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Carlo AQ, Pathak D, Choudhary RK, Singh O, Bansal N. Analysis of OCT4 and PGP9.5 gene expression in prenatal and postnatal buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) testes. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2285509. [PMID: 38006579 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2285509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate and characterize the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in buffaloes at different stages of development, including prenatal, neonatal, prepubertal, and adult testes. We sought a comprehensive understanding of these cells through a combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Specifically, we examined changes in the expression of two potential SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we conducted a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the relative gene expression of OCT4 and PGP9.5. The relative expression of the OCT4 gene was down-regulated in the adult testes compared to its expression during prepubertal and neonatal life. The relative expression of the PGP9.5 gene was up-regulated in the neonatal testes and down-regulated in the prepubertal and adult testes. The spermatogonia were round, oval-to-ellipsoidal cells lying over the basement membrane (BM) with a round-to-oval nucleus. Based on the immunoexpression of the putative SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, we concluded that the proportion of stem cells was highest during the neonatal stage, followed by the prepubertal and prenatal stages. This finding sheds light on the dynamics of spermatogonial stem cells in buffalo testes at different developmental stages, providing valuable insights into these cells' regulation and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashritha Q Carlo
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Devendra Pathak
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Ratan K Choudhary
- Animal Stem Cells Lab, College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Opinder Singh
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Neelam Bansal
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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2
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Tang S, Jones C, Mecca R, Davies J, Lane S, Coward K. An in vitrothree-dimensional (3D) testicular organoid culture system for efficient gonocyte maintenance and propagation using frozen/thawed neonatal bovine testicular tissues. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:025040. [PMID: 38324899 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Fertility preservation in prepubertal boys with cancer requires the cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues (ITTs) prior to gonadotoxic treatment. However, the limited number of germ cells in small human ITT biopsies necessitates the development of anin vitroculture system for germ cell expansion using frozen-thawed ITTs. Here, we generated testicular organoids for thein vitromaintenance and expansion of gonocytes from frozen-thawed two-week-old neonatal bovine ITTs. We investigated the effects of different cell-seeding densities, culture serums, seeding methods, and gonadotropin supplementations, on the maintenance and proliferation of enriched gonocytes. Our results demonstrated that enriched gonocytes and testicular cells from frozen-thawed neonatal ITTs could self-assemble into spheroid organoids in three days in an appropriate Matrigel-based culture environment. For the optimal formation of prepubertal testicular organoids, a seeding density of 1 × 106cells/well is recommended over other densities. This strategy results in organoids with a mean diameter of 60.53 ± 12.12 μm; the mean number of organoids was 5.57 ± 1.60/105μm2on day 11. The viability of organoids was maintained at 79.75 ± 2.99% after being frozen and thawed. Supplementing the culture medium with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, and leukemia inhibitory factor, increased the proportion of KI67-positive proliferating cells in organoids, elevated the expression ofC-KITbut reduced the expression ofGFRα1at day 28 when compared to those without hormone supplements(p< 0.05). In addition, supplementing the culture medium with follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone helped to maintain a significantly higher viability (p< 0.05) in ITT organoids at day 28. These organoids could be cryopreserved for storage and thawed as needed. The successful generation of ITT organoids provides a valuable tool for establishingin vitrospermatogenesis, propagating human germ cells, investigating testicular physiology and the origin of germ cell tumors, and testing the toxicity of new drugs in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Tang
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
- Present address: Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
| | - Rajwa Mecca
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Davies
- Oxford Cell and Tissue Biobank, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
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3
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Khan SA, Theunissen TW. Modeling X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation during human development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102096. [PMID: 37597506 PMCID: PMC10588740 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Stem-cell-based embryo models generate much excitement as they offer a window into an early phase of human development that has remained largely inaccessible to scientific investigation. An important epigenetic phenomenon during early embryogenesis is the epigenetic silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in female embryos, which ensures an equal output of X-linked gene expression between the sexes. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is thought to be established within the first three weeks of human development, although the inactive X-chromosome is reactivated in primordial germ cells (PGCs) that migrate to the embryonic gonads. Here, we summarize our current understanding of X-chromosome dynamics during human development and comment on the potential of recently established stem-cell-based models to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. https://twitter.com/@sakhan2019
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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4
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates in zebrafish are controlled by Dnd1. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1578-1592.e5. [PMID: 37463577 PMCID: PMC10528888 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles that are essential for germline development in different organisms. The patterning of the granules and their relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that the localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized, depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with the loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for post-transcriptional control and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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5
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Voigt AL, de Lima e Martins Lara N, Dobrinski I. Comparing the adult and pre-pubertal testis: Metabolic transitions and the change in the spermatogonial stem cell metabolic microenvironment. Andrology 2023; 11:1132-1146. [PMID: 36690000 PMCID: PMC10363251 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood cancer often suffer from infertility. While sperm cryopreservation is not feasible before puberty, the patient's own spermatogonial stem cells could serve as a germ cell reservoir, enabling these patients to father their own children in adulthood through the isolation, in vitro expansion, and subsequent transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. However, this approach requires large numbers of stem cells, and methods for successfully propagating spermatogonial stem cells in the laboratory are yet to be established for higher mammals and humans. The improvement of spermatogonial stem cell culture requires deeper understanding of their metabolic requirements and the mechanisms that regulate metabolic homeostasis. AIM This review gives a summary on our knowledge of spermatogonial stem cell metabolism during maintenance and differentiation and highlights the potential influence of Sertoli cell and stem cell niche maturation on spermatogonial stem cell metabolic requirements during development. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Fetal human spermatogonial stem cell precursors, or gonocytes, migrate into the seminiferous cords and supposedly mature to adult stem cells within the first year of human development. However, the spermatogonial stem cell niche does not fully differentiate until puberty, when Sertoli cells dramatically rearrange the architecture and microenvironment within the seminiferous epithelium. Consequently, pre-pubertal and adult spermatogonial stem cells experience two distinct niche environments potentially affecting spermatogonial stem cell metabolism and maturation. Indeed, the metabolic requirements of mouse primordial germ cells and pig gonocytes are distinct from their adult counterparts, and novel single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human and porcine spermatogonial stem cells during development confirms this metabolic transition. Knowledge of the metabolic requirements and their changes and regulation during spermatogonial stem cell maturation is necessary to implement laboratory-based techniques and enable clinical use of spermatogonial stem cells. Based on the advancement in our understanding of germline metabolism circuits and maturation events of niche cells within the testis, we propose a new definition of spermatogonial stem cell maturation and its amendment in the light of metabolic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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6
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Westerich KJ, Tarbashevich K, Schick J, Gupta A, Zhu M, Hull K, Romo D, Zeuschner D, Goudarzi M, Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Spatial organization and function of RNA molecules within phase-separated condensates are controlled by Dnd1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548244. [PMID: 37461638 PMCID: PMC10350045 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Germ granules, condensates of phase-separated RNA and protein, are organelles essential for germline development in different organisms The patterning of the granules and its relevance for germ cell fate are not fully understood. Combining three-dimensional in vivo structural and functional analyses, we study the dynamic spatial organization of molecules within zebrafish germ granules. We find that localization of RNA molecules to the periphery of the granules, where ribosomes are localized depends on translational activity at this location. In addition, we find that the vertebrate-specific Dead end (Dnd1) protein is essential for nanos3 RNA localization at the condensates' periphery. Accordingly, in the absence of Dnd1, or when translation is inhibited, nanos3 RNA translocates into the granule interior, away from the ribosomes, a process that is correlated with loss of germ cell fate. These findings highlight the relevance of sub-granule compartmentalization for posttranscriptional control, and its importance for preserving germ cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Joana Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Schick
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Antra Gupta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mingzhao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Kenneth Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Goudarzi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster; 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
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7
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Diegmiller R, Imran Alsous J, Li D, Yamashita YM, Shvartsman SY. Fusome topology and inheritance during insect gametogenesis. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010875. [PMID: 36821548 PMCID: PMC9949678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
From insects to mammals, oocytes and sperm develop within germline cysts comprising cells connected by intercellular bridges (ICBs). In numerous insects, formation of the cyst is accompanied by growth of the fusome-a membranous organelle that permeates the cyst. Fusome composition and function are best understood in Drosophila melanogaster: during oogenesis, the fusome dictates cyst topology and size and facilitates oocyte selection, while during spermatogenesis, the fusome synchronizes the cyst's response to DNA damage. Despite its distinct and sex-specific roles during insect gametogenesis, elucidating fusome growth and inheritance in females and its structure and connectivity in males has remained challenging. Here, we take advantage of advances in three-dimensional (3D) confocal microscopy and computational image processing tools to reconstruct the topology, growth, and distribution of the fusome in both sexes. In females, our experimental findings inform a theoretical model for fusome assembly and inheritance and suggest that oocyte selection proceeds through an 'equivalency with a bias' mechanism. In males, we find that cell divisions can deviate from the maximally branched pattern observed in females, leading to greater topological variability. Our work consolidates existing disjointed experimental observations and contributes a readily generalizable computational approach for quantitative studies of gametogenesis within and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky Diegmiller
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jasmin Imran Alsous
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Duojia Li
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yukiko M. Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stanislav Y. Shvartsman
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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8
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Diegmiller R, Nunley H, Shvartsman SY, Imran Alsous J. Quantitative models for building and growing fated small cell networks. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210082. [PMID: 35865502 PMCID: PMC9184967 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell clusters exhibit numerous phenomena typically associated with complex systems, such as division of labour and programmed cell death. A conserved class of such clusters occurs during oogenesis in the form of germline cysts that give rise to oocytes. Germline cysts form through cell divisions with incomplete cytokinesis, leaving cells intimately connected through intercellular bridges that facilitate cyst generation, cell fate determination and collective growth dynamics. Using the well-characterized Drosophila melanogaster female germline cyst as a foundation, we present mathematical models rooted in the dynamics of cell cycle proteins and their interactions to explain the generation of germline cell lineage trees (CLTs) and highlight the diversity of observed CLT sizes and topologies across species. We analyse competing models of symmetry breaking in CLTs to rationalize the observed dynamics and robustness of oocyte fate specification, and highlight remaining gaps in knowledge. We also explore how CLT topology affects cell cycle dynamics and synchronization and highlight mechanisms of intercellular coupling that underlie the observed collective growth patterns during oogenesis. Throughout, we point to similarities across organisms that warrant further investigation and comment on the extent to which experimental and theoretical findings made in model systems extend to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky Diegmiller
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA,Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Hayden Nunley
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanislav Y. Shvartsman
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA,Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA,Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Luo Y, Yu Y. Research Advances in Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:801468. [PMID: 35127717 PMCID: PMC8810640 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.801468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The previous studies of human gametogenesis and embryogenesis have left many unanswered questions, which hinders the understanding of the physiology of these two vital processes and the development of diagnosis and treatment strategies for related diseases. Although many results have been obtained from animal studies, particularly mouse research, the results cannot be fully applied to humans due to species differences in physiology and pathology. However, due to ethical and material limitations, the direct study of human gametes and embryos is very difficult. The emergence and rapid development of organoids allow the construction of organoid systems that simulate gametogenesis and embryogenesis in vitro, and many studies have successfully established organoid systems for some parts of or even the entire processes of gametogenesis and embryogenesis. These studies typically start with the establishment of mouse models and then modify these models to obtain human organoid models. These organoid models can be used to obtain a better understanding of the signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and epigenetic changes involved in gametogenesis and embryogenesis and could also be applied to clinical applications, such as drug screening. Here, we discuss the formation of primordial stem cell-like cells (PGCLCs), and in vitro-induced gametes and embryoids using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). We also analyze their applications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yu,
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10
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Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Developmental Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Germline Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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11
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Murase Y, Yabuta Y, Ohta H, Yamashiro C, Nakamura T, Yamamoto T, Saitou M. Long-term expansion with germline potential of human primordial germ cell-like cells in vitro. EMBO J 2020; 39:e104929. [PMID: 32954504 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020104929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human germ cells perpetuate human genetic and epigenetic information. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive, due to a lack of appropriate experimental systems. Here, we show that human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be propagated to at least ~106 -fold over a period of 4 months under a defined condition in vitro. During expansion, hPGCLCs maintain an early hPGC-like transcriptome and preserve their genome-wide DNA methylation profiles, most likely due to retention of maintenance DNA methyltransferase activity. These characteristics contrast starkly with those of mouse PGCLCs, which, under an analogous condition, show a limited propagation (up to ~50-fold) and persist only around 1 week, yet undergo cell-autonomous genome-wide DNA demethylation. Importantly, upon aggregation culture with mouse embryonic ovarian somatic cells in xenogeneic-reconstituted ovaries, expanded hPGCLCs initiate genome-wide DNA demethylation and differentiate into oogonia/gonocyte-like cells, demonstrating their germline potential. By creating a paradigm for hPGCLC expansion, our study uncovers critical divergences in expansion potential and the mechanism for epigenetic reprogramming between the human and mouse germ cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Murase
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohta
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chika Yamashiro
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Nakamura
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo, Japan.,Medical-risk Avoidance Based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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12
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Sohni A, Tan K, Song HW, Burow D, de Rooij DG, Laurent L, Hsieh TC, Rabah R, Hammoud SS, Vicini E, Wilkinson MF. The Neonatal and Adult Human Testis Defined at the Single-Cell Level. Cell Rep 2020; 26:1501-1517.e4. [PMID: 30726734 PMCID: PMC6402825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis has been intensely studied in rodents but remains poorly understood in humans. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze human testes. Clustering analysis of neonatal testes reveals several cell subsets, including cell populations with characteristics of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In adult testes, we identify four undifferentiated spermatogonia (SPG) clusters, each of which expresses specific marker genes. We identify protein markers for the most primitive SPG state, allowing us to purify this likely SSC-enriched cell subset. We map the timeline of male germ cell development from PGCs through fetal germ cells to differentiating adult SPG stages. We also define somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes and trace their developmental trajectories. Our data provide a blueprint of the developing human male germline and supporting somatic cells. The PGC-like and SSC markers are candidates to be used for SSC therapy to treat infertility. Sohni et al. use scRNA-seq analysis to define cell subsets in the human testis. Highlights include the identification of primordial germ cell- and spermatogonial stem cell-like cell subsets in neonatal testes, numerous undifferentiated spermatogonial cell states in adult testes, and somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Sohni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hye-Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana Burow
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tung-Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92103, USA
| | - Raja Rabah
- Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Michigan Medicine, CS Mott and VonVoigtlander Women's Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4272, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of Histology Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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13
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Lin Y, Li L, Li Y, Wang K, Wei D, Xu S, Feng B, Che L, Fang Z, Li J, Zhuo Y, Wu D. Interpretation of Fiber Supplementation on Offspring Testicular Development in a Pregnant Sow Model from a Proteomics Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184549. [PMID: 31540305 PMCID: PMC6770271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the effects of maternal fiber supplementation during pregnancy on the testicular development of male offspring and its possible mechanisms, 36 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were allocated to either a control diet (n = 18) or a fiber diet (the control diet supplemented with 22.60 g/kg inulin and 181.60 g/kg cellulosic; n = 18) during pregnancy. The body and testes weight of the offspring, 7-day-old piglets, was recorded. Testes were collected for further analyses. Results showed that the testicular organ index and the number of spermatogonia in single seminiferous tubule were higher in piglets from the fiber group than from the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of glucose, lactate, and lipids in the testes was found in the fiber group (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis suggested that there were notable differences in glucolipid transport and metabolism, oxidation, and male reproduction-related proteins expression between the two groups (p < 0.05). Results revealed that the most enriched signaling pathways in the fiber group testes included starch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and the renin-angiotensin system. mRNA expression analyzes further confirmed the importance of some signaling pathways in maternal fiber nutrition regulating offspring testicular development. Our results shed new light on the underlying molecular mechanisms of maternal fiber nutrition on offspring testicular development and provided a valuable insight for future explorations of the effect of maternal fiber nutrition on man reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.W.)
| | - Lujie Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Dongqin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (S.X.); (B.F.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Wenjiang 611130, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.W.)
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14
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Yamashiro C, Sasaki K, Yabuta Y, Kojima Y, Nakamura T, Okamoto I, Yokobayashi S, Murase Y, Ishikura Y, Shirane K, Sasaki H, Yamamoto T, Saitou M. Generation of human oogonia from induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Science 2018; 362:356-360. [PMID: 30237246 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human in vitro gametogenesis may transform reproductive medicine. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been induced into primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs); however, further differentiation to a mature germ cell has not been achieved. Here, we show that hPGCLCs differentiate progressively into oogonia-like cells during a long-term in vitro culture (approximately 4 months) in xenogeneic reconstituted ovaries with mouse embryonic ovarian somatic cells. The hPGCLC-derived oogonia display hallmarks of epigenetic reprogramming-genome-wide DNA demethylation, imprint erasure, and extinguishment of aberrant DNA methylation in hPSCs-and acquire an immediate precursory state for meiotic recombination. Furthermore, the inactive X chromosome shows a progressive demethylation and reactivation, albeit partially. These findings establish the germline competence of hPSCs and provide a critical step toward human in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika Yamashiro
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kotaro Sasaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoji Kojima
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tomonori Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ikuhiro Okamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shihori Yokobayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murase
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ishikura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Shirane
- Division of Epigenomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, and Epigenome Network Research Center, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Division of Epigenomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, and Epigenome Network Research Center, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), AMED, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. .,Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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15
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Eladak S, Moison D, Guerquin MJ, Matilionyte G, Kilcoyne K, N’Tumba-Byn T, Messiaen S, Deceuninck Y, Pozzi-Gaudin S, Benachi A, Livera G, Antignac JP, Mitchell R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Habert R. Effects of environmental Bisphenol A exposures on germ cell development and Leydig cell function in the human fetal testis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191934. [PMID: 29385186 PMCID: PMC5791995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using an organotypic culture system termed human Fetal Testis Assay (hFeTA) we previously showed that 0.01 μM BPA decreases basal, but not LH-stimulated, testosterone secreted by the first trimester human fetal testis. The present study was conducted to determine the potential for a long-term antiandrogenic effect of BPA using a xenograft model, and also to study the effect of BPA on germ cell development using both the hFETA and xenograft models. METHODS Using the hFeTA system, first trimester testes were cultured for 3 days with 0.01 to 10 μM BPA. For xenografts, adult castrate male nude mice were injected with hCG and grafted with first trimester testes. Host mice received 10 μM BPA (~ 500 μg/kg/day) in their drinking water for 5 weeks. Plasma levels of total and unconjugated BPA were 0.10 μM and 0.038 μM respectively. Mice grafted with second trimester testes received 0.5 and 50 μg/kg/day BPA by oral gavage for 5 weeks. RESULTS With first trimester human testes, using the hFeTA model, 10 μM BPA increased germ cell apoptosis. In xenografts, germ cell density was also reduced by BPA exposure. Importantly, BPA exposure significantly decreased the percentage of germ cells expressing the pluripotency marker AP-2γ, whilst the percentage of those expressing the pre-spermatogonial marker MAGE-A4 significantly increased. BPA exposure did not affect hCG-stimulated androgen production in first and second trimester xenografts as evaluated by both plasma testosterone level and seminal vesicle weight in host mice. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to BPA at environmentally relevant concentrations impairs germ cell development in first trimester human fetal testis, whilst gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone production was unaffected in both first and second trimester testis. Studies using first trimester human fetal testis demonstrate the complementarity of the FeTA and xenograft models for determining the respective short-term and long term effects of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soria Eladak
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Marie-Justine Guerquin
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Yoann Deceuninck
- Laboratoire d’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Agroalimentaire et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique (ONIRIS), Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Pozzi-Gaudin
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital A. Béclère, Université Paris Sud, Clamart, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital A. Béclère, Université Paris Sud, Clamart, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Antignac
- Laboratoire d’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Agroalimentaire et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique (ONIRIS), Nantes, France
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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16
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Spade DJ, Hall SJ, Wilson S, Boekelheide K. Di-n-Butyl Phthalate Induces Multinucleated Germ Cells in the Rat Fetal Testis Through a Nonproliferative Mechanism. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:110. [PMID: 26400400 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to some phthalate esters adversely affects the development of the rat seminiferous cord, causing germ cell loss and increasing the number of multinucleated germ cells (MNGs). To understand the timing of MNG formation and determine whether it requires nuclear division, timed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 500 mg/kg di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) or corn oil vehicle by oral gavage on Gestational Day (GD) 17 or 18 (0 h) and euthanized after 2, 4, 6, or 24 h or given a second dose at 24 h and euthanized 48 h after the initial dose. Dams were simultaneously exposed to 0.3 M 5-bromo-2'-deoxycitidine (BrdC; converted to 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridylate [BrdU] in vivo) through a subcutaneous micro-osmotic pump implanted at -2 h. In the testes of male fetuses, DBP induced MNGs significantly beginning at 4-6 h and dramatically by 24 h when exposure began on GD 18 but not GD 17. Seminiferous cord diameter was significantly elevated in testes of rats treated with DBP at 24 and 48 h, and cell death, measured by TUNEL assay, was significantly elevated by DBP only at 48 h, when treatment began on GD 18. TUNEL-labeled MNGs were rare. Overall BrdU labeling rate in the testis was unaffected by DBP. Only one of 606 MNGs in BrdU-labeled sections had a strongly positive nucleus, confirming a nonproliferative mechanism of MNG formation, which is a degenerative process with the potential to adversely affect testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Shelby Wilson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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17
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in pediatric pathology, chapter 1. Normal development of testicular structures: from the bipotential gonad to the fetal testis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:88-102. [PMID: 25119266 DOI: 10.2350/12-04-1184-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
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18
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Stukenborg JB, Kjartansdóttir KR, Reda A, Colon E, Albersmeier JP, Söder O. Male germ cell development in humans. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 81:2-12. [PMID: 24356336 DOI: 10.1159/000355599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells are unique cells that possess the ability to transmit genetic information between generations. Detailed knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms determining the fate of human male germ cells still remains sparse. This is partially due to ethical issues limiting the access to research material. Therefore, the mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human male germ cells still remain challenging study objectives. METHODS This review focuses on using English articles accessible in PubMed as well as personal files on the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms connected with human testicular germ cell development, maturation failure and the possibility of fertility preservation in patients in whom there is a risk of gonadal failure. However, since rodents, particularly mice, offer the possibility of studying germ cell development by use of genetic modification techniques, some studies using animal models are also discussed. CONCLUSION This mini review focuses on the current knowledge about male germ cells. However, the reader is referred to two previous mini reviews focusing on testicular somatic cells, i.e. on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Cardoso HJ, Figueira MI, Correia S, Vaz CV, Socorro S. The SCF/c-KIT system in the male: Survival strategies in fertility and cancer. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1064-79. [PMID: 25359157 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining the delicate balance between cell survival and death is of the utmost importance for the proper development of germ cells and subsequent fertility. On the other hand, the fine regulation of tissue homeostasis by mechanisms that control cell fate is a factor that can prevent carcinogenesis. c-KIT is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase activated by its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF). c-KIT signaling plays a crucial role in cell fate decisions, specifically controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Indeed, deregulating the SCF/c-KIT system by attenuation or overactivation of its signaling strength is linked to male infertility and cancer, and rebalancing its activity via c-KIT inhibitors has proven beneficial in treating human tumors that contain gain-of-function mutations or overexpress c-KIT. This review addresses the roles of SCF and c-KIT in the male reproductive tract, and discusses the potential application of c-KIT target therapies in disorders of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique J Cardoso
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Greenbaum MP, Iwamori T, Buchold GM, Matzuk MM. Germ cell intercellular bridges. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2011; 3:a005850. [PMID: 21669984 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a005850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Stable intercellular bridges are a conserved feature of gametogenesis in multicellular animals observed more than 100 years ago, but their function was unknown. Many of the components necessary for this structure have been identified through the study of cytokinesis in Drosophila; however, mammalian intercellular bridges have distinct properties from those of insects. Mammalian germ cell intercellular bridges are composed of general cytokinesis components with additional germ cell-specific factors including TEX14. TEX14 is an inactive kinase essential for the maintenance of stable intercellular bridges in gametes of both sexes but whose loss specifically impairs male meiosis. TEX14 acts to impede the terminal steps of abscission by competing for essential component CEP55, blocking its interaction in nongerm cells with ALIX and TSG101. Additionally, TEX14-interacting protein RBM44, whose localization in stabile intercellular bridges is limited to pachytene and secondary spermatocytes, may participate in processes such as RNA transport but is nonessential to the maintenance of intercellular bridge stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Greenbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Martins DS, Ambrósio CE, Saraiva NZ, Wenceslau CV, Morini AC, Kerkis I, Garcia JM, Miglino MA. Early development and putative primordial germ cells characterization in dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:e62-6. [PMID: 20477984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01631.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Previously, three distinct populations of putative primordial germ cells (PGCs), namely gonocytes, intermediate cells and pre-spermatogonia, have been described in the human foetal testis. According to our knowledge, these PGCs have not been studied in any other species. The aim of our study was to identify similar PGC populations in canine embryos. First, we develop a protocol for canine embryo isolation. Following our protocol, 15 canine embryos at 21-25 days of pregnancy were isolated by ovaryhysterectomy surgery. Our data indicate that dramatic changes occur in canine embryo development and PGCs specification between 21 to 25 days of gestation. At that moment, only two PGC populations with distinct morphology can be identified by histological analyses. Cell population 1 presented round nuclei with prominent nucleolus and a high nuclear to cytoplasm ratio, showing gonocyte morphology. Cell population 2 was often localized at the periphery of the testicular cords and presented typical features of PGC. Both germ cell populations were positively immunostained with anti-human OCT-4 antibody. However, at day 25, all cells of population 1 reacted positively with OCT-4, whereas in population 2, fewer cells were positive for this marker. These two PGCs populations present morphological features similar to gonocytes and intermediate cells from human foetal testis. It is expected that a population of pre-spermatogonia would be observed at later stages of canine foetus development. We also showed that anti-human OCT-4 antibody can be useful to identify canine PGC in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Martins
- Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Pinto ME, Botta LS, Taboga SR, Góes RM. Neonatal Gonocyte Differentiation in Mongolian Gerbil Meriones unguiculatus Involves Asynchronous Maturation of Seminiferous Cords and Rapid Formation of Transitional Cell Stage. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2009; 293:310-419. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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A Novel Approach for the Derivation of Putative Primordial Germ Cells and Sertoli Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2009; 27:68-77. [DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-1018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Greenbaum MP, Iwamori N, Agno JE, Matzuk MM. Mouse TEX14 is required for embryonic germ cell intercellular bridges but not female fertility. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:449-57. [PMID: 19020301 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.070649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A conserved feature of germ cell cytokinesis is the formation of stable intercellular bridges between daughter cells. These intercellular bridges are seen in diverse species from Drosophila melanogaster to Homo sapiens and have been shown to have roles in communication of large numbers of germ cells. In testis expressed gene 14 (Tex14) knockout mice, intercellular bridges do not form during spermatogenesis, and male mice are sterile, demonstrating an essential role for intercellular bridges in postnatal spermatogenesis in mammals. Intercellular bridges also form between dividing germ cells in both male and female embryos. However, little is known about the formation or role of the embryonic intercellular bridges in mammals. In females, embryonic intercellular bridges have been proposed to have a role in development of the presumptive oocyte. Herein, we show that TEX14 is an essential component of male and female embryonic intercellular bridges. In addition, we demonstrate that mitotic kinesin-like protein 1 (MKLP1, official symbol KIF23), which we have discovered is a component of intercellular bridges during spermatogenesis, is also a component of male and female embryonic intercellular bridges. Germ cell intercellular bridges are readily identified by KIF23 immunofluorescence between the gonocytes and oogonia of control mice but are absent between germ cells of Tex14-null mice. Furthermore, by electron microscopy, intercellular bridges are present in all control newborn ovaries but are absent in the Tex14 knockout ovaries. Despite the absence of embryonic intercellular bridges in the Tex14-null mice, male mice initiate spermatogenesis, and female mice are fertile. Although fewer oocytes were present in Tex14-null neonatal ovaries, folliculogenesis was still active at 1 yr of age. Thus, while TEX14 and intercellular bridges have an essential role in postnatal spermatogenesis, they are not required in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Greenbaum
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Rouiller-Fabre V, Lambrot R, Muczynski V, Coffigny H, Lécureuil C, Pairault C, Bakalska M, Courtot AM, Frydman R, Habert R. [Development and regulations of testicular functions in the human foetus]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 36:898-907. [PMID: 18718803 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2008.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two major functions are assumed by the testis: the production of male gametes (that is, spermatozoa) and the production of steroid hormones. Both two functions are established during fetal life and are essential to the adult fertility and the masculinization of the internal tract and genitalia. For many years, our laboratory has been interested in the ontogeny of those two functions in rodents and, since 2003, in collaboration with gynecology and obstetrics service of professor R. Frydman in Antoine-Béclère hospital, we have studied them in human. The first aim of this work was to improve the global knowledge of the human fetal testis development by using both our experimental data and the literature. Then, we focused on the different defects that can occur during the fetal testis development. Indeed, male reproductive abnormalities have been steadily increasing since the last decades and are thought to be related to the concomitant increase of the concentration of contaminants and particularly of endocrine disruptors in the environment. Thus, we decided to study the effect of endocrine disruptors on human fetal testis and, more particularly, the effect of phthalates, by using an organ culture system developed for human. In contrast to the data obtained in rat, mono (ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), an active metabolite of the most widespread phthalate in the environment, does not disturb the steroidogenic function. On the other hand, it has a negative effect on the male germ cells number. This study is the first experimental demonstration of a negative effect of phthalates directly on human fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rouiller-Fabre
- Inserm, unité mixte de recherche de gamétogénèse et génotoxicité, unité mixte de recherche-S 566-CEA, laboratoire de différenciation et radiobiologie des gonades, université Denis-Diderot Paris-7, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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Mitchell RT, Cowan G, Morris KD, Anderson RA, Fraser HM, Mckenzie KJ, Wallace WHB, Kelnar CJH, Saunders PTK, Sharpe RM. Germ cell differentiation in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) during fetal and neonatal life closely parallels that in the human. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2755-65. [PMID: 18694875 PMCID: PMC2583943 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are thought to originate from fetal germ cells that fail to differentiate normally, but no animal model for these events has been described. We evaluated the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a model by comparing perinatal germ cell differentiation with that in humans. METHODS Immunohistochemical profiling was used to investigate germ cell differentiation (OCT4, NANOG, AP-2gamma, MAGE-A4, VASA, NANOS-1) and proliferation (Ki67) in fetal and neonatal marmoset testes in comparison with the human and, to a lesser extent, the rat. RESULTS In marmosets and humans, differentiation of gonocytes into spermatogonia is associated with the gradual loss of pluripotency markers such as OCT4 and NANOG, and the expression of germ cell-specific proteins such as VASA. This differentiation occurs asynchronously within individual cords during fetal and early postnatal life. This contrasts with rapid and synchronous germ cell differentiation within and between cords in the rat. Similarly, germ cell proliferation in the marmoset and human occurs throughout perinatal life, in contrast to rats in which proliferation ceases during this period. CONCLUSIONS The marmoset provides a good model for normal human germ cell differentiation and proliferation. The perinatal marmoset may be a useful model in which to establish factors that lead to failure of normal germ cell differentiation and the origins of TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Mitchell
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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Fowler PA, Cassie S, Rhind SM, Brewer MJ, Collinson JM, Lea RG, Baker PJ, Bhattacharya S, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Maternal smoking during pregnancy specifically reduces human fetal desert hedgehog gene expression during testis development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:619-26. [PMID: 18000085 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Maternal cigarette smoking during gestation increases cryptorchidism and hypospadias and reduces testis size and fertility in sons by unknown mechanisms. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine whether maternal smoking is linked with changes in male human fetal endocrinology, testis gene expression, and liver concentrations of cigarette smoke chemicals. DESIGN This was an observational study of the male fetus, comparing pregnancies during which the mothers either did or did not smoke. SETTING The study was conducted at the universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Nottingham and Macaulay Institute (Aberdeen). PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Testes, blood, and livers were collected from 69 morphologically normal human male fetuses of women undergoing elective termination of normal second-trimester pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Testosterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, LH, and cotinine; expression of 30 reproductive/developmental genes; liver concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and Leydig, Sertoli. and germ cell numbers were determined. RESULTS There were no significant differences in fetal size, testis weight, cell numbers, seminiferous tubule diameter, or circulating LH and testosterone. Fetuses from smoking mothers had smoking range cotinine levels and liver concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that were significant predictors of maternal smoking (P < 0.001). Only the Sertoli cell-specific gene, desert hedgehog (DHH), was significantly altered by maternal smoking (reduced 1.8-fold, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS The consequences of reduced DHH signaling in men and mice are consistent with epidemiology for effects of gestational maternal smoking on sons. Given the absence of other observed effects of maternal smoking, we concluded that reduced DHH is part of a mechanism linking maternal gestational smoking with impaired reproductive development in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Fowler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom.
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Baker PJ, Monteiro A, Cassie S, Bhattacharya S, Fowler PA. Developmental changes in human fetal testicular cell numbers and messenger ribonucleic acid levels during the second trimester. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:4792-801. [PMID: 17848411 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Normal fetal testis development is essential for masculinization and subsequent adult fertility. The second trimester is a critical period of human testicular development and masculinization, but there is a paucity of reliable developmental data. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze second-trimester human testicular morphology and function. DESIGN This was an observational study of second-trimester testis development. SETTING The study was conducted at the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Testes were collected from 57 morphologically normal fetuses of women undergoing elective termination of normally progressing pregnancies (11-19 wk gestation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Testicular morphology, cell numbers, and quantitative expression of 22 key testicular genes were determined. RESULTS Sertoli cell and germ cell number increased exponentially throughout the second trimester. Leydig cell number initially increased exponentially but slowed toward 19 wk. Transcripts encoding Sertoli (KITL, FGF9, SOX9, FSHR, WT1) and germ (CKIT, TFAP2C) cell-specific products increased per testis through the second trimester, but expression per cell was static apart from TFAP2C, which declined. Leydig cell transcripts (HSD17B3, CYP11A1, PTC1, CYP17, LHR, INSL3) also remained static per cell. Testicular expression of adrenal transcripts MC2R, CYP11B1, and CYP21 was detectable but unchanged. Expression of other transcripts known or postulated to be involved in testicular development (GATA4, GATA6, CXORF6, WNT2B, WNT4, WNT5A) increased significantly per testis during the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS The second trimester is essential for the establishment of Sertoli and germ cell numbers. Sertoli and Leydig cells are active throughout the period, but there is no evidence of changing transcript levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J O'Shaughnessy
- Division of Cell Sciences, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom. p.j.o'
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Kumar PA, Pitteloud N, Andrews PAM, Dwyer A, Hayes F, Crowley WF, Dym M. Testis morphology in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:1033-40. [PMID: 16396935 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) typically present with absent puberty and therefore have prepubertal testes. IHH is recognized as one of the few curable causes of male infertility and is often effectively treated with either gonadotropins or pulsatile GnRH therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the structure of the testis prior to initiation of treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight adult IHH patients with prepubertal testes (<4 ml), with no previous gonadotropin therapy and with no history of cryptorchidism underwent open bilateral testicular biopsy prior to the initiation of hormonal treatment. The testes of all patients showed seminiferous cords separated by interstitium composed of blood vessels, connective tissue cells and collagen fibres but typical adult Leydig cells were absent. The cords contained only Sertoli cells and early type A spermatogonia. The spermatogonia mostly resided in the centre of the cords and were often large, typical of gonocytes. Sertoli cells appeared immature with ovoid nuclei devoid of infoldings and cytoplasm that lacked polarity. Tight junctional complexes commonly found connecting adult Sertoli cells were lacking. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the immature testes from patients with the severe form of IHH possess early spermatogonia that could possibly reinitiate spermatogenesis with appropriate hormone stimulation. Therefore, the immature testis of this IHH subset resembles those of prepubertal boys and may provide important biologic and genetic insights into testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pananghat A Kumar
- Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Pauls K, Schorle H, Jeske W, Brehm R, Steger K, Wernert N, Büttner R, Zhou H. Spatial expression of germ cell markers during maturation of human fetal male gonads: an immunohistochemical study. Hum Reprod 2005; 21:397-404. [PMID: 16210381 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to examine fetal male germ cells for expression of proteins associated with differentiation and maturation and to compare them with morphologically defined subpopulations. METHODS Testes of 61 fetuses from week 12 of gestation to the newborn period were selected. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies to proteins associated with differentiation of germ cells (c-KIT, AP-2gamma) or pluripotency (OCT3/4), oncofetal protein M2A and spermatogonial marker MAGE-A4. RESULTS Two subtypes of fetal germ cells were detected by quantification and immunohistochemistry. Nearly all germ cells with morphological criteria of gonocytes and intermediate cells co-expressed OCT3/4, c-KIT, M2A and AP-2gamma. Starting from week 12, their number increased up to week 18/19 and then declined continuously during further development. After week 25, pre-spermatogonia were predominant and expressed MAGE-A4 selectively. CONCLUSIONS Fetal male germ cells are comprised of two major groups with distinct immunohistochemical phenotypes. Germ cells that are predominantly found before week 25 of gestation co-express oncofetal proteins OCT3/4, c-KIT, M2A and AP-2gamma. After week 25, most germ cells have lost their pluripotent potential and acquire a spermatogonial phenotype defined by expression of MAGE-A4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Pauls
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany.
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Franke FE, Pauls K, Rey R, Marks A, Bergmann M, Steger K. Differentiation markers of Sertoli cells and germ cells in fetal and early postnatal human testis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 209:169-77. [PMID: 15597196 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-004-0434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The definition of the temporal sequence of appearance of fetal markers during prenatal and early postnatal development in Sertoli and germ cells may be important for understanding the mechanisms underlying their reexpression in disorders of the adult testis. For this reason, we studied the expression of Sertoli and germ cell markers in 25 human testes spanning a period from 8 gestational weeks to 4 years. Well-characterized antibodies were employed to anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), vimentin (VIM), M2A-antigen (M2A), germ cell alkaline phosphatase (GCAP), and somatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) on formalin-fixed and microwave-pretreated paraffin sections. In Sertoli cells, AMH and VIM were consistently present. While VIM and CK18 were coexpressed in embryonic testes, CK18 was progressively downregulated and completely absent from the 20th gestational week. M2A was absent or moderately expressed in fetal Sertoli cells but increased during further development. In germ cells, M2A was consistently found in primordial germ cells (PGCs) as well as in M- and T1-prespermatogonia. In contrast, sACE and GCAP were absent from PGCs but were a distinct feature of late M- and early T1-prespermatogonia and appeared predominantly between the 18th and the 22nd gestational weeks. Both T2-prespermatogonia and postnatal prespermatogonia were devoid of any marker. While CK18 represents a differentiation marker for fetal Sertoli cells, M2A, GCAP, and sACE can be used as differentiation markers for the discrimination of different germ cell types during human prespermatogenesis. Because various immunophenotypes reflect distinct differentiation stages, this knowledge may be important for understanding adult testicular pathology.
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Schulze C. Response of the human testis to long-term estrogen treatment: morphology of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and spermatogonial stem cells. Cell Tissue Res 1988; 251:31-43. [PMID: 3342442 DOI: 10.1007/bf00215444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation is concerned with the morphological changes observed in human testicular tissue following prolonged estrogen administration. Testicular material obtained from 11 transsexual patients who had been submitted to long-term estrogen treatment prior to sex-reversal surgery was studied by means of light- and electron microscopy. The testes of all patients examined present a more or less uniform appearance: There are narrow seminiferous cords surrounded by an extensively thickened lamina propria. They contain Sertoli cells and spermatogonia exclusively. There is no evidence of typical Leydig cells. The persisting spermatogonia show the characteristic features of pale type-A spermatogonia, whereas dark type-A spermatogonia are almost completely eliminated from the epithelium. In view of the fact that spermatogonia that survived radiotherapy and treatment with various noxious agents have recently been regarded as the stem cells of the human testis, it is suggested that also the majority of those spermatogonial types that are less sensitive to disturbances of the endocrine balance may consist of stem cells. The present results, therefore, corroborate the concept that the stem cells of the human testis may be derived from pale type-A spermatogonia or the variants of this cell type. Sertoli cells display two types of ovoid nuclei. In contrast to untreated material the nuclei lie adjacent to the basal lamina, and organelles and telolysosomes are confined to the apical cytoplasm. The apico-basal differentiation of mature cells, therefore, is not observed. Moreover, typical organelles and inclusions of mature cells are absent, as are the junctional specializations. Thus, Sertoli cells have transformed into immature cells, resembling precursors prior to puberty. Fibroblast-like cells in the interstitial tissue, which display strongly lobulated nuclei, a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, and numerous inclusions are assumed to represent dedifferentiated Leydig cells. Since after estrogen treatment serum testosterone and gonadotropin levels are known to be reduced, it appears that the morphological changes correlate well with the endocrine status.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schulze
- Abteilung für Funktionelle Anatomie, Universität Hamburg, Bundesrepublik Deutschland
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CHARBONNEAU MICHEL, PICHERAL BERTRAND. Polysaccharide Complexes in Full-Grown Oocytes of the Newt, Pleurodeles, and Changes in their Distribution During Progesterone-Induced Maturation. (glycogen granules/oocyte maturation/polysaccharide complexes/urodele amphibian). Dev Growth Differ 1985. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.1985.00763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Koide O, Iwai S, Matsumura H. Intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells--a variant of nuclear pockets and intranuclear annulate lamellae. ACTA PATHOLOGICA JAPONICA 1985; 35:605-19. [PMID: 4036599 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1985.tb00602.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
When ultrastructurally examining 24 germinomas comprising 12 seminomas, 4 dysgerminomas, 1 mediastinal germinoma, and 7 intracranial germinomas, intranuclear membranous profiles were noticed in 17 germinomas, ranging from 20-100 nm in width and 3 microns in length. With occasional connections to the nuclear envelope through a small hole, intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells were considered as clefts of the nuclear envelope. While most frequently situated under the inner nuclear membrane, they varied in configuration as well as distribution. As sequestered round mass of nuclear material, they were a variant of nuclear pockets containing nucleoplasm. Intranuclear annulate lamellae were occasionally present apart from the nuclear envelope and connected with nuclear clefts. Eleven of the twelve seminomas and 6 of the twelve non-seminomatous germinomas showed intranuclear membranous profiles, and the incidence of such profiles was much higher in seminomas than in non-seminomatous germinomas. Intranuclear membranous profiles facing the inner nuclear membrane were also noted in spermatogonia in adolescents and adults. It was suggested that intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells could be structures following ones occasionally seen in spermatogonia.
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Kleiss C, Liebich HG. [Intercellular bridges between sex cells in the bull testicle]. Anat Histol Embryol 1983; 12:230-44. [PMID: 6228162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.1983.tb01015.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Sigg C, Hedinger C. The frequency and morphology of "giant spermatogonia" in the human testis. VIRCHOWS ARCHIV. B, CELL PATHOLOGY INCLUDING MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 1983; 44:115-34. [PMID: 6139905 DOI: 10.1007/bf02890164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Giant spermatogonia (GS) characteristically appear singly between their normal counterparts. Their cytoplasm is clear by light microscopy and their ovoid nuclei, measuring at least 13 micron in diameter, contain homogeneously distributed chromatin. These cells were described originally in the last century and were interpreted as isolated physiological giant cells of the sexual epithelium (Stieve 1930). In our own study we found GS in the normal testis at an average frequency of 0.65/50 tubules. GS occur at the same frequency in testicular tissue surrounding germ cell tumors and in biopsy specimens from men with impaired fertility, except in the so-called mixed atrophy of the testis where increased numbers of GS per tubule are found. Ultrastructurally, GS are distinguishable from normal spermatogonia, from atypical germ cells and from seminoma cells. In addition, we found several distinct ultrastructural differences between GS and cells of pre-spermatogenesis as reviewed in the literature.
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Albrechtsen R, Nielsen MH, Skakkebaek NE, Wewer U. Carcinoma in situ of the testis. Some ultrastructural characteristics of germ cells. ACTA PATHOLOGICA, MICROBIOLOGICA, ET IMMUNOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA. SECTION A, PATHOLOGY 1982; 90:301-3. [PMID: 6889804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1982.tb00097_90a.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The two cytoplasmic organelles, dense-cored vesicles and "nuages" have been considered to allow positive identification of primordial germ cells in rodents, but no use of these potential markers has been applied to human material. We have observed dense-cored vesicles and "nuages" in the abnormal germ cells of carcinoma in situ of the testis and thus brought further evidence for the germ cell origin of this lesion. These organelles may be useful cytoplasmic markers in the study of germ cell tumors.
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Abstract
Pathologic survey was performed on 43 cases of intracranial germinoma and 12 cases of pinealoma. The present study suggests that, in Japan, the incidence of teratoma groups including germinoma is remarkably higher than that in U.S. and Europe, whereas the rate of true pinealoma is lower. Using ultrastructural, enzyme-histochemical, and fluorescence-histochemical methods for a few surgical specimens, a strong similarity between intracranial germinoma (so-called "pinealoma" with a two-cell pattern) and seminoma and dysgerminoma was confirmed. The true pinealoma could be classified as pineoblastoma and pineocytoma, according to the degree of pineocyte differentiation of the tumor cells, and as "neuroblastoma-like" and "pineal-like" on the basis of the histologic architecture.
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Gould SF, Bernstein MH. Fine structure of fetal human testis and epididymis. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1979; 2:93-9. [PMID: 485640 DOI: 10.3109/01485017908987299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Observations on the structure of the human fetal testis and epididymis at 16 weeks' gestation have been made with the light and electron microscope. The fetal testis is organized into solid cords surrounded by a well-defined cellular investment. The basement membrane is multilaminated with a highly redundant basal lamina. The germ cells rest on thin processes from adjacent Sertoli cells. Intercellular bridges between centrally located germ cells have been observed. The epididymis is remarkably well developed. The tall pseudostratified epithelium lines a discrete duct with a patent lumen. Stereocilia and cilia are seen on apical surface of the principal cells.
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Wartenberg H. Human testicular development and the role of the mesonephros in the origin of a dual Sertoli cell system. Andrologia 1978; 10:1-21. [PMID: 629409 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1978.tb01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Some aspects of the development of the human testis (and overy) are discussed and the main theories regarding gonadal differentiation summarized. The major part of this review deals with the origin and differentiation of the three groups of somatic cellular content: Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and peritubular cells. The most important role of the mesonephros in gonadal development is described. Under the influence of the mesonephros, a second type of meiosis-inducing Sertoli cell differentiates and becomes the opponent of a meiosis-preventing type of Sertoli cell which derives from the coelomic epithelium. All somatic cells are pooled in the central gonadal blastema which is part of the medulla. They migrate via the rete blastema to the sites of their final differentiation. Included are the precursors of the Leydig cells and the peritubular cells.
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