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Zhao X, Fan C, Qie T, Fu X, Chen X, Wang Y, Wu Y, Fu X, Shi K, Yan W, Yu H. Diaph1 knockout inhibits mouse primordial germ cell proliferation and affects gonadal development. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:82. [PMID: 39010074 PMCID: PMC11247884 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring the molecular mechanisms of primordial germ cell (PGC) migration and the involvement of gonadal somatic cells in gonad development is valuable for comprehending the origins and potential treatments of reproductive-related diseases. METHODS Diaphanous related formin 1 (Diaph1, also known as mDia1) was screened by analyzing publicly available datasets (ATAC-seq, DNase-seq, and RNA-seq). Subsequently, the CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used to construct Diaph1 knockout mice to investigate the role of Diaph1 in gonad development. RESULTS Based on data from public databases, a differentially expressed gene Diaph1, was identified in the migration of mouse PGC. Additionally, the number of PGCs was significantly reduced in Diaph1 knockout mice compared to wild type mice, and the expression levels of genes related to proliferation (Dicer1, Mcm9), adhesion (E-cadherin, Cdh1), and migration (Cxcr4, Hmgcr, Dazl) were significantly decreased. Diaph1 knockout also inhibited Leydig cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in the testis, as well as granulosa cell apoptosis in the ovary. Moreover, the sperm count in the epididymal region and the count of ovarian follicles were significantly reduced in Diaph1 knockout mice, resulting in decreased fertility, concomitant with lowered levels of serum testosterone and estradiol. Further research found that in Diaph1 knockout mice, the key enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis (CYP11A1, 3β-HSD) were decreased in Leydig cells, and the estradiol-associated factor (FSH receptor, AMH) in granulosa cells were also downregulated. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings indicate that the knockout of Diaph1 can disrupt the expression of factors that regulate sex hormone production, leading to impaired secretion of sex hormones, ultimately resulting in damage to reproductive function. These results provide a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms underlying PGC migration and gonadal development, and offer valuable insights for further research on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Chunbiao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Tongtong Qie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xinrui Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yujia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xinyao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Kesong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Wenlong Yan
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Haiquan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China.
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de Barros JW, Joule Pierre K, Kempinas WDG, Tremblay JJ. Ethylene dimethanesulfonate effects on gene promoter activities related to the endocrine function of immortalized Leydig cell lines R2C and MA-10. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 6:100147. [PMID: 38234696 PMCID: PMC10792691 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100147] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethylene dimethanesulfonate (EDS) is a molecule with known selective cytotoxicity on adult Leydig cells. A single intraperitoneal injection in rats but not mice, leads to male androgen deprivation and infertility. In vitro studies using rat and mouse immortalized Leydig cell lines, showed similar effects of cell death promoted by EDS in rat cells as seen in vivo, and suggest that EDS affects gene transcription, which could firstly compromise steroidogenesis before the apoptosis process. Using gene reporter assay, this study aimed to investigate EDS effects on the promoter activity of genes important for endocrine function (Star, Insl3) and response to toxic agents (Gsta3) in immortalized Leydig cell lines (rat R2C and mouse MA-10 cells), as well as identify possible EDS-responsive elements in the Star gene promoter. EDS exposure of R2C and MA-10 Leydig cells increased Gsta3 promoter activity after 4 h of treatment and decreased Insl3 promoter activity only in R2C cells after 24 h of treatment. EDS also decreased Star promoter activity in both Leydig cell lines. Using R2C cells, the EDS-responsive region in the Star promoter was located between -400 and -195 bp. This suggests that this region and the associated transcription factors, which include MEF2, might be targeted by EDS. Additional somatic gonadal cell lines expressing Star were used and EDS did not affect Star promoter activity in DC3 granulosa cells while Star promoter activity was increased in MSC-1 Sertoli cells after 24 h of treatment. This study contributes to the knowledge regarding the mechanism of EDS action in Leydig cells, and in other gonadal cell lineages, and brings new light regarding the rats and mice differential susceptibility to EDS effects, in addition to providing new avenues for experimental approaches to better understand Leydig cell function and dynamics in different rodent species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge W.F. de Barros
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Kenley Joule Pierre
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Wilma De G. Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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Rams-Pociecha I, Mizia PC, Piprek RP. Histological Analysis of Gonadal Ridge Development and Sex Differentiation of Gonads in Three Gecko Species. BIOLOGY 2023; 13:7. [PMID: 38248438 PMCID: PMC10813461 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Reptiles constitute a highly diverse group of vertebrates, with their evolutionary lineages having diverged relatively early. The types of sex determination exemplify the diversity of reptiles; however, there are limited data regarding the gonadal development in squamate reptiles. Geckos constitute a group that is increasingly used in research and that serves as a potential reptilian model organism. The aim of this study was to trace the changes in the structure of developing gonads in the embryos of three gecko species: the crested gecko, leopard gecko, and mourning gecko. These species represent different families of the Gekkota infraorder and exhibit different types of sex determination. Gonadal development was examined from the formation of the earliest gonadal ridges through the development of undifferentiated gonadal structures, sex differentiation of gonads, and the formation of testicular and ovarian structures. The study showed that the gonadal primordia of these three gecko species formed on the most dorsally located surface of the dorsal mesentery, and both the coelomic epithelium and the nephric mesenchyme contributed to their development. As in other reptile species, primordial germ cells settled in the gonadal ridges, and the undifferentiated gonad was composed of a cortex and a medulla. Ovarian differentiation started with the thickening of the gonadal cortex and proliferation of germ cells in this region. A characteristic feature of the developing gecko ovaries was the thickened crescent-shaped cortex on the medial and ventral surfaces of the ovaries. The ovarian medulla also grew and exhibited diverse tendencies to form cords. In the leopard gecko, advanced cord-like structures with lumens were observed in the ovaries, which were not seen in the crested gecko. Testicular differentiation was characterized by cortical thinning and the disappearance of germ cells in this region. In the medulla, the development of distinct cords with early lumen formation was noted. A characteristic feature of embryonic gonads was their growth in a horizontal plane. In this study, gonadal development was characterized by several features that are shared by geckos and other reptiles, along with features that are specific only to geckos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rams-Pociecha
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (I.R.-P.); (P.C.M.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina C. Mizia
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (I.R.-P.); (P.C.M.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafal P. Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (I.R.-P.); (P.C.M.)
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Mizia PC, Rams-Pociecha I, Podmokła E, Piprek RP. Histological analysis of early gonadal development in three bird species reveals gonad asymmetry from the beginning of gonadal ridge formation and a similar course of sex differentiation. Ann Anat 2023; 250:152151. [PMID: 37574173 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The developing gonads constitute a valuable model for studying developmental mechanisms because the testes and ovaries, while originating from the same primordia, undergo two different patterns of development. So far, gonadal development among birds has been described in detail in chickens, but literature on the earliest stages of gonadogenesis is scarce. This study presents changes in the structure of the gonads in three species of breeding birds (chicken, duck, and pigeon), starting from the first signs of gonadal ridge formation, that is, the thickenings of the coelomic epithelium. It appears that both gonads show asymmetry from the very beginning of gonadal ridge formation in both genetic sexes. The left gonadal ridge is thicker than the right one, and it is invaded by a higher number of primordial germ cells. Undifferentiated gonads, both left and right, consist of the primitive cortex and the medulla. The primitive cortex develops from the thickened coelomic epithelium, while the primitive medulla - by the aggregation of mesenchymal cells. This study also describes the process of sex differentiation of the testes and ovaries, which is initiated at the same embryonic stage in all three studied species. The first sign of gonadal sex differentiation is the decrease in the number of cortical germ cells and a reduction in cortical thickness in the differentiating testes. This is followed by an increase in the number of germ cells in the medulla. The cortical asymmetry and difference in size between the left and right testes diminishes during later development. However, the differentiating left ovary shows an increase in the number of cortical germ cells and cortical thickness. No regression is seen in the right ovary, although its development is slower. The right ovarian cortex undergoes testis-specific reduction, while the medulla undergoes ovary-specific development. The process of gonadogenesis is similar in the three studied species, with only slight differences in gonadal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina C Mizia
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Izabela Rams-Pociecha
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Edyta Podmokła
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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Pryzhkova MV, Boers R, Jordan PW. Modeling Human Gonad Development in Organoids. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:1185-1206. [PMID: 36350469 PMCID: PMC9679106 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our learning about human reproductive development is greatly hampered due to the absence of an adequate model. Animal studies cannot truthfully recapitulate human developmental processes, and studies of human fetal tissues are limited by their availability and ethical restrictions. Innovative three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offered a new approach to study tissue and organ development in vitro. However, a system for modeling human gonad development has not been established, thus, limiting our ability to study causes of infertility. METHODS In our study we utilized the 3D hPSC organoid culture in mini-spin bioreactors. Relying on intrinsic self-organizing and differentiation capabilities of stem cells, we explored whether organoids could mimic the development of human embryonic and fetal gonad. RESULTS We have developed a simple, bioreactor-based organoid system for modeling early human gonad development. Male hPSC-derived organoids follow the embryonic gonad developmental trajectory and differentiate into multipotent progenitors, which further specialize into testicular supporting and interstitial cells. We demonstrated functional activity of the generated cell types by analyzing the expression of cell type-specific markers. Furthermore, the specification of gonadal progenitors in organoid culture was accompanied by the characteristic architectural tissue organization. CONCLUSION This organoid system opens the opportunity for detailed studies of human gonad and germ cell development that can advance our understanding of sex development disorders. Implementation of human gonad organoid technology could be extended to modeling causes of infertility and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Pryzhkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Romina Boers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, 1117 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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Calonga-Solís V, Fabbri-Scallet H, Ott F, Al-Sharkawi M, Künstner A, Wünsch L, Hiort O, Busch H, Werner R. MYRF: A New Regulator of Cardiac and Early Gonadal Development—Insights from Single Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164858. [PMID: 36013096 PMCID: PMC9409872 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo variants in the myelin regulatory factor (MYRF), a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, have been linked recently to the cardiac and urogenital syndrome, while familiar variants are associated with nanophthalmos. Here, we report for the first time on a patient with a de novo stop-gain variant in MYRF (p.Q838*) associated with Scimitar syndrome, 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (GD) and severe hyperopia. Since variants in MYRF have been described in both 46,XX and 46,XY GD, we assumed a role of MYRF in the early development of the bipotential gonad. We used publicly available single cell sequencing data of human testis and ovary from different developmental stages and analysed them for MYRF expression. We identified MYRF expression in the subset of coelomic epithelial cells at stages of gonadal ridge development in 46,XX and 46,XY individuals. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significantly upregulated genes. Within these, we identified CITED2 as a gene containing a MYRF binding site. It has been shown that Cited2−/− mice have gonadal defects in both testis and ovary differentiation, as well as defects in heart development and establishment of the left–right axis. This makes MYRF a potential candidate as an early regulator of gonadal and heart development via upregulation of the transcriptional cofactor CITED2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Calonga-Solís
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering—CBMEG, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
| | - Fabian Ott
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mostafa Al-Sharkawi
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Biochemical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Axel Künstner
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lutz Wünsch
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Du J, Zhou J, Li S, Shao J, Jiang P, Lei C, Song H, Bai J, Han L. Timing of early gonadal differentiation and effects of estradiol-17β treatments on the sex differentiation in Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:805-815. [PMID: 35416634 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an efficient estradiol-17β (E2)-induced feminization method was established based on the timing of early gonadal differentiation in Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Histological section results showed that from 20 days post-hatch (dph) to 30 dph, the germ cells gradually differentiated into oogonium and spermatic deferent, respectively. Moreover, female-biased genes Foxl2 and Cyp19a1a were up-regulated to the first peak at 20 dph, while the male-biased genes Dmrt1 were up-regulated to the first peak at 30 dph. These results indicated that the timing of early gonadal differentiation in Largemouth bass was between 20 and 30 dph. Therefore, 15 dph Largemouth bass with a body length of 15.10 ± 0.09 mm were chosen, and four E2-treated diets were set as 0 (E0, control), 50 mg/kg E2 (E50), 100 mg/kg E2 (E100), and 200 mg/kg E2 (E200). After feeding with E2-treated diets for 60 days, female ratios were 55%, 100%, 100%, and 100% in E0, E50, E100, and E200 groups, respectively. No intersex fish were observed in all the groups. However, 30% of females in the E200 group possessed thinner ovaries, with smaller ovary cavity structures and a decreased number of primary oocyte cells than those in other groups. Besides, the Largemouth bass in the E0 group grew more than those in E50, E100, and E200 groups during the E2 treatments period (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggested that 50-100 mg/kg E2-treated diets could effectively induce the feminization of 15 dph Largemouth bass within 60 days duration time, which provided valuable information for the breeding of the all-male Largemouth bass population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Du
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Shengjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China.
| | - Jiaqi Shao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Caixia Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Hongmei Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Junjie Bai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, China Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Linqiang Han
- Guangdong Liangshi Aquatic Seed Industry Co, Ltd, Foshan, 528100, China
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Delbes G, Blázquez M, Fernandino JI, Grigorova P, Hales BF, Metcalfe C, Navarro-Martín L, Parent L, Robaire B, Rwigemera A, Van Der Kraak G, Wade M, Marlatt V. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gonad development: Mechanistic insights from fish and mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112040. [PMID: 34509487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, evidence has emerged that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have an impact on reproductive health. An increased frequency of reproductive disorders has been observed worldwide in both wildlife and humans that is correlated with accidental exposures to EDCs and their increased production. Epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted the consequences of early exposures and the existence of key windows of sensitivity during development. Such early in life exposures can have an immediate impact on gonadal and reproductive tract development, as well as on long-term reproductive health in both males and females. Traditionally, EDCs were thought to exert their effects by modifying the endocrine pathways controlling reproduction. Advances in knowledge of the mechanisms regulating sex determination, differentiation and gonadal development in fish and rodents have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of early exposure to EDCs on reproduction. In this manuscript, we review the key developmental stages sensitive to EDCs and the state of knowledge on the mechanisms by which model EDCs affect these processes, based on the roadmap of gonad development specific to fish and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada.
| | - M Blázquez
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J I Fernandino
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | | | - B F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - C Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Parent
- Université TELUQ, Montréal, Canada
| | - B Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - M Wade
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - V Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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9
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Estermann MA, Mariette MM, Moreau JLM, Combes AN, Smith CA. PAX 2 + Mesenchymal Origin of Gonadal Supporting Cells Is Conserved in Birds. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735203. [PMID: 34513849 PMCID: PMC8429852 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic gonadal development, the supporting cell lineage is the first cell type to differentiate, giving rise to Sertoli cells in the testis and pre-granulosa cells in the ovary. These cells are thought to direct other gonadal cell lineages down the testis or ovarian pathways, including the germline. Recent research has shown that, in contrast to mouse, chicken gonadal supporting cells derive from a PAX2/OSR1/DMRT1/WNT4 positive mesenchymal cell population. These cells colonize the undifferentiated genital ridge during early gonadogenesis, around the time that germ cells migrate into the gonad. During the process of somatic gonadal sex differentiation, PAX2 expression is down-regulated in embryonic chicken gonads just prior to up-regulation of testis- and ovary-specific markers and prior to germ cell differentiation. Most research on avian gonadal development has focused on the chicken model, and related species from the Galloanserae clade. There is a lack of knowledge on gonadal sex differentiation in other avian lineages. Comparative analysis in birds is required to fully understand the mechanisms of avian sex determination and gonadal differentiation. Here we report the first comparative molecular characterization of gonadal supporting cell differentiation in birds from each of the three main clades, Galloanserae (chicken and quail), Neoaves (zebra finch) and Palaeognathe (emu). Our analysis reveals conservation of PAX2+ expression and a mesenchymal origin of supporting cells in each clade. Moreover, down-regulation of PAX2 expression precisely defines the onset of gonadal sex differentiation in each species. Altogether, these results indicate that gonadal morphogenesis is conserved among the major bird clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A. Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mylene M. Mariette
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie L. M. Moreau
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexander N. Combes
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig A. Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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10
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Omotehara T, Nakata H, Itoh M. Three-dimensional analysis of mesonephric tubules remodeling into efferent tubules in the male mouse embryo. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:513-524. [PMID: 34378268 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa are transported to the epididymal duct through efferent tubules. Although the origin of the efferent tubules is thought to be mesonephric tubules (MTs), their detailed developmental process, for example, where the rete testis and efferent tubules are connected, is unclear. We investigated the structural changes of the MTs in the male mouse embryo using a three-dimensional reconstruction method. RESULTS Three to six MTs were connected to the Wolffian duct, and some of them branched, resulting in five to nine tips. Rete cells contacted the three to six tips. The MTs showed a folded shape when the gonadal fate was determined. After the testis development started, they became short and straight but emerged as long and twisting by birth. Before birth, the efferent duct was composed of MTs and a cranial portion of the folded Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The contact between the rete testis and efferent tubules is possibly established at the tip of each MT. The MTs regress after gonadal fate is determined but is remodeled to the twisting efferent tubules by birth. The efferent tubules are composed of the MTs but also a cranial portion of the folded Wolffian duct in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Dymek AM, Pecio A, Piprek RP. Diversity of Balbiani body formation in internally and externally fertilizing representatives of Osteoglossiformes (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha). J Morphol 2021; 282:1313-1329. [PMID: 34145919 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
During the early stages of oogenesis, the Balbiani body is formed in the primary oocytes. It consists of the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and numerous mitochondria aggregated with germ plasm, but its form may differ among animals. Hypothetically, during oogenesis oocytes become adapted to future development in two different environments depending on internal or external fertilization. We aimed to investigate, using light and transmission electron microscopy, the development of the Balbiani body during oogenesis in representatives of Osteoglossiformes, one of the most basal Teleostei groups. We analyzed the structure of oogonia and primary oocytes in the internally fertilizing butterflyfish Pantodon buchholzi and the externally fertilizing Osteoglossum bicirrhosum and Arapaima gigas to compare formation of the Balbiani body in relation to modes of fertilization. We demonstrated that the presence of the germ plasm as well as the fusion and fission of mitochondria are the conserved features of the Bb. However, each species exhibited also some peculiar features, including the presence of three types of ooplasm with different electron density and mitochondria-associated membranes in P. buchholzi; annulate lamellae, complexes of the Golgi apparatus, ER network, and lysosome-like bodies in O. bicirrhosum; as well as karmellae and whorls formed by the lamellae of the ER in A. gigas. Moreover, the form of the germ plasm observed in close contact with mitochondria differed between osteoglossiforms, with a "net-like" structure in P. buchholzi, the presence of numerous strings in O. bicirrhosum, and irregular accumulations in A. gigas. These unique features indicate that the extreme diversity of gamete structure observed so far only in the spermatozoa of osteoglossiforms is also characteristic for oocyte development in these basal teleosts. Possible reason of this variability is a period of about 150 million years of independent evolution of the lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Dymek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anna Pecio
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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12
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Planells B, Gómez-Redondo I, Sánchez JM, McDonald M, Cánovas Á, Lonergan P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Gene expression profiles of bovine genital ridges during sex determination and early differentiation of the gonads†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:38-52. [PMID: 31504197 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most current knowledge of sex determination in mammals has emerged from mouse and human studies. To investigate the molecular regulation of the sex determination process in cattle, we used an RNA sequencing strategy to analyze the transcriptome landscape of male and female bovine fetal gonads collected in vivo at key developmental stages: before, during, and after SRY gene activation on fetal days D35 (bipotential gonad formation), D39 (peak SRY expression), and D43 (early gonad differentiation). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in male vs. female germinal ridges and among group genes showing similar expression profiles during the three periods. There were 143, 96, and 658 DEG between males and female fetuses at D35, D39, and D43, respectively. On D35, genes upregulated in females were enriched in translation, nuclear export, RNA localization, and mRNA splicing events, whereas those upregulated in males were enriched in cell proliferation regulation and male sex determination terms. In time-course experiments, 767 DEGs in males and 545 DEGs in females were identified between D35 vs. D39, and 3157 DEGs in males and 2008 in females were identified between D39 vs. D43. Results highlight unique aspects of sex determination in cattle, such as the expression of several Y chromosome genes (absent in mice and humans) before SRY expression and an abrupt increase in the nuclear expression of SOX10 (instead of SOX9 expression in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm as observed in mice) during male determination and early differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Abstract
Organoids are 3-dimensional (3D) structures grown in vitro that emulate the cytoarchitecture and functions of true organs. Therefore, testicular organoids arise as an important model for research on male reproductive biology. These organoids can be generated from different sources of testicular cells, but most studies to date have used immature primary cells for this purpose. The complexity of the mammalian testicular cytoarchitecture and regulation poses a challenge for working with testicular organoids, because, ideally, these 3D models should mimic the organization observed in vivo. In this review, we explore the characteristics of the most important cell types present in the testicular organoid models reported to date and discuss how different factors influence the regulation of these cells inside the organoids and their outcomes. Factors such as the developmental or maturational stage of the Sertoli cells, for example, influence organoid generation and structure, which affect the use of these 3D models for research. Spermatogonial stem cells have been a focus recently, especially in regard to male fertility preservation. The regulation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche inside testicular organoids is discussed in the present review, as this research area may be positively affected by recent progress in organoid generation and tissue engineering. Therefore, the testicular organoid approach is a very promising model for male reproductive biology research, but more studies and improvements are necessary to achieve its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sadman Sakib
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Correspondence: Ina Dobrinski, DrMedVet, MVSc, PhD, Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 404 HMRB, 3300 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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14
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Xu C, Mohsin A, Luo Y, Xie L, Peng Y, Wang Q, Ahmed W, Hang H, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Inducing Non-genetically Modified Induced Embryonic Sertoli Cells Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells With Recombinant Protein Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:533543. [PMID: 33585437 PMCID: PMC7875124 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.533543] [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: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) possess multiple supporting functions and research value in gonadal development and sex determination. However, the limitation of acquiring quality eSCs had hindered the further application. Herein, we successfully derived non-genetically modified (non-GM)-induced embryonic Sertoli-like cells (eSLCs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with a TM4 cell-derived conditioned medium containing recombinant endogenous protein factors Sry, Sox9, Sf1, Wt1, Gata4, and Dmrt1. These eSLCs were determined through morphology; transcriptional expression levels of stage-specific, epithelial, and mesenchymal marker genes; flow cytometry, immunofluorescence; and immunocytochemistry and functionally determined by coculture with spermatogonia stem cells. Results indicated that these eSLCs performed similarly to eSCs in specific biomarkers and expression of marker genes and supported the maturation of spermatogonia. The study induced eSLCs from mouse ESCs by defined protein factors. However, the inducing efficiency of the non-GM method was still lower than that of the lentiviral transduction method. Thus, this work established a foundation for future production of non-GM eSLCs for clinical applications and fundamental theory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenze Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qizheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Waqas Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Gonadal Sex Differentiation: Supporting Versus Steroidogenic Cell Lineage Specification in Mammals and Birds. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:616387. [PMID: 33392204 PMCID: PMC7775416 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The gonads of vertebrate embryos are unique among organs because they have a developmental choice; ovary or testis formation. Given the importance of proper gonad formation for sexual development and reproduction, considerable research has been conducted over the years to elucidate the genetic and cellular mechanisms of gonad formation and sexual differentiation. While the molecular trigger for gonadal sex differentiation into ovary of testis can vary among vertebrates, from egg temperature to sex-chromosome linked master genes, the downstream molecular pathways are largely conserved. The cell biology of gonadal formation and differentiation has long thought to also be conserved. However, recent discoveries point to divergent mechanisms of gonad formation, at least among birds and mammals. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of cell lineage allocation during gonadal sex differentiation in the mouse model, focusing on the key supporting and steroidogenic cells and drawing on recent insights provided by single cell RNA-sequencing. We compare this data with emerging information in the chicken model. We highlight surprising differences in cell lineage specification between species and identify gaps in our current understanding of the cell biology underlying gonadogenesis.
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16
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Piprek RP, Kloc M, Mizia P, Kubiak JZ. The Central Role of Cadherins in Gonad Development, Reproduction, and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8264. [PMID: 33158211 PMCID: PMC7663743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherins are a group of membrane proteins responsible for cell adhesion. They are crucial for cell sorting and recognition during the morphogenesis, but they also play many other roles such as assuring tissue integrity and resistance to stretching, mechanotransduction, cell signaling, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, carcinogenesis, etc. Within the cadherin superfamily, E- and N-cadherin have been especially well studied. They are involved in many aspects of sexual development and reproduction, such as germline development and gametogenesis, gonad development and functioning, and fertilization. E-cadherin is expressed in the primordial germ cells (PGCs) and also participates in PGC migration to the developing gonads where they become enclosed by the N-cadherin-expressing somatic cells. The differential expression of cadherins is also responsible for the establishment of the testis or ovary structure. In the adult testes, N-cadherin is responsible for the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, regulation of sperm production, and the establishment of the blood-testis barrier. Sex hormones regulate the expression and turnover of N-cadherin influencing the course of spermatogenesis. In the adult ovaries, E- and N-cadherin assure the integrity of ovarian follicles and the formation of corpora lutea. Cadherins are expressed in the mature gametes and facilitate the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract and gamete contact during fertilization. The germ cells and accompanying somatic cells express a series of different cadherins; however, their role in gonads and reproduction is still unknown. In this review, we show what is known and unknown about the role of cadherins in the germline and gonad development, and we suggest topics for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał P. Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paulina Mizia
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Cycle Group, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Faculty of Medicine, UnivRennes, UMR 6290 CNRS/UR1, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
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17
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The transcriptome of the newt Cynops orientalis provides new insights into evolution and function of sexual gene networks in sarcopterygians. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5445. [PMID: 32214214 PMCID: PMC7096497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibians evolved in the Devonian period about 400 Mya and represent a transition step in tetrapod evolution. Among amphibians, high-throughput sequencing data are very limited for Caudata, due to their largest genome sizes among terrestrial vertebrates. In this paper we present the transcriptome from the fire bellied newt Cynops orientalis. Data here presented display a high level of completeness, comparable to the fully sequenced genomes available from other amphibians. Moreover, this work focused on genes involved in gametogenesis and sexual development. Surprisingly, the gsdf gene was identified for the first time in a tetrapod species, so far known only from bony fish and basal sarcopterygians. Our analysis failed to isolate fgf24 and foxl3, supporting the possible loss of both genes in the common ancestor of Rhipidistians. In Cynops, the expression analysis of genes described to be sex-related in vertebrates singled out an expected functional role for some genes, while others displayed an unforeseen behavior, confirming the high variability of the sex-related pathway in vertebrates.
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18
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Xu C, Dai Y, Mohsin A, Hang H, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Mapping molecular pathways for embryonic Sertoli cells derivation based on differentiation model of mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:85. [PMID: 32102677 PMCID: PMC7045406 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01600-2] [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: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Embryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) have been known for playing important roles in male reproductive development system. In current studies, eSCs were mainly generated from induced intermediate mesoderm. The deriving mechanism of eSCs has been unclear so far. Therefore, this work was aimed to reveal the molecular pathways during derivation of eSCs. Methods In this scenario, a differentiation model from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to eSCs was established through spatiotemporal control of 5 key factors, Wilms tumor 1 homolog (Wt1), GATA binding protein 4 (Gata4), nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 1 (Nr5a1, i.e., Sf1), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (Sox9), doublesex, and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1). To investigate the molecular mechanism, these key factors were respectively manipulated through a light-switchable (light-on) system, tetracycline-switchable (Tet-on) system, and CRISPR/Cas9 knock out (KO) system. Results Via the established approach, some embryonic Sertoli-like cells (eSLCs) were induced from mESCs and formed ring-like or tubular-like structures. The key factors were respectively manipulated and revealed their roles in the derivation of these eSLCs. Based on these results, some molecular pathways were mapped during the development of coelomic epithelial somatic cells to eSCs. Conclusions This differentiation model provided a high controllability of some key factors and brought a novel insight into the deriving mechanism of Sertoli cells. Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s13287-020-01600-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenze Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichen Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China. .,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, China. .,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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19
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Omotehara T, Wu X, Kuramasu M, Itoh M. Connection between seminiferous tubules and epididymal duct is originally induced before sex differentiation in a sex‐independent manner. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:754-764. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Omotehara
- Department of AnatomyTokyo Medical University Shinjuku‐ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of AnatomyTokyo Medical University Shinjuku‐ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Miyuki Kuramasu
- Department of AnatomyTokyo Medical University Shinjuku‐ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiro Itoh
- Department of AnatomyTokyo Medical University Shinjuku‐ku, Tokyo Japan
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20
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N-Cadherin Is Critical for the Survival of Germ Cells, the Formation of Steroidogenic Cells, and the Architecture of Developing Mouse Gonads. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121610. [PMID: 31835801 PMCID: PMC6952792 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal gonad development assures the fertility of the individual. The properly functioning gonads must contain a sufficient number of the viable germ cells, possess a correct architecture and tissue structure, and assure the proper hormonal regulation. This is achieved by the interplay between the germ cells and different types of somatic cells. N-cadherin coded by the Cdh2 gene plays a critical role in this interplay. To gain an insight into the role of N-cadherin in the development of mouse gonads, we used the Cre-loxP system to knock out N-cadherin separately in two cell lines: the SF1+ somatic cells and the OCT4+ germ cells. We observed that N-cadherin plays a key role in the survival of both female and male germ cells. However, the N-cadherin is not necessary for the differentiation of the Sertoli cells or the initiation of the formation of testis cords or ovigerous cords. In the later stages of gonad development, N-cadherin is important for the maintenance of testis cord structure and is required for the formation of steroidogenic cells. In the ovaries, N-cadherin is necessary for the formation of the ovarian follicles. These results indicate that N-cadherin plays a major role in gonad differentiation, structuralization, and function.
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21
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Wang J, Tian GG, Zheng Z, Li B, Xing Q, Wu J. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Gonadal Development Involving Sexual Differentiation, Meiosis and Gametogenesis. Biol Proced Online 2019; 21:20. [PMID: 31636514 PMCID: PMC6794783 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalian gonadal development is crucial for fertility. Sexual differentiation, meiosis and gametogenesis are critical events in the process of gonadal development. Abnormalities in any of these events may cause infertility. However, owing to the complexity of these developmental events, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood and require further research. Results In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to examine transcriptome profiles of murine female and male gonads at crucial stages of these developmental events. By bioinformatics analysis, we identified a group of candidate genes that may participate in sexual differentiation, including Erbb3, Erbb4, and Prkg2. One hundred and two and 134 candidate genes that may be important for female and male gonadal development, respectively, were screened by analyzing the global gene expression patterns of developing female and male gonads. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed on developing female gonads, and we identified a gene co-expression module related to meiosis. By alternative splicing analysis, we found that cassette-type exon and alternative start sites were the main forms of alternative splicing in developing gonads. A considerable portion of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes were involved in meiosis. Conclusion Taken together, our findings have enriched the gonadal transcriptome database and provided novel candidate genes and avenues to research the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation, meiosis, and gametogenesis. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Geng G Tian
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhuxia Zheng
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Bo Li
- 2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China
| | - Qinghe Xing
- 4Children's Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ji Wu
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China.,3State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
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22
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Rozenblut-Kościsty B, Ogielska M, Hahn J, Kleemann D, Kossakowski R, Tamschick S, Schöning V, Krüger A, Lutz I, Lymberakis P, Kloas W, Stöck M. Impacts of the synthetic androgen Trenbolone on gonad differentiation and development - comparisons between three deeply diverged anuran families. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9623. [PMID: 31270347 PMCID: PMC6610071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a recently developed approach for testing endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) in amphibians, comprising synchronized tadpole exposure plus genetic and histological sexing of metamorphs in a flow-through-system, we tested the effects of 17β-Trenbolone (Tb), a widely used growth promoter in cattle farming, in three deeply diverged anuran families: the amphibian model species Xenopus laevis (Pipidae) and the non-models Bufo(tes) viridis (Bufonidae) and Hyla arborea (Hylidae). Trenbolone was applied in three environmentally and/or physiologically relevant concentrations (0.027 µg/L (10-10 M), 0.27 µg/L (10-9 M), 2.7 µg/L (10-8 M)). In none of the species, Tb caused sex reversals or masculinization of gonads but had negative species-specific impacts on gonad morphology and differentiation after the completion of metamorphosis, independently of genetic sex. In H. arborea and B. viridis, mounting Tb-concentration correlated positively with anatomical abnormalities at 27 µg/L (10-9 M) and 2.7 µg/L (10-8 M), occurring in X. laevis only at the highest Tb concentration. Despite anatomical aberrations, histologically all gonadal tissues differentiated seemingly normally when examined at the histological level but at various rates. Tb-concentration caused various species-specific mortalities (low in Xenopus, uncertain in Bufo). Our data suggest that deep phylogenetic divergence modifies EDC-vulnerability, as previously demonstrated for Bisphenol A (BPA) and Ethinylestradiol (EE2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Rozenblut-Kościsty
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Wroclaw University, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria Ogielska
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Wroclaw University, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Juliane Hahn
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denise Kleemann
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronja Kossakowski
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Tamschick
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viola Schöning
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Krüger
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilka Lutz
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, University of Crete, Knossou Ave., 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Werner Kloas
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Stöck
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 301 & 310, D-12587, Berlin, Germany.
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23
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Piprek RP, Damulewicz M, Tassan JP, Kloc M, Kubiak JZ. Transcriptome profiling reveals male- and female-specific gene expression pattern and novel gene candidates for the control of sex determination and gonad development in Xenopus laevis. Dev Genes Evol 2019; 229:53-72. [PMID: 30972573 PMCID: PMC6500517 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-019-00630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Xenopus laevis is an amphibian (frog) species widely used in developmental biology and genetics. To unravel the molecular machinery regulating sex differentiation of Xenopus gonads, we analyzed for the first time the transcriptome of developing amphibian gonads covering sex determination period. We applied microarray at four developmental stages: (i) NF50 (undifferentiated gonad during sex determination), (ii) NF53 (the onset of sexual differentiation of the gonads), (iii) NF56 (sexual differentiation of the gonads), and (iv) NF62 (developmental progression of differentiated gonads). Our analysis showed that during the NF50, the genetic female (ZW) gonads expressed more sex-specific genes than genetic male (ZZ) gonads, which suggests that a robust genetic program is realized during female sex determination in Xenopus. However, a contrasting expression pattern was observed at later stages (NF56 and NF62), when the ZW gonads expressed less sex-specific genes than ZZ gonads, i.e., more genes may be involved in further development of the male gonads (ZZ). We identified sexual dimorphism in the expression of several functional groups of genes, including signaling factors, proteases, protease inhibitors, transcription factors, extracellular matrix components, extracellular matrix enzymes, cell adhesion molecules, and epithelium-specific intermediate filaments. In addition, our analysis detected a sexually dimorphic expression of many uncharacterized genes of unknown function, which should be studied further to reveal their identity and if/how they regulate gonad development, sex determination, and sexual differentiation. Comparison between genes sex-specifically expressed in developing gonads of Xenopus and available transcriptome data from zebrafish, two reptile species, chicken, and mouse revealed significant differences in the genetic control of sex determination and gonad development. This shows that the genetic control of gonad development is evolutionarily malleable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Milena Damulewicz
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jean-Pierre Tassan
- Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacek Z Kubiak
- Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warsaw, Poland
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24
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Xu C, Mohsin A, Luo Y, Xie L, Peng Y, Wang Q, Hang H, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Differentiation roadmap of embryonic Sertoli cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:81. [PMID: 30850007 PMCID: PMC6408820 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Embryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) play an important role in sex determination and in male gonad development which makes them a very useful cell type for therapeutic applications. However, the deriving mechanism of Sertoli cells has been unclear and challenging to create a large number of quality eSCs. Therefore, this study aimed to create the eSCs induced from mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells by regulating defined factors and to explore the relevant regulatory mechanism. Methods Six inducing factors, Sry, Sox9, SF1, WT1, GATA4, and Dmrt1, were respectively transduced into mES cells by lentiviral infection according to the experimental design. The test groups were identified by development stage-specific markers, AMH, Emx2, SF1, and FasL, using flow cytometry. Induced eSCs were determined by FasL and AMH biomarkers under immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Moreover, the pluripotency markers, gonad development-related markers, epithelial markers and mesenchymal markers in test groups were transcriptionally determined by qPCR. Results In this study, the co-overexpression of all the six factors effectively produced a large population of eSCs from mES cells in 35 days of culturing. These eSCs were capable of forming tubular-like and ring-like structures with functional performance. The results of flow cytometry indicated that the upregulation of GATA4 and WT1 contributed to the growth of somatic cells in the coelomic epithelium regarded as the main progenitor cells of eSCs. Whereas, SF1 facilitated the development of eSC precursor cells, and Sry and Sox9 promoted the determination of male development. Moreover, the overexpression of Dmrt1 was essential for the maintenance of eSCs and some of their specific surface biomarkers such as FasL. The cellular morphology, biomarker identification, and transcriptomic analysis aided in exploring the regulatory mechanism of deriving eSCs from mES cells. Conclusion Conclusively, we have elucidated a differentiation roadmap of eSCs derived from mES cells with a relevant regulatory mechanism. Through co-overexpression of all these six factors, a large population of eSCs was successfully induced occupying 24% of the whole cell population (1 × 105 cells/cm2). By adopting this approach, a mass of embryonic Sertoli cells can be generated for the purpose of co-culture technique, organ transplantation, gonadal developmental and sex determination researches. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1180-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenze Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China. .,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Piprek RP, Kloc M, Kubiak JZ. Matrix metalloproteinase-dependent regulation of extracellular matrix shapes the structure of sexually differentiating mouse gonads. Differentiation 2019; 106:23-34. [PMID: 30852470 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play an important role in the establishment of the sex-dependent structure of developing gonads. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the major players in the regulation of ECM. Our hypothesis was that the MMPs-dependent regulation of EMC is crucial for the establishment of the correct, either testis or ovary, structure of developing gonad. We cultured developing mouse gonads in vitro in the presence of the MMPs inhibitors (α-2-macroglobulin, leupeptin, phosphoramidon) or the MMPs activator, APMA (4-aminophenylmercuric acetate). These inhibitors and activator inhibit/activate, to a different degree, matrix metalloproteinases, but the exact mechanism of inhibition/activation remains unknown. We found that the MMP inhibitors increased accumulation of ECM in the developing gonads. The α-2-macroglobulin had the weakest, and the phosphoramidon the strongest effect on the ECM and the structure of the gonads. The α-2-macroglobulin caused a slight increase of ECM and did not disrupt the gonad structure. Leupeptin led to the strong accumulation of ECM, resulted in the formation of the structures resembling testis cords in both testes and ovaries, and caused increase of apoptosis and complete loss of germ cells. Phosphoramidon caused the strongest accumulation of ECM, which separated individual cells and completely prevented intercellular adhesion both in the testes and in the ovaries. As a result of aberrant morphology, the sex of the phosphoramidon-treated gonads was morphologically unrecognizable. The APMA - the activator of MMP caused ECM loss, which led to the loss of cell adhesion, cell dispersion and an aberrant morphology of the gonads. These results indicate that the ECM accumulation is MMPs-dependent and that the correct amount and distribution of ECM during gonad development plays a key role in the formation of the gonad structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacek Z Kubiak
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, UMR 6290, Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, F-35000, Rennes, France; Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warsaw, Poland
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26
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Rotgers E, Jørgensen A, Yao HHC. At the Crossroads of Fate-Somatic Cell Lineage Specification in the Fetal Gonad. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:739-759. [PMID: 29771299 PMCID: PMC6173476 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive endocrine systems are vastly different between males and females. This sexual dimorphism of the endocrine milieu originates from sex-specific differentiation of the somatic cells in the gonads during fetal life. Most gonadal somatic cells arise from the adrenogonadal primordium. After separation of the adrenal and gonadal primordia, the gonadal somatic cells initiate sex-specific differentiation during gonadal sex determination with the specification of the supporting cell lineages: Sertoli cells in the testis vs granulosa cells in the ovary. The supporting cell lineages then facilitate the differentiation of the steroidogenic cell lineages, Leydig cells in the testis and theca cells in the ovary. Proper differentiation of these cell types defines the somatic cell environment that is essential for germ cell development, hormone production, and establishment of the reproductive tracts. Impairment of lineage specification and function of gonadal somatic cells can lead to disorders of sexual development (DSDs) in humans. Human DSDs and processes for gonadal development have been successfully modeled using genetically modified mouse models. In this review, we focus on the fate decision processes from the initial stage of formation of the adrenogonadal primordium in the embryo to the maintenance of the somatic cell identities in the gonads when they become fully differentiated in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Rotgers
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Center in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
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27
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Piprek RP, Damulewicz M, Kloc M, Kubiak JZ. Transcriptome analysis identifies genes involved in sex determination and development of Xenopus laevis gonads. Differentiation 2018. [PMID: 29518581 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Development of the gonads is a complex process, which starts with a period of undifferentiated, bipotential gonads. During this period the expression of sex-determining genes is initiated. Sex determination is a process triggering differentiation of the gonads into the testis or ovary. Sex determination period is followed by sexual differentiation, i.e. appearance of the first testis- and ovary-specific features. In Xenopus laevis W-linked DM-domain gene (DM-W) had been described as a master determinant of the gonadal female sex. However, the data on the expression and function of other genes participating in gonad development in X. laevis, and in anurans, in general, are very limited. We applied microarray technique to analyze the expression pattern of a subset of X. laevis genes previously identified to be involved in gonad development in several vertebrate species. We also analyzed the localization and the expression level of proteins encoded by these genes in developing X. laevis gonads. These analyses pointed to the set of genes differentially expressed in developing testes and ovaries. Gata4, Sox9, Dmrt1, Amh, Fgf9, Ptgds, Pdgf, Fshr, and Cyp17a1 expression was upregulated in developing testes, while DM-W, Fst, Foxl2, and Cyp19a1 were upregulated in developing ovaries. We discuss the possible roles of these genes in development of X. laevis gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Milena Damulewicz
- Department of Cell Biology and Imagining, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacek Z Kubiak
- Univ Rennes, UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Cell Cycle Group, Faculty of Medicine, F-35000 Rennes, France; Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (WIHE), Warsaw, Poland
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28
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Barreto RSN, Romagnolli P, Mess AM, Rigoglio NN, Sasahara THC, Simões LS, Fratini P, Matias GSS, Jacob JCF, Gastal EL, Miglino MA. Reproductive system development in male and female horse embryos and fetuses: Gonadal hyperplasia revisited. Theriogenology 2018; 108:118-126. [PMID: 29207292 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In horses, pregnancy is characterized by high levels of maternal estrogens that are produced largely by the interstitial tissue inside the gonads of the offspring, associated with a physiological gonadal hyperplasia, that is uncommon in other species. However, a detailed structural-functional understanding of the early stages of gonadal development and hyperplasia has remained elusive in horse pregnancy because of the lack of substantial data. The goal of this study was to describe the genital organs' development in 19 early horse embryos and fetuses (days 20-140 of gestation) of both sexes by means of anatomy, histology, stereology, and immunohistochemistry, with a specific focus on gonadal hyperplasia and interstitial tissue development. Gonadal hyperplasia with similar amounts of interstitial cells was observed in both sexes, but only during the early stage of development (days 40-90). Surprisingly, a higher degree of hyperplasia, characterized by larger amounts of interstitial cell-rich areas, was seen in fetal ovaries from 90 days of gestation onwards. Another novel aspect was that parallel to the hyperplasia of the interstitial cells, a much more precocious and pronounced differentiation of germinal cells was seen in the ovary, characterized by an earlier peak and decrease of DAZL and OCT protein immune markers. In conclusion, a reduced degree of hyperplasia and interstitial tissue in the fetal testis after 90 days of gestation suggests the existence of a more efficient mechanism regarding the synthesis of estrogen precursors as a structural or physiological difference between both fetal sexes, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S N Barreto
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P Romagnolli
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A M Mess
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - N N Rigoglio
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - T H C Sasahara
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Franca (UNIFRAN), Franca, Brazil
| | - L S Simões
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P Fratini
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G S S Matias
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J C F Jacob
- Department of Reproduction and Animal Evaluation, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M A Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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29
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Elzaiat M, Todeschini AL, Caburet S, Veitia R. The genetic make-up of ovarian development and function: the focus on the transcription factor FOXL2. Clin Genet 2016; 91:173-182. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Elzaiat
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - A.-L. Todeschini
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - S. Caburet
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - R.A. Veitia
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
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