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Liu DX, Li ZF, Zhao YS, Wang LM, Qi HY, Zhao Z, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Es-β-CATENIN affects the hemolymph-testes barrier in Eriocheir sinensis by disrupting cell junctions and cytoskeleton. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124867. [PMID: 37201886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
β-CATENIN is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional molecule that maintains cell adhesion as a cell junction protein to safeguard the integrity of the mammalian blood-testes barrier, and also regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis as a key signaling molecule in the WNT/β-CATENIN signaling pathway. In the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis, Es-β-CATENIN has been shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, but the testes of E. sinensis have large and well-defined structural differences from those of mammals, and the impact of Es-β-CATENIN in them is still unknown. In the present study, we found that Es-β-CATENIN, Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1 interact differently in the testes of the crab compared to mammals. In addition, defective Es-β-CATENIN resulted in increased Es-α-CATENIN protein expression levels, distorted and deformed F-ACTIN, and disturbed localization of Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1, leading to loss of hemolymph-testes barrier integrity and impaired sperm release. In addition to this, we also performed the first molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis of Es-AXIN in the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway to exclude the effect of the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway on the cytoskeleton. In conclusion, Es-β-CATENIN participates in maintaining the hemolymph-testes barrier in the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Xi Liu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Shuang Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan-Min Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Wu D, Wang T, Liu H, Xu F, Xie S, Tong X, Li L, Peng D, Kong L. Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan prevents oligoasthenospermia due to TAp73 suppression by affecting cellular junction remodeling in testicular tissue in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115867. [PMID: 36341818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic Chinese herbal preparation, which has a significant clinical efficacy in tonifying the kidney and benefiting the sperm, and is widely used in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia with a long history. TAp73 inhibition results in the decrease of sperm quality, but the therapeutic mechanism of WZYZW on oligoasthenospermia caused by TAp73 gene inhibition remains elusive. AIMS OF STUDY The purpose of this study is to investigate whether TAp73 suppression leads to oligoasthenospermia and the application of WZYZW treatment in condition of TAp73 suppression. METHODOLOGY C57BL/6 male mice were injected with Pifithrin-α (2.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 30 days to induce TAp73 suppression model, with WZYZW at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg were administrated in parallel. The blood, testis and epididymis were collected, with organ coefficient calculated. Makler sperm counter was used to analyze the density, motility, survival and malformation rate of sperm. Apoptosis of sperm was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum hormone levels were determined using ELISA. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe histopathological changes of testis in blood-testis barrier (BTB), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and other cell junctions. Expressions of cell adhesion factors including TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, Nectin-2 and Occludin were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Compared to control mice, TAp73 inhibition dramatically decreased the epididymal coefficient, sperm quality, and serum testosterone (T) level, while increasing apoptosis in sperm in mice. HE staining and TEM showed that the tight junction (TJ) and apical ES structure were seriously abnormal in the testis in mice with TAp73 inhibition. Additionally, the expression of Occludin protein was elevated, while that of TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, and Nectin-2 reduced in model mice. WZYZW treatment ameliorated testicular spermatogenic dysfunctions in TAp73 suppressed mice, restoring the decreased sperm quality, serum T level and testicular histopathological changes of TJ and ES, as well as decreasing sperm malformation rate and apoptosis. Moreover, WZYZW reversed the expressions of Occludin, TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin and Nectin-2 in TAp73 suppressed mice. CONCLUSIONS By impairing spermatogenesis and maturation, TAp73 inhibition led to oligoasthenospermia in mice. WZYZW could rescue the oligoasthenospermia associated with TAp73 inhibition via affecting the dynamic remodeling of cellular junctions in testicular tissues in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deling Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical Formula, Hefei, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongsheng Wang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hongjuan Liu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Fengqing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Songzi Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical Formula, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daiyin Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medical Formula, Hefei, China.
| | - Lingyi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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mTORC1/C2 regulate spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis via alterations in the actin filament network and cell junctions. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:293-313. [PMID: 36044078 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process of germ cell proliferation and differentiation that leads to the production of sperm in seminiferous tubules. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is crucial for spermatogenesis in mammals, its functions and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis remain largely unknown in nonmammalian species, particularly in Crustacea. In this study, we first identified es-Raptor (the core component of mTOR complex 1) and es-Rictor (the core component of mTOR complex 2) from the testis of Eriocheir sinensis. Dynamic localization of es-Raptor and es-Rictor implied that these proteins were indispensable for the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis. Furthermore, es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown results showed that the mature sperm failed to be released, causing almost empty lumens in the testis. We investigated the reasons for these effects and found that the actin-based cytoskeleton was disrupted in the knockdown groups. In addition, the integrity of the testis barrier (similar to the blood-testis barrier in mammals) was impaired and affected the expression of cell junction proteins. Further study revealed that es-Raptor and es-Rictor may regulate spermatogenesis via both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent mechanisms that involve es-rpS6 and es-Akt/es-PKC, respectively. Moreover, to explore the testis barrier in E. sinensis, we established a cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced testis barrier damage model as a positive control. Morphological and immunofluorescence results were similar to those of the es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown groups. Altogether, es-Raptor and es-Rictor were important for spermatogenesis through maintenance of the actin filament network and cell junctions in E. sinensis.
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4
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Wang L, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Perrotta A, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407 signaling regulate spermatogenesis: Insights from studies of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:53-62. [PMID: 33867214 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.024] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In rodents and humans, the major cellular events at spermatogenesis include self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia via mitosis, commitment of spermatogonia to differentiation and transformation to spermatocytes, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and the release of spermatozoa at spermiation. While details of the morphological changes during these cellular events have been delineated, knowledge gap exists between the morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these cellular events. Even though many of the regulatory proteins and biomolecules that modulate spermatogenesis are known based on studies using genetic models, the underlying regulatory mechanism(s), in particular signaling pathways/proteins, remain unexplored since much of the information regarding the signaling regulation is unknown. Studies in the past decade, however, have unequivocally demonstrated that the testis is using several signaling proteins and/or pathways to regulate multiple cellular events to modulate spermatogenesis. These include mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2 and p-FAK-Y407. While selective inhibitors and/or agonists and antagonists are available to examine some of these signaling proteins, their use have limitations due to their specificities and also potential systemic cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the use of genetic models has had profound implications for our understanding of the molecular regulation of spermatogenesis, and these knockout (null) models have also revealed the factors that are critical for spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, additional studies using in vitro and in vivo models are necessary to unravel the signaling pathways involved in regulating seminiferous epithelial cycle. Emerging data from studies, such as the use of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model, have illustrated that this non-hormonal male contraceptive drug is utilizing specific signaling pathways/proteins to induce specific defects in spermatogenesis, yielding mechanistic insights on the regulation of spermatogenesis. We sought to review these recent data in this article, highlighting an interesting approach that can be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; The Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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Wu H, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Long C, Hong Y, Fu Y, Zhao T, Wang J, Wu Y, Wu S, Shen L, Wei G. Bisphenol S perturbs Sertoli cell junctions in male rats via alterations in cytoskeletal organization mediated by an imbalance between mTORC1 and mTORC2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:144059. [PMID: 33360459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) is now used as an alternative of bisphenol A (BPA), but has been implicated in male reproductive dysfunction-including diminished sperm number and quality and altered hormonal concentrations. However, the mechanisms of action subserving these effects remains unclear. In the present study, BPS at doses of 50 mg/kg bw and 100 mg/kg bw caused defects in the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES), and we also delineated an underlying molecular mechanism of action. BPS induced F-actin and α-tubulin disorganization in seminiferous tubules, which in turn led to the truncation of actin filaments and microtubules. Additionally, BPS was found to perturb the expression of the actin-binding proteins Arp3 and Eps8, which are critical for the organization of the actin filaments. mTORC1 and mTORC2 manifest opposing roles in Sertoli cell junctional function, and we demonstrated that mTORC1/rpS6/Akt/MMP9 signaling was increased and that mTORC2/rictor activity was also attenuated. In summary, we showed that BPS-induced disruption of the BTB and apical ES perturbed normal spermatogenic function that was mediated by mTORC1 and mTORC2. The imbalance in mTORC1 and mTORC2, in turn, altered the expression of actin-binding proteins, resulting in the impairment of F-actin and MT organization, and inhibited the expression of junctional proteins at the BTB and apical ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yuexin Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Junke Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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Kent K, Johnston M, Strump N, Garcia TX. Toward Development of the Male Pill: A Decade of Potential Non-hormonal Contraceptive Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:61. [PMID: 32161754 PMCID: PMC7054227 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continued steep rise of the global human population, and the paucity of safe and practical contraceptive options available to men, the need for development of effective and reversible non-hormonal methods of male fertility control is widely recognized. Currently there are several contraceptive options available to men, however, none of the non-hormonal alternatives have been clinically approved. To advance progress in the development of a safe and reversible contraceptive for men, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific druggable protein targets is required. Here we provide an overview of genes/proteins identified in the last decade as specific or highly expressed in the male reproductive tract, with deletion phenotypes leading to complete male infertility in mice. These phenotypes include arrest of spermatogenesis and/or spermiogenesis, abnormal spermiation, abnormal spermatid morphology, abnormal sperm motility, azoospermia, globozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and/or teratozoospermia, which are all desirable outcomes for a novel male contraceptive. We also consider other associated deletion phenotypes that could impact the desirability of a potential contraceptive. We further discuss novel contraceptive targets underscoring promising leads with the objective of presenting data for potential druggability and whether collateral effects may exist from paralogs with close sequence similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kent
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Madelaine Johnston
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natasha Strump
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Wu S, Yan M, Li L, Mao B, Wong CKC, Ge R, Lian Q, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 and spermatogenic function in the testis-insights from the adjudin model. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:54-66. [PMID: 31278979 PMCID: PMC6825331 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex promoted Sertoli blood-testis barrier (BTB) remodeling by perturbing Sertoli cell-cell adhesion site known as the basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES). mTORC1/rpS6 complex also promoted disruption of spermatid adhesion at the Sertoli-spermatid interface called the apical ES. Herein, we performed analyses using the adjudin (a non-hormonal male contraceptive drug under development) model, wherein adjudin was known to perturb apical and basal ES function when used at high dose. Through direct administration of adjudin to the testis, adjudin at doses that failed to perturb BTB integrity per se, overexpression of an rpS6 phosphomimetic (i.e., constitutively active) mutant (i.e., p-rpS6-MT) that modified BTB function considerably potentiated adjudin efficacy. This led to disorderly spatial expression of proteins necessary to maintain the proper cytoskeletal organization of F-actin and microtubules (MTs) across the seminiferous epithelium, leading to germ cell exfoliation and aspermatogenesis. These findings yielded important insights regarding the role of mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex in regulating BTB homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Ming Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, United States.
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8
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Mao BP, Li L, Ge R, Li C, Wong CKC, Silvestrini B, Lian Q, Cheng CY. CAMSAP2 Is a Microtubule Minus-End Targeting Protein That Regulates BTB Dynamics Through Cytoskeletal Organization. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1448-1467. [PMID: 30994903 PMCID: PMC6530524 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells confers blood-testis barrier (BTB) function, but the regulators and mechanisms that modulate MT dynamics remain unexplored. In this study, we examined the role of calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein (CAMSAP)2 (a member of the CAMSAP/Patronin protein family), and a minus-end targeting protein (-TIP) that binds to the minus-end (i.e., slow-growing end) of polarized MTs involved in determining MT length, in Sertoli cell function. CAMSAP2 was found to localize at discrete sites across the Sertoli cell cytosol, different from end-binding protein 1 (a microtubule plus-end tracking protein that binds to the plus-end of MTs), and colocalized with MTs. CAMSAP2 displayed a stage-specific expression pattern, appearing as tracklike structures across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes that lay perpendicular to the basement membrane. CAMSAP2 knockdown by RNA interference was found to promote Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) barrier function, illustrating its role in inducing TJ remodeling under physiological conditions. To further examine the regulatory role of CAMSAP2 in BTB dynamics, we used a perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)-induced Sertoli cell injury model for investigations. CAMSAP2 knockdown blocked PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury by promoting proper distribution of BTB-associated proteins at the cell-cell interface. This effect was mediated by the ability of CAMSAP2 knockdown to block PFOS-induced disruptive organization of MTs, but also F-actin, across cell cytosol through changes in cellular distribution/localization of MT- and actin-regulatory proteins. In summary, CAMSAP2 is a regulator of MT and actin dynamics in Sertoli cells to support BTB dynamics and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-ping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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9
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Role of AMPK in the expression of tight junction proteins in heat-treated porcine Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2018; 121:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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10
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Yao PL, Chen L, Hess RA, Müller R, Gonzalez FJ, Peters JM. Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-D (PPARD) Coordinates Mouse Spermatogenesis by Modulating Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)-dependent Signaling. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:23416-31. [PMID: 26242735 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.664508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ppard(-/-) mice exhibit smaller litter size compared with Ppard(+/+) mice. To determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-D (PPARD) could possibly influence this phenotype, the role of PPARD in testicular biology was examined. Atrophic testes and testicular degeneration were observed in Ppard(-/-) mice compared with Ppard(+/+) mice, indicating that PPARD modulates spermatogenesis. Higher expression of p27 and decreased expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen in Sertoli cells were observed in Ppard(+/+) mice as compared with Ppard(-/-) mice, and these were associated with decreased Sertoli cell number in Ppard(+/+) mice. Cyclin D1 and cyclin D2 expression was lower in Ppard(+/+) as compared with Ppard(-/-) mice. Ligand activation of PPARD inhibited proliferation of a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4, and an inverse agonist of PPARD (DG172) rescued this effect. Temporal inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by PPARD in the testis was observed in Ppard(+/+) mice and was associated with decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone and higher claudin-11 expression along the blood-testis barrier. PPARD-dependent ERK activation also altered expression of claudin-11, p27, cyclin D1, and cyclin D2 in TM4 cells, causing inhibition of cell proliferation, maturation, and formation of tight junctions in Sertoli cells, thus confirming a requirement for PPARD in accurate Sertoli cell function. Combined, these results reveal for the first time that PPARD regulates spermatogenesis by modulating the function of Sertoli cells during early testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Yao
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
| | - LiPing Chen
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Rex A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61802
| | - Rolf Müller
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Center for Tumor and Immunobiology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany, and
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Jeffrey M Peters
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
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11
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Al-Asmakh M, Hedin L. Microbiota and the control of blood-tissue barriers. Tissue Barriers 2015; 3:e1039691. [PMID: 26451344 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2015.1039691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastro-intestinal tract is an ecosystem containing trillions of commensal bacteria living in symbiosis with the host. These microbiota modulate a variety of our physiological processes, including production of vitamins, absorption of nutrients and development of the immune system. One of their major functions is to fortify the intestinal barrier, thereby helping to prevent pathogens and harmful substances from crossing into the general circulation. Recently, effects of these microbiota on other blood-tissue barriers have also been reported. Here, we review the evidence indicating that gut bacteria play a role in regulating the blood-brain and blood-testis barriers. The underlying mechanisms include control of the expression of tight junction proteins by fermentation products such as butyrate, which also influences the activity of histone deacetylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Al-Asmakh
- Department of Health Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Qatar University ; Doha, Qatar
| | - Lars Hedin
- Sidra Medical and Research Center; Division of Clinical Epidemiology ; Doha, Qatar
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12
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Abstract
The gastro-intestinal tract is an ecosystem containing trillions of commensal bacteria living in symbiosis with the host. These microbiota modulate a variety of our physiological processes, including production of vitamins, absorption of nutrients and development of the immune system. One of their major functions is to fortify the intestinal barrier, thereby helping to prevent pathogens and harmful substances from crossing into the general circulation. Recently, effects of these microbiota on other blood-tissue barriers have also been reported. Here, we review the evidence indicating that gut bacteria play a role in regulating the blood-brain and blood-testis barriers. The underlying mechanisms include control of the expression of tight junction proteins by fermentation products such as butyrate, which also influences the activity of histone deacetylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Al-Asmakh
- Department of Health Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Qatar University ; Doha, Qatar
| | - Lars Hedin
- Sidra Medical and Research Center; Division of Clinical Epidemiology ; Doha, Qatar
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13
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Cheng CY. Toxicants target cell junctions in the testis: Insights from the indazole-carboxylic acid model. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e981485. [PMID: 26413399 PMCID: PMC4581065 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.981485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous types of junctions in the seminiferous epithelium which are integrated with, and critically dependent on the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton. These include the basal tight junctions between Sertoli cells that form the main component of the blood–testis barrier, the basal ectoplasmic specializations (basal ES) and basal tubulobulbar complexes (basal TBC) between Sertoli cells; as well as apical ES and apical TBC between Sertoli cells and the developing spermatids that orchestrate spermiogenesis and spermiation. These junctions, namely TJ, ES, and TBC interact with actin microfilament-based cytoskeleton, which together with the desmosomal junctions that interact with the intermediate filament-based cytoskeleton plus the highly polarized microtubule-based cytoskeleton are working in concert to move spermatocytes and spermatids between the basal and luminal aspect of the seminiferous epithelium. In short, these various junctions are structurally complexed with the actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeleton or intermediate filaments of the Sertoli cell. Studies have shown toxicants (e.g., cadmium, bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), phthalates, and glycerol), and some male contraceptives under development (e.g., adjudin, gamendazole), exert their effects, at least in part, by targeting cell junctions in the testis. The disruption of Sertoli–Sertoli cell and Sertoli–germ cell junctions, results in the loss of germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. Adjudin, a potential male contraceptive under investigation in our laboratory, produces loss of spermatids from the seminiferous tubules through disruption of the Sertoli cell spermatid junctions and disruption of the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton. The molecular and structural changes associated with adjudin administration are described, to provide an example of the profile of changes caused by disturbance of Sertoli-germ cell and also Sertoli cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research; Center for Biomedical Research; Population Council ; New York, NY USA
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14
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Domke LM, Rickelt S, Dörflinger Y, Kuhn C, Winter-Simanowski S, Zimbelmann R, Rosin-Arbesfeld R, Heid H, Franke WW. The cell-cell junctions of mammalian testes: I. The adhering junctions of the seminiferous epithelium represent special differentiation structures. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:645-65. [PMID: 24907851 PMCID: PMC4148596 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The seminiferous tubules and the excurrent ducts of the mammalian testis are physiologically separated from the mesenchymal tissues and the blood and lymph system by a special structural barrier to paracellular translocations of molecules and particles: the "blood-testis barrier", formed by junctions connecting Sertoli cells with each other and with spermatogonial cells. In combined biochemical as well as light and electron microscopical studies we systematically determine the molecules located in the adhering junctions of adult mammalian (human, bovine, porcine, murine, i.e., rat and mouse) testis. We show that the seminiferous epithelium does not contain desmosomes, or "desmosome-like" junctions, nor any of the desmosome-specific marker molecules and that the adhering junctions of tubules and ductules are fundamentally different. While the ductules contain classical epithelial cell layers with E-cadherin-based adherens junctions (AJs) and typical desmosomes, the Sertoli cells of the tubules lack desmosomes and "desmosome-like" junctions but are connected by morphologically different forms of AJs. These junctions are based on N-cadherin anchored in cytoplasmic plaques, which in some subforms appear thick and dense but in other subforms contain only scarce and loosely arranged plaque structures formed by α- and β-catenin, proteins p120, p0071 and plakoglobin, together with a member of the striatin family and also, in rodents, the proteins ZO-1 and myozap. These N-cadherin-based AJs also include two novel types of junctions: the "areae adhaerentes", i.e., variously-sized, often very large cell-cell contacts and small sieve-plate-like AJs perforated by cytoplasm-to-cytoplasm channels of 5-7 nm internal diameter ("cribelliform junctions"). We emphasize the unique character of this epithelium that totally lacks major epithelial marker molecules and structures such as keratin filaments and desmosomal elements as well as EpCAM- and PERP-containing junctions. We also discuss the nature, development and possible functions of these junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Domke
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Brandenburg University of Technology, Senftenberg, Germany
- Present Address: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Steffen Rickelt
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvette Dörflinger
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caecilia Kuhn
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Winter-Simanowski
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Zimbelmann
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Anatomy, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hans Heid
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Werner W. Franke
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
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Transendothelial Transport and Its Role in Therapeutics. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:309404. [PMID: 27355037 PMCID: PMC4897564 DOI: 10.1155/2014/309404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Present review paper highlights role of BBB in endothelial transport of various substances into the brain. More specifically, permeability functions of BBB in transendothelial transport of various substances such as metabolic fuels, ethanol, amino acids, proteins, peptides, lipids, vitamins, neurotransmitters, monocarbxylic acids, gases, water, and minerals in the peripheral circulation and into the brain have been widely explained. In addition, roles of various receptors, ATP powered pumps, channels, and transporters in transport of vital molecules in maintenance of homeostasis and normal body functions have been described in detail. Major role of integral membrane proteins, carriers, or transporters in drug transport is highlighted. Both diffusion and carrier mediated transport mechanisms which facilitate molecular trafficking through transcellular route to maintain influx and outflux of important nutrients and metabolic substances are elucidated. Present review paper aims to emphasize role of important transport systems with their recent advancements in CNS protection mainly for providing a rapid clinical aid to patients. This review also suggests requirement of new well-designed therapeutic strategies mainly potential techniques, appropriate drug formulations, and new transport systems for quick, easy, and safe delivery of drugs across blood brain barrier to save the life of tumor and virus infected patients.
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16
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Luo Y, Wang X, Chen Y, Xu S, Ding G, Shi C. Effects of electromagnetic radiation on morphology and TGF-β3 expression in mouse testicular tissue. Toxicology 2013; 310:8-14. [PMID: 23707491 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to electromagnetic pulses in certain doses may lead to increase in the permeability of the blood testes barrier (BTB) in mice, which in turn affects spermatogenesis, penetration and spermiation. TGF-β3 is a key molecule involved in BTB permeability via regulation of tight junction proteins, and it participates in regulating spermatogenesis, synthesis of steroids and production of the extracellular matrix in testicular tissue. Therefore, it is hypothesized that TGF-β3 plays important roles in electromagnetic pulse (EMP)-induced changes in BTB permeability. In the present study, we carried out whole-body irradiation on mice using EMP of different intensities. No obvious pathological changes or significant increase in apoptosis was detected in testicular tissues after exposure to 100 and 200 pulses of intensity 200kV/m; however, with 400 pulses we observed the degeneration and shrinkage of testicular tissues along with a significant increase in apoptotic rate. Moreover, in the 100- and 200-EMP groups, a non-significant increase in TGF-β3 mRNA and protein expression was observed, whereas in the 400-EMP group a significant increase was observed (P<0.05). These results indicate that increase in the apoptotic rate of testicular tissues and increase in TGF-β3 expression may be one of the mechanisms for EMP-induced increase in BTB permeability in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Luo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710038, China
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17
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Cheng CY, Lie PP, Wong EW, Mruk DD, Silvestrini B. Adjudin disrupts spermatogenesis via the action of some unlikely partners: Eps8, Arp2/3 complex, drebrin E, PAR6 and 14-3-3. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:291-297. [PMID: 22332112 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.4.18393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adjudin, 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (formerly called AF-2364), is a potent analog of lonidamine [1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid] known to disrupt germ cell adhesion, most notably elongating and elongated spermatids, in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes and thus, leads to infertility in rats. Since the population of spermatogonia and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules is not significantly reduced by the treatment of rats with adjudin, adjudin-induced infertility is highly reversible, which enables reinitiation of spermatogenesis and germ cell re-population of the voided seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, adjudin appears to exert its effects at the testis-specific atypical adherens junction (AJ) type known as ectoplasmic specialization (ES), most notably the apical ES at the Sertoli cell-spermatid interface. Thus, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is not unaffected and systemic side-effects are minimal. This also makes adjudin a potential candidate for male contraceptive development. Herein, we critically evaluate recent findings in the field and provide an updated model regarding the mechanism underlying adjudin-induced apical ES disruption. In short, adjudin targets actin filament bundles at the apical ES, the hallmark ultrastructure of this testis-specific junction type not found in any other epithelia/endothelia in mammals, by suppressing the expression of Eps8 (epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8), an actin capping protein that also plays a role in actin bundling, so that actin filament bundles can no longer be maintained at the apical ES. This is concomitant with a mis-localization of Arp3 (actin-related protein 3, a component of the Arp2/3 complex that induces actin nucleation/branching) recruited by drebrin E, causing "unwanted" actin branching, further destabilizing actin filament bundles at the apical ES. Additionally, adjudin blocks the expression of PAR6 (partitioning defective protein 6) and 14-3-3 (also known as PAR5) considerably at the apical ES, disrupting the homeostasis of endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking, which in turn leads to an increase in protein endocytosis. The net result of these changes destabilizes cell adhesion and induces degeneration of the apical ES, causing premature release of spermatids, mimicking spermiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research; The Population Council; New York, NY USA
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