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Ruan T, Zhou R, Yang Y, Guo J, Jiang C, Wang X, Shen G, Dai S, Chen S, Shen Y. Deficiency of IQCH causes male infertility in humans and mice. eLife 2024; 12:RP88905. [PMID: 39028117 PMCID: PMC11259432 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
IQ motif-containing proteins can be recognized by calmodulin (CaM) and are essential for many biological processes. However, the role of IQ motif-containing proteins in spermatogenesis is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the novel gene IQ motif-containing H (IQCH) in a Chinese family with male infertility characterized by a cracked flagellar axoneme and abnormal mitochondrial structure. To verify the function of IQCH, Iqch knockout (KO) mice were generated via CRISPR-Cas9 technology. As expected, the Iqch KO male mice exhibited impaired fertility, which was related to deficient acrosome activity and abnormal structures of the axoneme and mitochondria, mirroring the patient phenotypes. Mechanistically, IQCH can bind to CaM and subsequently regulate the expression of RNA-binding proteins (especially HNRPAB), which are indispensable for spermatogenesis. Overall, this study revealed the function of IQCH, expanded the role of IQ motif-containing proteins in reproductive processes, and provided important guidance for genetic counseling and genetic diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiechao Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junchen Guo
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong (SCU-CUHK) Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, Department of Obstetric and Gynaecologic, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Gan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Suren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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Zheng S, Jiang L, Qiu L. The effects of fine particulate matter on the blood-testis barrier and its potential mechanisms. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 39:233-249. [PMID: 36863426 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of industrial scale, an increasing number of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has bringing health concerns. Although exposure to PM2.5 has been clearly associated with male reproductive toxicity, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Recent studies demonstrated that exposure to PM2.5 can disturb spermatogenesis through destroying the blood-testis barrier (BTB), consisting of different junction types, containing tight junctions (TJs), gap junctions (GJs), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and desmosomes. The BTB is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers among mammals, which isolating germ cells from hazardous substances and immune cell infiltration during spermatogenesis. Therefore, once the BTB is destroyed, hazardous substances and immune cells will enter seminiferous tubule and cause adversely reproductive effects. In addition, PM2.5 also has shown to cause cells and tissues injury via inducing autophagy, inflammation, sex hormones disorder, and oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanisms of the disruption of the BTB, induced by PM2.5, are still unclear. It is suggested that more research is required to identify the potential mechanisms. In this review, we aim to understand the adverse effects on the BTB after exposure to PM2.5 and explore its potential mechanisms, which provides novel insight into accounting for PM2.5-induced BTB injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaokai Zheng
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, P. R. China
| | - Lianlian Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, P. R. China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, P. R. China
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Zhang S, Li H, Jiang W, Chen X, Zhou H, Wang C, Kong H, Shi Y, Shi X. CircCamsap1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17399. [PMID: 38799061 PMCID: PMC11122046 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of RNAs present in mammals. Among these, circCamsap1 is a well-acknowledged circRNA with significant implications, particularly in the development and progression of diverse tumors. However, the potential consequences of circCamsap1 depletion in vivo on male reproduction are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Methods The presence of circCamsap1 in the mouse testes was confirmed, and gene expression analysis was performed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CircCamsap1 knockout mice were generated utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Phenotypic analysis of both the testes and epididymis was conducted using histological and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, fertility and sperm motility were assessed. Results Here, we successfully established a circCamsap1 knockout mouse model without affecting the expression of parental gene. Surprisingly, male mice lacking circCamsap1 (circCamsap1-/-) exhibited normal fertility, with no discernible differences in testicular and epididymal histology, spermatogenesis, sperm counts or sperm motility compared to circCamsap1+/+ mice. These findings suggest that circCamsap1 may not play an essential role in physiological spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, this result also underscores the complexity of circRNA function in male reproductive biology. Therefore, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise roles of other circRNAs in regulating male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haojie Li
- Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children’s Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichao Shi
- Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children’s Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Fan C, Aihemaiti A, Fan A, Dilixiati A, Zhao X, Li Z, Chen C, Zhao G. Study on the correlation of supplementation with L-citrulline on the gastrointestinal flora and semen antifreeze performance of ram. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1396796. [PMID: 38756735 PMCID: PMC11097974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1396796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryopreservation of semen can give full play to the reproductive advantages of male animals. However, in actual production, due to the poor frost resistance of sheep semen and the low conception rate, the promotion of sheep frozen semen is greatly hindered. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the frost resistance of semen to improve the quality of frozen semen. At present, most studies on improving the quality of frozen semen are based on the improvement of semen dilutions, and few studies on improving the freezing resistance of ram semen by feeding functional amino acids. Methods Therefore, 24 Turpan black rams were divided into high antifreeze group (HF) and a low antifreeze group (LF) Each of these groups was further randomly divided into control and experimental subgroups. The control subgroup was fed a basal diet, while the experimental subgroup received an additional 12 g/d of L-Cit supplementation based on the control group for a duration of 90 days. Results The results showed that Following L-Cit supplementation, the experimental group demonstrated significantly elevated sperm density and VSL (Velocity of straight line), T-AOC, GSH-Px, and NO levels in fresh semen compared to the control group (P < 0.01). After thawing, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of T-AOC, GSH-Px, and NO compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the HFT group, after thawing frozen semen, displayed significantly higher HK1 protein expression compared to the control group. The number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and sperm cells in the HFT group was significantly higher than that in the HFC group. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Staphylococcus, Weissella, succinivbrionaceae_UcG_002, and Quinella were significantly enriched in the rumen of the HFT group, while Ureaplasma was significantly enriched in the HFC group. In the duodenum, Clostridiales_bacterium_Firm_14, Butyrivibrio, and Prevotellaceae_NK3831_group were significantly enriched in the HFT group, whereas Desulfovibrio and Quinella were significantly enriched in the HFC group. Discussion Under the conditions employed in this study, L-Cit supplementation was found to enhance the intestinal flora composition in rams, thereby improving semen quality, enhancing the antifreeze performance of semen, and promoting the development of testicular spermatogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fan
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Aikebaier Aihemaiti
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Aoyun Fan
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Airixiati Dilixiati
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Changzheng Chen
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
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Wang Z, Li T, Liu D, Li M, Liu S, Yu X, Li H, Song H, Zhao W, Liu Z, Chen X, Lu G, Chen ZJ, Huang T, Liu H. The deubiquitinase cofactor UAF1 interacts with USP1 and plays an essential role in spermiogenesis. iScience 2024; 27:109456. [PMID: 38591005 PMCID: PMC10999478 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis defines the final phase of male germ cell differentiation. While multiple deubiquitinating enzymes have been linked to spermiogenesis, the impacts of deubiquitination on spermiogenesis remain poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the function of UAF1 in mouse spermiogenesis. We selectively deleted Uaf1 in premeiotic germ cells using the Stra8-Cre knock-in mouse strain (Uaf1 sKO), and found that Uaf1 is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Further, UAF1 interacts and colocalizes with USP1 in the testes. Conditional knockout of Uaf1 in testes results in disturbed protein levels and localization of USP1, suggesting that UAF1 regulates spermiogenesis through the function of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP1. Using tandem mass tag-based proteomics, we identified that conditional knockout of Uaf1 in the testes results in reduced levels of proteins that are essential for spermiogenesis. Thus, we conclude that the UAF1/USP1 deubiquitinase complex is essential for normal spermiogenesis by regulating the levels of spermiogenesis-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dongkai Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Mengjing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shangming Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hanzhen Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hui Song
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Gang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhang X, Xue J, Jiang S, Zheng H, Wang C. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) deficiency impaired murine sperm motility. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17142. [PMID: 38563001 PMCID: PMC10984166 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic knockout-based studies conducted in mice provide a powerful means of assessing the significance of a gene for fertility. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) contains a conserved FHA domain, that is present in many proteins with phospho-threonine reader activity. How FHAD1 functions in male fertility, however, remains uncertain. Methods Fhad1-/- mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, after which qPCR was used to evaluate changes in gene expression, with subsequent analyses of spermatogenesis and fertility. The testis phenotypes were also examined using immunofluorescence and histological staining, while sperm concentrations and motility were quantified via computer-aided sperm analysis. Cellular apoptosis was assessed using a TUNEL staining assay. Results The Fhad1-/-mice did not exhibit any abnormal changes in fertility or testicular morphology compared to wild-type littermates. Histological analyses confirmed that the testicular morphology of both Fhad1-/-and Fhad1+/+ mice was normal, with both exhibiting intact seminiferous tubules. Relative to Fhad1+/+ mice, however, Fhad1-/-did exhibit reductions in the total and progressive motility of epididymal sperm. Analyses of meiotic division in Fhad1-/-mice also revealed higher levels of apoptotic death during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Discussion The findings suggest that FHAD1 is involved in both meiosis and the modulation of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility Clinic, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangyang Xue
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Embryogenic Diseases, Women and Children’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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8
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Li C, Shen C, Xiong W, Ge H, Shen Y, Chi J, Zhang H, Tang L, Lu S, Wang J, Fei J, Wang Z. Spem2, a novel testis-enriched gene, is required for spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:108. [PMID: 38421455 PMCID: PMC10904452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is considered to be crucial for the production of haploid spermatozoa with normal morphology, structure and function, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SPEM family member 2 (Spem2), as a novel testis-enriched gene, is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Spem2 is predominantly expressed in the haploid male germ cells and is highly conserved across mammals. Mice deficient for Spem2 develop male infertility associated with spermiogenesis impairment. Specifically, the insufficient sperm individualization, failure of excess cytoplasm shedding, and defects in acrosome formation are evident in Spem2-null sperm. Sperm counts and motility are also significantly reduced compared to controls. In vivo fertilization assays have shown that Spem2-null sperm are unable to fertilize oocytes, possibly due to their impaired ability to migrate from the uterus into the oviduct. However, the infertility of Spem2-/- males cannot be rescued by in vitro fertilization, suggesting that defective sperm-egg interaction may also be a contributing factor. Furthermore, SPEM2 is detected to interact with ZPBP, PRSS21, PRSS54, PRSS55, ADAM2 and ADAM3 and is also required for their processing and maturation in epididymal sperm. Our findings establish SPEM2 as an essential regulator of spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice, possibly in mammals including humans. Understanding the molecular role of SPEM2 could provide new insights into future therapeutic treatment of human male infertility and development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jun Chi
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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9
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Du M, Chen S, Chen Y, Yuan X, Dong H. Testicular fat deposition attenuates reproductive performance via decreased follicle-stimulating hormone level and sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis in mouse. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:50-60. [PMID: 37641828 PMCID: PMC10766465 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testicular fat deposition has been reported to affect animal reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study explored whether sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis contribute to mouse testicular fat depositioninduced reproductive performance. METHODS High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity CD1 mice (DIO) were used as a testicular fat deposition model. The serum hormone test was performed by agent kit. The quality of sperm was assessed using a Sperm Class Analyzer. Testicular tissue morphology was analyzed by histochemical methods. The expression of spermatocyte marker molecules was monitored by an immuno-fluorescence microscope during meiosis. Analysis of the synthesis of testosterone was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and reagent kit. RESULTS It was found that there was a significant increase in body weight among DIO mice, however, the food intake showed no difference compared to control mice fed a normal diet (CTR). The number of offspring in DIO mice decreased, but there was no significant difference from the CTR group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone were lower in DIO mice and their luteinizing hormone levels were similar. The results showed a remarkable decrease in sperm density and motility among DIO mice. We also found that fat accumulation affected the meiosis process, mainly reflected in the cross-exchange of homologous chromosomes. In addition, overweight increased fat deposition in the testis and reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes, thereby affecting the synthesis and secretion of testosterone by testicular Leydig cells. CONCLUSION Fat accumulation in the testes causes testicular cell dysfunction, which affects testosterone hormone synthesis and ultimately affects sperm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Shikun Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150,
Australia
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
| | - Xinxu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284,
USA
| | - Huansheng Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109,
China
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10
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Hu J, Zhang Z, Xiao S, Cao Y, Chen Y, Weng J, Jiang H, Li W, Chen JY, Liu C. Microhomology-mediated circular DNA formation from oligonucleosomal fragments during spermatogenesis. eLife 2023; 12:RP87115. [PMID: 37847146 PMCID: PMC10581685 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) during mammalian spermatogenesis, as well as the biogenesis mechanism, remains to be explored. Here, we revealed widespread eccDNA formation in human sperms and mouse spermatogenesis. We noted that germline eccDNAs are derived from oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in cells likely undergoing cell death, providing a potential new way for quality assessment of human sperms. Interestingly, small-sized eccDNAs are associated with euchromatin, while large-sized ones are preferentially generated from heterochromatin. By comparing sperm eccDNAs with meiotic recombination hotspots and structural variations, we found that they are barely associated with de novo germline deletions. We further developed a bioinformatics pipeline to achieve nucleotide-resolution eccDNA detection even with the presence of microhomologous sequences that interfere with precise breakpoint identification. Empowered by our method, we provided strong evidence to show that microhomology-mediated end joining is the major eccDNA biogenesis mechanism. Together, our results shed light on eccDNA biogenesis mechanism in mammalian germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Sai Xiao
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yalei Cao
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yinghong Chen
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiaming Weng
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of UrologyBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Nanchuang (Jiangsu) Institute of Chemistry and HealthNanjingChina
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
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11
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Jia H, Wang W, Zhou Z, Chen Z, Lan Z, Bo H, Fan L. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology in human spermatogenesis: Progresses and perspectives. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04840-x. [PMID: 37659974 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a key part of the spermiation process, is regulated by a combination of key cells, such as primordial germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells, and somatic cells, such as Sertoli cells. Abnormal spermatogenesis can lead to azoospermia, testicular tumors, and other diseases related to male infertility. The application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in male reproduction is gradually increasing with its unique insight into deep mining and analysis. The data cover different periods of neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal, and adult stages. Different types of male infertility diseases including obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), Sertoli Cell Only Syndrome (SCOS), and testicular tumors are also covered. We briefly review the principles and application of scRNA-seq and summarize the research results and application directions in spermatogenesis in different periods and pathological states. Moreover, we discuss the challenges of applying this technology in male reproduction and the prospects of combining it with other technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbo Jia
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaowen Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zijun Lan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Liqing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Martins AD, Ribeiro JC, Ferreira R, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Understanding the age-related alterations in the testis-specific proteome. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:331-343. [PMID: 37878493 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2274857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fertility rates in developing countries have declined over the past decades, and the trend of delayed fatherhood is rising as societies develop. The reasons behind the decline in male fertility with advancing age remain mysterious, making it a compelling and crucial area for further research. However, the limited number of studies dedicated to unraveling this enigma poses a challenge. Thus, our objective is to illuminate some of the upregulated and downregulated mechanisms in the male testis during the aging process. AREAS COVERED Herein, we present a critical overview of the studies addressing the alterations of testicular proteome through the aging process, starting from sexually matured young males to end-of-life-expectancy aged males. The comparative studies of the proteomic testicular profile of men with and without spermatogenic impairment are also discussed and key proteins and pathways involved are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION The difficulty of making age-comparative studies, especially of advanced-age study subjects, makes this topic of study quite challenging. Another topic worth mentioning is the heterogeneous nature and vast cellular composition of testicular tissue, which makes proteome data interpretation tricky. The cell type sorting and comorbidities testing in the testicular tissue of the studied subjects would help mitigate these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João C Ribeiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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13
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Bello UM, Madekurozwa MC, Groenewald HB, Arukwe A, Aire TA. Changes in testicular histomorphometry and ultrastructure of Leydig cells in adult male Japanese quail exposed to di (n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) during the prepubertal period. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:55402-55413. [PMID: 36894732 PMCID: PMC10121545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25767-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate esters, such as di(n-butyl) phthalate, (DBP), are synthetic chemical pollutants commonly used as plasticizers in the manufacture of plastics. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DBP in the testes of adult male quails (Coturnix cortunix japonica) exposed by oral gavage to variable doses of DBP (0 [control], 1, 10, 50, 200, and 400 mg/kgbw-d), for 30 days during the prepubertal period, using histo-morphometric and ultrastructural techniques. Generally, significant decreases in seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) and epithelial height (SEH) were observed predominantly at the highest DBP doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), as compared to medium (50 mg/kg), and lowest doses (1 and 10 mg/kg) as well as the control group. Ultrastructurally, apparent dose-specific degenerative changes were observed in the Leydig cells. The lowest DBP doses (1 and 10 mg/kg) did not produce significant effects on Leydig cell ultrastructure, whereas, at the highest doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), the Leydig cells were remarkably conspicuous in the interstitium and appeared foamy. There was a preponderance of electron-lucent lipid droplets which crowded out the normal organelles of the cell, as well as increases in the number of dense bodies in the cytoplasm. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) was less obvious, compacted, and wedged between the abundant lipid droplets and mitochondria. Taken together, these findings indicate that pre-pubertal exposure of precocious quail birds to DBP, produced parameter-specific histometric tubular changes, as well as dose-dependent cyto-structural derangement of the Leydig cells; which consequently may lead to overt reproductive impairments in the adult bird in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar M Bello
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Mary-Cathrine Madekurozwa
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Hermanus B Groenewald
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Augustine Arukwe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tom A Aire
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True-Blue, St. George's, Grenada
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14
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Nakamura N, Yoshida N, Suwa T. Three major reasons why transgenerational effects of radiation are difficult to detect in humans. Int J Radiat Biol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36880868 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2187478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ionizing radiation can induce mutations in germ cells in various organisms, including fruit flies and mice. However, currently, there is no clear evidence for the transgenerational effects of radiation in humans. This review is an effort to identify possible reasons for the lack of such observations. METHODS Literature search and narrative review. RESULTS 1) In both mice and humans, resting oocytes locate primarily in the cortical region of the ovary where the number of blood vessels is very low especially when young and extra-cellular material is rich, and this region is consequently hypoxic, which probably leads to immature oocytes being resistant to the cell killing and mutagenic effects of radiation. 2) In studies of spermatogonia, the mouse genes used for specific locus test (SLT) studies, which include coat color genes, were hypermutable when compared to many other genes. Recent studies which examined over 1000 segments of genomic DNA indicate that the induction rate of deletion mutation per segment was on the order of 10-6 per Gy, which is one order of magnitude lower than that obtained from the SLT data. Therefore, it appears possible that detecting any transgenerational effects of radiation following human male exposures will be difficult due to a lack of mutable marker genes. 3) Fetal malformations were examined in studies in humans, but the genetic component in such malformations is low, and abnormal fetuses are prone to undergo miscarriage which does not occur in mice, and which leads to difficulties in detecting transgenerational effects. CONCLUSION The lack of clear evidence for radiation effects in humans probably does not result from any problem in the methodologies used but may be due largely to biological properties. Currently, whole genome sequencing studies of exposed parents and offspring are planned, but ethical guidelines need to be followed to avoid discrimination, which had once happened to the atomic bomb survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nori Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noriaki Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Studies, Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suwa
- Department of Genome Dynamics, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Human in vitro spermatogenesis as a regenerative therapy - where do we stand? Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4. [PMID: 36750655 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves precise temporal and spatial gene expression and cell signalling to reach a coordinated balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells through various germ cell states including mitosis, and meiosis I and II, which result in the generation of haploid cells with a unique genetic identity. Subsequently, these round spermatids undergo a series of morphological changes to shed excess cytoplast, develop a midpiece and tail, and undergo DNA repackaging to eventually form millions of spermatozoa. The goal of recreating this process in vitro has been pursued since the 1920s as a tool to treat male factor infertility in patients with azoospermia. Continued advances in reproductive bioengineering led to successful generation of mature, functional sperm in mice and, in the past 3 years, in humans. Multiple approaches to study human in vitro spermatogenesis have been proposed, but technical and ethical obstacles have limited the ability to complete spermiogenesis, and further work is needed to establish a robust culture system for clinical application.
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16
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Meikar O, Majoral D, Heikkinen O, Valkama E, Leskinen S, Rebane A, Ruusuvuori P, Toppari J, Mäkelä JA, Kotaja N. STAGETOOL, a Novel Automated Approach for Mouse Testis Histological Analysis. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6868503. [PMID: 36461763 PMCID: PMC9780747 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process that takes place in the seminiferous tubules. A specific organization of spermatogenic cells within the seminiferous epithelium enables a synchronous progress of germ cells at certain steps of differentiation on the spermatogenic pathway. This can be observed in testis cross-sections where seminiferous tubules can be classified into distinct stages of constant cellular composition (12 stages in the mouse). For a detailed analysis of spermatogenesis, these stages have to be individually observed from testis cross-sections. However, the recognition of stages requires special training and expertise. Furthermore, the manual scoring is laborious considering the high number of tubule cross-sections that have to be analyzed. To facilitate the analysis of spermatogenesis, we have developed a convolutional deep neural network-based approach named "STAGETOOL." STAGETOOL analyses histological images of 4',6-diamidine-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI)-stained mouse testis cross-sections at ×400 magnification, and very accurately classifies tubule cross-sections into 5 stage classes and cells into 9 categories. STAGETOOL classification accuracy for stage classes of seminiferous tubules of a whole-testis cross-section is 99.1%. For cellular level analysis the F1 score for 9 seminiferous epithelial cell types ranges from 0.80 to 0.98. Furthermore, we show that STAGETOOL can be applied for the analysis of knockout mouse models with spermatogenic defects, as well as for automated profiling of protein expression patterns. STAGETOOL is the first fluorescent labeling-based automated method for mouse testis histological analysis that enables both stage and cell-type recognition. While STAGETOOL qualitatively parallels an experienced human histologist, it outperforms humans time-wise, therefore representing a major advancement in male reproductive biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olli Heikkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Valkama
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sini Leskinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pekka Ruusuvuori
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Correspondence: Juho-Antti Mäkelä, PhD, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland. ; or Noora Kotaja, PhD, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Correspondence: Juho-Antti Mäkelä, PhD, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland. ; or Noora Kotaja, PhD, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland.
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17
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Yan Q, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Yuan L. Autophagy: A Double-Edged Sword in Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315273. [PMID: 36499597 PMCID: PMC9741305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cell reprogramming mechanism, exists in all eukaryotic organisms. It is a fundamental and vital degradation/recycling pathway that removes undesirable components, such as cytoplasmic organelles, misfolded proteins, viruses, and intracellular bacteria, to provide energy and essential materials for organisms. The success of male reproduction depends on healthy testes, which are mainly composed of seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme. Seminiferous tubules are composed of Sertoli cells (SCs) and various germ cells, and the main functional part of mesenchyme are Leydig cells (LCs). In recent years, a large amount of evidence has confirmed that autophagy is active in many cellular events associated with the testes. Autophagy is not only important for testicular spermatogenesis, but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for the ectoplasmic specialization (ES) integrity of SCs, as well as for the normal function of the blood-testes barrier (BTB). At the same time, it is active in LCs and is crucial for steroid production and for maintaining testosterone levels. In this review, we expanded upon the narration regarding the composition of the testes; summarized the regulation and molecular mechanism of autophagy in SCs, germ cells, and LCs; and concluded the roles of autophagy in the process of spermatogenesis and testicular endocrinology. Through integrating the latest summaries and advances, we discuss how the role of autophagy is a double-edged sword in the testes and may provide insight for future studies and explorations on autophagy in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
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18
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Zhang Y, Xu B. Involvement of testicular N-glycoproteome heterogeneity in seasonal spermatogenesis of the American mink (Neovison vison). Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1001431. [PMID: 36406079 PMCID: PMC9672844 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1001431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in the American mink is characterized by an annual cycle of transition involving completely inactive and fully activated stages. N-glycosylation of proteins has emerged as an important regulator as it affects protein folding, secretion, degradation, and activity. However, the function of protein N-glycosylation in seasonal spermatogenesis of the American mink remains unclear. In the present study, we established a proteome-wide stoichiometry of N-glycosylation in mink testes at various phases of spermatogenesis using N-linked glycosylated-peptide enrichment in combination with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 532 N-glycosylated sites matching the canonical Asn-X-Ser/Thr motif were identified in 357 testicular proteins. Both the number of glycoproteins and the sites of N-glycosylated proteins in mink testes were highly dynamic at different stages. Functional analyses showed that testicular proteins with different N-glycosylation might play a vital role in spermatogenesis by affecting their folding, distribution, stability, and activity. Overall, our data suggest that the dynamics of N-glycosylation of testicular proteins are involved in seasonal spermatogenesis in the American mink.
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19
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Dai J, Li Q, Zhou Q, Zhang S, Chen J, Wang Y, Guo J, Gu Y, Gong F, Tan Y, Lu G, Zheng W, Lin G. IQCN disruption causes fertilization failure and male infertility due to manchette assembly defect. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16501. [PMID: 36321563 PMCID: PMC9728048 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Total fertilization failure (TFF) is an important cause of infertility; however, the genetic basis of TFF caused by male factors remains to be clarified. In this study, whole-exome sequencing was firstly used to screen for genetic causes of TFF after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and homozygous variants in the novel gene IQ motif-containing N (IQCN) were identified in two affected individuals with abnormal acrosome structures. Then, Iqcn-knockout mice were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology and showed that the knockout male mice resembled the human phenotypes. Additionally, we found that IQCN regulates microtubule nucleation during manchette assembly via calmodulin and related calmodulin-binding proteins, which resulted in head deformity with aberrant oocyte activation factor PLCζ. Fortunately, ICSI with assisted oocyte activation can overcome IQCN-associate TFF and male infertility. Thus, our study firstly identified the function of IQCN, highlights the relationship between the manchette assembly and fertilization, and provides a genetic marker and a therapeutic option for male-source TFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dai
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Qi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangShaChina
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Shen Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Junru Chen
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Yize Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina
| | - Jing Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Yifan Gu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning CommissionChangShaChina
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning CommissionChangShaChina
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning CommissionChangShaChina
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning CommissionChangShaChina
| | - Wei Zheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical ScienceCentral South UniversityChangShaChina,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC‐XIANGYAChangShaChina,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan ProvinceChangShaChina,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning CommissionChangShaChina
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20
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Volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis of the testes in nonobstructive azoospermia: a noninvasive fingerprint of impaired spermatogenesis? Eur Radiol 2022; 32:7522-7531. [PMID: 35484338 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08817-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the association between testicular volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis metrics and histologic categories in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). The role of ADC histogram analysis in predicting the presence of spermatozoa, prior to testicular sperm extraction (TESE), was also investigated. METHODS Forty-one NOA men and 17 age-matched controls underwent scrotal MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging. Histogram analysis of ADC data of the whole testis was performed. Metrics including mean, standard deviation, median, mode, 25th percentile, 75th percentile, skewness, kurtosis, and entropy of volumetric ADC histograms were calculated. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to assess differences in ADC histogram parameters between NOA histologic categories (hypospermatogenesis, severe hypospermatogenesis, early maturation arrest, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome) and normal testes and, between NOA with positive and negative sperm retrieval. RESULTS Normal testes had a lower mean, median, mode, 25th percentile (p < 0.001), and 75th percentile of ADC (p = 0.001), compared to NOA histologic phenotypes. NOA with hypospermatogenesis had a lower 25th percentile of ADC compared to NOA with severe hypospermatogenesis. Regression analysis revealed that the 25th percentile of ADC had a moderately negative correlation with NOA histologic phenotype. The median ADC proved the most significant metric (p = 0.007) to predict the presence of sperm. CONCLUSIONS Testicular volumetric ADC histogram parameters may contribute in the identification of the subpopulation of NOA men with a specific type of spermatogenic arrest. KEY POINTS • Volumetric ADC histogram analysis metrics may be used as noninvasive markers of impaired spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia. • The 25th percentile of ADC proved useful in discriminating between NOA testes with hypospermatogenesis and severe hypospermatogenesis. • The median ADC proved the most significant parameter to predict the presence of viable spermatozoa prior to TESE.
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21
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Witherspoon L, Flannigan R. It puts the T's in fertility: testosterone and spermatogenesis. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:669-672. [PMID: 35105947 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Witherspoon
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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22
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de Oliveira JS, Silva AADN, Dias FCR, de Oliveira EL, de Oliveira Filho EF, Soares PC, Ferreira CMDO, da Silva Junior VA. Histomorphometric and oxidative evaluation of the offspring's testis from type 2 diabetic female rats treated with metformin and pentoxifylline. Int J Exp Pathol 2022; 103:174-189. [PMID: 35734873 PMCID: PMC9482357 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12446] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) during pregnancy is characterized by high levels of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factors in the placenta. Once these reactive species reach the foetus, they trigger physiological adaptations that allow the foetus to survive, but programme the organism to develop metabolic disorders in adulthood. The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to foetal programming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrauterine exposure to T2D on testicular histomorphometry and redox homeostasis of adult rats and evaluate the effects of maternal treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline. Female rats were induced to T2D, then treated with metformin and pentoxifylline, or co-treated with both drugs. The females were mated, the male offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day 90, and the testicles were collected for analysis. Metformin protected the tubular compartment, with the maintenance of the Sertoli cell population and daily sperm production. Pentoxifylline attenuated the effects of diabetes on Leydig cells, in addition to stimulating testosterone production and lowering lipid peroxidation. Intrauterine exposure to T2D results in important testicular alterations that compromise gonadal function, and the co-treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline may represent a promising therapy that attenuates these effects by combining the positive influences in both the tubular and interstitial compartments of the testicular parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Pierre Castro Soares
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFederal Rural University of PernambucoRecifePernambucoBrazil
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23
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Xue F, Liu Y, Lv Z, Zhang J, Xiong S, Zha L, Liu Z, Shu J. Regulatory effects of differential dietary energy levels on spermatogenesis and sperm motility of yellow-feathered breeder cocks. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:964620. [PMID: 36246315 PMCID: PMC9556827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.964620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The semen quality of breeder cocks profoundly impacted the numbers of matched layer hens and the economic benefits of the poultry industry. Adequacy and balance of poultry nutrition, especially the energy provision, critically modulated the reproductive potential of breeder cocks, however, the underlying mechanism was still unclear. For the purpose of this study, a total of 90 yellow-feathered 13-week-old roosters with the same age in days and similar body weight (1,437 ± 44.3 g) were selected and randomly divided into the low energy diet (LE), the moderate energy diet (ME), and the high energy diet (HE) treatments. The phenotypic parameters related to reproduction include semen quality, fertility, and hatchability, and the testis morphological parameters, including seminiferous epithelium length (SEL), seminiferous tubule perimeter (STP), seminiferous tubule area (STA), and Johnsen score, were measured to investigate the regulatory effects of different energy diets on reproductive performances. Furthermore, spermatogenesis and sperm motility-related genes, which included the sry-related high mobility group box (SOX) gene family and sperm-associated antigen (SPAG) gene family, and mitochondria apoptosis-related genes, such as Cyt-C, Bcl-2, and Bax, were measured to determine the underlying mechanism of energy on the reproductive performances. The The results showed that the gonadosomatic index and sperm motility in the ME treatment significantly increased compared with the LE treatment. Chickens in the ME treatment showed a preferable performance of testis development, especially a significant increment of SEL and Johnsen Score, compared with the LE and HE treatments. Finally, spermatogenesis-related genes, which included SPAG6, SPAG16, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX13, and apoptosis-related genes of mitochondria, such as the Cyt-C and Bcl-2, were significantly upregulated in the ME treatment. This study concluded that proper energy provision stimulated regular energy metabolism for spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, which finally increased semen quality and reproductive performances of breeder cocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguang Xue
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Lv
- College of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyuan Xiong
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liqing Zha
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiyu Liu
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Animal Health and Safety Production, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingting Shu
- Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingting Shu
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24
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Liu L, Yang S, Liu Y, Li X, Hu J, Xiao L, Xu T. DeepContact: High-throughput quantification of membrane contact sites based on electron microscopy imaging. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213379. [PMID: 35929833 PMCID: PMC9361564 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202106190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane contact site (MCS)-mediated organelle interactions play essential roles in the cell. Quantitative analysis of MCSs reveals vital clues for cellular responses under various physiological and pathological conditions. However, an efficient tool is lacking. Here, we developed DeepContact, a deep-learning protocol for optimizing organelle segmentation and contact analysis based on label-free EM. DeepContact presents high efficiency and flexibility in interactive visualizations, accommodating new morphologies of organelles and recognizing contacts in versatile width ranges, which enables statistical analysis of various types of MCSs in multiple systems. DeepContact profiled previously unidentified coordinative rearrangements of MCS types in cultured cells with combined nutritional conditions. DeepContact also unveiled a subtle wave of ER-mitochondrial entanglement in Sertoli cells during the seminiferous epithelial cycle, indicating its potential in bridging MCS dynamics to physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Computer and Control Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Computer and Control Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xixia Li
- Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Ningbo HuaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,School of Computer and Control Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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25
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Yin Y, Mu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Xu K, Wu X, Cai Y, Zhang M, Lu G, Chan WY, Ma J, Huang T, Liu H. LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8525. [PMID: 35955660 PMCID: PMC9369233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46-/- female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuling Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
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26
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Fontaine E, Papin C, Martinez G, Le Gras S, Nahed RA, Héry P, Buchou T, Ouararhni K, Favier B, Gautier T, Sabir JSM, Gerard M, Bednar J, Arnoult C, Dimitrov S, Hamiche A. Dual role of histone variant H3.3B in spermatogenesis: positive regulation of piRNA transcription and implication in X-chromosome inactivation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7350-7366. [PMID: 35766398 PMCID: PMC9303386 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone variant H3.3 is encoded by two distinct genes, H3f3a and H3f3b, exhibiting identical amino-acid sequence. H3.3 is required for spermatogenesis, but the molecular mechanism of its spermatogenic function remains obscure. Here, we have studied the role of each one of H3.3A and H3.3B proteins in spermatogenesis. We have generated transgenic conditional knock-out/knock-in (cKO/KI) epitope-tagged FLAG-FLAG-HA-H3.3B (H3.3BHA) and FLAG-FLAG-HA-H3.3A (H3.3AHA) mouse lines. We show that H3.3B, but not H3.3A, is required for spermatogenesis and male fertility. Analysis of the molecular mechanism unveils that the absence of H3.3B led to alterations in the meiotic/post-meiotic transition. Genome-wide RNA-seq reveals that the depletion of H3.3B in meiotic cells is associated with increased expression of the whole sex X and Y chromosomes as well as of both RLTR10B and RLTR10B2 retrotransposons. In contrast, the absence of H3.3B resulted in down-regulation of the expression of piRNA clusters. ChIP-seq experiments uncover that RLTR10B and RLTR10B2 retrotransposons, the whole sex chromosomes and the piRNA clusters are markedly enriched of H3.3. Taken together, our data dissect the molecular mechanism of H3.3B functions during spermatogenesis and demonstrate that H3.3B, depending on its chromatin localization, is involved in either up-regulation or down-regulation of expression of defined large chromatin regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Fontaine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Christophe Papin
- Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC)/Université de Strasbourg/ CNRS/INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Stéphanie Le Gras
- Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC)/Université de Strasbourg/ CNRS/INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Roland Abi Nahed
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Patrick Héry
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Thierry Buchou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC)/Université de Strasbourg/ CNRS/INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Bertrand Favier
- Université de Grenoble Alpes, Etablissement Français du Sang, EA 7408, BP35, 38701 La Tronche, France
| | - Thierry Gautier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Jamal S M Sabir
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matthieu Gerard
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Jan Bednar
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Stefan Dimitrov
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Sante' - Allée des Alpes, La Tronche 38700, France.,"Roumen Tsanev" Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.,Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Izmir 35330, Turkey
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC)/Université de Strasbourg/ CNRS/INSERM, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France.,Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Models and Molecular Markers of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Vertebrates: To Find Models in Nonmammals. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:4755514. [PMID: 35685306 PMCID: PMC9174007 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4755514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germline stem cells that are essential for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in the testis. However, it has not been sufficiently understood in amphibians, reptiles, and fish because numerous studies have been focused mainly on mammals. The aim of this review is to discuss scientific ways to elucidate SSC models of nonmammals in the context of the evolution of testicular organization since rodent SSC models. To further understand the SSC models in nonmammals, we point out common markers of an SSC pool (undifferentiated spermatogonia) in various types of testes where the kinetics of the SSC pool appears. This review includes the knowledge of (1) common molecular markers of vertebrate type A spermatogonia including putative SSC markers, (2) localization of the markers on the spermatogonia that have been reported in previous studies, (3) highlighting the most common markers in vertebrates, and (4) suggesting ways of finding SSC models in nonmammals.
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Tian Y, Sun P, Liu WX, Shan LY, Hu YT, Fan HT, Shen W, Liu YB, Zhou Y, Zhang T. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the Mongolia sheep testis reveals a conserved and divergent transcriptome landscape of mammalian spermatogenesis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22348. [PMID: 35583907 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200152r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated and complex process, and is pivotal for transmitting genetic information between mammalian generations. In this study, we investigated the conservation, differences, and biological functions of homologous genes during spermatogenesis in Mongolia sheep, humans, cynomolgus monkey, and mice using single-cell RNA sequencing technology. We compared X chromosome meiotic inactivation events in Mongolia sheep, humans, cynomolgus monkey, and mice to uncover the concerted activity of X chromosome genes. Subsequently, we focused on the dynamics of gene expression, key biological functions, and signaling pathways at various stages of spermatogenesis in Mongolia sheep and humans. Additionally, the ligand-receptor networks of Mongolia sheep and humans in testicular somatic and germ cells at different developmental stages were mapped to reveal conserved germ cell-soma communication using single-cell resolution. These datasets provided novel information and insights to unravel the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Mongolia sheep spermatogenesis and highlight conservation in gene expression during spermatogenesis between Mongolia sheep and humans, providing a foundation for the establishment of a large mammalian disease model of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Peng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li-Ying Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan-Ting Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Tao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong-Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Animal Husbandry Institute, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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29
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Nogueira E, Tirpák F, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Kerns K, Sutovsky M, Kim J, Volkmann D, Jovine L, Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Sutovsky P. A Non-Synonymous Point Mutation in a WD-40 Domain Repeat of EML5 Leads to Decreased Bovine Sperm Quality and Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:872740. [PMID: 35478957 PMCID: PMC9037033 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.872740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is part of a concerted effort to identify and phenotype rare, deleterious mutations that adversely affect sperm quality, or convey high developmental and fertility potential to embryos and ensuing progeny. A rare, homozygous mutation in EML5 (EML5R1654W), which encodes a microtubule-associated protein with high expression in testis and brain was identified in an Angus bull used extensively in artificial insemination (AI) for its outstanding progeny production traits. The bull’s fertility was low in cross-breeding timed AI (TAI) (Pregnancy/TAI = 25.2%; n = 222) and, in general, AI breeding to Nellore cows (41%; n = 822). A search of the 1,000 Bull Genomes Run9 database revealed an additional 74 heterozygous animals and 8 homozygous animals harboring this exact mutation across several different breeds (0.7% frequency within the 6,191 sequenced animals). Phenotypically, spermatozoa from the homozygous Angus bull displayed prominent piriform and tapered heads, and outwardly protruding knobbed acrosomes. Additionally, an increased retention of EML5 was also observed in the sperm head of both homozygous and heterozygous Angus bulls compared to wild-type animals. This non-synonymous point mutation is located within a WD40 signaling domain repeat of EML5 and is predicted to be detrimental to overall protein function by genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and protein modeling. Future work will examine how this rare mutation affects field AI fertility and will characterize the role of EML5 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriklis Nogueira
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Filip Tirpák
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - JaeWoo Kim
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Dietrich Volkmann
- Theriogenology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jeremy F Taylor
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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30
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Kern CH, Feitosa WB, Liu WS. The Dynamic of PRAMEY Isoforms in Testis and Epididymis Suggests Their Involvement in Spermatozoa Maturation. Front Genet 2022; 13:846345. [PMID: 35386283 PMCID: PMC8979061 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.846345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma, Y-linked (PRAMEY) is a cancer/testis antigen expressed predominantly in bovine spermatogenic cells, playing an important role in germ cell formation. To better understand PRAMEY’s function during spermatogenesis, we studied the dynamics of PRAMEY isoforms by Western blotting (WB) with PRAMEY-specific antibodies. The PRAMEY protein was assessed in the bovine testicular and epididymal spermatozoa, fluid and tissues, and as well as in ejaculated semen. The protein was further examined, at a subcellular level in sperm head and tail, as well as in the subcellular components, including the cytosol, nucleus, membrane, and mitochondria. RNA expression of PRAMEY was also evaluated in testis and epididymal tissues. Our WB results confirmed the previously reported four isoforms of PRAMEY (58, 30, 26, and 13 kDa) in the bovine testis and spermatozoa. We found that testicular spermatozoa expressed the 58 and 30 kDa isoforms. As spermatozoa migrated to the epididymis, they expressed two additional isoforms, 26 and 13 kDa. Similarly, the 58 and 30 kDa isoforms were detected only in the testis fluid, while all four isoforms were detected in fluid from the cauda epididymis. Tissue evaluation indicated a significantly higher expression of the 58 and 13 kDa isoforms in the cauda tissue when compared to both the testis and caput tissue (p < 0.05). These results indicated that testis samples (spermatozoa, fluid, and tissue) expressed predominantly the 58 and 30 kDa PRAMEY isoforms, suggesting their involvement in spermatogenesis. In contrast, the 26 kDa isoform was specific to epididymal sperm and the 13 kDa isoform was marked in samples derived from the cauda epididymis, suggesting their involvement in sperm maturation. Results from the sperm head and tail experiments indicated that the 13 kDa isoform increased 4-fold in sperm tails from caput to cauda, suggesting this isoform may have a significant role in tail function. Additionally, the 13 kDa isoform increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the cytosol during epididymal passage and tended to increase in other subcellular components. The expression of PRAMEY in the sperm subcellular components during epididymal maturation suggests the involvement of PRAMEY, especially the 13 kDa isoform, in sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandlar H Kern
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Weber B Feitosa
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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31
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Fang L, Feng R, Liang W, Liu FF, Bian GL, Yu C, Guo H, Cao Y, Liu M, Zuo J, Peng Y, Zhao J, Sun RX, Shan J, Wang J. Overexpression of PD-L1 causes germ cells to slough from mouse seminiferous tubules via the PD-L1/PD-L1 interaction. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2908-2920. [PMID: 35384279 PMCID: PMC9097848 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a cyclical process in which different generations of spermatids undergo a series of developmental steps at a fixed time and finally produce spermatids. Here, we report that overexpression of PD‐L1 (B7 homolog1) in the testis causes sperm developmental disorders and infertility in male mice, with severe malformation and sloughing during spermatid development, characterized by disorganized and collapsed seminiferous epithelium structure. PD‐L1 needs to be simultaneously expressed on Sertoli cells and spermatogonia to cause spermatogenesis failure. After that, we excluded the influence of factors such as the PD‐L1 receptor and humoral regulation, confirming that PD‐L1 has an intrinsic function to interact with PD‐L1. Studies have shown that PD‐L1 not only serves as a ligand but also plays a receptor‐like role in signal transduction. PD‐L1 interacts with PD‐L1 to affect the adhesive function of germ cells, causing malformation and spermatid sloughing. Taken together, these results indicate that PD‐L1 can interact with PD‐L1 to cause germ cell detachment and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Fang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Weiye Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Institue of Neurosciences, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gan-Lan Bian
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Caiyong Yu
- Military Medical Innovation Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongmin Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yihui Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingkai Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zuo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinglong Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Xia Sun
- Bioscience Laboratory, BIOS bioscience and Technology Limited Company, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Shan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Bioscience Laboratory, BIOS bioscience and Technology Limited Company, Guangzhou, China
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32
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Effect of Chemotherapy Cytarabine and Acute Myeloid Leukemia on the Development of Spermatogenesis at the Adult Age of Immature Treated Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074013. [PMID: 35409373 PMCID: PMC8999636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for around 20% of diagnosed childhood leukemia. Cytarabine (CYT) is involved in the AML treatment regimen. AML and CYT showed impairment in spermatogenesis in human and rodents in adulthood. We successfully developed an AML disease model in sexually immature mice. Monocytes and granulocytes were examined in all groups: untreated control, AML alone, CYT alone and AML+CYT (in combination). There was a significant increase in the counts of monocytes and granulocytes in the AML-treated immature mice (AML) compared to the control, and AML cells were demonstrated in the blood vessels of the testes. AML alone and CYT alone impaired the development of spermatogenesis at the adult age of the AML-treated immature mice. The damage was clear in the structure/histology of their seminiferous tubules, and an increase in the apoptotic cells of the seminiferous tubules was demonstrated. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in the meiotic/post-meiotic cells compared to the control. However, CYT alone (but not AML) significantly increased the count of spermatogonial cells (premeiotic cells) that positively stained with SALL4 and PLZF per tubule compared to the control. Furthermore, AML significantly increased the count of proliferating spermatogonial cells that positively stained with PCNA in the seminiferous tubules compared to the control, whereas CYT significantly decreased the count compared to the control. Our result showed that AML and CYT affected the microenvironment/niche of the germ cells. AML significantly decreased the levels growth factors, such as SCF, GDNF and MCSF) compared to control, whereas CYT significantly increased the levels of MCSF and GDNF compared to control. In addition, AML significantly increased the RNA expression levels of testicular IL-6 (a proinflammatory cytokine), whereas CYT significantly decreased testicular IL-6 levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, AML alone and CYT alone significantly decreased RNA expression levels of testicular IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) compared to the control group. Our results demonstrate that pediatric AML disease with or without CYT treatment impairs spermatogenesis at adult age (the impairment was more pronounced in AML+CYT) compared to control. Thus, we suggest that special care should be considered for children with AML who are treated with a CYT regimen regarding their future fertility at adult age.
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33
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Sanou I, van Maaren J, Eliveld J, Lei Q, Meißner A, de Melker AA, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:850219. [PMID: 35444616 PMCID: PMC9013905 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.850219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Sanou
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meißner
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke A de Melker
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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34
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Xiong Y, Yu C, Zhang Q. Ubiquitin-Proteasome System-Regulated Protein Degradation in Spermatogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061058. [PMID: 35326509 PMCID: PMC8947704 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a prolonged and highly ordered physiological process that produces haploid male germ cells through more than 40 steps and experiences dramatic morphological and cellular transformations. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays central roles in the precise control of protein homeostasis to ensure the effectiveness of certain protein groups at a given stage and the inactivation of them after this stage. Many UPS components have been demonstrated to regulate the progression of spermatogenesis at different levels. Especially in recent years, novel testis-specific proteasome isoforms have been identified to be essential and unique for spermatogenesis. In this review, we set out to discuss our current knowledge in functions of diverse USP components in mammalian spermatogenesis through: (1) the composition of proteasome isoforms at each stage of spermatogenesis; (2) the specificity of each proteasome isoform and the associated degradation events; (3) the E3 ubiquitin ligases mediating protein ubiquitination in male germ cells; and (4) the deubiquitinases involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Exploring the functions of UPS machineries in spermatogenesis provides a global picture of the proteome dynamics during male germ cell production and shed light on the etiology and pathogenesis of human male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiong
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
| | - Chao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, 3 East Qing Chun Rd, Hangzhou 310020, China;
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianting Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13789821134
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35
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Mendes S, Sá R, Magalhães M, Marques F, Sousa M, Silva E. The Role of ROS as a Double-Edged Sword in (In)Fertility: The Impact of Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061585. [PMID: 35326736 PMCID: PMC8946252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor cells are highly resistant to oxidative stress, but beyond a certain threshold, it may lead to apoptosis/necrosis. Thus, induced loss of redox balance can be a strategy used in anticancer therapies. However, the effectiveness of drugs contrasts with unknown mechanisms involved in the loss of fertility. Considering that cancer patients’ life expectancy is increasing, it raises concerns about the unknown adverse effects. Therefore, new strategies should be pursued alongside explaining to the patients their options regarding the reproduction side effects. Abstract Tumor cells are highly resistant to oxidative stress resulting from the imbalance between high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and insufficient antioxidant defenses. However, when intracellular levels of ROS rise beyond a certain threshold, largely above cancer cells’ capacity to reduce it, they may ultimately lead to apoptosis or necrosis. This is, in fact, one of the molecular mechanisms of anticancer drugs, as most chemotherapeutic treatments alter redox homeostasis by further elevation of intracellular ROS levels or inhibition of antioxidant pathways. In traditional chemotherapy, it is widely accepted that most therapeutic effects are due to ROS-mediated cell damage, but in targeted therapies, ROS-mediated effects are mostly unknown and data are still emerging. The increasing effectiveness of anticancer treatments has raised new challenges, especially in the field of reproduction. With cancer patients’ life expectancy increasing, many aiming to become parents will be confronted with the adverse effects of treatments. Consequently, concerns about the impact of anticancer therapies on reproductive capacity are of particular interest. In this review, we begin with a short introduction on anticancer therapies, then address ROS physiological/pathophysiological roles in both male and female reproductive systems, and finish with ROS-mediated adverse effects of anticancer treatments in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mendes
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal;
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Manuel Magalhães
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Center of Porto (CHUP), Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Franklim Marques
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Center of Porto (CHUP), Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Elisabete Silva
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), Institute for Research & Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Pravder HD, Grabowska D, Roychoudhury K, Zhang B, Frank D, Zakrzewski P, Lenartowska M, Miller KG. PFTAIRE Kinase L63 Interactor 1A (Pif1A Protein) Is Required for Actin Cone Movement during Spermatid Individualization in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063011. [PMID: 35328431 PMCID: PMC8950383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A useful model for determining the mechanisms by which actin and actin binding proteins control cellular architecture is the Drosophila melanogaster process of spermatogenesis. During the final step of spermatogenesis, 64 syncytial spermatids individualized as stable actin cones move synchronously down the axonemes and remodel the membranes. To identify new genes involved in spermatid individualization, we screened a collection of Drosophila male-sterile mutants and found that, in the line Z3-5009, actin cones formed near to the spermatid nuclei but failed to move, resulting in failed spermatid individualization. However, we show by phalloidin actin staining, electron microscopy and immunocytochemical localization of several actin binding proteins that the early cones had normal structure. We sequenced the genome of the Z3-5009 line and identified mutations in the PFTAIRE kinase L63 interactor 1A (Pif1A) gene. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Pif1A transcript abundance was decreased in the mutant, and a transgene expressing Pif1A fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) was able to fully rescue spermatid individualization and male fertility. Pif1A-GFP localized to the front of actin cones before initiation of movement. We propose that Pif1A plays a pivotal role in directing actin cone movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison D. Pravder
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (H.D.P.); (D.G.); (K.R.); (B.Z.); (K.G.M.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Dorota Grabowska
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (H.D.P.); (D.G.); (K.R.); (B.Z.); (K.G.M.)
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kaushik Roychoudhury
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (H.D.P.); (D.G.); (K.R.); (B.Z.); (K.G.M.)
| | - Betty Zhang
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (H.D.P.); (D.G.); (K.R.); (B.Z.); (K.G.M.)
| | - Deborah Frank
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Przemysław Zakrzewski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Marta Lenartowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathryn G. Miller
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; (H.D.P.); (D.G.); (K.R.); (B.Z.); (K.G.M.)
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Wakayama T, Yokota S, Noguchi K, Sugawara T, Sonoda K, Wanta A. Quantitative evaluation of spermatogenesis by fluorescent histochemistry. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:287-295. [PMID: 35211802 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the types of spermatogenic cells that compose seminiferous tubules, as well as qualitative confirmation of the presence or absence of disorders, has been regarded as crucial in spermatogenesis. Sperm count and fertilizing capacity, both of which depend on the quality as well as quantity of spermatogenesis, are factors critical to fertilization. However, the quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis is not commonly practiced. Spermatogenesis has species-specific stages; when the specific stage in the seminiferous tubules is precisely determined, the types of spermatogenic cells in each stage can be spontaneously identified. Thereafter, a unique marker is used to classify the cells observed in each stage. Quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis has the potential to detect inapparent spermatogenesis disorders or numerically indicate the degree of the disorder. To this end, a histochemical approach using unique markers is indispensable for the quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis. Future developments in techniques to measure cell populations using computer software will further facilitate the establishment of quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis as a standard analysis method that can contribute significantly to advance our understanding of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Wakayama
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noguchi
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Taichi Sugawara
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kayoko Sonoda
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Arunothai Wanta
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Xiong Y, Li J, He S. Zinc Protects against Heat Stress-Induced Apoptosis via the Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in TM3 Leydig Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:728-739. [PMID: 33738683 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS)-induced apoptosis in Leydig cells is mediated by various molecular mechanisms, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Zinc, an inorganic mineral element, exhibits several cytoprotective properties, but its potential protective action against Leydig cell apoptosis and the related molecular mechanisms has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of zinc sulfate, a predominant chemical form of zinc, exerted on cell viability, apoptosis, and testosterone production in HS-treated TM3 Leydig cells and investigated the underlying signaling pathways. HS treatment inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis, which was accompanied by the induction of the activity of caspase 3, an executioner of apoptosis, involved in the expression of pro-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax), and in the reduction of the expression of anti-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), thereby activating ER stress marker protein expression (glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)). However, zinc sulfate led to the attenuation of deleterious effects, including increases in apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, Bax, GRP78, and CHOP expression, and decreases in cell viability and Bcl-2 protein expression in cells treated with HS or thapsigargin (an ER stress activator). Furthermore, 4-phenylbutyric acid (an ER stress inhibitor) treatment markedly alleviated the HS-induced adverse effects in cells exposed to HS, which was similar to zinc sulfate. Additionally, zinc sulfate supplementation in the culture medium effectively restored the HS-induced decrease in testosterone levels in HS-treated cells. In summary, these findings indicate that HS triggers apoptosis in TM3 Leydig cells via the ER stress pathway and that zinc confers protection against these detrimental effects. This study provides new insights into the benefits of using zinc against HS-induced apoptosis and cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Xiong
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China
| | - Shaojun He
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, Anhui, China.
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Nagahori K, Kuramasu M, Kawata S, Yakura T, Li Z, Hirai S, Qu N, Itoh M. GIT1 is an untolerized autoantigen involved in immunologic disturbance of spermatogenesis. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:309-319. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ruthig VA, Lamb DJ. Updates in Sertoli Cell-Mediated Signaling During Spermatogenesis and Advances in Restoring Sertoli Cell Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897196. [PMID: 35600584 PMCID: PMC9114725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their initial description by Enrico Sertoli in 1865, Sertoli cells have continued to enchant testis biologists. Testis size and germ cell carrying capacity are intimately tied to Sertoli cell number and function. One critical Sertoli cell function is signaling from Sertoli cells to germ cells as part of regulation of the spermatogenic cycle. Sertoli cell signals can be endocrine or paracrine in nature. Here we review recent advances in understanding the interplay of Sertoli cell endocrine and paracrine signals that regulate germ cell state. Although these findings have long-term implications for treating male infertility, recent breakthroughs in Sertoli cell transplantation have more immediate implications. We summarize the surge of advances in Sertoli cell ablation and transplantation, both of which are wedded to a growing understanding of the unique Sertoli cell niche in the transitional zone of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Ruthig
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Sexual Medicine Lab, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dolores J. Lamb
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Dolores J. Lamb,
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Sakib S, Lara NDLEM, Huynh BC, Dobrinski I. Organotypic Rat Testicular Organoids for the Study of Testicular Maturation and Toxicology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:892342. [PMID: 35757431 PMCID: PMC9218276 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.892342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An in vitro system to study testicular maturation in rats, an important model organism for reproductive toxicity, could serve as a platform for high-throughput drug and toxicity screening in a tissue specific context. In vitro maturation of somatic cells and spermatogonia in organ culture systems has been reported. However, this has been a challenge for organoids derived from dissociated testicular cells. Here, we report generation and maintenance of rat testicular organoids in microwell culture for 28 days. We find that rat organoids can be maintained in vitro only at lower than ambient O2 tension of 15% and organoids cultured at 34°C have higher somatic cell maturation and spermatogonial differentiation potential compared to cultures in 37°C. Upon exposure to known toxicants, phthalic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester and cadmium chloride, the organoids displayed loss of tight-junction protein Claudin 11 and altered transcription levels of somatic cell markers that are consistent with previous reports in animal models. Therefore, the microwell-derived rat testicular organoids described here can serve as a novel platform for the study of testicular cell maturation and reproductive toxicity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadman Sakib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Brandon Christopher Huynh
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- *Correspondence: Ina Dobrinski,
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Liu W, Zhang L, Gao A, Khawar MB, Gao F, Li W. Food-Derived High Arginine Peptides Promote Spermatogenesis Recovery in Busulfan Treated Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:791471. [PMID: 34993200 PMCID: PMC8724571 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.791471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Food-derived peptides with high arginine content have important applications in medicine and food industries, but their potential application in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia remains elusive. Here, we report that high-arginine peptides, such as Oyster peptides and Perilla purple peptides were able to promote spermatogenesis recovery in busulfan-treated mice. We found that both Opp and Ppp could increase sperm concentration and motility after busulfan-induced testicular damage in mice. Further research revealed that Opp and Ppp might promote spermatogonia proliferation, which improved blood-testis barrier recovery between Sertoli cells. Taken together, these high-arginine peptides might be used as a medication or therapeutic component of a diet prescription to improve the fertility of some oligoasthenospermia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anning Gao
- College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fengyi Gao
- College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
- *Correspondence: Fengyi Gao, ; Wei Li,
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fengyi Gao, ; Wei Li,
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Three-dimensional morphological analysis of spermatogenesis in aged mouse testes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23007. [PMID: 34837027 PMCID: PMC8626501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, which is a continuous process from undifferentiated spermatogonia to spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules, declines with age. To investigate changes in spermatogenesis with aging, we reconstructed the seminiferous tubules of 12 mice aged 12 to 30 months from serial sections and examined age-related and region-specific alterations in the seminiferous epithelium and spermatogenic waves in three dimensions. The basic structure of the seminiferous tubules, including the numbers of tubules, terminating points, branching points, and total tubule length, did not change with age. Age-related alterations in spermatogenesis, primarily assessed by the formation of vacuoles in Sertoli cells, were detected in the seminiferous tubules at 12 months. The proportion of altered tubule segments with impaired spermatogenesis further increased by 24 months, but remained unchanged thereafter. Altered tubule segments were preferentially distributed in tubule areas close to the rete testis and those in the center of the testis. Spermatogenic waves became shorter in length with age. These results provide a basis for examining the decline of spermatogenesis not only with aging, but also in male infertility.
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Siu KK, Serrão VHB, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. The cell biology of fertilization: Gamete attachment and fusion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102146. [PMID: 34459848 PMCID: PMC8406655 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Siu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Service d’Histologie, d’Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E. Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wu S, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. AKAP9 supports spermatogenesis through its effects on microtubule and actin cytoskeletons in the rat testis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21925. [PMID: 34569663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100960r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, extensive remodeling of the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons takes place in Sertoli cells across the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism(s) involving regulatory and signaling proteins remains poorly understood. Herein, A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9, a member of the AKAP multivalent scaffold protein family) was shown to be one of these crucial regulatory proteins in the rat testis. Earlier studies have shown that AKAP9 serves as a signaling platform by recruiting multiple signaling and regulatory proteins to create a large protein complex that binds to the Golgi and centrosome to facilitate the assembly of the MT-nucleating γ-tubulin ring complex to initiate MT polymerization. We further expanded our earlier studies based on a Sertoli cell-specific AKAP9 knockout mouse model to probe the function of AKAP9 by using the techniques of immunofluorescence analysis, RNA interference (RNAi), and biochemical assays on an in vitro primary Sertoli cell culture model, and an adjudin-based animal model. AKAP9 robustly expressed across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes, colocalizing with MT-based tracks, and laid perpendicular across the seminiferous epithelium, and prominently expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid cell-cell anchoring junction (called apical ectoplasmic specialization [ES]) and at the Sertoli cell-cell interface (called basal ES, which together with tight junction [TJ] created the blood-testis barrier [BTB]) stage specifically. AKAP9 knockdown in Sertoli cells by RNAi was found to perturb the TJ-permeability barrier through disruptive changes in the distribution of BTB-associated proteins at the Sertoli cell cortical zone, mediated by a considerable loss of ability to induce both MT polymerization and actin filament bundling. A considerable decline in AKAP9 expression and a disruptive distribution of AKAP9 across the seminiferous tubules was also noted during adjudin-induced germ cell (GC) exfoliation in this animal model, illustrating AKAP9 is essential to maintain the homeostasis of cytoskeletons to maintain Sertoli and GC adhesion in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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Chen Y, Liu C, Shang Y, Wang L, Li W, Li G. Adam21 is dispensable for reproductive processes in mice. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12210. [PMID: 34631320 PMCID: PMC8465997 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a group of membrane-anchored proteins, the proteins containing a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAMs) control many biological processes, especially for male fertility. Mouse Adam21 was previously found to be specifically expressed in the somatic cells and germ cells of testes, but its functional role during spermatogenesis and male reproductive processes is still unknown. METHODS Adam21-null mice were created using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for analyzing of gene expression. Histological, cytological and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the phenotypes of mouse testis and epididymis. Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) were detected by Oil red O (ORO) staining and BODIPY staining. Fertility and sperm characteristics were also detected. RESULTS Here, we successfully generated an Adam21 conventional knockout mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 technology so that we can explore its potential role in male reproduction. We found that male mice lacking Adam21 have normal fertility without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility. Histological analysis of the seminiferous epithelium showed no obvious spermatogenesis difference between Adam21-null and wild-type mice. Cytological analysis revealed no detectable defects in meiotic progression, neither Sertoli cells nor Leydig cells displayed any defect compared with that of the control mice. All these results suggest that Adam21 might not be essential for male fertility in mice, and its potential function still needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Li
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
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Sertorio MN, Estadella D, Ribeiro DA, Pisani LP. Could parental high-fat intake program the reproductive health of male offspring? A review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 63:2074-2081. [PMID: 34445915 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1970509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) intake can cause overweight and obesity and has become a global public health concern in recent years. Nutritional adversity at vulnerable windows of development can affect developing cells and their functions, including germ cells. Evidence shows that parental HFD intake prior to conception and/or during gestation and lactation could program the reproductive health of male offspring, ultimately resulting in impairment of the first as well as subsequent generations. In male offspring, adipose tissue and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis imbalance can impair the production of gonadotropins, leading to dysfunction of testosterone production and pubertal onset. The gonads can be directly impaired through oxidative stress, causing poor testosterone production and spermatogenesis; low sperm count, viability, and motility; and abnormal sperm morphology, which results in low sperm quality. Parental HFD intake could also be a risk factor for prostate hyperplasia and cancer in advanced age. It can impact the reproductive pattern of male offspring resulting in impairments in the subsequent generations. The investigation of semen quality must be extended to epidemiological and clinical studies of the male offspring of overweight and/or obese parents in order to improve the quality of human semen. This review addresses the effects of parental HFD intake on the reproductive parameters of male offspring and discusses the possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Nascimento Sertorio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Nutrição, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Estadella
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Araki Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu B, Li L, Li W, Yuan L. The missing linker between SUN5 and PMFBP1 in sperm head-tail coupling apparatus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4926. [PMID: 34389728 PMCID: PMC8363609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm head-to-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) ensures sperm head-tail integrity while defective HTCA causes acephalic spermatozoa, rendering males infertile. Here, we show that CENTLEIN is indispensable for HTCA integrity and function, and that inactivation of CENTLEIN in mice leads to sperm decapitation and male sterility. We demonstrate that CENTLEIN directly interacts with both SUN5 and PMFBP1, two proteins localized in the HTCA and related with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We find that the absence of Centlein sets SUN5 and PMFBP1 apart, the former close to the sperm head and the latter in the decapitated tail. We show that lack of Sun5 results in CENTLEIN and PMFBP1 left in the decapitated tail, while disruption of Pmfbp1 results in SUN5 and CENTLEIN left on the detached sperm head. These results demonstrate that CENTLEIN cooperating with SUN5 and PMFBP1 participates in the HTCA assembly and integration of sperm head to the tail, indicating that impairments of CENTLEIN might be associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liansheng Li
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Li Yuan
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
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Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Evidence of Adverse Effects on the Male Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158061. [PMID: 34360825 PMCID: PMC8348343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are inorganic materials that have become a valuable tool for many industrial sectors, especially in healthcare, due to their versatility, unique intrinsic properties, and relatively inexpensive production cost. As a consequence of their wide applications, human exposure to MONPs has increased dramatically. More recently, their use has become somehow controversial. On one hand, MONPs can interact with cellular macromolecules, which makes them useful platforms for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. On the other hand, research suggests that these MONPs can cross the blood–testis barrier and accumulate in the testis. Although it has been demonstrated that some MONPs have protective effects on male germ cells, contradictory reports suggest that these nanoparticles compromise male fertility by interfering with spermatogenesis. In fact, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that exposure to MONPs could induce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress, which is the main suggested molecular mechanism that leads to germ cells’ toxicity. The latter results in subsequent damage to proteins, cell membranes, and DNA, which ultimately may lead to the impairment of the male reproductive system. The present manuscript overviews the therapeutic potential of MONPs and their biomedical applications, followed by a critical view of their potential risks in mammalian male fertility, as suggested by recent scientific literature.
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50
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Chadourne M, Poumerol E, Jouneau L, Passet B, Castille J, Sellem E, Pailhoux E, Mandon-Pépin B. Structural and Functional Characterization of a Testicular Long Non-coding RNA (4930463O16Rik) Identified in the Meiotic Arrest of the Mouse Topaz1 -/- Testes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:700290. [PMID: 34277642 PMCID: PMC8281061 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.700290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves coordinated processes, including meiosis, to produce functional gametes. We previously reported Topaz1 as a germ cell-specific gene highly conserved in vertebrates. Topaz1 knockout males are sterile with testes that lack haploid germ cells because of meiotic arrest after prophase I. To better characterize Topaz1–/– testes, we used RNA-sequencing analyses at two different developmental stages (P16 and P18). The absence of TOPAZ1 disturbed the expression of genes involved in microtubule and/or cilium mobility, biological processes required for spermatogenesis. Moreover, a quarter of P18 dysregulated genes are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and three of them are testis-specific and located in spermatocytes, their expression starting between P11 and P15. The suppression of one of them, 4939463O16Rik, did not alter fertility although sperm parameters were disturbed and sperm concentration fell. The transcriptome of P18-4939463O16Rik–/– testes was altered and the molecular pathways affected included microtubule-based processes, the regulation of cilium movement and spermatogenesis. The absence of TOPAZ1 protein or 4930463O16Rik produced the same enrichment clusters in mutant testes despite a contrasted phenotype on male fertility. In conclusion, although Topaz1 is essential for the meiosis in male germ cells and regulate the expression of numerous lncRNAs, these studies have identified a Topaz1 regulated lncRNA (4930463O16Rik) that is key for both sperm production and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Chadourne
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Johan Castille
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Eric Pailhoux
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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