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Turgeon A, Fu J, Divyanshi, Ma M, Jin Z, Hwang H, Li M, Qiao H, Mei W, Yang J. Dzip1 is dynamically expressed in the vertebrate germline and regulates the development of Xenopus primordial germ cells. Dev Biol 2024; 514:28-36. [PMID: 38880277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.06.003] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of sperms and oocytes. Proper development of PGCs is crucial for the survival of the species. In many organisms, factors responsible for PGC development are synthesized during early oogenesis and assembled into the germ plasm. During early embryonic development, germ plasm is inherited by a few cells, leading to the formation of PGCs. While germline development has been extensively studied, how components of the germ plasm regulate PGC development is not fully understood. Here, we report that Dzip1 is dynamically expressed in vertebrate germline and is a novel component of the germ plasm in Xenopus and zebrafish. Knockdown of Dzip1 impairs PGC development in Xenopus embryos. At the molecular level, Dzip1 physically interacts with Dazl, an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein that plays a multifaced role during germline development. We further showed that the sequence between amino acid residues 282 and 550 of Dzip1 is responsible for binding to Dazl. Disruption of the binding between Dzip1 and Dazl leads to defective PGC development. Taken together, our results presented here demonstrate that Dzip1 is dynamically expressed in the vertebrate germline and plays a novel function during Xenopus PGC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Turgeon
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Divyanshi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Meng Ma
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zhigang Jin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyojeong Hwang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meining Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Wenyan Mei
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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2
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Dali O, Muriel-Muriel JA, Vargas-Baco A, Tevosian S, Zubcevic J, Smagulova F, Hayward LF. Prenatal nicotine exposure leads to epigenetic alterations in peripheral nervous system signaling genes in the testis of the rat. Epigenetics Chromatin 2024; 17:14. [PMID: 38715099 PMCID: PMC11075221 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-024-00539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) has been documented to cause numerous deleterious effects on fetal development. However, the epigenetic changes promoted by nicotine exposure on germ cells are still not well understood. OBJECTIVES In this study, we focused on elucidating the impact of prenatal nicotine exposure on regulatory epigenetic mechanisms important for germ cell development. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and male progeny was analyzed at 11 weeks of age. Testis morphology was analyzed using frozen testis sections and expression of germ cell markers was examined by RT-qPCR; histone modifications were assessed by Western Blot (WB). DNA methylation analysis was performed by methylation-specific PCR of bisulfite converted DNA. Genome-wide DNA methylation was analyzed using Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP)-seq. We also carried out transcriptomics analysis of pituitary glands by RNA-seq. RESULTS We show that gestational exposure to nicotine reduces germ cell numbers, perturbs meiosis, affects the expression of germ line reprogramming responsive genes, and impacts the DNA methylation of nervous system genes in the testis. PNE also causes perturbation of gene expression in the pituitary gland of the brain. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that PNE leads to perturbation of male spermatogenesis, and the observed effects are associated with changes of peripheral nervous system signaling pathways. Alterations in the expression of genes associated with diverse biological activities such as cell migration, cell adhesion and GABA signaling in the pituitary gland underscore the complexity of the effects of nicotine exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouzna Dali
- EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en sante, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Univ. Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Jose Antonio Muriel-Muriel
- EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en sante, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Univ. Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Ana Vargas-Baco
- EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en sante, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Univ. Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sergei Tevosian
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Box 100144, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Fatima Smagulova
- EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en sante, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Univ. Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Linda F Hayward
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Box 100144, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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3
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Lampitto M, Barchi M. Recent advances in mechanisms ensuring the pairing, synapsis and segregation of XY chromosomes in mice and humans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:194. [PMID: 38653846 PMCID: PMC11039559 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05216-0] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies are among the most common variations in human whole chromosome copy numbers, with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 1:400 to 1:1400 live births. Unlike whole-chromosome aneuploidies of autosomes, those of sex chromosomes, such as the 47, XXY aneuploidy that causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), often originate from the paternal side, caused by a lack of crossover (CO) formation between the X and Y chromosomes. COs must form between all chromosome pairs to pass meiotic checkpoints and are the product of meiotic recombination that occurs between homologous sequences of parental chromosomes. Recombination between male sex chromosomes is more challenging compared to both autosomes and sex chromosomes in females, as it is restricted within a short region of homology between X and Y, called the pseudo-autosomal region (PAR). However, in normal individuals, CO formation occurs in PAR with a higher frequency than in any other region, indicating the presence of mechanisms that promote the initiation and processing of recombination in each meiotic division. In recent years, research has made great strides in identifying genes and mechanisms that facilitate CO formation in the PAR. Here, we outline the most recent and relevant findings in this field. XY chromosome aneuploidy in humans has broad-reaching effects, contributing significantly also to Turner syndrome, spontaneous abortions, oligospermia, and even infertility. Thus, in the years to come, the identification of genes and mechanisms beyond XY aneuploidy is expected to have an impact on the genetic counseling of a wide number of families and adults affected by these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lampitto
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Barchi
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Han C. Gene expression programs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202033. [PMID: 38691389 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202033] [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: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis, probably the most complex of all cellular developmental processes, is an ideal model both for studying the specific mechanism of gametogenesis and for understanding the basic rules governing all developmental processes, as it entails both cell type-specific and housekeeping molecular processes. Spermatogenesis can be viewed as a mission with many tasks to accomplish, and its success is genetically programmed and ensured by the collaboration of a large number of genes. Here, I present an overview of mammalian spermatogenesis and the mechanisms underlying each step in the process, covering the cellular and molecular activities that occur at each developmental stage and emphasizing their gene regulation in light of recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 100101 Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
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5
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Kumar SL, Mohanty A, Kumari A, Etikuppam AK, Kumar S R, Athar M, Kumar P K, Beniwal R, Potula MM, Gandham RK, Rao HBDP. Balanced spatiotemporal arrangements of histone H3 and H4 posttranslational modifications are necessary for meiotic prophase I chromosome organization. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31201. [PMID: 38284481 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31201] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic nuclear architecture and chromatin organizations are the key features of the mid-prophase I in mammalian meiosis. The chromatin undergoes major changes, including meiosis-specific spatiotemporal arrangements and remodeling, the establishment of chromatin loop-axis structure, pairing, and crossing over between homologous chromosomes, any deficiencies in these events may induce genome instability, subsequently leading to failure to produce gametes and infertility. Despite the significance of chromatin structure, little is known about the location of chromatin marks and the necessity of their balance during meiosis prophase I. Here, we show a thorough cytological study of the surface-spread meiotic chromosomes of mouse spermatocytes for H3K9,14,18,23,27,36, H4K12,16 acetylation, and H3K4,9,27,36 methylation. Active acetylation and methylation marks on H3 and H4, such as H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H3K18ac, H3K36ac, H3K56ac, H4K12ac, H4K16ac, and H3K36me3 exhibited pan-nuclear localization away from heterochromatin. In comparison, repressive marks like H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 are localized to heterochromatin. Further, taking advantage of the delivery of small-molecule chemical inhibitors methotrexate (heterochromatin enhancer), heterochromatin inhibitor, anacardic acid (histone acetyltransferase inhibitor), trichostatin A (histone deacetylase inhibitor), IOX1 (JmjC demethylases inhibitor), and AZ505 (methyltransferase inhibitor) in seminiferous tubules through the rete testis route, revealed that alteration in histone modifications enhanced the centromere mislocalization, chromosome breakage, altered meiotic recombination and reduced sperm count. Specifically, IOX1 and AZ505 treatment shows severe meiotic phenotypes, including altering chromosome axis length and chromatin loop size via transcriptional regulation of meiosis-specific genes. Our findings highlight the importance of balanced chromatin modifications in meiotic prophase I chromosome organization and instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lava Kumar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Aradhana Mohanty
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Anjali Kumari
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ajith Kumar Etikuppam
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ranjith Kumar S
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohd Athar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Kiran Kumar P
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rohit Beniwal
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Graduate Studies, Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | | | - Ravi Kumar Gandham
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - H B D Prasada Rao
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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6
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Alavattam KG, Esparza JM, Hu M, Shimada R, Kohrs AR, Abe H, Munakata Y, Otsuka K, Yoshimura S, Kitamura Y, Yeh YH, Hu YC, Kim J, Andreassen PR, Ishiguro KI, Namekawa SH. ATF7IP2/MCAF2 directs H3K9 methylation and meiotic gene regulation in the male germline. Genes Dev 2024; 38:115-130. [PMID: 38383062 PMCID: PMC10982687 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351569.124] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) plays emerging roles in gene regulation, beyond its accumulation on pericentric constitutive heterochromatin. It remains a mystery why and how H3K9me3 undergoes dynamic regulation in male meiosis. Here, we identify a novel, critical regulator of H3K9 methylation and spermatogenic heterochromatin organization: the germline-specific protein ATF7IP2 (MCAF2). We show that in male meiosis, ATF7IP2 amasses on autosomal and X-pericentric heterochromatin, spreads through the entirety of the sex chromosomes, and accumulates on thousands of autosomal promoters and retrotransposon loci. On the sex chromosomes, which undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), the DNA damage response pathway recruits ATF7IP2 to X-pericentric heterochromatin, where it facilitates the recruitment of SETDB1, a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes H3K9me3. In the absence of ATF7IP2, male germ cells are arrested in meiotic prophase I. Analyses of ATF7IP2-deficient meiosis reveal the protein's essential roles in the maintenance of MSCI, suppression of retrotransposons, and global up-regulation of autosomal genes. We propose that ATF7IP2 is a downstream effector of the DDR pathway in meiosis that coordinates the organization of heterochromatin and gene regulation through the spatial regulation of SETDB1-mediated H3K9me3 deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Jasmine M Esparza
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Anna R Kohrs
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Hironori Abe
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Munakata
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Kai Otsuka
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Saori Yoshimura
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
| | - Jihye Kim
- Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan;
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 49229, USA
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7
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Ascenção C, Sims JR, Dziubek A, Comstock W, Fogarty EA, Badar J, Freire R, Grimson A, Weiss RS, Cohen PE, Smolka MB. A TOPBP1 allele causing male infertility uncouples XY silencing dynamics from sex body formation. eLife 2024; 12:RP90887. [PMID: 38391183 PMCID: PMC10942628 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90887] [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: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis, and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain. Topbp1B5/B5 males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted, including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin. Topbp1B5/B5 spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolline Ascenção
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Jennie R Sims
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Alexis Dziubek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - William Comstock
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Elizabeth A Fogarty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Jumana Badar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de CanariasSanta Cruz de TenerifeSpain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa CanariasLas Palmas de Gran CanariaSpain
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Robert S Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Marcus B Smolka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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8
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Kitamura Y, Takahashi K, Maezawa S, Munakata Y, Sakashita A, Kaplan N, Namekawa SH. CTCF-mediated 3D chromatin predetermines the gene expression program in the male germline. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569508. [PMID: 38076840 PMCID: PMC10705413 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a unidirectional differentiation process that generates haploid sperm, but how the gene expression program that directs this process is established is largely unknown. Here we determine the high-resolution 3D chromatin architecture of male germ cells during spermatogenesis and show that CTCF-mediated 3D chromatin predetermines the gene expression program required for spermatogenesis. In undifferentiated spermatogonia, CTCF-mediated chromatin contacts on autosomes pre-establish meiosis-specific super-enhancers (SE). These meiotic SE recruit the master transcription factor A-MYB in meiotic spermatocytes, which strengthens their 3D contacts and instructs a burst of meiotic gene expression. We also find that at the mitosis-to-meiosis transition, the germline-specific Polycomb protein SCML2 resolves chromatin loops that are specific to mitotic spermatogonia. Moreover, SCML2 and A-MYB establish the unique 3D chromatin organization of sex chromosomes during meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. We propose that CTCF-mediated 3D chromatin organization enforces epigenetic priming that directs unidirectional differentiation, thereby determining the cellular identity of the male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 281-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Munakata
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
| | - Noam Kaplan
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
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9
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Ascencao CFR, Sims JR, Dziubek A, Comstock W, Fogarty EA, Badar J, Freire R, Grimson A, Weiss RS, Cohen PE, Smolka M. A TOPBP1 Allele Causing Male Infertility Uncouples XY Silencing Dynamics From Sex Body Formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543071. [PMID: 37398453 PMCID: PMC10312512 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain. Topbp1 B5/B5 males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin. Topbp1 B5/B5 spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
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10
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Moreno-Irusta A, Dominguez EM, Iqbal K, Zhang X, Wang N, Soares MJ. TAF7L REGULATES EARLY STAGES OF MALE GERM CELL DEVELOPMENT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561408. [PMID: 37873461 PMCID: PMC10592675 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Male germ cell development is dependent on the orchestrated regulation of gene networks. TATA-box binding protein associated factors (TAFs) facilitate interactions of TATA-binding protein with the TATA element, which is known to coordinate gene transcription during organogenesis. TAF7 like (Taf7l) is situated on the X chromosome and has been implicated in testis development. We examined the biology of TAF7L in testis development using the rat. Taf7l was prominently expressed in preleptotene to leptotene spermatocytes. To study the impact of TAF7L on the testis we generated a global loss-of-function rat model using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Exon 3 of the Taf7l gene was targeted. A founder was generated possessing a 110 bp deletion within the Taf7l locus, which resulted in a frameshift and the premature appearance of a stop codon. The mutation was effectively transmitted through the germline. Deficits in TAF7L did not adversely affect pregnancy or postnatal survival. However, the Taf7l disruption resulted in male infertility due to compromised testis development and failed sperm production. Mutant germ cells suffer meiotic arrest at the zygotene stage, with defects in sex body formation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. This testis phenotype was more pronounced than previously described for the subfertile Taf7l null mouse. We conclude that TAF7L is essential for male germ cell development in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Esteban M. Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO
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11
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Shao Q, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Shang Y, Li S, Liu L, Wang G, Zhou X, Wang P, Gao J, Zhou J, Zhang L, Wang S. ATF7IP2, a meiosis-specific partner of SETDB1, is required for proper chromosome remodeling and crossover formation during spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112953. [PMID: 37542719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112953] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers are required for the faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes and to promote genetic diversity. However, it is unclear how crossover formation is regulated, especially on the XY chromosomes, which show a homolog only at the tiny pseudoautosomal region. Here, we show that ATF7IP2 is a meiosis-specific ortholog of ATF7IP and a partner of SETDB1. In the absence of ATF7IP2, autosomes show increased axis length and more crossovers; however, many XY chromosomes lose the obligatory crossover, although the overall XY axis length is also increased. Additionally, meiotic DNA double-strand break formation/repair may also be affected by altered histone modifications. Ultimately, spermatogenesis is blocked, and male mice are infertile. These findings suggest that ATF7IP2 constraints autosomal axis length and crossovers on autosomes; meanwhile, it also modulates XY chromosomes to establish meiotic sex chromosome inactivation for cell-cycle progression and to ensure XY crossover formation during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Si Li
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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12
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Odroniec A, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M. Epigenetic markers in the embryonal germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:6. [PMID: 36814207 PMCID: PMC9948345 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of generation of male reproductive cells from spermatogonial stem cells in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. During spermatogenesis, key spermatogenic events such as stem cell self-renewal and commitment to meiosis, meiotic recombination, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, followed by cellular and chromatin remodeling of elongating spermatids occur, leading to sperm cell production. All the mentioned events are at least partially controlled by the epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones. Additionally, during embryonal development in primordial germ cells, global epigenetic reprogramming of DNA occurs. In this review, we summarized the most important epigenetic modifications in the particular stages of germ cell development, in DNA and histone proteins, starting from primordial germ cells, during embryonal development, and ending with histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeusz Odroniec
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60–479 Poznan, Poland
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13
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Garretson A, Dumont BL, Handel MA. Reproductive genomics of the mouse: implications for human fertility and infertility. Development 2023; 150:dev201313. [PMID: 36779988 PMCID: PMC10836652 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201313] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetic analyses of mammalian gametogenesis and fertility have the potential to inform about two important and interrelated clinical areas: infertility and contraception. Here, we address the genetics and genomics underlying gamete formation, productivity and function in the context of reproductive success in mammalian systems, primarily mouse and human. Although much is known about the specific genes and proteins required for meiotic processes and sperm function, we know relatively little about other gametic determinants of overall fertility, such as regulation of gamete numbers, duration of gamete production, and gamete selection and function in fertilization. As fertility is not a binary trait, attention is now appropriately focused on the oligogenic, quantitative aspects of reproduction. Multiparent mouse populations, created by complex crossing strategies, exhibit genetic diversity similar to human populations and will be valuable resources for genetic discovery, helping to overcome current limitations to our knowledge of mammalian reproductive genetics. Finally, we discuss how what we know about the genomics of reproduction can ultimately be brought to the clinic, informing our concepts of human fertility and infertility, and improving assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Garretson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Beth L. Dumont
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mary Ann Handel
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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14
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Prakash Yadav R, Leskinen S, Ma L, Mäkelä JA, Kotaja N. Chromatin remodelers HELLS, WDHD1 and BAZ1A are dynamically expressed during mouse spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2023; 165:49-63. [PMID: 36194437 PMCID: PMC9782464 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In brief Proper regulation of heterochromatin is critical for spermatogenesis. This study reveals the dynamic localization patterns of distinct chromatin regulators during spermatogenesis and disrupted sex chromatin status in spermatocytes in the absence of DICER. Abstract Heterochromatin is dynamically formed and organized in differentiating male germ cells, and its proper regulation is a prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis. While heterochromatin is generally transcriptionally silent, we have previously shown that major satellite repeat (MSR) DNA in the pericentric heterochromatin (PCH) is transcribed during spermatogenesis. We have also shown that DICER associates with PCH and is involved in the regulation of MSR-derived transcripts. To shed light on the heterochromatin regulation in the male germline, we studied the expression, localization and heterochromatin association of selected testis-enriched chromatin regulators in the mouse testis. Our results show that HELLS, WDHD1 and BAZ1A are dynamically expressed during spermatogenesis. They display limited overlap in expression, suggesting involvement in distinct heterochromatin-associated processes at different steps of differentiation. We also show that HELLS and BAZ1A interact with DICER and MSR chromatin. Interestingly, deletion of Dicer1 affects the sex chromosome heterochromatin status in late pachytene spermatocytes, as demonstrated by mislocalization of Polycomb protein family member SCML1 to the sex body. These data substantiate the importance of dynamic heterochromatin regulation during spermatogenesis and emphasize the key role of DICER in the maintenance of chromatin status in meiotic male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Prakash Yadav
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sini Leskinen
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lin Ma
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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15
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Li M. Sex body: A nest of protein mixture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1165745. [PMID: 37123420 PMCID: PMC10140345 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1165745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During the pachytene stage in mammalian meiosis, the X and Y chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed outside the pseudoautosomal region, while autosomes are fully synapsed. Then, the sex chromosomes are compartmentalized into a "sex body" in the nucleus and are subjected to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). For decades, the formation and functioning of the sex body and MSCI have been subjects worth exploring. Notably, a series of proteins have been reported to be located on the sex body area and inferred to play an essential role in MSCI; however, the proteins that are actually located in this area and how these proteins promote sex body formation and establish MSCI remain unclear. Collectively, the DNA damage response factors, downstream fanconi anemia proteins, and other canonical repressive histone modifications have been reported to be associated with the sex body. Here, this study reviews the factors located on the sex body area and tries to provide new insights into studying this mysterious domain.
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16
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Abe H, Yeh YH, Munakata Y, Ishiguro KI, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Active DNA damage response signaling initiates and maintains meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7212. [PMID: 36443288 PMCID: PMC9705562 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is an essential process in the male germline. While genetic experiments have established that the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway directs MSCI, due to limitations to the experimental systems available, mechanisms underlying MSCI remain largely unknown. Here we establish a system to study MSCI ex vivo, based on a short-term culture method, and demonstrate that active DDR signaling is required both to initiate and maintain MSCI via a dynamic and reversible process. DDR-directed MSCI follows two layers of modifications: active DDR-dependent reversible processes and irreversible histone post-translational modifications. Further, the DDR initiates MSCI independent of the downstream repressive histone mark H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), thereby demonstrating that active DDR signaling is the primary mechanism of silencing in MSCI. By unveiling the dynamic nature of MSCI, and its governance by active DDR signals, our study highlights the sex chromosomes as an active signaling hub in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Abe
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA ,grid.274841.c0000 0001 0660 6749Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Yasuhisa Munakata
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- grid.274841.c0000 0001 0660 6749Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Paul R. Andreassen
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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17
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Kazi S, Castañeda JM, Savolainen A, Xu Y, Liu N, Qiao H, Ramirez‐Solis R, Nozawa K, Yu Z, Matzuk MM, Prunskaite‐Hyyryläinen R. MRNIP interacts with sex body chromatin to support meiotic progression, spermatogenesis, and male fertility in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22479. [PMID: 35920200 PMCID: PMC9544956 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101168rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis has a principal role in sexual reproduction to generate haploid gametes in both sexes. During meiosis, the cell nucleus hosts a dynamic environment where some genes are transcriptionally activated, and some are inactivated at the same time. This becomes possible through subnuclear compartmentalization. The sex body, sequestering X and Y chromosomes during male meiosis and creating an environment for the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is one of the best known and studied subnuclear compartments. Herein, we show that MRNIP forms droplet-like accumulations that fuse together to create a distinct subnuclear compartment that partially overlaps with the sex body chromatin during diplotene. We demonstrate that Mrnip-/- spermatocytes have impaired DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, they display reduced sex body formation and defective MSCI. We show that Mrnip-/- undergoes critical meiocyte loss at the diplotene stage. Furthermore, we determine that DNA DSBs (induced by SPO11) and synapsis initiation (facilitated by SYCP1) precede Mrnip expression in testes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to an emerging role in DNA DSB repair, MRNIP has an essential function in spermatogenesis during meiosis I by forming drop-like accumulations interacting with the sex body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Kazi
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | | | - Audrey Savolainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Yiding Xu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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18
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R-Loop Formation in Meiosis: Roles in Meiotic Transcription-Associated DNA Damage. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6030026. [PMID: 36135313 PMCID: PMC9498298 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is specialized cell division during gametogenesis that produces genetically unique gametes via homologous recombination. Meiotic homologous recombination entails repairing programmed 200–300 DNA double-strand breaks generated during the early prophase. To avoid interference between meiotic gene transcription and homologous recombination, mammalian meiosis is thought to employ a strategy of exclusively transcribing meiotic or post-meiotic genes before their use. Recent studies have shown that R-loops, three-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid nucleotide structures formed during transcription, play a crucial role in transcription and genome integrity. Although our knowledge about the function of R-loops during meiosis is limited, recent findings in mouse models have suggested that they play crucial roles in meiosis. Given that defective formation of an R-loop can cause abnormal transcription and transcription-coupled DNA damage, the precise regulatory network of R-loops may be essential in vivo for the faithful progression of mammalian meiosis and gametogenesis.
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19
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Zhang R, Liu Y, Gao J. Phase separation in controlling meiotic chromosome dynamics. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:69-90. [PMID: 36681478 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexually reproducing organisms produce haploid gametes through meiotic cell division, during which a single round of DNA replication is followed by two consecutive chromosome segregation. A series of meiosis-specific events take place during the meiotic prophase to ensure successful chromosome segregation. These events include programmed DNA double-strand break formation, chromosome movement driven by cytoplasmic forces, homologous pairing, synaptonemal complex installation, and inter-homolog crossover formation. Phase separation has emerged as a key principle controlling cellular biomolecular material organization and biological processes. Recent studies have revealed the involvements of phase separation in assembling meiotic chromosome-associated structures. Here we review and discuss how phase separation may participate in meiotic chromosome dynamics and propose that it may provide opportunities to understand the mysteries in meiotic regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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20
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Oura S, Hino T, Satoh T, Noda T, Koyano T, Isotani A, Matsuyama M, Akira S, Ishiguro KI, Ikawa M. Trim41 is required to regulate chromosome axis protein dynamics and meiosis in male mice. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010241. [PMID: 35648791 PMCID: PMC9191731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a hallmark event in germ cell development that accompanies sequential events executed by numerous molecules. Therefore, characterization of these factors is one of the best strategies to clarify the mechanism of meiosis. Here, we report tripartite motif-containing 41 (TRIM41), a ubiquitin ligase E3, as an essential factor for proper meiotic progression and fertility in male mice. Trim41 knockout (KO) spermatocytes exhibited synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) overloading, especially on the X chromosome. Furthermore, mutant mice lacking the RING domain of TRIM41, required for the ubiquitin ligase E3 activity, phenocopied Trim41 KO mice. We then examined the behavior of mutant TRIM41 (ΔRING-TRIM41) and found that ΔRING-TRIM41 accumulated on the chromosome axes with overloaded SYCP3. This result suggested that TRIM41 exerts its function on the chromosome axes. Our study revealed that Trim41 is essential for preventing SYCP3 overloading, suggesting a TRIM41-mediated mechanism for regulating chromosome axis protein dynamics during male meiotic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Hino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Satoh
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Host Defense, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Koyano
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shizuo Akira
- Laboratory of Host Defense, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei-ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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