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Karoii DH, Azizi H, Skutella T. Whole transcriptome analysis to identify non-coding RNA regulators and hub genes in sperm of non-obstructive azoospermia by microarray, single-cell RNA sequencing, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA interaction analysis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:583. [PMID: 38858625 PMCID: PMC11165898 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10506-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of male fertility is becoming increasingly common due to genetic differences inherited over generations. Gene expression and evaluation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), crucial for sperm development, are significant factors. This gene expression can affect sperm motility and, consequently, fertility. Understanding the intricate protein interactions that play essential roles in sperm differentiation and development is vital. This knowledge could lead to more effective treatments and interventions for male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our research aim to identify new and key genes and ncRNA involved in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), improving genetic diagnosis and offering more accurate estimates for successful sperm extraction based on an individual's genotype. RESULTS We analyzed the transcript of three NOA patients who tested negative for genetic sperm issues, employing comprehensive genome-wide analysis of approximately 50,000 transcript sequences using microarray technology. This compared gene expression profiles between NOA sperm and normal sperm. We found significant gene expression differences: 150 genes were up-regulated, and 78 genes were down-regulated, along with 24 ncRNAs up-regulated and 13 ncRNAs down-regulated compared to normal conditions. By cross-referencing our results with a single-cell genomics database, we identified overexpressed biological process terms in differentially expressed genes, such as "protein localization to endosomes" and "xenobiotic transport." Overrepresented molecular function terms in up-regulated genes included "voltage-gated calcium channel activity," "growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor activity," and "sialic acid transmembrane transporter activity." Analysis revealed nine hub genes associated with NOA sperm: RPL34, CYB5B, GOL6A6, LSM1, ARL4A, DHX57, STARD9, HSP90B1, and VPS36. CONCLUSIONS These genes and their interacting proteins may play a role in the pathophysiology of germ cell abnormalities and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Shin BJ, Kim BJ, Paeng EJ, Rifkin JT, Moon SH, Shin SH, Ryu BY. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine attenuates titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO 2 NP)-induced autophagy in male germ cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 108:104466. [PMID: 38759847 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in consumer products, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This study investigates the effects of TiO2 NPs on male germ cells while focusing on cell proliferation inhibition and underlying mechanisms. This was done by utilizing mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells, an immortalized spermatogonia cell line. TiO2 NPs induced a concentration-dependent proliferation inhibition with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Notably, TiO2 NPs induced autophagy and decreased ERK phosphorylation. Treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) alleviated TiO2 NPs-induced autophagy, restored ERK phosphorylation, and promoted cell proliferation. These findings call attention to the reproductive risks posed by TiO2 NPs while also highlighting NAC as a possible protective agent against reproductive toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom-Jin Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Bang-Jin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eun-Ji Paeng
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Jack Tyler Rifkin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sung-Hwan Moon
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hee Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Buom-Yong Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Sun L, Lv Z, Chen X, Ye R, Tian S, Wang C, Xie X, Yan L, Yao X, Shao Y, Cui S, Chen J, Liu J. Splicing factor SRSF1 is essential for homing of precursor spermatogonial stem cells in mice. eLife 2024; 12:RP89316. [PMID: 38271475 PMCID: PMC10945694 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. The underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS) in mouse SSCs are still largely unclear. We demonstrated that SRSF1 is essential for gene expression and splicing in mouse SSCs. Crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing data revealed that spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Plzf, Id4, Setdb1, Stra8, Tial1/Tiar, Bcas2, Ddx5, Srsf10, Uhrf1, and Bud31) were bound by SRSF1 in the mouse testes. Specific deletion of Srsf1 in mouse germ cells impairs homing of precursor SSCs leading to male infertility. Whole-mount staining data showed the absence of germ cells in the testes of adult conditional knockout (cKO) mice, which indicates Sertoli cell-only syndrome in cKO mice. The expression of spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Gfra1, Pou5f1, Plzf, Dnd1, Stra8, and Taf4b) was significantly reduced in the testes of cKO mice. Moreover, multiomics analysis suggests that SRSF1 may affect survival of spermatogonia by directly binding and regulating Tial1/Tiar expression through AS. In addition, immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation data showed that SRSF1 interacts with RNA splicing-related proteins (e.g. SART1, RBM15, and SRSF10). Collectively, our data reveal the critical role of SRSF1 in spermatogonia survival, which may provide a framework to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the posttranscriptional network underlying homing of precursor SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xuexue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Ye
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yujing Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China, Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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Cao Y, Xu J, Liu J, Liang Y, Ao F, Wang S, Wei Z, Wang L. Bisphenol A exposure decreases sperm production and male fertility through inhibition PCBP2 expression. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123309-123323. [PMID: 37985585 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that the exposure of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor that commonly present in the environment, can impair reproduction. However, conflicting results have been reported, and the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, 3-week-old male mice were oral exposed to 50 mg/kg/d BPA or equivalent corn oil for 28 days. Their testis and epididymis were then collected for morphology examination by HE stains. The number of sperm was counted, and the morphology was analyzed by PNA (peptide nucleic acid) and pap staining. Fertilization capacity and successful rate were analyzed after mating with wide-type females. Spermatid DNA damage and apoptosis were evaluated by DFI, γH2AX stain, and TUNEL assay. RNA sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in testicular tissue of mice exposed to BPA. RNA interference was used to verify the regulatory mechanism of BPA exposure on gene expression in GC-2 cells. Our data showed that the total number of sperm was decreased and the morphology was impaired in BPA-exposed mice. In addition, the serum testosterone level and fertilization efficiency were also reduced. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the expression of PCBP2, a key regulatory gene in spermatid development, by activating the EZH2/H3K27me3. In conclusion, we found that BPA exposure can impair spermatid development via affecting key gene expression that is at least partially due to epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Ao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zexiao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Alipanah H, Ghasemian A, Ai J, Rahimian N, Mohammadisoleimani E, Najafipour S. Tissue engineering studies in male infertility disorder. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1617-1635. [PMID: 37791451 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251678] [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: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is an important issue among couples worldwide which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Male infertility is a problem in 7% of all men. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) is the experimental approach that has been developed for mimicking seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro. Currently, various researchers are interested in finding and developing a microenvironmental condition or a bioartificial testis applied for fertility restoration via gamete production in vitro. The tissue engineering (TE) has developed new approaches to treat male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. This makes TE a possible future strategy for restoration of male fertility. Although 3D culture systems supply the perception of the effect of cellular interactions in the process of spermatogenesis, formation of a native gradient of autocrine/paracrine factors in 3D culture systems have not been considered. These results collectively suggest that maintaining the microenvironment of testicular cells even in the form of a 3D-culture system is crucial in achieving spermatogenesis ex vivo. It is also possible to engineer the testicular structures using biomaterials to provide a supporting scaffold for somatic and stem cells. The insemination of these cells with GFs is possible for temporally and spatially adjusted release to mimic the microenvironment of the in situ seminiferous epithelium. This review focuses on recent studies and advances in the application of TE strategies to cell-tissue culture on synthetic or natural scaffolds supplemented with growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hiva Alipanah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Mohammadisoleimani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Liao C, Peng TW, Li XM, Chen ZC, Wang MY, Ye X, Lan Y, Fu X, An G. Identification of ferroptotic genes and phenotypes in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:410-422. [PMID: 37782778 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2257352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatments for nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which affects 1% of all men globally, are limited by undefined pathogenic mechanisms, especially in idiopathic NOA (iNOA). Here, we tried to identify the functional ferroptosis-related genes and phenotypes involved in iNOA. Differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were identified from iNOA mRNA microarray datasets by bioinformatic analyses, and these ferroptotic genes were subsequently filtered by various algorithms. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the abovementioned genes for iNOA. Generally, 11 differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were downregulated, and five genes were upregulated in iNOA samples. Four genes, including DUSP1, GPX4, HSD17B11, and SLC2A8, were technically selected and determined to be potential biomarkers for iNOA. Subsequently, similar expression levels were validated at both the RNA and protein levels in the iNOA specimens. Finally, morphologic and biochemical assays were applied to define the ferroptotic phenotypes in testes. The ferroptotic features, like shrunken mitochondria with electron-dense membranes and a reduction in cristae were observed across various cell types within iNOA patients, accompanied by the overload of ferrous ions and increased lipid peroxidation production. Our findings demonstrated that these ferroptosis genes could be involved in the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms of iNOA by regulating ferroptosis and serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Also, the ferroptotic phenotypes were identified in iNOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tian-Wen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Min Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Cong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mu-Ye Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Tang Y, Zhang B, Shi H, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Gun S. Molecular characterization, expression patterns and cellular localization of BCAS2 gene in male Hezuo pig. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16341. [PMID: 37901468 PMCID: PMC10607209 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) participates in pre-mRNA splicing and DNA damage response, which is implicated in spermatogenesis and meiosis initiation in mouse. Nevertheless, the physiological roles of BCAS2 in the testes of large mammals especially boars remain largely unknown. Methods In this study, testes were collected from Hezuo pig at three development stages including 30 days old (30 d), 120 days old (120 d), and 240 days old (240 d). BCAS2 CDS region was firstly cloned using RT-PCR method, and its molecular characteristics were identified using relevant bioinformatics software. Additionally, the expression patterns and cellular localization of BCAS2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results The cloning and sequence analysis indicated that the Hezuo pig BCAS2 CDS fragment encompassed 678 bp open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding 225 amino acid residues, and possessed high identities with some other mammals. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot displayed that BCAS2 levels both mRNA and protein were age-dependent increased (p < 0.01). Additionally, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results revealed that BCAS2 protein was mainly observed in nucleus of gonocytes at 30 d testes as well as nucleus of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells at 120 and 240 d testes. Accordingly, we conclude that BCAS2 is critical for testicular development and spermatogenesis of Hezuo pig, perhaps by regulating proliferation or differentiation of gonocytes, pre-mRNA splicing of spermatogonia and functional maintenance of Sertoli cells, but specific mechanism still requires be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Hashemi Karoii D, Azizi H. Functions and mechanism of noncoding RNA in regulation and differentiation of male mammalian reproduction. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:767-778. [PMID: 37583312 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are active regulators of a wide range of biological and physiological processes, including the majority of mammalian reproductive events. Knowledge of the biological activities of ncRNAs in the context of mammalian reproduction will allow for a more comprehensive and comparative understanding of male sterility and fertility. In this review, we describe recent advances in ncRNA-mediated control of mammalian reproduction and emphasize the importance of ncRNAs in several aspects of mammalian reproduction, such as germ cell biogenesis and reproductive organ activity. Furthermore, we focus on gene expression regulatory feedback loops including hormones and ncRNA expression to better understand germ cell commitment and reproductive organ function. Finally, this study shows the role of ncRNAs in male reproductive failure and provides suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
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Alagundagi DB, Ghate SD, Shetty P, Gollapalli P, Shetty P, Patil P. Integrated molecular-network analysis reveals infertility-associated key genes and transcription factors in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:183-190. [PMID: 37549510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.023] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive health problem with complex causes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by failure of spermatogenesis, leading to the absence of spermatozoa in ejaculates. The molecular mechanism underlying the NOA is still not well understood. OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify the key genes involved in male infertility that could be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of azoospermia. STUDY DESIGN The microarray expression profiles dataset GSE45885 and GSE45887 were downloaded from the NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed for male infertility-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the GEO2R tool. The common DEGs between the two datasets were combined and their protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape to reveal the hub genes by topology and module analysis. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) and protein kinases regulating the hub genes were identified using the X2K tool. Then, the expression of the hub genes was validated by analyzing the GSE190752 microarray dataset. Further, the PPI network was screened for biological roles and enriched pathways using DAVID software. RESULTS About 256 DEGs associated with NOA were identified and constructed the PPI network to find the infertility-associated proteins. The biological processes linked with these proteins were spermatogenesis, cell differentiation, flagellated sperm motility, and spermatid development. The topology and module analysis of the infertility-associated protein network identified the hub genes TEX38, FAM71F, PRR30, FAM166A, LYZL6, TPPP2, ARMC12, SPACA4, and FAM205A, which were found to be upregulated in the non-obstructive azoospermia. In addition, a total of 23 transcription factors and 3 protein kinases that are regulating these key hub genes were identified. Further these hub genes expression was validated using the microarray data and found that their expression was increased in the testicular biopsies obtained from NOA subjects, compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The identified key genes and its associated transcription factors are known to regulate the infertility-related processes in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Also, the clinical sample-based microarray data validation for the expression of these key hub genes indicates their potentiality to develop them as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay B Alagundagi
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sudeep D Ghate
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prasannakumar Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India; Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
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10
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Wang Z, Jin C, Li P, Li Y, Tang J, Yu Z, Jiao T, Ou J, Wang H, Zou D, Li M, Mang X, Liu J, Lu Y, Li K, Zhang N, Yu J, Miao S, Wang L, Song W. Identification of quiescent FOXC2 + spermatogonial stem cells in adult mammals. eLife 2023; 12:RP85380. [PMID: 37610429 PMCID: PMC10446825 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85380] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In adult mammals, spermatogenesis embodies the complex developmental process from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) to spermatozoa. At the top of this developmental hierarchy lie a series of SSC subpopulations. Their individual identities as well as the relationships with each other, however, remain largely elusive. Using single-cell analysis and lineage tracing, we discovered both in mice and humans the quiescent adult SSC subpopulation marked specifically by forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2). All spermatogenic progenies can be derived from FOXC2+ SSCs and the ablation of FOXC2+ SSCs led to the depletion of the undifferentiated spermatogonia pool. During germline regeneration, FOXC2+ SSCs were activated and able to completely restore the process. Germ cell-specific Foxc2 knockout resulted in an accelerated exhaustion of SSCs and eventually led to male infertility. Furthermore, FOXC2 prompts the expressions of negative regulators of cell cycle thereby ensures the SSCs reside in quiescence. Thus, this work proposes that the quiescent FOXC2+ SSCs are essential for maintaining the homeostasis and regeneration of spermatogenesis in adult mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jielin Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tao Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jinhuan Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ning Zhang
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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11
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Whiley PAF, Nathaniel B, Stanton PG, Hobbs RM, Loveland KL. Spermatogonial fate in mice with increased activin A bioactivity and testicular somatic cell tumours. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237273. [PMID: 37564373 PMCID: PMC10409995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male fertility depends on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which undergo either self-renewal or differentiation in response to microenvironmental signals. Activin A acts on Sertoli and Leydig cells to regulate key aspects of testis development and function throughout life, including steroid production. Recognising that activin A levels are elevated in many pathophysiological conditions, this study investigates effects of this growth factor on the niche that determines spermatogonial fate. Although activin A can promote differentiation of isolated spermatogonia in vitro, its impacts on SSC and spermatogonial function in vivo are unknown. To assess this, we examined testes of Inha KO mice, which feature elevated activin A levels and bioactivity, and develop gonadal stromal cell tumours as adults. The GFRA1+ SSC-enriched population was more abundant and proliferative in Inha KO compared to wildtype controls, suggesting that chronic elevation of activin A promotes a niche which supports SSC self-renewal. Intriguingly, clusters of GFRA1+/EOMES+/LIN28A- cells, resembling a primitive SSC subset, were frequently observed in tubules adjacent to tumour regions. Transcriptional analyses of Inha KO tumours, tubules adjacent to tumours, and tubules distant from tumour regions revealed disrupted gene expression in each KO group increased in parallel with tumour proximity. Modest transcriptional changes were documented in Inha KO tubules with complete spermatogenesis. Importantly, tumours displaying upregulation of activin responsive genes were also enriched for factors that promote SSC self-renewal, including Gdnf, Igf1, and Fgf2, indicating the tumours generate a supportive microenvironment for SSCs. Tumour cells featured some characteristics of adult Sertoli cells but lacked consistent SOX9 expression and exhibited an enhanced steroidogenic phenotype, which could arise from maintenance or acquisition of a fetal cell identity or acquisition of another somatic phenotype. Tumour regions were also heavily infiltrated with endothelial, peritubular myoid and immune cells, which may contribute to adjacent SSC support. Our data show for the first time that chronically elevated activin A affects SSC fate in vivo. The discovery that testis stromal tumours in the Inha KO mouse create a microenvironment that supports SSC self-renewal but not differentiation offers a strategy for identifying pathways that improve spermatogonial propagation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Benedict Nathaniel
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M. Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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12
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Moreno Acosta OD, Boan AF, Hattori RS, Fernandino JI. Notch pathway is required for protection against heat stress in spermatogonial stem cells in medaka. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:487-500. [PMID: 37126120 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01200-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gamete production is a fundamental process for reproduction; however, exposure to stress, such as increased environmental temperature, can decrease or even interrupt this process, affecting fertility. Thus, the survival of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is crucial for the recovery of spermatogenesis upon stressful situations. Here, we show that the Notch pathway is implicated in such survival, by protecting the SSCs against thermal stress. First, we corroborated the impairment of spermatogenesis under heat stress in medaka, observing an arrest in metaphase I at 10 days of heat treatment, an increase in the number of spermatocytes, and downregulation of ndrg1b and sycp3. In addition, at 30 days of treatment, an interruption of spermatogenesis was observed with a strong loss of spermatocytes and spermatids. Then, the exposure of adult males to thermal stress condition induced apoptosis mainly in spermatogenic and supporting somatic cells, with the exception of the germinal region, where SSCs are located. Concomitantly, the Notch pathway-related genes were upregulated, including the ligands (dll4, jag1-2) and receptors (notch1a-3). Moreover, during thermal stress presenilin enhancer-2 (pen-2), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase complex of the Notch pathway was restricted to the germinal region of the medaka testis, observed in somatic cells surrounding type A spermatogonia (SGa). The importance of Notch pathway was further supported by an ex vivo approach, in which the inhibition of this pathway activity induced a loss of SSCs. Overall, this study supports the importance of Notch pathways for the protection of SSCs under chronic thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar D Moreno Acosta
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina
| | - Agustín F Boan
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Hattori
- Salmonid Experimental Station at Campos Do Jordão, UPD-CJ, Sao Paulo Fisheries Institute (APTA/SAA), Campos Do Jordao, Brazil
| | - Juan Ignacio Fernandino
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina.
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM), Chascomus, Argentina.
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13
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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14
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Otálora-Otálora BA, López-Kleine L, Rojas A. Lung Cancer Gene Regulatory Network of Transcription Factors Related to the Hallmarks of Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:434-464. [PMID: 36661515 PMCID: PMC9857713 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomic analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq datasets followed our own bioinformatic pipeline to identify a transcriptional regulatory network of lung cancer. Twenty-six transcription factors are dysregulated and co-expressed in most of the lung cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension datasets, which makes them the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors. Co-expression, gene regulatory, coregulatory, and transcriptional regulatory networks, along with fibration symmetries, were constructed to identify common connection patterns, alignments, main regulators, and target genes in order to analyze transcription factor complex formation, as well as its synchronized co-expression patterns in every type of lung cancer. The regulatory function of the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors over lung cancer deregulated genes was validated with ChEA3 enrichment analysis. A Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis linked the dysregulation of the top transcription factors with lung cancer patients' survival. Our results indicate that lung cancer has unique and common deregulated genes and transcription factors with pulmonary arterial hypertension, co-expressed and regulated in a coordinated and cooperative manner by the transcriptional regulatory network that might be associated with critical biological processes and signaling pathways related to the acquisition of the hallmarks of cancer, making them potentially relevant tumor biomarkers for lung cancer early diagnosis and targets for the development of personalized therapies against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Andrea Otálora-Otálora
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Departamento de Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
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15
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Nagata K, Ohashi K, Hashimoto C, Sayed AEDH, Yasuda T, Dutta B, Kajihara T, Mitani H, Suzuki M, Funayama T, Oda S, Watanabe-Asaka T. Responses of hematopoietic cells after ionizing-irradiation in anemic adult medaka ( Oryzias latipes). Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:663-672. [PMID: 35939385 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2110328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hematopoietic tissues of vertebrates are highly radiation sensitive and the effects of ionizing radiation on the hematopoiesis have been studied in mammals and teleosts for decades. In this study, radiation responses in the kidney, the main hematopoietic organ in teleosts, were investigated in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), which has been a model animal and a large body of knowledge has been accumulated in radiation biology. METHODS Kidney, the main hematopoietic tissue of adult medaka fish, was locally irradiated using proton and carbon ion beams irradiation system of Takasaki Ion Accelerator for Advanced Radiation Application (TIARA), QST, and the effects on peripheral blood cells and histology of the kidney were investigated. RESULTS When only kidneys were locally irradiated with proton or carbon ion beam (15 Gy), the hematopoietic cells in the irradiated kidney and cell density in the peripheral blood decreased 7 days after the irradiation in the same manner as after the whole-body irradiation with γ-rays (15 Gy). These results demonstrate that direct irradiation of the hematopoietic cells in the kidney induced cell death and/or cell cycle arrest and stopped the supply of erythroid cells. Then, the cell density in the peripheral blood recovered to the control level within 4 days and 7 days after the γ-ray and proton beam irradiation (15 Gy), respectively, while the cell density in the peripheral blood did not recover after the carbon ion beam irradiation (15 Gy). The hematopoietic cells in the irradiated kidneys temporarily decreased and recovered to the control level within 21 days after the γ-ray or proton beam irradiation (15 Gy), while it did not recover after the carbon ion beam irradiation (15 Gy). In contrast, the recovery of the cell density in the peripheral blood delayed when anemic medaka were irradiated 1 day after the administration of phenylhydrazine. With and without γ-ray irradiation, a large number of hematopoietic cells was still proliferating in the kidney 7 days after the anemia induction. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained strongly suggest that the hematopoietic stem cells in medaka kidney prioritize to proliferate and increase peripheral blood cells to eliminate anemia, even when they are damaged by high-dose irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Nagata
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keita Ohashi
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Chika Hashimoto
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Alaa El-Din Hamid Sayed
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Zoology department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Takako Yasuda
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bibek Dutta
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kajihara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mitani
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Michiyo Suzuki
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, QST, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoo Funayama
- Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, QST, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Shoji Oda
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tomomi Watanabe-Asaka
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
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17
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Abofoul‐Azab M, Lunenfeld E, Kleiman S, Barda S, Hauser R, Huleihel M. Determining the expression levels of CSF-1 and OCT4, CREM-1, and protamine in testicular biopsies of adult Klinefelter patients: Their possible correlation with spermatogenesis. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14558. [PMID: 36177809 PMCID: PMC9786270 DOI: 10.1111/and.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most prevalent genetic disorder of infertile males. This study aimed to determine in Klinefelter patients (KS) the expression levels of spermatogenic markers and testicular growth factors that might predict spermatogenesis based on conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE). The expression levels of the pre-meiotic (OCT4, CD9, GFR-α1, α-6-INTEGRIN, SALL4, C-KIT), meiotic (CREM-1), and post-meiotic (protamine) markers, as well as the colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) were examined in testicular biopsies with and without mature sperm of KS and normal karyotype of azoospermic patients (AZO) with complete spermatogenesis. In the biopsies of AZO, the expression levels (fold of expression compared to the PPI of the same sample) of OCT4 were 9.68± 7.93, CREM 42.78± 28.22, CSF-1 3.07 ± 3.19, and protamine 78498.12 ± 73214.40. Biopsies from KS included 7 with sperm and 17 without sperm. Among the biopsies with sperm, the expression levels of OCT4 were 7.27± 9.29, CREM 3.13± 7.89, CSF-1 35.5 ± 48.01, and protamine 902.97 ± 2365.92. In 14 biopsies without sperm, we found low expression levels of OCT4, CREM and CSF-1, and no expression of protamine. However, in three of the biopsies without sperm that highly expressed OCT4 and CSF-1, the expression levels of CREM-1 and protamine were high. These results may be used for further consulting with patients considering repeating conventional TESE or micro TESE and cryopreservation for possible future in-vitro spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Abofoul‐Azab
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and GeneticsBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | | | - Sandra Kleiman
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael,Sourasky Medical CenterTel‐AvivIsrael,Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Shimi Barda
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Hauser
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael,Sourasky Medical CenterTel‐AvivIsrael,Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and GeneticsBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
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18
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Talibova G, Bilmez Y, Ozturk S. DNA double-strand break repair in male germ cells during spermatogenesis and its association with male infertility development. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 118:103386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Dunleavy JEM, Dinh DT, Filby CE, Green E, Hofstee P, Pini T, Rivers N, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Wijayarathna R, Winstanley YE, Zhou W, Richani D. Reproductive biology research down under: highlights from the Australian and New Zealand Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2021. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:855-866. [PMID: 35836362 DOI: 10.1071/rd22115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2021 meeting reunited the Australian and New Zealand reproductive research community for the first time since 2019 and was the first virtual SRB meeting. Despite the recent global research disruptions, the conference revealed significant advancements in reproductive research, the importance of which span human health, agriculture, and conservation. A core theme was novel technologies, including the use of medical microrobots for therapeutic and sperm delivery, diagnostic hyperspectral imaging, and hydrogel condoms with potential beyond contraception. The importance of challenging the contraceptive status quo was further highlighted with innovations in gene therapies, non-hormonal female contraceptives, epigenetic semen analysis, and in applying evolutionary theory to suppress pest population reproduction. How best to support pregnancies, particularly in the context of global trends of increasing maternal age, was also discussed, with several promising therapies for improved outcomes in assisted reproductive technology, pre-eclampsia, and pre-term birth prevention. The unique insights gained via non-model species was another key focus and presented research emphasised the importance of studying diverse systems to understand fundamental aspects of reproductive biology and evolution. Finally, the meeting highlighted how to effectively translate reproductive research into policy and industry practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E M Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Doan Thao Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Caitlin E Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Ella Green
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Pierre Hofstee
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Nicola Rivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia; and Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia
| | - Yasmyn E Winstanley
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Dulama Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
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20
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Rotimi DE, Olaolu TD, Adeyemi OS. Pharmacological action of quercetin against testicular dysfunction: A mini review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:396-401. [PMID: 35850969 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an immune-privileged organ susceptible to oxidative stress and inflammation, two major factors implicated in male infertility. A reduction in the concentration and activities of testicular function biomarkers has been shown to correlate with impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and oxidative stress. However, the use of natural products to ameliorate these oxidative stress-induced changes may be essential to improving male reproductive function. Quercetin possesses several pharmacological activities that may help to combat cellular reproduction-related assaults, such as altered sperm function and reproductive hormone dysfunction, and dysregulated testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Studies have shown that quercetin ameliorates testicular toxicity, largely by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species, with the aid of the two antioxidant pharmacophores present in its ring structure. The radical-scavenging property of quercetin may alter signal transduction of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, prevent inflammation, and increase sperm quality in relation to the hormonal concentration. In this review, the therapeutic potential of quercetin in mediating male reproductive health is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilare E Rotimi
- SDG 03 Group-Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria.
| | - Tomilola D Olaolu
- SDG 03 Group-Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi S Adeyemi
- SDG 03 Group-Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
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21
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Dimethyl Sulfoxide Attenuates Radiation-Induced Testicular Injury through Facilitating DNA Double-Strand Break Repair. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9137812. [PMID: 35770047 PMCID: PMC9236762 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9137812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The testis is susceptible to ionizing radiation, and male infertility and sexual dysfunction are prevalent problems after whole-body or local radiation exposure. Currently, there is no approved agent for the prevention or treatment of radiation-induced testicular injury. Herein, we investigated the radioprotective effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an organosulfur compound that acts as a free radical scavenger, on testicular injury. Treatment of mice with a single dose of DMSO prior to 5 Gy irradiation restored sex hormones and attenuated the reduction in testis weight. Histological analyses revealed that DMSO alleviated the distorted architecture of seminiferous tubules and promoted seminiferous epithelium regeneration following irradiation. Moreover, DMSO provided quantitative and qualitative protection for sperm and preserved spermatogenesis and fertility in male mice. Mechanistically, DMSO treatment enhanced GFRα-1+ spermatogonial stem cell and c-Kit+ spermatogonial survival and regeneration after radiation. DMSO also alleviated radiation-induced oxidative stress and suppressed radiation-induced germ cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, DMSO efficiently reduced DNA damage accumulation and induced the expression of phosph-BRCA1, BRCA1, and RAD51 proteins, indicating that DMSO facilitates DNA damage repair with a bias toward homologous recombination. In summary, our findings demonstrate the radioprotective efficacy of DMSO on the male reproductive system, which warrants further studies for future application in the preservation of male fertility during conventional radiotherapy and nuclear accidents.
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22
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Lu C, Zhang D, Zhang J, Li L, Qiu J, Gou K, Cui S. Casein kinase 1α regulates murine spermatogenesis via p53-Sox3 signaling. Development 2022; 149:275697. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), acting as one member of the β-catenin degradation complex, negatively regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. CK1α knockout usually causes both Wnt/β-catenin and p53 activation. Our results demonstrated that conditional disruption of CK1α in spermatogonia impaired spermatogenesis and resulted in male mouse infertility. The progenitor cell population was dramatically decreased in CK1α conditional knockout (cKO) mice, while the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) was not affected. Furthermore, our molecular analyses identified that CK1α loss was accompanied by nuclear stability of p53 protein in mouse spermatogonia, and dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that p53 directly targeted the Sox3 gene. In addition, the p53 inhibitor pifithrin α (PFTα) partially rescued the phenotype observed in cKO mice. Collectively, our data suggest that CK1α regulates spermatogenesis and male fertility through p53-Sox3 signaling, and they deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University 2 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University 3 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Liuhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtao Qiu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Kemian Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University 2 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses 4 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University 1 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University 2 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses 4 , Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
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23
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Distinctive molecular features of regenerative stem cells in the damaged male germline. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2500. [PMID: 35523793 PMCID: PMC9076627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of male fertility requires spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and generate differentiating germ cells for production of spermatozoa. Germline cells are sensitive to genotoxic drugs and patients receiving chemotherapy can become infertile. SSCs surviving treatment mediate germline recovery but pathways driving SSC regenerative responses remain poorly understood. Using models of chemotherapy-induced germline damage and recovery, here we identify unique molecular features of regenerative SSCs and characterise changes in composition of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool during germline recovery by single-cell analysis. Increased mitotic activity of SSCs mediating regeneration is accompanied by alterations in growth factor signalling including PI3K/AKT and mTORC1 pathways. While sustained mTORC1 signalling is detrimental for SSC maintenance, transient mTORC1 activation is critical for the regenerative response. Concerted inhibition of growth factor signalling disrupts core features of the regenerative state and limits germline recovery. We also demonstrate that the FOXM1 transcription factor is a target of growth factor signalling in undifferentiated spermatogonia and provide evidence for a role in regeneration. Our data confirm dynamic changes in SSC functional properties following damage and support an essential role for microenvironmental growth factors in promoting a regenerative state. Male germline regeneration after damage is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) but pathways mediating the regenerative response are unclear. Here the authors define roles for growth factor signalling and mTORC1 in SSC-driven regeneration.
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24
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Zhou S, Sakashita A, Yuan S, Namekawa SH. Retrotransposons in the Mammalian Male Germline. Sex Dev 2022:1-19. [PMID: 35231923 DOI: 10.1159/000520683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are a subset of DNA sequences that constitute a large part of the mammalian genome. They can translocate autonomously or non-autonomously, potentially jeopardizing the heritable germline genome. Retrotransposons coevolved with the host genome, and the germline is the prominent battlefield between retrotransposons and the host genome to maximize their mutual fitness. Host genomes have developed various mechanisms to suppress and control retrotransposons, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), for their own benefit. Thus, rapidly evolved retrotransposons often acquire positive functions, including gene regulation within the germline, conferring reproductive fitness in a species over the course of evolution. The male germline serves as an ideal model to examine the regulation and evolution of retrotransposons, resulting in genomic co-evolution with the host genome. In this review, we summarize and discuss the regulatory mechanisms of retrotransposons, stage-by-stage, during male germ cell development, with a particular focus on mice as an extensively studied mammalian model, highlighting suppression mechanisms and emerging functions of retrotransposons in the male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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25
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The netrin-1 receptor UNC5C contributes to the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult mice. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102723. [PMID: 35247845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult testis, the cell mobility is essential for spermatogonia differentiation and is suspected to regulate spermatogonial stem cell fate. Netrin-1 controls cell migration and/or survival according to the cellular context. Its involvement in some self-renewing lineages raises the possibility that Netrin-1 could have a role in spermatogenesis. We show that in addition to Sertoli cells, a fraction of murine undifferentiated spermatogonia express the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5c and that UNC5c contributes to spermatogonia differentiation. Receptor loss in Unc5crcm males leads to the concomitant accumulation of transit-amplifying progenitors and short syncytia of spermatogonia. Without altering cell death rates, the consequences of Unc5c loss worsen with age: the increase in quiescent undifferentiated progenitors associated with a higher spermatogonial stem cell enriched subset leads to the spermatocyte I decline. We demonstrate in vitro that Netrin-1 promotes a guidance effect as it repulses both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia. Finally, we propose that UNC5c triggers undifferentiated spermatogonia adhesion/ migration and that the repulsive activity of Netrin-1 receptors could regulate spermatogonia differentiation, and maintain germ cell homeostasis.
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26
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Shen Y, Wu X, Li Q, Huang X, Wang J, Zhao L, Zhang T, Xuan X. Identification and potential value of candidate genes in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Urology 2022; 164:133-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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27
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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28
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Diao L, Turek PJ, John CM, Fang F, Reijo Pera RA. Roles of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Spermatogenesis and Fertility Restoration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895528. [PMID: 35634498 PMCID: PMC9135128 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a group of adult stem cells in the testis that serve as the foundation of continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. SSCs are capable of self-renewal to maintain the stability of the stem cell pool and differentiation to produce mature spermatozoa. Dysfunction of SSCs leads to male infertility. Therefore, dissection of the regulatory network of SSCs is of great significance in understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms of spermatogonial stem cell function in spermatogenesis and the pathogenesis of male infertility. Furthermore, a better understanding of SSC biology will allow us to culture and differentiate SSCs in vitro, which may provide novel stem cell-based therapy for assisted reproduction. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the regulation of SSCs, and the potential application of SSCs for fertility restoration through in vivo and in vitro spermatogenesis. We anticipate that the knowledge gained will advance the application of SSCs to improve male fertility. Furthermore, in vitro spermatogenesis from SSCs sets the stage for the production of SSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequent spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Diao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | | | - Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Renee A. Reijo Pera,
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Montana (TouroCOM-MT), Great Falls, MT, United States
- Research Division, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Montana (TouroCOM-MT), Great Falls, MT, United States
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Renee A. Reijo Pera,
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29
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Wen Y, Ma X, Wang X, Wang F, Dong J, Wu Y, Lv C, Liu K, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Yuan S. hnRNPU in Sertoli cells cooperates with WT1 and is essential for testicular development by modulating transcriptional factors Sox8/9. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:10030-10046. [PMID: 34815802 PMCID: PMC8581416 DOI: 10.7150/thno.66819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sertoli cells are essential regulators of testicular fate in the differentiating gonad; however, its role and underlying molecular mechanism of regulating testicular development in prepubertal testes are poorly understood. Although several critical regulatory factors of Sertoli cell development and function have been identified, identifying extrinsic factors that regulate gonocyte proliferation and migration processes during neonatal testis development remains largely unknown. Methods: We used the Sertoli cell-specific conditional knockout strategy (Cre/Loxp) in mice and molecular biological analyses (Luciferase assay, ChIP-qPCR, RNA-Seq, etc.) in vitro and in vivo to study the physiological roles of hnRNPU in Sertoli cells on regulating testicular development in prepubertal testes. Results: We identified a co-transcription factor, hnRNPU, which is highly expressed in mouse and human Sertoli cells and required for neonatal Sertoli cell and pre-pubertal testicular development. Conditional knockout of hnRNPU in murine Sertoli cells leads to severe testicular atrophy and male sterility, characterized by rapid depletion of both Sertoli cells and germ cells and failure of spermatogonia proliferation and migration during pre-pubertal testicular development. At molecular levels, we found that hnRNPU interacts with two Sertoli cell markers WT1 and SOX9, and enhances the expression of two transcriptional factors, Sox8 and Sox9, in Sertoli cells by directly binding to their promoter regions. Further RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses revealed the transcriptome-wide of key genes essential for Sertoli cell and germ cell fate control, such as biological adhesion, proliferation and migration, were deregulated in Sertoli cell-specific hnRNPU mutant testes. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate an essential role of hnRNPU in Sertoli cells for prepubertal testicular development and testis microenvironment maintenance and define a new insight for our understanding of male infertility therapy.
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30
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Zhan J, Li J, Wu Y, Wu P, Yu Z, Cui P, Zhou M, Xu Y, Jin T, Du Z, Luo M, Liu C. Chromatin-Associated Protein Sugp2 Involved in mRNA Alternative Splicing During Mouse Spermatogenesis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:754021. [PMID: 34733907 PMCID: PMC8558236 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.754021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly ordered process that is determined by chromatin-associated moderators which still remain poorly understood. Through a multi-control group proteomics strategy, we confirmed that Sugp2 was a chromatin-associated candidate protein, and its signal arose along spermatogenesis. The expression results showed that Sugp2, which is mainly expressed in the testis, had two transcripts, encoding one protein. During spermatogenesis, Sugp2 was enriched in the nucleus of male germ cells. With the depletion of Sugp2 by CRISPER-Cas9 technology, we found that Sugp2 controlled a network of genes on metal ion and ATP binding, suggesting that alternative splicing regulation by Sugp2 is involved in cellular ion and energy metabolism during spermatogenesis, while it had a little effect on meiotic progression and male fertility. Collectively, these data demonstrated that, as a chromatin-associated protein, Sugp2 mediated the alternative splicing regulatory network during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhan
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuerong Wu
- Center for Animal Experiment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Panfeng Wu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqi Yu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mofan Zhou
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumin Xu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingyu Jin
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziye Du
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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31
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Guo Q, Jiang Y, Bai H, Chen G, Chang G. miR-301a-5p Regulates TGFB2 during Chicken Spermatogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111695. [PMID: 34828300 PMCID: PMC8621736 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis is complex and systemic, requiring the cooperation of many regulators. However, little is known about how micro RNAs (miRNAs) regulate spermatogenesis in poultry. In this study, we investigated key miRNAs and their target genes that are involved in spermatogenesis in chickens. Next-generation sequencing was conducted to determine miRNA expression profiles in five cell types: primordial germ cells (PGCs), spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatogonia (Spa), and chicken sperm. Next, we analyzed and identified several key miRNAs that regulate spermatogenesis in the four germline cell miRNA profiles. Among the enriched miRNAs, miRNA-301a-5p was the key miRNA in PGCs, SSCs, and Spa. Through reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), dual-luciferase, and miRNA salience, we confirmed that miR-301a-5p binds to transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) and is involved in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and germ cell development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of miR-301a-5p involvement in spermatogenesis by direct binding to TGFβ2, a key gene in the TGF-β signaling pathway. This finding contributes to the insights into the molecular mechanism through which miRNAs regulate germline cell differentiation and spermatogenesis in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Yong Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Hao Bai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guobin Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Nakagawa T, Jörg DJ, Watanabe H, Mizuno S, Han S, Ikeda T, Omatsu Y, Nishimura K, Fujita M, Takahashi S, Kondoh G, Simons BD, Yoshida S, Nagasawa T. A multistate stem cell dynamics maintains homeostasis in mouse spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109875. [PMID: 34686326 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse testis, a heterogeneous population of undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff) harbors spermatogenic stem cell (SSC) potential. Although GFRα1+ Aundiff maintains the self-renewing pool in homeostasis, the functional basis of heterogeneity and the implications for their dynamics remain unresolved. Here, through quantitative lineage tracing of SSC subpopulations, we show that an ensemble of heterogeneous states of SSCs supports homeostatic, persistent spermatogenesis. Such heterogeneity is maintained robustly through stochastic interconversion of SSCs between a renewal-biased Plvap+/GFRα1+ state and a differentiation-primed Sox3+/GFRα1+ state. In this framework, stem cell commitment occurs not directly but gradually through entry into licensed but uncommitted states. Further, Plvap+/GFRα1+ cells divide slowly, in synchrony with the seminiferous epithelial cycle, while Sox3+/GFRα1+ cells divide much faster. Such differential cell-cycle dynamics reduces mitotic load, and thereby the potential to acquire harmful de novo mutations of the self-renewing pool, while keeping the SSC density high over the testicular open niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - David J Jörg
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, J. J. Thomson Avenue, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seungmin Han
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK
| | - Tatsuro Ikeda
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Omatsu
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiko Nishimura
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Miyako Fujita
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK; Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nagasawa
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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N'Tumba-Byn T, Yamada M, Seandel M. Loss of tyrosine kinase receptor Ephb2 impairs proliferation and stem cell activity of spermatogonia in culture†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:950-962. [PMID: 31836902 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem and progenitor cells can be extracted from the adult mouse testis and maintained long-term in vitro. Yet, the optimal culture conditions for preserving stem cell activity are unknown. Recently, multiple members of the Eph receptor family were detected in murine spermatogonia, but their roles remain obscure. One such gene, Ephb2, is crucial for maintenance of somatic stem cells and was previously found enriched at the level of mRNA in murine spermatogonia. We detected Ephb2 mRNA and protein in primary adult spermatogonial cultures and hypothesized that Ephb2 plays a role in maintenance of stem cells in vitro. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeting and generated stable mutant SSC lines with complete loss of Ephb2. The characteristics of Ephb2-KO cells were interrogated using phenotypic and functional assays. Ephb2-KO SSCs exhibited reduced proliferation compared to wild-type cells, while apoptosis was unaffected. Therefore, we examined whether Ephb2 loss correlates with activity of canonical pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Ephb2-KO cells had reduced ERK MAPK signaling. Using a lentiviral transgene, Ephb2 expression was rescued in Ephb2-KO cells, which partially restored signaling and proliferation. Transplantation analysis revealed that Ephb2-KO SSCs cultures formed significantly fewer colonies than WT, indicating a role for Ephb2 in preserving stem cell activity of cultured cells. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and Ephb2-KO SSCs identified Dppa4 and Bnc1 as differentially expressed, Ephb2-dependent genes that are potentially involved in stem cell function. These data uncover for the first time a crucial role for Ephb2 signaling in cultured SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry N'Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
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Fang Q, Chen XL, Zhang L, Li YB, Sun TZ, Yang CX, Chang JF, Yang XM, Sun F. The essential roles of Mps1 in spermatogenesis and fertility in mice. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:531. [PMID: 34031364 PMCID: PMC8144579 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Monopolar spindle 1 (MPS1), which plays a critical role in somatic mitosis, has also been revealed to be essential for meiosis I in oocytes. Spermatogenesis is an important process involving successive mitosis and meiosis, but the function of MPS1 in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here, we generated Mps1 conditional knockout mice and found that Ddx4-cre-driven loss of Mps1 in male mice resulted in depletion of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells and subsequently of differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In addition, Stra8-cre-driven ablation of Mps1 in male mice led to germ cell loss and fertility reduction. Spermatocytes lacking Mps1 have blocked at the zygotene-to-pachytene transition in the prophase of meiosis I, which may be due to decreased H2B ubiquitination level mediated by MDM2. And the expression of many meiotic genes was decreased, while that of apoptotic genes was increased. Moreover, we also detected increased apoptosis in spermatocytes with Mps1 knockout, which may have been the reason why germ cells were lost. Taken together, our findings indicate that MPS1 is required for mitosis of gonocytes and spermatogonia, differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and progression of meiosis I in spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xue-Lin Chen
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ya-Bin Li
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Tian-Zeng Sun
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chen-Xin Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jian-Feng Chang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Feng Sun
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Boyer A, Zhang X, Levasseur A, Abou Nader N, St-Jean G, Nagano MC, Boerboom D. Constitutive activation of CTNNB1 results in a loss of spermatogonial stem cell activity in mice. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251911. [PMID: 34015032 PMCID: PMC8136708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis requires that a careful balance be maintained between the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and their commitment to the developmental pathway through which they will differentiate into spermatozoa. Recently, a series of studies employing various in vivo and in vitro models have suggested a role of the wingless-related MMTV integration site gene family/beta-catenin (WNT/CTNNB1) pathway in determining the fate of SSCs. However, conflicting data have suggested that CTNNB1 signaling may either promote SSC self-renewal or differentiation. Here, we studied the effects of sustained CTNNB1 signaling in SSCs using the Ctnnb1tm1Mmt/+; Ddx4-CreTr/+ (ΔCtnnb1) mouse model, in which a stabilized form of CTNNB1 is expressed in all germ cells. ΔCtnnb1 mice were found to have reduced testis weights and partial germ cell loss by 4 months of age. Germ cell transplantation assays showed a 49% reduction in total functional SSC numbers in 8 month-old transgenic mice. In vitro, Thy1-positive undifferentiated spermatogonia from ΔCtnnb1 mice formed 57% fewer clusters, which was associated with decreased cell proliferation. A reduction in mRNA levels of genes associated with SSC maintenance (Bcl6b, Gfra1, Plzf) and increased levels for markers associated with progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia (Kit, Rarg, Sohlh1) were detected in these cluster cells. Furthermore, RNAseq performed on these clusters revealed a network of more than 900 genes regulated by CTNNB1, indicating that CTNNB1 is an important regulator of spermatogonial fate. Together, our data support the notion that CTNNB1 signaling promotes the transition of SSCs to undifferentiated progenitor spermatogonia at the expense of their self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Xiangfan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Guillaume St-Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Makoto C. Nagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Manfrevola F, Guillou F, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050658. [PMID: 33925685 PMCID: PMC8145172 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Florian Guillou
- PRC, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
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He H, Yu F, Shen W, Chen K, Zhang L, Lou S, Zhang Q, Chen S, Yuan X, Jia X, Zhou Y. The Novel Key Genes of Non-obstructive Azoospermia Affect Spermatogenesis: Transcriptomic Analysis Based on RNA-Seq and scRNA-Seq Data. Front Genet 2021; 12:608629. [PMID: 33732283 PMCID: PMC7959792 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.608629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility. It is mainly characterized by the absence of sperm in semen repeatedly or the number of sperm is small and not fully developed. At present, its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. The goal of this study is to identify hub genes that might affect biomarkers related to spermatogenesis. Using the clinically significant transcriptome and single-cell sequencing data sets on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we identified candidate hub genes related to spermatogenesis. Based on them, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), cell cluster analysis, and pseudo-chronological analysis. We identified a total of 430 differentially expressed genes, of which three have not been reported related to spermatogenesis (C22orf23, TSACC, and TTC25), and the expression of these three hub genes was different in each type of sperm cells. The results of the pseudo-chronological analysis of the three hub genes indicated that TTC25 was in a low expression state during the whole process of sperm development, while the expression of C22orf23 had two fluctuations in the differentiating spermatogonia and late primary spermatocyte stages, and TSACC showed an upward trend from the spermatogonial stem cell stage to the spermatogenesis stage. Our research found that the three hub genes were different in the trajectory of sperm development, indicating that they might play important roles in different sperm cells. This result is of great significance for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of NOA and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong He
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wang Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Jiangmen TCM Hospital of Ji'nan University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Keyan Chen
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuang Lou
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiaomin Zhang
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Siping Chen
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhua Yuan
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingwang Jia
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Zavattaro M, Felicetti F, Faraci D, Scaldaferri M, Dellacasa C, Busca A, Dionisi-Vici M, Cattel F, Motta G, Giaccone L, Ghigo E, Arvat E, Lanfranco F, Bruno B, Brignardello E. Impact of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation on Testicular and Sexual Function. Transplant Cell Ther 2020; 27:182.e1-182.e8. [PMID: 33830036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy, administered as a conditioning regimen before stem cell transplantation, are known to negatively impact testicular function and sexuality. However, to date, only a few studies have simultaneously analyzed the real prevalence of these complications in this clinical setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of testicular dysfunction and sexual impairment in a cohort of males who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adulthood. This observational, cross-sectional, single-center study consecutively enrolled 105 subjects on outpatient follow-up. Testicular function and sexuality were evaluated through a hormonal profile (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and inhibin B) and the IIEF-15 questionnaire, respectively. We found a higher prevalence of hypogonadism (21%), impaired spermatogenesis (87%), and erectile dysfunction (72%) compared with the general population. Chronic graft-versus-host disease, especially of moderate/severe grade, was associated with an increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction (odds ratio, 6.338). Moreover, a high proportion of patients presented with alterations in all domains of sexual function, even after complete clinical remission of hematologic disease. Our data confirm both testicular function and sexuality alterations as frequent complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A multidisciplinary approach is advisable for early diagnosis and adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zavattaro
- Andrology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Felicetti
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Danilo Faraci
- Department of Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant Center, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Dellacasa
- Department of Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant Center, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Busca
- Department of Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant Center, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Dionisi-Vici
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Cattel
- Pharmacy, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Motta
- Andrology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Giaccone
- Department of Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant Center, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Andrology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Arvat
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Division of Oncological Endocrinology, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Lanfranco
- Andrology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Bruno
- Department of Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant Center, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Brignardello
- Transition Unit for Childhood Cancer Survivors, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy.
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Yoshida S. Mouse Spermatogenesis Reflects the Unity and Diversity of Tissue Stem Cell Niche Systems. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a036186. [PMID: 32152184 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mouse spermatogenesis is supported by spermatogenic stem cells (SSCs). SSCs maintain their pool while migrating over an open (or facultative) niche microenvironment of testicular seminiferous tubules, where ligands that support self-renewal are likely distributed widely. This contrasts with the classic picture of closed (or definitive) niches in which stem cells are gathered and the ligands are highly localized. Some of the key properties observed in the dynamics of SSCs in the testicular niche in vivo, which show the flexible and stochastic (probabilistic) fate behaviors, are found to be generic for a wide range of, if not all, tissue stem cells. SSCs also show properties characteristic of an open niche-supported system, such as high motility. Motivated by the properties of SSCs, in this review, I will reconsider the potential unity and diversity of tissue stem cell systems, with an emphasis on the varying degrees of ligand distribution and stem cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; and Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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Xie Y, Wei BH, Ni FD, Yang WX. Conversion from spermatogonia to spermatocytes: Extracellular cues and downstream transcription network. Gene 2020; 764:145080. [PMID: 32858178 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatocyte (spc) formation from spermatogonia (spg) differentiation is the first step of spermatogenesis which produces prodigious spermatozoa for a lifetime. After decades of studies, several factors involved in the functioning of a mouse were discovered both inside and outside spg. Considering the peculiar expression and working pattern of each factor, this review divides the whole conversion of spg to spc into four consecutive development processes with a focus on extracellular cues and downstream transcription network in each one. Potential coordination among Dmrt1, Sohlh1/2 and BMP families mediates Ngn3 upregulation, which marks progenitor spg, with other changes. After that, retinoic acid (RA), as a master regulator, promotes A1 spg formation with its helpers and Sall4. A1-to-B spg transition is under the control of Kitl and impulsive RA signaling together with early and late transcription factors Stra8 and Dmrt6. Finally, RA and its responsive effectors conduct the entry into meiosis. The systematic transcription network from outside to inside still needs research to supplement or settle the controversials in each process. As a step further ahead, this review provides possible drug targets for infertility therapy by cross-linking humans and mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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SOX3 promotes generation of committed spermatogonia in postnatal mouse testes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6751. [PMID: 32317665 PMCID: PMC7174399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX3 is a transcription factor expressed within the developing and adult nervous system where it mostly functions to help maintain neural precursors. Sox3 is also expressed in other locations, notably within the spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell population in postnatal testis. Independent studies have shown that Sox3 null mice exhibit a spermatogenic block as young adults, the mechanism of which remains poorly understood. Using a panel of spermatogonial cell marker genes, we demonstrate that Sox3 is expressed within the committed progenitor fraction of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool. Additionally, we use a Sox3 null mouse model to define a potential role for this factor in progenitor cell function. We demonstrate that Sox3 expression is required for transition of undifferentiated cells from a GFRα1+ self-renewing state to the NGN3 + transit-amplifying compartment. Critically, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that SOX3 binds to a highly conserved region in the Ngn3 promoter region in vivo, indicating that Ngn3 is a direct target of SOX3. Together these studies indicate that SOX3 functions as a pro-commitment factor in spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells.
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