates a set of unique chromosomes by recombining paternal and maternal copies of homologous chromosomes, and by eliminating one set of chromosomes to become haploid. While meiosis is conserved among sexually reproducing eukaryotes, there is a bewildering diversity of strategies among species, and sometimes within sexes of the same species, to achieve proper segregation of chromosomes. Here, we review the very first steps of meiosis in females, when the maternal and paternal copies of each homologous chromosomes have to move, find each other and pair. We explore the similarities and differences observed in C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish and mouse females.
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20
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Reinking HK, Hofmann K, Stingele J. Function and evolution of the DNA-protein crosslink proteases Wss1 and SPRTN. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 88:102822. [PMID: 32058279 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Covalent DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) are highly toxic DNA adducts, which interfere with faithful DNA replication. The proteases Wss1 and SPRTN degrade DPCs and have emerged as crucially important DNA repair enzymes. Their protective role has been described in various model systems ranging from yeasts, plants, worms and flies to mice and humans. Loss of DPC proteases results in genome instability, cellular arrest, premature ageing and cancer predisposition. Here we discuss recent insights into the function and molecular mechanism of these enzymes. Furthermore, we present an in-depth phylogenetic analysis of the Wss1/SPRTN protease continuum. Remarkably flexible domain architectures and constantly changing protein-protein interaction motifs indicate ongoing evolutionary dynamics. Finally, we discuss recent data, which suggest that further partially-overlapping proteolytic systems targeting DPCs exist in eukaryotes. These new developments raise interesting questions regarding the division of labour between different DPC proteases and the mechanisms and principles of repair pathway choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Reinking
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kay Hofmann
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Julian Stingele
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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21
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Dokshin GA, Davis GM, Sawle AD, Eldridge MD, Nicholls PK, Gourley TE, Romer KA, Molesworth LW, Tatnell HR, Ozturk AR, de Rooij DG, Hannon GJ, Page DC, Mello CC, Carmell MA. GCNA Interacts with Spartan and Topoisomerase II to Regulate Genome Stability. Dev Cell 2020; 52:53-68.e6. [PMID: 31839538 PMCID: PMC7227305 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
GCNA proteins are expressed across eukarya in pluripotent cells and have conserved functions in fertility. GCNA homologs Spartan (DVC-1) and Wss1 resolve DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs), including Topoisomerase-DNA adducts, during DNA replication. Here, we show that GCNA mutants in mouse and C. elegans display defects in genome maintenance including DNA damage, aberrant chromosome condensation, and crossover defects in mouse spermatocytes and spontaneous genomic rearrangements in C. elegans. We show that GCNA and topoisomerase II (TOP2) physically interact in both mice and worms and colocalize on condensed chromosomes during mitosis in C. elegans embryos. Moreover, C. elegans gcna-1 mutants are hypersensitive to TOP2 poison. Together, our findings support a model in which GCNA provides genome maintenance functions in the germline and may do so, in part, by promoting the resolution of TOP2 DPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregoriy A Dokshin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory M Davis
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Ashley D Sawle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Matthew D Eldridge
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | | | - Taylin E Gourley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Katherine A Romer
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Luke W Molesworth
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Hannah R Tatnell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, VIC 3841, Australia
| | - Ahmet R Ozturk
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam 1105, the Netherlands
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Craig C Mello
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Michelle A Carmell
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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22
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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23
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Papanikos F, Clément JAJ, Testa E, Ravindranathan R, Grey C, Dereli I, Bondarieva A, Valerio-Cabrera S, Stanzione M, Schleiffer A, Jansa P, Lustyk D, Fei JF, Adams IR, Forejt J, Barchi M, de Massy B, Toth A. Mouse ANKRD31 Regulates Spatiotemporal Patterning of Meiotic Recombination Initiation and Ensures Recombination between X and Y Sex Chromosomes. Mol Cell 2019; 74:1069-1085.e11. [PMID: 31000436 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Orderly segregation of chromosomes during meiosis requires that crossovers form between homologous chromosomes by recombination. Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate meiotic recombination. We identify ANKRD31 as a key component of complexes of DSB-promoting proteins that assemble on meiotic chromosome axes. Genome-wide, ANKRD31 deficiency causes delayed recombination initiation. In addition, loss of ANKRD31 alters DSB distribution because of reduced selectivity for sites that normally attract DSBs. Strikingly, ANKRD31 deficiency also abolishes uniquely high rates of recombination that normally characterize pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) of X and Y chromosomes. Consequently, sex chromosomes do not form crossovers, leading to chromosome segregation failure in ANKRD31-deficient spermatocytes. These defects co-occur with a genome-wide delay in assembling DSB-promoting proteins on autosome axes and loss of a specialized PAR-axis domain that is highly enriched for DSB-promoting proteins in wild type. Thus, we propose a model for spatiotemporal patterning of recombination by ANKRD31-dependent control of axis-associated DSB-promoting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantzeskos Papanikos
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Julie A J Clément
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Erika Testa
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n.1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ramya Ravindranathan
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Corinne Grey
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Ihsan Dereli
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Bondarieva
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sarai Valerio-Cabrera
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marcello Stanzione
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Schleiffer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Campus Vienna BioCenter 1, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr Jansa
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Diana Lustyk
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ji-Feng Fei
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Jiri Forejt
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Division BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Barchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n.1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
| | - Attila Toth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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24
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The beneficial effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin hormone (eCG) on the in vitro co-culture of bovine spermatogonial stem cell with Sertoli cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-019-02944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Abstract
In mammalian development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) represent the initial population of cells that are committed to the germ cell lineage. PGCs segregate early in development, triggered by signals from the extra-embryonic ectoderm. They are distinguished from surrounding cells by their unique gene expression patterns. Some of the more common genes used to identify them are Blimp1, Oct3/4, Fragilis, Stella, c-Kit, Mvh, Dazl and Gcna1. These genes are involved in regulating their migration and differentiation, and in maintaining the pluripotency of these cells. Recent research has demonstrated the possibility of obtaining PGCs, and subsequently, mature germ cells from a starting population of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in culture. This phenomenon has been investigated using a variety of methods, and ESC lines of both mouse and human origin. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into germ cells of both the male and female phenotype and in one case has resulted in the birth of live pups from the fertilization of oocytes with ESC derived sperm. This finding leads to the prospect of using ESC derived germ cells as a treatment for sterility. This review outlines the evolvement of germ cells from ESCs in vitro in relation to in vivo events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshira Saiti
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Level 3, STRIP 1 – Buildings 75, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, Australia, 3800
| | - Orly Lacham-Kaplan
- Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Level 3, STRIP 1 – Buildings 75, Monash University, Wellington Rd., Clayton, Australia, 3800
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26
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Yin L, Wei H, Liang S, Yu X. From the Cover: An Animal-Free In Vitro Three-Dimensional Testicular Cell Coculture Model for Evaluating Male Reproductive Toxicants. Toxicol Sci 2017; 159:307-326. [PMID: 28962518 PMCID: PMC6074874 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary testicular cell coculture model has been used to evaluate testicular abnormalities during development, and was able to identify the testicular toxicity of phthalates. However, the primary testicular cell coculture model has disadvantages in employing animals for the isolation of testicular cells, and the complicated isolation procedure leads to inconsistent results. We developed an invitro testicular coculture model from rodent testicular cell lines, including spermatogonial cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells with specified cell density and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Using comparative high-content analysis of F-actin cytoskeletal structure between the coculture and single cell culture models, we demonstrated a 3D structure of the coculture, which created an invivo-like niche, and maintained and supported germ cells within a 3D environment. We validated this model by discriminating between reproductive toxicants and nontoxicants among 32 compounds in comparison to the single cell culture models. Furthermore, we conducted a comparison between the invitro (IC50) and invivo reproductive toxicity testing (lowest observed adverse effect level on reproductive system). We found the invitro coculture model could classify the tested compounds into 4 clusters, and identify the most toxic reproductive substances, with high concordance, sensitivity, and specificity of 84%, 86.21%, and 100%, respectively. We observed a strong correlation of IC50 between the invitro coculture model and the invivo testing results. Our results suggest that this novel invitro coculture model may be useful for screening testicular toxicants and prioritize chemicals for further assessment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
- ReproTox Biotech LLC, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Hongye Wei
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Shenxuan Liang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
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27
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Esakky P, Hansen DA, Drury AM, Felder P, Cusumano A, Moley KH. Testicular cells exhibit similar molecular responses to cigarette smoke condensate ex vivo and in vivo. FASEB J 2017; 32:63-72. [PMID: 28842431 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700405r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Male exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with seminal defects and with congenital anomalies and childhood cancers in offspring. In mice, paternal exposure to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) causes molecular defects in germ cells and phenotypic effects in their offspring. Here we used an ex vivo testicular explant model and in vivo exposure to determine the concentration at which CSC impairs spermatogenesis and offspring development. We explanted testis tissue at postnatal day (P)5.5 and cultured it until P11.5. Assessment of growth parameters by analyzing expression of cell-specific markers revealed that the explant system maintained structural and functional integrity. We exposed the P5.5 to -11.5 explants to various concentrations (40-160 µg/ml) of CSC and confirmed that nicotine in the CSC was metabolized to cotinine. We assessed various growth and differentiation parameters, as well as testosterone production, and observed that many spermatogenesis features were impaired at 160 µg/ml CSC. The same parameters were impaired by a similar CSC concentration in vivo Finally, females mated to males that were exposed to 160 µg/ml CSC neonatally had increased rates of pup resorption. We conclude that male exposure to CSC impairs offspring development and that the concentration at which CSC impairs spermatogenesis is similar in vivo and ex vivo. Given that the concentrations of CSC we used contained similar doses of nicotine as human smokers are exposed to, we argue that our model mimics human male reproductive effects of smoking.-Esakky, P., Hansen, D. A., Drury, A. M., Felder, P., Cusumano, A., Moley, K. H. Testicular cells exhibit similar molecular responses to cigarette smoke condensate ex vivo and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabagaran Esakky
- Reasearch and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Deborah A Hansen
- Reasearch and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrea M Drury
- Reasearch and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul Felder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew Cusumano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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28
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Sun YC, Wang YY, Ge W, Cheng SF, Dyce PW, Shen W. Epigenetic regulation during the differentiation of stem cells to germ cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:57836-57844. [PMID: 28915715 PMCID: PMC5593687 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis is an essential process to ensure the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next. It also provides a mechanism by which genetic evolution can take place. Although the genome of primordial germ cells (PGCs) is exactly the same with somatic cells within an organism, there are significant differences between their developments. For example, PGCs eventually undergo meiosis to become functional haploid gametes, and prior to that they undergo epigenetic imprinting which greatly alter their genetic regulation. Epigenetic imprinting of PGCs involves the erasure of DNA methylation and the reestablishment of them during sperm and oocyte formation. These processes are necessary and important during gametogenesis. Also, histone modification and X-chromosome inactivation have important roles during germ cell development. Recently, several studies have reported that functional sperm or oocytes can be derived from stem cells in vivo or in vitro. To produce functional germ cells, induction of germ cells from stem cells must recapitulate these processes similar to endogenous germ cells, such as epigenetic modifications. This review focuses on the epigenetic regulation during the process of germ cell development and discusses their importance during the differentiation from stem cells to germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chao Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong-Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Paul W Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
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29
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Carmell MA, Dokshin GA, Skaletsky H, Hu YC, van Wolfswinkel JC, Igarashi KJ, Bellott DW, Nefedov M, Reddien PW, Enders GC, Uversky VN, Mello CC, Page DC. A widely employed germ cell marker is an ancient disordered protein with reproductive functions in diverse eukaryotes. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27718356 PMCID: PMC5098910 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of sexual reproduction and the evolution of a dedicated germline in multicellular organisms are critical landmarks in eukaryotic evolution. We report an ancient family of GCNA (germ cell nuclear antigen) proteins that arose in the earliest eukaryotes, and feature a rapidly evolving intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Phylogenetic analysis reveals that GCNA proteins emerged before the major eukaryotic lineages diverged; GCNA predates the origin of a dedicated germline by a billion years. Gcna gene expression is enriched in reproductive cells across eukarya - either just prior to or during meiosis in single-celled eukaryotes, and in stem cells and germ cells of diverse multicellular animals. Studies of Gcna-mutant C. elegans and mice indicate that GCNA has functioned in reproduction for at least 600 million years. Homology to IDR-containing proteins implicated in DNA damage repair suggests that GCNA proteins may protect the genomic integrity of cells carrying a heritable genome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregoriy A Dokshin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Helen Skaletsky
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael Nefedov
- BACPAC Resources, Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, United States
| | - Peter W Reddien
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - George C Enders
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, United States
| | - Craig C Mello
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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30
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Bao J, Vitting-Seerup K, Waage J, Tang C, Ge Y, Porse BT, Yan W. UPF2-Dependent Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay Pathway Is Essential for Spermatogenesis by Selectively Eliminating Longer 3'UTR Transcripts. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005863. [PMID: 27149259 PMCID: PMC4858225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During transcription, most eukaryotic genes generate multiple alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) sites, leading to the production of transcript isoforms with variable lengths in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). In contrast to somatic cells, male germ cells, especially pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, express a distinct reservoir of mRNAs with shorter 3'UTRs that are essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the mechanisms underlying the enrichment of shorter 3'UTR transcripts in the developing male germ cells remain unknown. Here, we report that UPF2-mediated nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) plays an essential role in male germ cells by eliminating ubiquitous genes-derived, longer 3'UTR transcripts, and that this role is independent of its canonical role in degrading "premature termination codon" (PTC)-containing transcripts in somatic cell lineages. This report provides physiological evidence supporting a noncanonical role of the NMD pathway in achieving global 3'UTR shortening in the male germ cells during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
| | - Kristoffer Vitting-Seerup
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Bioinformatic Centre, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Waage
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Bioinformatic Centre, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chong Tang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Ying Ge
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo T. Porse
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JB); (BTP); (WY)
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31
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Mammalian elongation factor 4 regulates mitochondrial translation essential for spermatogenesis. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:441-9. [DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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32
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Faire M, Skillern A, Arora R, Nguyen DH, Wang J, Chamberlain C, German MS, Fung JC, Laird DJ. Follicle dynamics and global organization in the intact mouse ovary. Dev Biol 2015; 403:69-79. [PMID: 25889274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of tissues and organs can reveal large-scale patterning as well as the impact of perturbations and aging on biological architecture. Here we develop tools for imaging of single cells in intact organs and computational approaches to assess spatial relationships in 3D. In the mouse ovary, we use nuclear volume of the oocyte to read out quiescence or growth of oocyte-somatic cell units known as follicles. This in-ovary quantification of non-growing follicle dynamics from neonate to adult fits a mathematical function, which corroborates the model of fixed oocyte reserve. Mapping approaches show that radial organization of folliculogenesis established in the newborn ovary is preserved through adulthood. By contrast, inter-follicle clustering increases during aging with different dynamics depending on size. These broadly applicable tools can reveal high dimensional phenotypes and age-related architectural changes in other organs. In the adult mouse pancreas, we find stochastic radial organization of the islets of Langerhans but evidence for localized interactions among the smallest islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehlika Faire
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States
| | - Amanda Skillern
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States
| | - Daniel H Nguyen
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States
| | - Jason Wang
- Diabetes Center UCSF, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94043, United States
| | - Chester Chamberlain
- Diabetes Center UCSF, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94043, United States
| | - Michael S German
- Diabetes Center UCSF, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94043, United States
| | - Jennifer C Fung
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad, Center for Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, United States.
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33
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Hu YC, Nicholls PK, Soh YQS, Daniele JR, Junker JP, van Oudenaarden A, Page DC. Licensing of primordial germ cells for gametogenesis depends on genital ridge signaling. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005019. [PMID: 25739037 PMCID: PMC4349450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse embryos at mid-gestation, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo licensing to become gametogenesis-competent cells (GCCs), gaining the capacity for meiotic initiation and sexual differentiation. GCCs then initiate either oogenesis or spermatogenesis in response to gonadal cues. Germ cell licensing has been considered to be a cell-autonomous and gonad-independent event, based on observations that some PGCs, having migrated not to the gonad but to the adrenal gland, nonetheless enter meiosis in a time frame parallel to ovarian germ cells -- and do so regardless of the sex of the embryo. Here we test the hypothesis that germ cell licensing is cell-autonomous by examining the fate of PGCs in Gata4 conditional mutant (Gata4 cKO) mouse embryos. Gata4, which is expressed only in somatic cells, is known to be required for genital ridge initiation. PGCs in Gata4 cKO mutants migrated to the area where the genital ridge, the precursor of the gonad, would ordinarily be formed. However, these germ cells did not undergo licensing and instead retained characteristics of PGCs. Our results indicate that licensing is not purely cell-autonomous but is induced by the somatic genital ridge. During embryonic development, stem cell-like primordial germ cells travel across the developing embryo to the genital ridge, which gives rise to the gonad. Around the time of their arrival, the primordial germ cells gain the capacity to undertake sexual specialization and meiosis—a process called germ cell licensing. Based on the observation that meiosis and sexual differentiation can occur when primordial germ cells stray into the area of the adrenal gland, the primordial germ cell has been thought to be responsible for its own licensing. We tested this notion by examining the licensing process in mutant mouse embryos that did not form a genital ridge. We discovered that in the absence of the genital ridge, primordial germ cells migrate across the developing embryo properly, but instead of undergoing licensing, these cells retain their primordial germ cell characteristics. We conclude that licensing of embryonic primordial germ cells for gametogenesis is dependent on signaling from the genital ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter K. Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Y. Q. Shirleen Soh
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Daniele
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jan Philipp Junker
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Hubrecht Institute—KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander van Oudenaarden
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Hubrecht Institute—KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bao J, Tang C, Yuan S, Porse BT, Yan W. UPF2, a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor, is required for prepubertal Sertoli cell development and male fertility by ensuring fidelity of the transcriptome. Development 2014; 142:352-62. [PMID: 25503407 DOI: 10.1242/dev.115642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) represents a highly conserved RNA surveillance mechanism through which mRNA transcripts bearing premature termination codons (PTCs) are selectively degraded to maintain transcriptomic fidelity in the cell. Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated the importance of the NMD pathway; however, evidence supporting its physiological necessity has only just started to emerge. Here, we report that ablation of Upf2, which encodes a core NMD factor, in murine embryonic Sertoli cells (SCs) leads to severe testicular atrophy and male sterility owing to rapid depletion of both SCs and germ cells during prepubertal testicular development. RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analyses revealed impaired transcriptomic homeostasis in SC-specific Upf2 knockout testes, characterized by an accumulation of PTC-containing transcripts and the transcriptome-wide dysregulation of genes encoding splicing factors and key proteins essential for SC fate control. Our data demonstrate an essential role of UPF2-mediated NMD in prepubertal SC development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Chong Tang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Bo T Porse
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 124, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK2200, Denmark
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia Street, MS575, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Aloisio GM, Nakada Y, Saatcioglu HD, Peña CG, Baker MD, Tarnawa ED, Mukherjee J, Manjunath H, Bugde A, Sengupta AL, Amatruda JF, Cuevas I, Hamra FK, Castrillon DH. PAX7 expression defines germline stem cells in the adult testis. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3929-44. [PMID: 25133429 PMCID: PMC4153705 DOI: 10.1172/jci75943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex, multistep process that maintains male fertility and is sustained by rare germline stem cells. Spermatogenic progression begins with spermatogonia, populations of which express distinct markers. The identity of the spermatogonial stem cell population in the undisturbed testis is controversial due to a lack of reliable and specific markers. Here we identified the transcription factor PAX7 as a specific marker of a rare subpopulation of A(single) spermatogonia in mice. PAX7+ cells were present in the testis at birth. Compared with the adult testis, PAX7+ cells constituted a much higher percentage of neonatal germ cells. Lineage tracing in healthy adult mice revealed that PAX7+ spermatogonia self-maintained and produced expanding clones that gave rise to mature spermatozoa. Interestingly, in mice subjected to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both of which damage the vast majority of germ cells and can result in sterility, PAX7+ spermatogonia selectively survived, and their subsequent expansion contributed to the recovery of spermatogenesis. Finally, PAX7+ spermatogonia were present in the testes of a diverse set of mammals. Our data indicate that the PAX7+ subset of A(single) spermatogonia functions as robust testis stem cells that maintain fertility in normal spermatogenesis in healthy mice and mediate recovery after severe germline injury, such as occurs after cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Aloisio
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yuji Nakada
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hatice D. Saatcioglu
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher G. Peña
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michael D. Baker
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Edward D. Tarnawa
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jishnu Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hema Manjunath
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Abhijit Bugde
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anita L. Sengupta
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ileana Cuevas
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - F. Kent Hamra
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Diego H. Castrillon
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Grive KJ, Seymour KA, Mehta R, Freiman RN. TAF4b promotes mouse primordial follicle assembly and oocyte survival. Dev Biol 2014; 392:42-51. [PMID: 24836512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% of women under the age of 40 and is associated with premature ovarian follicle depletion. TAF4b deficiency in adult female mouse models results in hallmarks of POI including stereotyped gonadotropin alterations indicative of early menopause, poor oocyte quality, and infertility. However, the precise developmental mechanisms underlying these adult deficits remain unknown. Here we show that TAF4b is required for the initial establishment of the primordial follicle reserve at birth. Ovaries derived from TAF4b-deficient mice at birth exhibit delayed germ cell cyst breakdown and a significant increase in Activated Caspase 3 staining compared to control ovaries. Culturing neonatal TAF4b-deficient ovaries with the pan-caspase inhibitor ZVAD-FMK suppresses the excessive loss of these oocytes around the time of birth. These data reveal a novel TAF4b function in orchestrating the correct timing of germ cell cyst breakdown and establishment of the primordial follicle reserve during a critical window of development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajvi Mehta
- Brown University, MCB Department, Providence, RI, USA
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Nixon BJ, Katen AL, Stanger SJ, Schjenken JE, Nixon B, Roman SD. Mouse spermatocytes express CYP2E1 and respond to acrylamide exposure. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94904. [PMID: 24788432 PMCID: PMC4008485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450s (encoded by the CYP genes) often leads to bio-activation, producing reactive metabolites that interfere with cellular processes and cause DNA damage. In the testes, DNA damage induced by xenobiotics has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis and adverse effects on reproductive health. We previously reported that chronic exposure to the reproductive toxicant, acrylamide, produced high levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes of Swiss mice. CYP2E1 metabolises acrylamide to glycidamide, which, unlike acrylamide, readily forms adducts with DNA. Thus, to investigate the mechanisms of acrylamide toxicity in mouse male germ cells, we examined the expression of the CYP, CYP2E1, which metabolises acrylamide. Using Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we establish that CYP2E1 is expressed in germ cells, in particular in spermatocytes. Additionally, CYP2E1 gene expression was upregulated in these cells following in vitro acrylamide exposure (1 µM, 18 h). Spermatocytes were isolated and treated with 1 µM acrylamide or 0.5 µM glycidamide for 18 hours and the presence of DNA-adducts was investigated using the comet assay, modified to detect DNA-adducts. Both compounds produced significant levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes, with a greater response observed following glycidamide exposure. A modified comet assay indicated that direct adduction of DNA by glycidamide was a major source of DNA damage. Oxidative stress played a small role in eliciting this damage, as a relatively modest effect was found in a comet assay modified to detect oxidative adducts following glycidamide exposure, and glutathione levels remained unchanged following treatment with either compound. Our results indicate that the male germ line has the capacity to respond to xenobiotic exposure by inducing detoxifying enzymes, and the DNA damage elicited by acrylamide in male germ cells is likely due to the formation of glycidamide adducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J. Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee L. Katen
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J. Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Sun YC, Cheng SF, Sun R, Zhao Y, Shen W. Reconstitution of Gametogenesis In Vitro: Meiosis Is the Biggest Obstacle. J Genet Genomics 2014; 41:87-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Conditional inactivation of Miwi2 reveals that MIWI2 is only essential for prospermatogonial development in mice. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:783-96. [PMID: 24464225 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-piRNA pathway serves as a critical defense mechanism through which the genome of the male germline is protected from invasion by transposable elements (TEs). MIWI2/PIWIL4, a member of the murine PIWI subclade of the Argonaute family, has been shown to be expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and prospermatogonia in fetal and prepubertal testes. Global inactivation of Miwi2 leads to male sterility due to an early meiotic arrest, which correlates with retrotransposon desuppression. However, it remains unclear whether MIWI2 functions beyond the PGC stage and whether MIWI2 has a role beyond TE suppression during male germ line development. Through conditional inactivation of Miwi2, we demonstrate herein that MIWI2 function is restricted to a narrow time window during male PGC reprograming and that Miwi2 is dispensable for postnatal male germline development and testicular function in mice. Moreover, persistent activation of LINE1 and IAP retrotransposons caused by Miwi2 inactivation is compatible with mitotic cell cycle progression of spermatogonia during the first wave of spermatogenesis, but can cause zygotene to pachytene arrest in early meiosis due to multiple defects including enhanced DNA double-strand breaks, aberrant histone modifications and altered mRNA transcriptome. Our data not only validate those from global Miwi2 KO studies, but also suggest that MIWI2 and MIWI2-associated piRNAs have functions beyond TE suppression.
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Zheng QS, Wang XN, Wen Q, Zhang Y, Chen SR, Zhang J, Li XX, Sha RN, Hu ZY, Gao F, Liu YX. Wt1 deficiency causes undifferentiated spermatogonia accumulation and meiotic progression disruption in neonatal mice. Reproduction 2014; 147:45-52. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process involving the regulation of multiple cell types. As the only somatic cell type in the seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells are essential for spermatogenesis throughout the spermatogenic cycle. The Wilms tumor gene, Wt1, is specifically expressed in the Sertoli cells of the mouse testes. In this study, we demonstrated that Wt1 is required for germ cell differentiation in the developing mouse testes. At 10 days post partum, Wt1-deficient testes exhibited clear meiotic arrest and undifferentiated spermatogonia accumulation in the seminiferous tubules. In addition, the expression of claudin11, a marker and indispensable component of Sertoli cell integrity, was impaired in Wt1−/flox; Cre-ERTM testes. This observation was confirmed in in vitro testis cultures. However, the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules in Wt1-deficient testes was not affected. Based on these findings, we propose that Sertoli cells' status is affected in Wt1-deficient mice, resulting in spermatogenesis failure.
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McCarrey JR. Toward a more precise and informative nomenclature describing fetal and neonatal male germ cells in rodents. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:47. [PMID: 23843236 PMCID: PMC4076367 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ cell lineages are among the best characterized of all cell lineages in mammals. This characterization includes precise nomenclature that distinguishes among numerous, often subtle, changes in function or morphology as development and differentiation of germ cells proceed to form the gametes. In male rodents, there are at least 41 distinct cell types that occur during progression through the male germ cell lineage that gives rise to spermatozoa. However, there is one period during male germ cell development-that which occurs immediately following the primordial germ cell stage and prior to the spermatogonial stage-for which the system of precise and informative cell type terminology is not adequate. Often, male germ cells during this period are referred to simply as "gonocytes." However, this term is inadequate for multiple reasons, and it is suggested here that nomenclature originally proposed in the 1970s by Hilscher et al., which employs the terms M-, T1-, and T2-prospermatogonia, is preferable. In this Minireview, the history, proper utilization, and advantages of this terminology relative to that of the term gonocytes are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, USA.
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Abstract
Gonocytes (or prospermatogonia) are the precursors to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which provide the foundation for spermatogenesis through their ability to both self-renew and generate daughter cells. Despite their relative importance, the regulatory mechanisms that govern gonocyte maintenance and transition to SSCs are poorly understood. Recently, we reported that constitutive activation of NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells causes gonocyte exit from quiescence--the first suggestion of the potential role of this signaling pathway in the testis. This Extra View will review what is known about NOTCH signaling, particularly in Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testes, by providing a background on germ cell biology and a summary of our recently published data on NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells. We also describe additional data showing that aberrant proliferation and differentiation of gonocytes in response to constitutive activation of NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells involves de novo expression of cell cycle proteins and a marked upregulation of the KIT receptor. These data further suggest that NOTCH signaling orchestrates a dynamic balance between maintenance and differentiation of gonocytes in the perinatal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Xavier Garcia
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Arango NA, Li L, Dabir D, Nicolau F, Pieretti-Vanmarcke R, Koehler C, McCarrey JR, Lu N, Donahoe PK. Meiosis I arrest abnormalities lead to severe oligozoospermia in meiosis 1 arresting protein (M1ap)-deficient mice. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:76. [PMID: 23269666 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.098673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis 1 arresting protein (M1ap) is a novel vertebrate gene expressed exclusively in germ cells of the embryonic ovary and the adult testis. In male mice, M1ap expression, which is present from spermatogonia to secondary spermatocytes, is evolutionarily conserved and has a specific spatial and temporal pattern suggestive of a role during germ cell development. To test its function, mice deficient in M1ap were created. Whereas females had histologically normal ovaries, males exhibited reduced testicular size and a myriad of tubular defects, which led to severe oligozoospermia and infertility. Although some germ cells arrested at the zygotene/pachytene stages, most cells advanced to metaphase I before arresting and entering apoptosis. Cells that reached metaphase I were unable to properly align their chromosomes at the metaphase plate due to abnormal chromosome synapses and failure to form crossover foci. Depending on the state of tubular degeneration, all germ cells, with the exemption of spermatogonia, disappeared; with further deterioration, tubules displaying only Sertoli cells reminiscent of Sertoli cell-only syndrome in humans were observed. Our results uncovered an essential role for M1ap as a novel germ cell gene not previously implicated in male germ cell development and suggest that mutations in M1AP could account for some cases of nonobstructive oligozoospermia in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Alexander Arango
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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44
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Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone on colony formation of bovine spermatogonial stem cell. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-013-1710-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Chen SR, Zheng QS, Zhang Y, Gao F, Liu YX. Disruption of genital ridge development causes aberrant primordial germ cell proliferation but does not affect their directional migration. BMC Biol 2013; 11:22. [PMID: 23497137 PMCID: PMC3652777 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The directional migration and the following development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during gonad formation are key steps for germline development. It has been proposed that the interaction between germ cells and genital ridge (GR) somatic cells plays essential roles in this process. However, the in vivo functional requirements of GR somatic cells in germ cell development are largely unknown. Results Wt1 mutation (Wt1R394W/R394W) results in GR agenesis through mitotic arrest of coelomic epitheliums. In this study, we employed the GR-deficient mouse model, Wt1R394W/R394W, to investigate the roles of GR somatic cells in PGC migration and proliferation. We found that the number of PGCs was dramatically reduced in GR-deficient embryos at embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E12.5 due to decreased proliferation of PGCs, involving low levels of BMP signaling. In contrast, the germ cells in Wt1R394W/R394W embryos were still mitotically active at E13.5, while all the germ cells in control embryos underwent mitotic arrest at this stage. Strikingly, the directional migration of PGCs was not affected by the absence of GR somatic cells. Most of the PGCs reached the mesenchyme under the coelomic epithelium at E10.5 and no ectopic PGCs were noted in GR-deficient embryos. However, the precise positioning of PGCs was disrupted. Conclusions Our work provides in vivo evidence that the proliferation of germ cells is precisely regulated by GR somatic cells during different stages of gonad development. GR somatic cells are probably dispensable for the directional migration of PGCs, but they are required for precise positioning of PGCs at the final step of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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Conditional inactivation of the DNA damage response gene Hus1 in mouse testis reveals separable roles for components of the RAD9-RAD1-HUS1 complex in meiotic chromosome maintenance. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003320. [PMID: 23468651 PMCID: PMC3585019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAD9-RAD1-HUS1 (9-1-1) complex is a heterotrimeric PCNA-like clamp that responds to DNA damage in somatic cells by promoting DNA repair as well as ATR-dependent DNA damage checkpoint signaling. In yeast, worms, and flies, the 9-1-1 complex is also required for meiotic checkpoint function and efficient completion of meiotic recombination; however, since Rad9, Rad1, and Hus1 are essential genes in mammals, little is known about their functions in mammalian germ cells. In this study, we assessed the meiotic functions of 9-1-1 by analyzing mice with germ cell-specific deletion of Hus1 as well as by examining the localization of RAD9 and RAD1 on meiotic chromosomes during prophase I. Hus1 loss in testicular germ cells resulted in meiotic defects, germ cell depletion, and severely compromised fertility. Hus1-deficient primary spermatocytes exhibited persistent autosomal γH2AX and RAD51 staining indicative of unrepaired meiotic DSBs, synapsis defects, an extended XY body domain often encompassing partial or whole autosomes, and an increase in structural chromosome abnormalities such as end-to-end X chromosome-autosome fusions and ruptures in the synaptonemal complex. Most of these aberrations persisted in diplotene-stage spermatocytes. Consistent with a role for the 9-1-1 complex in meiotic DSB repair, RAD9 localized to punctate, RAD51-containing foci on meiotic chromosomes in a Hus1-dependent manner. Interestingly, RAD1 had a broader distribution that only partially overlapped with RAD9, and localization of both RAD1 and the ATR activator TOPBP1 to the XY body and to unsynapsed autosomes was intact in Hus1 conditional knockouts. We conclude that mammalian HUS1 acts as a component of the canonical 9-1-1 complex during meiotic prophase I to promote DSB repair and further propose that RAD1 and TOPBP1 respond to unsynapsed chromatin through an alternative mechanism that does not require RAD9 or HUS1.
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Martin LA, Seandel M. Serial enrichment of spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells (SSCs) in culture for derivation of long-term adult mouse SSC lines. J Vis Exp 2013:e50017. [PMID: 23462452 DOI: 10.3791/50017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells (SSCs) of the testis represent a classic example of adult mammalian stem cells and preserve fertility for nearly the lifetime of the animal. While the precise mechanisms that govern self-renewal and differentiation in vivo are challenging to study, various systems have been developed previously to propagate murine SSCs in vitro using a combination of specialized culture media and feeder cells(1-3). Most in vitro forays into the biology of SSCs have derived cell lines from neonates, possibly due to the difficulty in obtaining adult cell lines(4). However, the testis continues to mature up until ~5 weeks of age in most mouse strains. In the early post-natal period, dramatic changes occur in the architecture of the testis and in the biology of both somatic and spermatogenic cells, including alterations in expression levels of numerous stem cell-related genes. Therefore, neonatally-derived SSC lines may not fully recapitulate the biology of adult SSCs that persist after the adult testis has reached a steady state. Several factors have hindered the production of adult SSC lines historically. First, the proportion of functional stem cells may decrease during adulthood, either due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors(5,6). Furthermore, as with other adult stem cells, it has been difficult to enrich SSCs sufficiently from total adult testicular cells without using a combination of immunoselection or other sorting strategies(7). Commonly employed strategies include the use of cryptorchid mice as a source of donor cells due to a higher ratio of stem cells to other cell types(8). Based on the hypothesis that removal of somatic cells from the initial culture disrupts interactions with the stem cell niche that are essential for SSC survival, we previously developed methods to derive adult lines that do not require immunoselection or cryptorchid donors but rather employ serial enrichment of SSCs in culture, referred to hereafter as SESC(2,3). The method described below entails a simple procedure for deriving adult SSC lines by dissociating adult donor seminiferous tubules, followed by plating of cells on feeders comprised of a testicular stromal cell line (JK1)(3). Through serial passaging, strongly adherent, contaminating non-germ cells are depleted from the culture with concomitant enrichment of SSCs. Cultures produced in this manner contain a mixture of spermatogonia at different stages of differentiation, which contain SSCs, based on long-term self renewal capability. The crux of the SESC method is that it enables SSCs to make the difficult transition from self-renewal in vivo to long-term self-renewal in vitro in a radically different microenvironment, produces long-term SSC lines, free of contaminating somatic cells, and thereby enables subsequent experimental manipulation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Martin
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA
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Caspase 9 is constitutively activated in mouse oocytes and plays a key role in oocyte elimination during meiotic prophase progression. Dev Biol 2013; 377:213-23. [PMID: 23384561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In many mammalian species, more than half of the initial oocyte population is eliminated by neonatal life, thus limiting the oocyte reserve for reproduction. The cause or mechanism of this major oocyte loss remains poorly understood. We examined the apoptotic pathway involved in oocyte elimination in wild-type mouse ovaries as well as in Msh5 -/- ovaries, in which all oocytes were eliminated due to a lack of double strand break repair. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence staining showed that an initiator caspase 9 and an effector caspase 7 were constitutively activated in almost all oocytes in fetal ovaries regardless of their genotypes. In caspase 9 -/- ovaries, the total number of oocytes remained high while that in wild-type ovaries steadily declined during ovarian development. Therefore, the activation of caspase 9 was required for but did not immediately lead to oocyte demise. We found that XIAP, an endogenous inhibitor of apoptosis, was also abundant in oocytes during meiotic prophase progression. On the other hand, a cleaved form of PARP1, a target of effector caspases, was localized to the nuclei of a limited number of oocytes, and the frequency of cleaved PARP1-positive oocyte nuclei increased significantly higher before all oocytes disappeared in Msh5 -/- ovaries. We conclude that the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway mediated by caspase 9 is constitutively activated in oocytes and renders the elimination of oocytes with meiotic errors, which can be captured by the cleavage of PARP1.
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Garcia TX, DeFalco T, Capel B, Hofmann MC. Constitutive activation of NOTCH1 signaling in Sertoli cells causes gonocyte exit from quiescence. Dev Biol 2013; 377:188-201. [PMID: 23391689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Notch signaling components have long been detected in Sertoli and germ cells in the developing and mature testis. However, the role of this pathway in testis development and spermatogenesis remains unknown. Using reporter mice expressing green fluorescent protein following Notch receptor activation, we found that Notch signaling was active in Sertoli cells at various fetal, neonatal, and adult stages. Since Notch signaling specifies stem cell fate in many developing and mature organ systems, we hypothesized that maintenance and differentiation of gonocytes and/or spermatogonial stem cells would be modulated through this pathway in Sertoli cells. To this end, we generated mutant mice constitutively expressing the active, intracellular domain of NOTCH1 (NICD1) in Sertoli cells. We found that mutant Sertoli cells were morphologically normal before and after birth, but presented a number of functional changes that drastically affected gonocyte numbers and physiology. We observed aberrant exit of gonocytes from mitotic arrest, migration toward cord periphery, and premature differentiation before birth. These events, presumably unsupported by the cellular microenvironment, were followed by gonocyte apoptosis and near complete disappearance of the gonocytes by day 2 after birth. Molecular analysis demonstrated that these effects are correlated with a dysregulation of Sertoli-expressed genes that are required for germ cell maintenance, such as Cyp26b1 and Gdnf. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Notch signaling is active in Sertoli cells throughout development and that proper regulation of Notch signaling in Sertoli cells is required for the maintenance of gonocytes in an undifferentiated state during fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Xavier Garcia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Huszar JM, Payne CJ. MicroRNA 146 (Mir146) modulates spermatogonial differentiation by retinoic acid in mice. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:15. [PMID: 23221399 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.103747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired biogenesis of microRNAs disrupts spermatogenesis and leads to infertility in male mice. Spermatogonial differentiation is a key step in spermatogenesis, yet the mechanisms that control this event remain poorly defined. In this study, we discovered microRNA 146 (Mir146) to be highly regulated during spermatogonial differentiation, a process dependent on retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Mir146 transcript levels were diminished nearly 180-fold in differentiating spermatogonia when compared with undifferentiated spermatogonia. Luciferase assays revealed the direct binding of Mir146 to the 3' untranslated region of the mediator complex subunit 1 (Med1), a coregulator of retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs). Overexpression of Mir146 in cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia reduced Med1 transcript levels, as well as those of differentiation marker kit oncogene (Kit). MED1 protein was also diminished. Conversely, inhibition of Mir146 increased the levels of Kit. When undifferentiated spermatogonia were exposed to RA, Mir146 was downregulated along with a marker for undifferentiated germ cells, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (Zbtb16; Plzf); Kit was upregulated. Overexpression of Mir146 in RA-treated spermatogonia inhibited the upregulation of Kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and spermatogenesis- and oogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix 2 (Sohlh2). Inhibition of Mir146 in RA-treated spermatogonia greatly enhanced the upregulation of these genes. We conclude that Mir146 modulates the effects of RA on spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Huszar
- Driskill Graduate Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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