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Liao C, Walters BW, DiStasio M, Lesch BJ. Human-specific epigenomic states in spermatogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:577-588. [PMID: 38274996 PMCID: PMC10809009 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming increasingly common, affecting one in six people globally. Half of these cases can be attributed to male factors, many driven by abnormalities in the process of sperm development. Emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies, genetic screening of patient cohorts, and animal models highlights an important genetic contribution to spermatogenic defects, but comprehensive identification and characterization of the genes critical for male fertility remain lacking. High divergence of gene regulation in spermatogenic cells across species poses challenges for delineating the genetic pathways required for human spermatogenesis using common model organisms. In this study, we leveraged post-translational histone modification and gene transcription data for 15,491 genes in four mammalian species (human, rhesus macaque, mouse, and opossum), to identify human-specific patterns of gene regulation during spermatogenesis. We combined H3K27me3 ChIP-seq, H3K4me3 ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data to define epigenetic states for each gene at two stages of spermatogenesis, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, in each species. We identified 239 genes that are uniquely active, poised, or dynamically regulated in human spermatogenic cells distinct from the other three species. While some of these genes have been implicated in reproductive functions, many more have not yet been associated with human infertility and may be candidates for further molecular and epidemiologic studies. Our analysis offers an example of the opportunities provided by evolutionary and epigenomic data for broadly screening candidate genes implicated in reproduction, which might lead to discoveries of novel genetic targets for diagnosis and management of male infertility and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Marcello DiStasio
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Opthamology & Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bluma J. Lesch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Siebert-Kuss LM, Dietrich V, Di Persio S, Bhaskaran J, Stehling M, Cremers JF, Sandmann S, Varghese J, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Vaquerizas JM, Neuhaus N, Laurentino S. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in human spermatogenesis. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1125-1139. [PMID: 38759652 PMCID: PMC11179423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.017] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm production and function require the correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns in the germline. Here, we examined the genome-wide DNA methylation changes during human spermatogenesis and its alterations in disturbed spermatogenesis. We found that spermatogenesis is associated with remodeling of the methylome, comprising a global decline in DNA methylation in primary spermatocytes followed by selective remethylation, resulting in a spermatids/sperm-specific methylome. Hypomethylated regions in spermatids/sperm were enriched in specific transcription factor binding sites for DMRT and SOX family members and spermatid-specific genes. Intriguingly, while SINEs displayed differential methylation throughout spermatogenesis, LINEs appeared to be protected from changes in DNA methylation. In disturbed spermatogenesis, germ cells exhibited considerable DNA methylation changes, which were significantly enriched at transposable elements and genes involved in spermatogenesis. We detected hypomethylation in SVA and L1HS in disturbed spermatogenesis, suggesting an association between the abnormal programming of these regions and failure of germ cells progressing beyond meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Siebert-Kuss
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Dietrich
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jahnavi Bhaskaran
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Stehling
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sarah Sandmann
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juan M Vaquerizas
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Thanh TN, Tien ST, Van PN, Thai SD, Cong TL, Le TD, Nguyen ST, Van TT, Duong HH, Bui TM, Nguyen KT. Optimization of Multiplex-PCR Technique To Determine Azf Deletions in infertility Male Patients. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1579-1589. [PMID: 38690198 PMCID: PMC11059631 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s455513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To optimize the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) technique to diagnose microdeletions of azoospermia factors (AZF) on the Y chromosome and initially apply the technique to diagnose male patients with sperm density less than 5×106 million sperm/mL was assigned to do a test to check for AZF microdeletions on the Y chromosome. Methods Based on the positive control samples which belong to male subjects who have had 2 healthy children without any assisted reproductive technologies, the M-PCR method was developed to detect simultaneously and accurately AZF microdeletions on 32 male patients with sperm densities below 5×106 million sperm/mL of semen at the Department of Biology and Medical Genetics - Vietnam Military Medical University. Results Successful optimization of the M-PCR technique including 7 reactions arranged according to each AZFabc region using 24 STS/gene on the Y chromosome. Initial application to diagnose AZF deletion on 32 azoospermic and oligospermic men reveals that AZFa deletion accounts for 6.25% (2/32); deletion of all 3 regions AZFa,b,c with 18.75% (6/32 cases); The combined deletion rate of AZFb,c is highest, accounting for 56.24% (18/32 patients). Conclusion Successfully optimized the M-PCR technique in identifying AZF microdeletions using 24 sequence tagged sites (STS)/gene for azoospermic and oligozoospermic men. The M-PCR technique has great potential in the application of AZF deletion diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Nguyen Thanh
- Military Institute of Clinical Embryology and Histology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Sang Trieu Tien
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Phong Nguyen Van
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Son Dang Thai
- Institute of Biological and Food Technology, Hanoi Open University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Thuc Luong Cong
- Cardiovascular Center, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Tuan Dinh Le
- Department of Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Son Tien Nguyen
- Department of Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Military Hospital 103, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Tuan Tran Van
- Military Institute of Clinical Embryology and Histology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Huy Duong
- Department of Neurology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, 410000, Vietnam
| | - Tien Minh Bui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, 410000, Vietnam
| | - Kien Trung Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, 410000, Vietnam
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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5
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Mapel XM, Kadri NK, Leonard AS, He Q, Lloret-Villas A, Bhati M, Hiltpold M, Pausch H. Molecular quantitative trait loci in reproductive tissues impact male fertility in cattle. Nat Commun 2024; 15:674. [PMID: 38253538 PMCID: PMC10803364 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44935-7] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breeding bulls are well suited to investigate inherited variation in male fertility because they are genotyped and their reproductive success is monitored through semen analyses and thousands of artificial inseminations. However, functional data from relevant tissues are lacking in cattle, which prevents fine-mapping fertility-associated genomic regions. Here, we characterize gene expression and splicing variation in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens transcriptomes of 118 mature bulls and conduct association tests between 414,667 molecular phenotypes and 21,501,032 genome-wide variants to identify 41,156 regulatory loci. We show broad consensus in tissue-specific and tissue-enriched gene expression between the three bovine tissues and their human and murine counterparts. Expression- and splicing-mediating variants are more than three times as frequent in testis than epididymis and vas deferens, highlighting the transcriptional complexity of testis. Finally, we identify genes (WDR19, SPATA16, KCTD19, ZDHHC1) and molecular phenotypes that are associated with quantitative variation in male fertility through transcriptome-wide association and colocalization analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xena Marie Mapel
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Naveen Kumar Kadri
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander S Leonard
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Qiongyu He
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Meenu Bhati
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Maya Hiltpold
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31326, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich, Universitatstrasse 2, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Stopel A, Lev C, Dahari S, Adibi O, Armon L, Gonen N. Towards a "Testis in a Dish": Generation of Mouse Testicular Organoids that Recapitulate Testis Structure and Expression Profiles. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1024-1041. [PMID: 38250158 PMCID: PMC10797687 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89480] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid maturation in vitro. These testis organoids are a promising model system for basic research of testes development and function, with translational applications for elucidation and treatment of developmental sex disorders and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
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Young S, Schiffer C, Wagner A, Patz J, Potapenko A, Herrmann L, Nordhoff V, Pock T, Krallmann C, Stallmeyer B, Röpke A, Kierzek M, Biagioni C, Wang T, Haalck L, Deuster D, Hansen JN, Wachten D, Risse B, Behre HM, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Tüttelmann F, Brenker C, Strünker T. Human fertilization in vivo and in vitro requires the CatSper channel to initiate sperm hyperactivation. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173564. [PMID: 38165034 PMCID: PMC10760960 DOI: 10.1172/jci173564] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The infertility of many couples rests on an enigmatic dysfunction of the man's sperm. To gain insight into the underlying pathomechanisms, we assessed the function of the sperm-specific multisubunit CatSper-channel complex in the sperm of almost 2,300 men undergoing a fertility workup, using a simple motility-based test. We identified a group of men with normal semen parameters but defective CatSper function. These men or couples failed to conceive naturally and upon medically assisted reproduction via intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was, ultimately, required to conceive a child. We revealed that the defective CatSper function was caused by variations in CATSPER genes. Moreover, we unveiled that CatSper-deficient human sperm were unable to undergo hyperactive motility and, therefore, failed to penetrate the egg coat. Thus, our study provides the experimental evidence that sperm hyperactivation is required for human fertilization, explaining the infertility of CatSper-deficient men and the need of ICSI for medically assisted reproduction. Finally, our study also revealed that defective CatSper function and ensuing failure to hyperactivate represents the most common cause of unexplained male infertility known thus far and that this sperm channelopathy can readily be diagnosed, enabling future evidence-based treatment of affected couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alice Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics
| | - Jannika Patz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anton Potapenko
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Leonie Herrmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tim Pock
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Michelina Kierzek
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate School
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Haalck
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Deuster
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N. Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Risse
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Computer Science Department, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann M. Behre
- UKM Fertility Centre, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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8
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Crafa A, Leanza C, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE, Cannarella R. Relationship between degree of methylation of sperm long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) gene and alteration of sperm parameters and age: a meta-regression analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:87-97. [PMID: 37921972 PMCID: PMC10789695 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02980-z] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE1) gene is a retrotransposon whose methylation status appears to play a role in spermatogenesis, the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and even in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Advanced paternal age appears associated with altered sperm parameters, RPL, poor ART outcomes, and compromised offspring health. The methylation status of LINE1 has been reported to be affected by age. The latest meta-analysis on the LINE1 methylation pattern in spermatozoa found no significant differences in methylation levels between infertile patients and fertile controls. However, to the best of our knowledge, no updated meta-analysis on this topic has been published recently. Furthermore, no comprehensive meta-regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between sperm LINE1 methylation pattern and age. OBJECTIVES To provide an updated and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with abnormal sperm parameters compared to men with normal sperm parameters and to probe the association between sperm LINE1 methylation status and age and/or sperm concentration. METHODS This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration n. CRD42023397056). It was performed according to the MOOSE guidelines for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Only original articles evaluating LINE1 gene methylation in spermatozoa from patients with infertility or abnormalities in one or more sperm parameters compared to fertile or normozoospermic men were included. RESULTS Of 192 abstracts evaluated for eligibility, only 5 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, involving a total of 340 patients and 150 controls. Our analysis showed no significant difference in LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters compared to fertile controls and/or men with normal sperm parameters, although there was significant heterogeneity across studies. No significant evidence of publication bias was found, and no study was sensitive enough to alter the results. In meta-regression analysis, we found that the results were independent of both ages and sperm concentration. A sub-analysis examining patients and controls separately was also conducted and we found a trend for a positive correlation between LINE1 methylation and sperm concentration in the control group only. CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis do not suggest a determining role of sperm LINE1 gene methylation degree in patients with infertility and/or abnormal sperm parameters. Therefore, we do not suggest including LINE1 in the genetic panel of prospective studies aimed at identifying the most representative and cost-effective genes to be analyzed in couples undergoing ART cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Leanza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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9
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Jin HJ, Ruan T, Dai S, Geng XY, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen SR. Identification of CFAP52 as a novel diagnostic target of male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development. eLife 2023; 12:RP92769. [PMID: 38126872 PMCID: PMC10735225 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92769] [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: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern. Asthenoteratozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, but its etiology remains incompletely understood. No evidence indicates the relevance of CFAP52 mutations to human male infertility. Our whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in CFAP52 recessively cosegregating with male infertility status in a non-consanguineous Chinese family. Spermatozoa of CFAP52-mutant patient mainly exhibited abnormal head-tail connection and deformed flagella. Cfap52-knockout mice resembled the human infertile phenotype, showing a mixed acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) and multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype. The ultrastructural analyses further revealed a failure of connecting piece formation and a serious disorder of '9+2' axoneme structure. CFAP52 interacts with a head-tail coupling regulator SPATA6 and is essential for its stability. Expression of microtubule inner proteins and radial spoke proteins were reduced after the CFAP52 deficiency. Moreover, CFAP52-associated male infertility in humans and mice could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study reveals a prominent role for CFAP52 in sperm development, suggesting that CFAP52 might be a novel diagnostic target for male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
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10
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Bashiri Z, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Khadivi F, Salem M, Afzali A, Cham TC, Koruji M. In vitro spermatogenesis in artificial testis: current knowledge and clinical implications for male infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:393-421. [PMID: 37721632 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Men's reproductive health exclusively depends on the appropriate maturation of certain germ cells known as sperm. Certain illnesses, such as Klinefelter syndrome, cryptorchidism, and syndrome of androgen insensitivity or absence of testis maturation in men, resulting in the loss of germ cells and the removal of essential genes on the Y chromosome, can cause non-obstructive azoospermia. According to laboratory research, preserving, proliferating, differentiating, and transplanting spermatogonial stem cells or testicular tissue could be future methods for preserving the fertility of children with cancer and men with azoospermia. Therefore, new advances in stem cell research may lead to promising therapies for treating male infertility. The rate of progression and breakthrough in the area of in vitro spermatogenesis is lower than that of SSC transplantation, but newer methods are also being developed. In this regard, tissue and cell culture, supplements, and 3D scaffolds have opened new horizons in the differentiation of stem cells in vitro, which could improve the outcomes of male infertility. Various 3D methods have been developed to produce cellular aggregates and mimic the organization and function of the testis. The production of an artificial reproductive organ that supports SSCs differentiation will certainly be a main step in male infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Afzali
- Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
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11
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Ma Y, Wu B, Chen Y, Ma S, Wang L, Han T, Lin X, Yang F, Liu C, Zhao J, Li W. CCDC146 is required for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:1. [PMID: 38038747 PMCID: PMC11072088 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05025-x] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is a severe disease of male infertility, while the pathogenetic mechanisms of MMAF are still incompletely understood. Previously, we found that the deficiency of Ccdc38 might be associated with MMAF. To understand the underlying mechanism of this disease, we identified the potential partner of this protein and found that the coiled-coil domain containing 146 (CCDC146) can interact with CCDC38. It is predominantly expressed in the testes, and the knockout of this gene resulted in complete infertility in male mice but not in females. The knockout of Ccdc146 impaired spermiogenesis, mainly due to flagellum and manchette organization defects, finally led to MMAF-like phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCDC146 could interact with both CCDC38 and CCDC42. It also interacts with intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes IFT88 and IFT20. The knockout of this gene led to the decrease of ODF2, IFT88, and IFT20 protein levels, but did not affect CCDC38, CCDC42, or ODF1 expression. Additionally, we predicted and validated the detailed interactions between CCDC146 and CCDC38 or CCDC42, and built the interaction models at the atomic level. Our results suggest that the testis predominantly expressed gene Ccdc146 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaolei Lin
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Fulin Yang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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12
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Jahangeer M, Mustafa G, Munir N, Ahmed S, Al-Anazi KM. Exploring the Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds against Male Infertility: An In Silico and In Vivo Study. Molecules 2023; 28:7693. [PMID: 38067423 PMCID: PMC10707554 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a well-recognized multifactorial problem affecting the majority of people who struggle with infertility issues. In recent times, among infertility cases, the male factor has acquired importance, and now it contributes to approximately half of the infertility cases because of different abnormalities. In the current study, we used natural phytochemicals as potential drug-lead compounds to target different receptor proteins that are involved in the onset of male infertility. A set of 210 plant phytochemicals were docked counter to active site residues of sex hormone-binding globulin, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17, and DNase I as receptor proteins. On the basis of binding scores and molecular dynamics simulation, the phytochemicals tricin, quercetin, malvidin, rhamnetin, isorhamnetin, gallic acid, kaempferol, esculin, robinetin, and okanin were found to be the potential drug candidates to treat male infertility. Molecular dynamics simulation showed tricin as a strong inhibitor of all selected receptor proteins because the ligand-protein complexes remained stabilized during the entire simulation time of 100 ns. Further, an in vivo study was designed to evaluate the effect of tricin in male rats with nicotine-induced infertility. It was explored that a high dose of tricin significantly reduced the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein and raised the level of high-density lipoprotein in intoxicated male rats. A high dose of tricin also increased the reproductive hormones (i.e., testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) and reduced the level of DHEA-SO4. The phytochemical (tricin, 10 mg/kg body weight) also showed significant improvement in the histo-architecture after nicotine intoxication in rats. From the current study, it is concluded that the phytochemical tricin could serve as a potential drug candidate to cure male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jahangeer
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Munir
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54782, Pakistan;
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mashai Al-Anazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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13
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Kaushik A, Metkari SM, Ali S, Bhartiya D. Preventing/Reversing Adverse Effects of Endocrine Disruption on Mouse Testes by Normalizing Tissue Resident VSELs. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2525-2540. [PMID: 37561284 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive health of men is declining in today's world due to increased developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). We earlier reported that neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption resulted in reduced numbers of seminiferous tubules in Stage VIII, decreased sperm count, and infertility along with testicular tumors in 65% of diethylstilbestrol (DES) treated mice. Epigenetic changes due to EDCs, pushed the VSELs out of a quiescent state to enter cell cycle and undergo excessive self-renewal while transition of c-KIT- stem cells into c-KIT + germ cells was blocked due to altered MMR axis (Np95, Pcna, Dnmts), global hypomethylation (reduced expression of 5-methylcytosine) and loss of imprinting at Igf2-H19 and Dlk1-Meg3 loci. The present study was undertaken to firstly show similar defects in FACS sorted VSELs from DES treated testis and to further explore the reversal of these testicular pathologies by (i) oral administration of XAR (a nano-formulation of resveratrol) or (ii) inter-tubular transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Similar defects as reported earlier in the testes were evident, based on RNAseq data, on FACS sorted VSELs from DES treated mice. Both strategies were found effective, improved spermatogenesis, increased number of tubules in Stage VIII, normalized numbers of VSELs and c-KIT + cells, improved epigenetic status of VSELs to restore quiescent state, and reduced cancer incidence from 65% after DES to 13.33% and 20% after XAR treatment or MSCs transplantation respectively. Results provide a basis for initiating clinical studies and the study falls under the umbrella of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - S M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Subhan Ali
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India.
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14
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Wang M, Kang J, Shen Z, Hu Y, Chen M, Cui X, Liu H, Gao F. CCDC189 affects sperm flagellum formation by interacting with CABCOCO1. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad181. [PMID: 37601242 PMCID: PMC10437088 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad181] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are one of the major causes of male infertility and are characterized by multiple defects. In this study, we found that the coiled-coil domain-containing 189 (Ccdc189) gene was predominantly expressed in mouse testes and that inactivation of the Ccdc189 gene caused male infertility. Histological studies revealed that most sperm from Ccdc189-deficient mice carried coiled, curved or short flagella, which are typical MMAF phenotypes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the CCDC189 protein was located at the radial spoke of the first peripheral microtubule doublet in the sperm axoneme. A CCDC189-interacting protein, CABCOCO1 (ciliary-associated calcium-binding coiled-coil protein 1), was discovered via co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and inactivation of Cabcoco1 caused malformation of sperm flagella, which was consistent with findings obtained with Ccdc189-deficient mice. Further studies revealed that inactivation of CCDC189 caused downregulation of CABCOCO1 protein expression and that both CCDC189 and CABCOCO1 interacted with the radial-spoke-specific protein RSPH1 and intraflagellar transport proteins. This study demonstrated that Ccdc189 is a radial-spoke-associated protein and is involved in sperm flagellum formation through its interactions with CABCOCO1 and intraflagellar transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Junyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhiming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Yingchun Hu
- Core Facilities, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
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15
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Santos IB, Wainman A, Garrido-Maraver J, Pires V, Riparbelli MG, Kovács L, Callaini G, Glover DM, Tavares ÁA. Mob4 is essential for spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad104. [PMID: 37259670 PMCID: PMC10411562 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad104] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamete formation is essential for sexual reproduction in metazoans. Meiosis in males gives rise to spermatids that must differentiate and individualize into mature sperm. In Drosophila melanogaster, individualization of interconnected spermatids requires the formation of individualization complexes that synchronously move along the sperm bundles. Here, we show that Mob4, a member of the Mps-one binder family, is essential for male fertility but has no detectable role in female fertility. We show that Mob4 is required for proper axonemal structure and its loss leads to male sterility associated with defective spermatid individualization and absence of mature sperm in the seminal vesicles. Transmission electron micrographs of developing spermatids following mob4RNAi revealed expansion of the outer axonemal microtubules such that the 9 doublets no longer remained linked to each other and defective mitochondrial organization. Mob4 is a STRIPAK component, and male fertility is similarly impaired upon depletion of the STRIPAK components, Strip and Cka. Expression of the human Mob4 gene rescues all phenotypes of Drosophila mob4 downregulation, indicating that the gene is evolutionarily and functionally conserved. Together, this suggests that Mob4 contributes to the regulation of the microtubule- and actin-cytoskeleton during spermatogenesis through the conserved STRIPAK complex. Our study advances the understanding of male infertility by uncovering the requirement for Mob4 in sperm individualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês B Santos
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Alan Wainman
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Juan Garrido-Maraver
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Vanessa Pires
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | | | - Levente Kovács
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 91125 Pasadena, California
| | - Giuliano Callaini
- University of Siena, Department of Life Sciences, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - David M Glover
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 91125 Pasadena, California
| | - Álvaro A Tavares
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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16
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Chen Q, Xia Y, Li H, Cannarella R. Editorial: Disruptors on male reproduction-emerging risk factors, volume II. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1247971. [PMID: 37564985 PMCID: PMC10411980 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1247971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urology and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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17
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Cannarella R, Petralia CMB, Condorelli RA, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S. Investigational follicle-stimulating hormone receptor agonists for male infertility therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:813-824. [PMID: 37747064 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2263364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION According to estimates by the World Health Organization, about 17.5% of the adult population - roughly 1 in 6 globally - experience infertility. The causes of male infertility remain poorly understood and have yet to be fully evaluated. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) represents an available and useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of idiopathic infertility. AREAS COVERED We provide here an overview of the molecular mechanisms by which FSH stimulates Sertoli cells and the schemes, dosages, and formulations of FSH most prescribed so far and reported in the literature. We also evaluated the possible predictor factors of the response to FSH administration and the indications of the latest guidelines on the use of FSH for the treatment of male infertility. EXPERT OPINION FSH therapy should be considered for infertile male patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and normal serum FSH levels to quantitatively and qualitatively improve sperm parameters and pregnancy and birth rates. The grade of evidence is very low to low, due to the limited number of randomized controlled studies and patients available, the heterogeneity of the studies, and the limited effect size. To overcome these limitations, preclinical and clinical research is needed to evaluate the most effective dose and duration of FSH administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cristina M B Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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18
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Bachelot G, Dhombres F, Sermondade N, Haj Hamid R, Berthaut I, Frydman V, Prades M, Kolanska K, Selleret L, Mathieu-D'Argent E, Rivet-Danon D, Levy R, Lamazière A, Dupont C. A Machine Learning Approach for the Prediction of Testicular Sperm Extraction in Nonobstructive Azoospermia: Algorithm Development and Validation Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44047. [PMID: 37342078 DOI: 10.2196/44047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is an essential therapeutic tool for the management of male infertility. However, it is an invasive procedure with a success rate up to 50%. To date, no model based on clinical and laboratory parameters is sufficiently powerful to accurately predict the success of sperm retrieval in TESE. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare a wide range of predictive models under similar conditions for TESE outcomes in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) to identify the correct mathematical approach to apply, most appropriate study size, and relevance of the input biomarkers. METHODS We analyzed 201 patients who underwent TESE at Tenon Hospital (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris), distributed in a retrospective training cohort of 175 patients (January 2012 to April 2021) and a prospective testing cohort (May 2021 to December 2021) of 26 patients. Preoperative data (according to the French standard exploration of male infertility, 16 variables) including urogenital history, hormonal data, genetic data, and TESE outcomes (representing the target variable) were collected. A TESE was considered positive if we obtained sufficient spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. After preprocessing the raw data, 8 machine learning (ML) models were trained and optimized on the retrospective training cohort data set: The hyperparameter tuning was performed by random search. Finally, the prospective testing cohort data set was used for the model evaluation. The metrics used to evaluate and compare the models were the following: sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), and accuracy. The importance of each variable in the model was assessed using the permutation feature importance technique, and the optimal number of patients to include in the study was assessed using the learning curve. RESULTS The ensemble models, based on decision trees, showed the best performance, especially the random forest model, which yielded the following results: AUC=0.90, sensitivity=100%, and specificity=69.2%. Furthermore, a study size of 120 patients seemed sufficient to properly exploit the preoperative data in the modeling process, since increasing the number of patients beyond 120 during model training did not bring any performance improvement. Furthermore, inhibin B and a history of varicoceles exhibited the highest predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS An ML algorithm based on an appropriate approach can predict successful sperm retrieval in men with NOA undergoing TESE, with promising performance. However, although this study is consistent with the first step of this process, a subsequent formal prospective multicentric validation study should be undertaken before any clinical applications. As future work, we consider the use of recent and clinically relevant data sets (including seminal plasma biomarkers, especially noncoding RNAs, as markers of residual spermatogenesis in NOA patients) to improve our results even more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bachelot
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Laboratory in Medical Informatics and Knowledge Engineering in e-Health, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Ferdinand Dhombres
- Laboratory in Medical Informatics and Knowledge Engineering in e-Health, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Sermondade
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rahaf Haj Hamid
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Berthaut
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Valentine Frydman
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie Prades
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kamila Kolanska
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Lise Selleret
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Mathieu-D'Argent
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rivet-Danon
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Levy
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Lamazière
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Département de Métabolomique Clinique, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Dupont
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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19
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Wu B, Li R, Ma S, Ma Y, Fan L, Gong C, Liu C, Sun L, Yuan L. The cilia and flagella associated protein CFAP52 orchestrated with CFAP45 is required for sperm motility in mice. J Biol Chem 2023:104858. [PMID: 37236356 PMCID: PMC10319328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia characterized by decreased sperm motility is a major cause of male infertility, but the majority of their etiology remains unknown. Here, we showed that the cilia and flagella associated protein 52 (Cfap52) gene was predominantly expressed in testis and its deletion in a Cfap52 knockout mouse model resulted in decreased sperm motility and male infertility. Cfap52 knockout also led to the disorganization of midpiece-principal piece junction of the sperm tail, but had no effect on the axoneme ultrastructure in spermatozoa. Furthermore, we found that CFAP52 interacted with the cilia and flagella associated protein 45 (CFAP45), and knockout of Cfap52 decreased the expression level of CFAP45 in sperm flagellum, which further disrupted the microtubule sliding produced by dynein ATPase. Together, our studies demonstrate that CFAP52 plays an essential role in sperm motility by interacting with CFAP45 in sperm flagellum, providing insights into the potential pathogenesis of the infertility of the human CFAP52 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rachel Li
- Beijing Academy International Division, Beijing, 100018, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanjie Ma
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Chunxiu Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Li Yuan
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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20
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He J, Zhao Y, Zhou Z, Zhang M. Machine learning and integrative analysis identify the common pathogenesis of azoospermia complicated with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114870. [PMID: 37283758 PMCID: PMC10239851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although more recent evidence has indicated COVID-19 is prone to azoospermia, the common molecular mechanism of its occurrence remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study is to further investigate the mechanism of this complication. Methods To discover the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways of azoospermia and COVID-19, integrated weighted co-expression network (WGCNA), multiple machine learning analyses, and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed. Results Therefore, we screened two key network modules in the obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) samples. The differentially expressed genes were mainly related to the immune system and infectious virus diseases. We then used multiple machine learning methods to detect biomarkers that differentiated OA from NOA. Enrichment analysis showed that azoospermia patients and COVID-19 patients shared a common IL-17 signaling pathway. In addition, GLO1, GPR135, DYNLL2, and EPB41L3 were identified as significant hub genes in these two diseases. Screening of two different molecular subtypes revealed that azoospermia-related genes were associated with clinicopathological characteristics of age, hospital-free-days, ventilator-free-days, charlson score, and d-dimer of patients with COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Finally, we used the Xsum method to predict potential drugs and single-cell sequencing data to further characterize whether azoospermia-related genes could validate the biological patterns of impaired spermatogenesis in cryptozoospermia patients. Conclusion Our study performs a comprehensive and integrated bioinformatics analysis of azoospermia and COVID-19. These hub genes and common pathways may provide new insights for further mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Yuanqiao Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Zhixian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
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21
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Qureshi S, Hardy JJ, Pombar C, Berman AJ, Malcher A, Gingrich T, Hvasta R, Kuong J, Munyoki S, Hwang K, Orwig KE, Ahmed J, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M, Conrad DF, Jaseem Khan M, Yatsenko AN. Genomic study of TEX15 variants: prevalence and allelic heterogeneity in men with spermatogenic failure. Front Genet 2023; 14:1134849. [PMID: 37234866 PMCID: PMC10206016 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1134849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Human spermatogenesis is a highly intricate process that requires the input of thousands of testis-specific genes. Defects in any of them at any stage of the process can have detrimental effects on sperm production and/or viability. In particular, the function of many meiotic proteins encoded by germ cell specific genes is critical for maturation of haploid spermatids and viable spermatozoa, necessary for fertilization, and is also extremely sensitive to even the slightest change in coding DNA. Methods: Here, using whole exome and genome approaches, we identified and reported novel, clinically significant variants in testis-expressed gene 15 (TEX15), in unrelated men with spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Results: TEX15 mediates double strand break repair during meiosis. Recessive loss-of-function (LOF) TEX15 mutations are associated with SPGF in humans and knockout male mice are infertile. We expand earlier reports documenting heterogeneous allelic pathogenic TEX15 variants that cause a range of SPGF phenotypes from oligozoospermia (low sperm) to nonobstructive azoospermia (no sperm) with meiotic arrest and report the prevalence of 0.6% of TEX15 variants in our patient cohort. Among identified possible LOF variants, one homozygous missense substitution c.6835G>A (p.Ala2279Thr) co-segregated with cryptozoospermia in a family with SPGF. Additionally, we observed numerous cases of inferred in trans compound heterozygous variants in TEX15 among unrelated individuals with varying degrees of SPGF. Variants included splice site, insertions/deletions (indels), and missense substitutions, many of which resulted in LOF effects (i.e., frameshift, premature stop, alternative splicing, or potentially altered posttranslational modification sites). Conclusion: In conclusion, we performed an extensive genomic study of familial and sporadic SPGF and identified potentially damaging TEX15 variants in 7 of 1097 individuals of our combined cohorts. We hypothesize that SPGF phenotype severity is dictated by individual TEX15 variant's impact on structure and function. Resultant LOFs likely have deleterious effects on crossover/recombination in meiosis. Our findings support the notion of increased gene variant frequency in SPGF and its genetic and allelic heterogeneity as it relates to complex disease such as male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Qureshi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Jimmaline J. Hardy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christopher Pombar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrea J. Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tara Gingrich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Hvasta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jannah Kuong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen Hwang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jawad Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Department of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Muhammad Jaseem Khan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Alexander N. Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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22
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Chang JH, Chou CH, Wu JC, Liao KM, Luo WJ, Hsu WL, Chen XR, Yu SL, Pan SH, Yang PC, Su KY. LCRMP-1 is required for spermatogenesis and stabilises spermatid F-actin organization via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Commun Biol 2023; 6:389. [PMID: 37037996 PMCID: PMC10086033 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-form collapsin response mediator protein-1 (LCRMP-1) belongs to the CRMP family which comprises brain-enriched proteins responsible for axon guidance. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here we find that LCRMP-1 is abundantly expressed in the testis. To characterize its physiological function, we generate LCRMP-1-deficient mice (Lcrmp-1-/-). These mice exhibit aberrant spermiation with apoptotic spermatids, oligospermia, and accumulation of immature testicular cells, contributing to reduced fertility. In the seminiferous epithelial cycle, LCRMP-1 expression pattern varies in a stage-dependent manner. LCRMP-1 is highly expressed in spermatids during spermatogenesis and especially localized to the spermiation machinery during spermiation. Mechanistically, LCRMP-1 deficiency causes disorganized F-actin due to unbalanced signaling of F-actin dynamics through upregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. In conclusion, LCRMP-1 maintains spermatogenesis homeostasis by modulating cytoskeleton remodeling for spermatozoa release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Chou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ching Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Ren Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Hua Pan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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23
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Cannarella R, Caruso M, Condorelli RA, Timpanaro TA, Caruso MA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Testicular volume in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for childhood obesity-a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:331-342. [PMID: 37127298 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prevalence of obesity in childhood has increased over the past few decades. The impact of obesity and of obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance on testicular volume (TV) in pre-pubertal (<9 years), peri-pubertal (9-14 years), and post-pubertal (14-16 years) periods. METHODS We collected data on TV, age, standard deviation score (SDS) of the body mass index (BMI), insulin, and fasting glycemia in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for weight control. RESULTS Peri-pubertal boys with normal weight had a significantly higher TV compared to those with overweight or obesity. No difference was found in the other age ranges when data were grouped according to BMI. Pre- and post-pubertal children/adolescents with normal insulin levels had significantly higher TV compared to those with hyperinsulinemia. Peri-pubertal boys with hyperinsulinemia had significantly higher TV compared to those with normal insulin levels. Post-pubertal adolescents with insulin resistance had lower TV and peri-pubertal boys had higher TV compared to those without insulin resistance. No difference was found in pre-puberty. CONCLUSIONS Closer control of the body weight and the associated metabolic alterations in childhood and adolescence may maintain testicular function later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - M Caruso
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - R A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - T A Timpanaro
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - M A Caruso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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24
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Chao HH, Zhang Y, Dong PY, Gurunathan S, Zhang XF. Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1063510. [PMID: 36726821 PMCID: PMC9884832 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1063510] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing global incidence of infertility, the influence of environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and nutrients on reproductive health has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. The quantity and quality of sperm play vital roles in male fertility, and both characteristics can be affected by external and internal factors. In this review, the potential role of genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors; nutrients and trace elements in male reproductive health, spermatozoa function, and fertility potency and the underlying mechanisms are considered to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu-He Chao
- Development Center for Medical Science and Technology, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pei-Yu Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Xi-Feng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Xi-Feng Zhang ✉ ; ✉
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25
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Cannarella R, Gül M, Rambhatla A, Agarwal A. Temporal decline of sperm concentration: role of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine 2023; 79:1-16. [PMID: 36194343 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a widespread disease with an etiology that is not always clear. A number of studies have reported a decrease in sperm production in the last forty years. Although the reasons are still undefined, the change in environmental conditions and the higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl esters, dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, pesticides, and herbicides, organophosphates, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life may represent a possible factor justifying the temporal decline in sperm count. AIM The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the effects of the exposure to EDCs on testicular development, spermatogenesis, the prevalence of malformations of the male genital tract (cryptorchidism, testicular dysgenesis, and hypospadias), testicular tumor, and the mechanisms of testicular EDC-mediated damage. NARRATIVE REVIEW Animal studies confirm the deleterious impact of EDCs on the male reproductive apparatus. EDCs can compromise male fertility by binding to hormone receptors, dysregulating the expression of receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis and hormonal metabolism, and altering the epigenetic mechanisms. In humans, exposure to EDCs has been associated with poor semen quality, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, increased gonadotropin levels, a slightly increased risk of structural abnormalities of the genital apparatus, such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, and development of testicular tumor. Finally, maternal exposure to EDCs seems to predispose to the risk of developing testicular tumors. CONCLUSION EDCs negatively impact the testicular function, as suggested by evidence in both experimental animals and humans. A prenatal and postnatal increase to EDC exposure compared to the past may likely represent one of the factors leading to the temporal decline in sperm counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine (Virtual Research), Global Andrology Forum, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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26
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Aprea I, Wilken A, Krallmann C, Nöthe-Menchen T, Olbrich H, Loges NT, Dougherty GW, Bracht D, Brenker C, Kliesch S, Strünker T, Tüttelmann F, Raidt J, Omran H. Pathogenic gene variants in CCDC39, CCDC40, RSPH1, RSPH9, HYDIN, and SPEF2 cause defects of sperm flagella composition and male infertility. Front Genet 2023; 14:1117821. [PMID: 36873931 PMCID: PMC9981940 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1117821] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the function of motile cilia in several organ systems. In PCD, male infertility is caused by defective sperm flagella composition or deficient motile cilia function in the efferent ducts of the male reproductive system. Different PCD-associated genes encoding axonemal components involved in the regulation of ciliary and flagellar beating are also reported to cause infertility due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). Here, we performed genetic testing by next generation sequencing techniques, PCD diagnostics including immunofluorescence-, transmission electron-, and high-speed video microscopy on sperm flagella and andrological work up including semen analyses. We identified ten infertile male individuals with pathogenic variants in CCDC39 (one) and CCDC40 (two) encoding ruler proteins, RSPH1 (two) and RSPH9 (one) encoding radial spoke head proteins, and HYDIN (two) and SPEF2 (two) encoding CP-associated proteins, respectively. We demonstrate for the first time that pathogenic variants in RSPH1 and RSPH9 cause male infertility due to sperm cell dysmotility and abnormal flagellar RSPH1 and RSPH9 composition. We also provide novel evidence for MMAF in HYDIN- and RSPH1-mutant individuals. We show absence or severe reduction of CCDC39 and SPEF2 in sperm flagella of CCDC39- and CCDC40-mutant individuals and HYDIN- and SPEF2-mutant individuals, respectively. Thereby, we reveal interactions between CCDC39 and CCDC40 as well as HYDIN and SPEF2 in sperm flagella. Our findings demonstrate that immunofluorescence microscopy in sperm cells is a valuable tool to identify flagellar defects related to the axonemal ruler, radial spoke head and the central pair apparatus, thus aiding the diagnosis of male infertility. This is of particular importance to classify the pathogenicity of genetic defects, especially in cases of missense variants of unknown significance, or to interpret HYDIN variants that are confounded by the presence of the almost identical pseudogene HYDIN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Aprea
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Wilken
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Krallmann
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - T Nöthe-Menchen
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - H Olbrich
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - N T Loges
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - G W Dougherty
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D Bracht
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - T Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - F Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J Raidt
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - H Omran
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Huang Y, Roig I. Genetic control of meiosis surveillance mechanisms in mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1127440. [PMID: 36910159 PMCID: PMC9996228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1127440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division that generates haploid gametes and is critical for successful sexual reproduction. During the extended meiotic prophase I, homologous chromosomes progressively pair, synapse and desynapse. These chromosomal dynamics are tightly integrated with meiotic recombination (MR), during which programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed and subsequently repaired. Consequently, parental chromosome arms reciprocally exchange, ultimately ensuring accurate homolog segregation and genetic diversity in the offspring. Surveillance mechanisms carefully monitor the MR and homologous chromosome synapsis during meiotic prophase I to avoid producing aberrant chromosomes and defective gametes. Errors in these critical processes would lead to aneuploidy and/or genetic instability. Studies of mutation in mouse models, coupled with advances in genomic technologies, lead us to more clearly understand how meiosis is controlled and how meiotic errors are linked to mammalian infertility. Here, we review the genetic regulations of these major meiotic events in mice and highlight our current understanding of their surveillance mechanisms. Furthermore, we summarize meiotic prophase genes, the mutations that activate the surveillance system leading to meiotic prophase arrest in mouse models, and their corresponding genetic variants identified in human infertile patients. Finally, we discuss their value for the diagnosis of causes of meiosis-based infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Histology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ignasi Roig
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Histology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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28
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Cannarella R, Jezek D, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. Editorial: Male idiopathic infertility: Novel possible targets, volume II. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1172878. [PMID: 36950697 PMCID: PMC10026698 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1172878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Rossella Cannarella,
| | - Davor Jezek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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29
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Arian I, Dumbraveanu I, Ghenciu V, Machidon D, Ernu I, Ceban E. Histological and immunohistochemical outcomes after microdissection TESE in contrast with hormonal profile, testis volume and genetics in patients with azoospermia. J Med Life 2023; 16:144-152. [PMID: 36873127 PMCID: PMC9979170 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A limited number of individuals with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) may recover spermatozoa through traditional testicular sperm extraction (TESE) techniques. There is an ongoing debate over the effectiveness of microdissection TESE compared to standard TESE methods. Microdissection TESE (micro-TESE) techniques enable the identification of spermatogenesis foci in non-obstructive forms of azoospermia. Only histological examination can provide an objective and definitive assessment of the testicular phenotype. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after microdissection TESE (micro-TESE) and the predictive role of various factors in determining the success of sperm retrieval. We evaluated 24 patients with azoospermia who underwent micro-TESE and considered the patient's hormonal profile, testis ultrasound, genetic evaluation, histology, and immunohistology (PLAP antibody) of collected testis biopsies. The preoperative blood FSH level, in conjunction with other parameters, may aid in the prediction of micro-TESE success. Sensitivity increases, and specificity decreases with higher FSH levels. Furthermore, testicular volume and FSH levels are typically normal in patients with maturation arrest. In conclusion, hormones, ultrasound evaluation of the testicles, testis volume, and available genetic tests have a predictive value in differentiating obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA with various sensitivity and specificity rates. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation establishes the testicular phenotype accurately and guides patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iurii Arian
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ion Dumbraveanu
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Victoria Ghenciu
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Daniela Machidon
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ion Ernu
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Emil Ceban
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
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30
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Zhang X, Hu F, Zhu B, Jiao X, Li Y, Wu S, Ren G, Li J, Xie Q, Pan Y, Li H, Zhao L. Downregulation of TEX11 promotes S-Phase progression and proliferation in colorectal cancer cells through the FOXO3a/COP1/c-Jun/p21 axis. Oncogene 2022; 41:5133-5145. [PMID: 36258021 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive tract malignancy, attributing to approximately 9.4% of global cancer-related deaths. However, the pathogenesis of CRC is poorly understood. The testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) gene is located on the X chromosome and is required for spermatogenesis, and is reported might serve as a biomarker for early onset CRC according to database analysis. However, the role played by TEX11 in cancer progression remains to be investigated. In this study, we show that TEX11 expression is significantly downregulated in CRC cell lines and clinical CRC tissue samples, and TEX11 expression correlates with poor prognosis in CRC patients. We further demonstrate that TEX11 can significantly inhibit the proliferative capacity of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TEX11 promotes transcription of COP1 by upregulating FOXO3a expression. This enhanced COP1 expression subsequently accelerates the degradation of the negative transcriptional regulator c-Jun, which, in turn, enhances p21 transcription inhibiting CRC cell cycle progression and proliferation. Overall, our findings suggest that TEX11 may be a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Fangyu Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Baiwang Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xueli Jiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yun Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ganglin Ren
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jizhen Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital &Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qipeng Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital &Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yifei Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Hongyan Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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31
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Yin Y, Mu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Xu K, Wu X, Cai Y, Zhang M, Lu G, Chan WY, Ma J, Huang T, Liu H. LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8525. [PMID: 35955660 PMCID: PMC9369233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158525] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46-/- female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuling Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
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Keppner A, Correia M, Santambrogio S, Koay TW, Maric D, Osterhof C, Winter DV, Clerc A, Stumpe M, Chalmel F, Dewilde S, Odermatt A, Kressler D, Hankeln T, Wenger RH, Hoogewijs D. Androglobin, a chimeric mammalian globin, is required for male fertility. eLife 2022; 11:72374. [PMID: 35700329 PMCID: PMC9249397 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly specialized differentiation process driven by a dynamic gene expression program and ending with the production of mature spermatozoa. Whereas hundreds of genes are known to be essential for male germline proliferation and differentiation, the contribution of several genes remains uncharacterized. The predominant expression of the latest globin family member, androglobin (Adgb), in mammalian testis tissue prompted us to assess its physiological function in spermatogenesis. Adgb knockout mice display male infertility, reduced testis weight, impaired maturation of elongating spermatids, abnormal sperm shape, and ultrastructural defects in microtubule and mitochondrial organization. Epididymal sperm from Adgb knockout animals display multiple flagellar malformations including coiled, bifid or shortened flagella, and erratic acrosomal development. Following immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we could identify septin 10 (Sept10) as interactor of Adgb. The Sept10-Adgb interaction was confirmed both in vivo using testis lysates and in vitro by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Furthermore, the absence of Adgb leads to mislocalization of Sept10 in sperm, indicating defective manchette and sperm annulus formation. Finally, in vitro data suggest that Adgb contributes to Sept10 proteolysis in a calmodulin-dependent manner. Collectively, our results provide evidence that Adgb is essential for murine spermatogenesis and further suggest that Adgb is required for sperm head shaping via the manchette and proper flagellum formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Keppner
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Correia
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Teng Wei Koay
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Darko Maric
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Carina Osterhof
- Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Denise V Winter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angèle Clerc
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Stumpe
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Kressler
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hankeln
- Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roland H Wenger
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Hoogewijs
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Abstract
Successful in vitro spermatogenesis would generate functional haploid spermatids, and thus, form the basis for novel approaches to treat patients with impaired spermatogenesis or develop alternative strategies for male fertility preservation. Several culture strategies, including cell cultures using various stem cells and ex vivo cultures of testicular tissue, have been investigated to recapitulate spermatogenesis in vitro. Although some studies have described complete meiosis and subsequent generation of functional spermatids, key meiotic events, such as chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination required for successful meiosis and faithful in vitro-derived gametes, are often not reported. To guarantee the generation of in vitro-formed spermatids without persistent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations, criteria to evaluate whether all meiotic events are completely executed in vitro need to be established. In vivo, these meiotic events are strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that eliminate aberrant spermatocytes. To establish criteria to evaluate in vitro meiosis, we review the meiotic events and checkpoints that have been investigated by previous in vitro spermatogenesis studies. We found that, although major meiotic events such as initiation of DSBs and recombination, complete chromosome synapsis, and XY-body formation can be achieved in vitro, crossover formation, chiasmata frequency, and checkpoint mechanisms have been mostly ignored. In addition, complete spermiogenesis, during which round spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids, has not been achieved in vitro by various cell culture strategies. Finally, we discuss the implications of meiotic checkpoints for in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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34
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Novel STAG3 variant associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian consanguineous family. Gene 2022; 821:146281. [PMID: 35176428 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) present the most severe forms of male and female infertility. In the last decade, the increasing use of whole exome sequencing (WES) in genomics studies of these conditions has led to the introduction of a number of novel genes and variants especially in meiotic genes with restricted expression to gonads. In this study, exome sequencing of a consanguineous Iranian family with one POI and two NOA cases in three siblings showed that all three patients were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 (NM_001282717.1:c.1942G > A: p.Ala648Thr; NM_001282717.1:c.1951_1953del: p. Leu652del). Both variants occur within a short proximity of each other affecting the relatively conserved armadillo-type fold superfamily feature. STAG3 is a specific meiotic cohesin complex component that interacts with the α-kleisin subunit through this feature. Protein homology modeling indicated that the in-frame deletion destabilizes kleisin biding by STAG3. Although the missense variant did not seem to affect the binding significantly, protein homology modeling suggests that it further destabilizes kleisin binding when in double homozygous state with the deletion. Our findings are in line with several other studies having associated deleterious variants affecting this region with male and female infertility in humans and mouse models. This is the first report associating an in-frame STAG3 variant with NOA and POI in a single family. SUMMARY SENTENCE: A patient with primary ovarian failure and her two brothers with non-obstructive azoospermia were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 that potentially disrupt the protein's meiotic functions.
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Hærvig KK, Petersen KU, Giwercman A, Hougaard KS, Høyer BB, Lindh C, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Nybo Andersen AM, Toft G, Bonde JP, Tøttenborg SS. Fetal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and male reproductive function in young adulthood. Eur J Epidemiol 2022; 37:525-538. [PMID: 35476275 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-022-00869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy constitutes a potential, major risk factor for adult male reproductive function. In the hitherto largest longitudinal cohort, we examined biomarkers of reproductive function according to maternal smoking during the first trimester and investigated whether associations were mitigated by smoking cessation prior to the fetal masculinization programming window. Associations between exposure to maternal smoking and semen characteristics, testicular volume and reproductive hormones were assessed among 984 young men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort. Maternal smoking was assessed through interview data and measured plasma cotinine levels during pregnancy. We applied negative binomial, logistic and linear regression models to estimate differences in outcomes according to levels of maternal smoking. Sons of light smokers (≤ 10 cigarettes/day) had a 19% (95% CI - 29%, - 6%) lower sperm concentration and a 24% (95% CI - 35%, - 11%) lower total sperm count than sons of non-smokers. These estimates were 38% (95% CI - 52%, - 22%) and 33% (95% CI - 51%, - 8%), respectively, for sons of heavy smokers (> 10 cigarettes/day). The latter group also had a 25% (95% CI 1%, 54%) higher follitropin level. Similarly, sons exposed to maternal cotinine levels of > 10 ng/mL had lower sperm concentration and total sperm count. Smoking cessation prior to gestational week seven was not associated with a higher reproductive capacity. We observed substantial and consistent exposure-response associations, providing strong support for the hypothesis that maternal smoking impairs male reproductive function. This association persisted regardless of smoking cessation in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23F, entrance 20F, 1st floor, 2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark.
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Regional Development, Region of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Department of Public Health, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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36
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Martinez G, Coutton C, Loeuillet C, Cazin C, Muroňová J, Boguenet M, Lambert E, Dhellemmes M, Chevalier G, Hograindleur JP, Vilpreux C, Neirijnck Y, Kherraf ZE, Escoffier J, Nef S, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Oligogenic heterozygous inheritance of sperm abnormalities in mouse. eLife 2022; 11:75373. [PMID: 35451961 PMCID: PMC9071268 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is an important health concern that is expected to have a major genetic etiology. Although high-throughput sequencing has linked gene defects to more than 50% of rare and severe sperm anomalies, less than 20% of common and moderate forms are explained. We hypothesized that this low success rate could at least be partly due to oligogenic defects – the accumulation of several rare heterozygous variants in distinct, but functionally connected, genes. Here, we compared fertility and sperm parameters in male mice harboring one to four heterozygous truncating mutations of genes linked to multiple morphological anomalies of the flagellum (MMAF) syndrome. Results indicated progressively deteriorating sperm morphology and motility with increasing numbers of heterozygous mutations. This first evidence of oligogenic inheritance in failed spermatogenesis strongly suggests that oligogenic heterozygosity could explain a significant proportion of asthenoteratozoospermia cases. The findings presented pave the way to further studies in mice and man.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Corinne Loeuillet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Jana Muroňová
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Magalie Boguenet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Emeline Lambert
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Magali Dhellemmes
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Geneviève Chevalier
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Charline Vilpreux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Zine Eddine Kherraf
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
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37
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Gerlevik U, Ergoren MC, Sezerman OU, Temel SG. Structural analysis of M1AP variants associated with severely impaired spermatogenesis causing male infertility. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12947. [PMID: 35341049 PMCID: PMC8944341 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired meiosis can result in absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This condition, namely non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), is one of the reasons of male infertility. Despite the low number of studies on meiosis 1-associated protein (M1AP) in the literature, M1AP is known to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Recently, seven variants (five missense, one frameshift, one splice-site) have been reported in the M1AP gene as associated with NOA, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia in two separate studies. However, all missense variants were evaluated as variant of uncertain significance by these studies. Therefore, we aimed to analyze their structural impacts on the M1AP protein that could lead to NOA. Methods We firstly performed an evolutionary conservation analysis for the variant positions. Afterwards, a comprehensive molecular modelling study was performed for the M1AP structure. By utilizing this model, protein dynamics were sampled for the wild-type and variants by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results All variant positions are highly conserved, indicating that they are potentially important for function. In MD simulations, none of the variants led to a general misfolding or loss of stability in the protein structure, but they did cause severe modifications in the conformational dynamics of M1AP, particularly through changes in local interactions affecting flexibility, hinge and secondary structure. Conclusions Due to critical perturbations in protein dynamics, we propose that these variants may cause NOA by affecting important interactions regulating meiosis, particularly in wild-type M1AP deficiency since the variants are reported to be homozygous or bi-allelic in the infertile individuals. Our results provided reasonable insights about the M1AP structure and the effects of the variants to the structure and dynamics, which should be further investigated by experimental studies to validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Gerlevik
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus,DESAM Institute, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Osman Uğur Sezerman
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sehime Gulsun Temel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey,Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey,Department of Translational Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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38
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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39
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Shum W, Zhang BL, Cao AS, Zhou X, Shi SM, Zhang ZY, Gu LY, Shi S. Calcium Homeostasis in the Epididymal Microenvironment: Is Extracellular Calcium a Cofactor for Matrix Gla Protein-Dependent Scavenging Regulated by Vitamins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827940. [PMID: 35252193 PMCID: PMC8893953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, the epididymis is an essential organ for sperm maturation, in which sperm cells acquire mobility and the ability to fertilize oocytes while being stored in a protective microenvironment. Epididymal function involves a specialized luminal microenvironment established by the epithelial cells of epididymal mucosa. Low-calcium concentration is a unique feature of this epididymal luminal microenvironment, its relevance and regulation are, however, incompletely understood. In the rat epididymis, the vitamin D-related calcium-dependent TRPV6-TMEM16A channel-coupler has been shown to be involved in fluid transport, and, in a spatially complementary manner, vitamin K2-related γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX)-dependent carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) plays an essential role in promoting calcium-dependent protein aggregation. An SNP in the human GGCX gene has been associated with asthenozoospermia. In addition, bioinformatic analysis also suggests the involvement of a vitamin B6-axis in calcium-dependent MGP-mediated protein aggregation. These findings suggest that vitamins interact with calcium homeostasis in the epididymis to ensure proper sperm maturation and male fertility. This review article discusses the regulation mechanisms of calcium homeostasis in the epididymis, and the potential role of vitamin interactions on epididymal calcium homeostasis, especially the role of matrix calcium in the epididymal lumen as a cofactor for the carboxylated MGP-mediated scavenging function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Winnie Shum,
| | - Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Reproduction and Development Institution, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert Shang Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Meng Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Yang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Yi Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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40
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Oud MS, Smits RM, Smith HE, Mastrorosa FK, Holt GS, Houston BJ, de Vries PF, Alobaidi BKS, Batty LE, Ismail H, Greenwood J, Sheth H, Mikulasova A, Astuti GDN, Gilissen C, McEleny K, Turner H, Coxhead J, Cockell S, Braat DDM, Fleischer K, D’Hauwers KWM, Schaafsma E, Nagirnaja L, Conrad DF, Friedrich C, Kliesch S, Aston KI, Riera-Escamilla A, Krausz C, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Santibanez-Koref M, Elliott DJ, Vissers LELM, Tüttelmann F, O’Bryan MK, Ramos L, Xavier MJ, van der Heijden GW, Veltman JA. A de novo paradigm for male infertility. Nat Commun 2022; 13:154. [PMID: 35013161 PMCID: PMC8748898 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations are known to play a prominent role in sporadic disorders with reduced fitness. We hypothesize that de novo mutations play an important role in severe male infertility and explain a portion of the genetic causes of this understudied disorder. To test this hypothesis, we utilize trio-based exome sequencing in a cohort of 185 infertile males and their unaffected parents. Following a systematic analysis, 29 of 145 rare (MAF < 0.1%) protein-altering de novo mutations are classified as possibly causative of the male infertility phenotype. We observed a significant enrichment of loss-of-function de novo mutations in loss-of-function-intolerant genes (p-value = 1.00 × 10-5) in infertile men compared to controls. Additionally, we detected a significant increase in predicted pathogenic de novo missense mutations affecting missense-intolerant genes (p-value = 5.01 × 10-4) in contrast to predicted benign de novo mutations. One gene we identify, RBM5, is an essential regulator of male germ cell pre-mRNA splicing and has been previously implicated in male infertility in mice. In a follow-up study, 6 rare pathogenic missense mutations affecting this gene are observed in a cohort of 2,506 infertile patients, whilst we find no such mutations in a cohort of 5,784 fertile men (p-value = 0.03). Our results provide evidence for the role of de novo mutations in severe male infertility and point to new candidate genes affecting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Oud
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R. M. Smits
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H. E. Smith
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F. K. Mastrorosa
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. S. Holt
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B. J. Houston
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - P. F. de Vries
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B. K. S. Alobaidi
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - L. E. Batty
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Ismail
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J. Greenwood
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Genetic Medicine, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Sheth
- Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Genetics, Ahmedabad, India
| | - A. Mikulasova
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. D. N. Astuti
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.412032.60000 0001 0744 0787Division of Human Genetics, Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - C. Gilissen
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. McEleny
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Newcastle Fertility Centre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Turner
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Cellular Pathology, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J. Coxhead
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S. Cockell
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences New, castle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - D. D. M. Braat
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. Fleischer
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. W. M. D’Hauwers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Urology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E. Schaafsma
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Pathology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - L. Nagirnaja
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - D. F. Conrad
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - C. Friedrich
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S. Kliesch
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - K. I. Aston
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - A. Riera-Escamilla
- grid.418813.70000 0004 1767 1951Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - C. Krausz
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C. Gonzaga-Jauregui
- grid.418961.30000 0004 0472 2713Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY USA
| | - M. Santibanez-Koref
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - D. J. Elliott
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - L. E. L. M. Vissers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F. Tüttelmann
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M. K. O’Bryan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - L. Ramos
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M. J. Xavier
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. W. van der Heijden
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J. A. Veltman
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Krenz H, Sansone A, Kliesch S, Gromoll J, Schubert M. FSHB Genotype Identified as a Relevant Diagnostic Parameter Revealed by Cluster Analysis of Men With Idiopathic Infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:780403. [PMID: 34992580 PMCID: PMC8725293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.780403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives About 30-75% of infertile men are diagnosed with idiopathic infertility, thereby lacking major causative factors to explain their impaired fertility status. In this study, we used a large cohort of idiopathic infertile men to determine whether subgroups could be identified by an unbiased clustering approach and whether underlying etiologic factors could be delineated. Patients and Methods From our in-house database Androbase®, we retrospectively selected patients (from 2008 to 2018) with idiopathic male infertility (azoo- to normozoospermia) who fit the following selection criteria: FSH ≥ 1 IU/l, testosterone ≥ 8 nmol/l, ejaculate volume ≥ 1.5 ml. Patients with genetic abnormalities or partners with female factors were excluded.For the identified study population (n=2742), we used common andrologic features (somatic, semen and hormonal parameters, including the FSHB c.-211G>T (rs10835638) single nucleotide polymorphism) for subsequent analyses. Cluster analyses were performed for the entire study population and for two sub-cohorts, which were separated by total sperm count (TSC) thresholds: Cohort A (TSC ≥ 1 mill/ejac; n=2422) and Cohort B (TSC < 1 mill/ejac; n=320). For clustering, the partitioning around medoids method was employed, and the quality was evaluated by average silhouette width. Results The applied cluster approach for the whole study population yielded two separate clusters, which showed significantly different distributions in bi-testicular volume, FSH and FSHB genotype. Cluster 1 contained all men homozygous for G (wildtype) in FSHB c.-211G>T (100%), while Cluster 2 contained most patients carrying a T allele (>96.6%). In the analyses of sub-cohorts A/B, two clusters each were formed too. Again, the strongest segregation markers between the respective clusters were bi-testicular volume, FSH and FSHB c.-211G>T. Conclusion With this first unbiased approach for revealing putative subgroups within a heterogenous group of idiopathic infertile men, we did indeed identify distinct patient clusters. Surprisingly, across all diverse phenotypes of infertility, the strongest segregation markers were FSHB c.-211G>T, FSH, and bi-testicular volume. Further, Cohorts A and B were significantly separated by FSHB genotype (wildtype vs. T-allele carriers), which supports the notion of a contributing genetic factor. Consequently, FSHB genotyping should be implemented as diagnostic routine in patients with idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joerg Gromoll
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Maria Schubert
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Lee SR, Lee TH, Song SH, Kim DS, Choi KH, Lee JH, Kim DK. Update on genetic screening and treatment for infertile men with genetic disorders in the era of assisted reproductive technology. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:283-294. [PMID: 34875735 PMCID: PMC8651766 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2021.04476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A genetic etiology of male infertility is identified in fewer than 25% of infertile men, while 30% of infertile men lack a clear etiology, resulting in a diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility. Advances in reproductive genetics have provided insights into the mechanisms of male infertility, and a characterization of the genetic basis of male infertility may have broad implications for understanding the causes of infertility and determining the prognosis, optimal treatment, and management of couples. In a substantial proportion of patients with azoospermia, known genetic factors contribute to male infertility. Additionally, the number of identified genetic anomalies in other etiologies of male infertility is growing through advances in whole-genome amplification and next-generation sequencing. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of the indications for appropriate genetic tests, summarize the characteristics of chromosomal and genetic diseases, and discuss the treatment of couples with genetic infertility by microdissection-testicular sperm extraction, personalized hormone therapy, and in vitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Ryeol Lee
- Department of Urology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Tae Ho Lee
- Department of Urology, Fertility Center, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Song
- Department of Urology, Fertility Center, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Suk Kim
- Department of Urology, Fertility Center, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Hwa Choi
- Department of Urology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon, Korea
| | - Dae Keun Kim
- Department of Urology, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Jazireian P, Favaedi R, Sadighi Gilani MA, Shahhoseini M. Dynamic Expression and Chromatin Incorporation of ACT and CREM Transcription Factors in Testis Tissues of Infertile Men. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:736-741. [PMID: 34979062 PMCID: PMC8753101 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activator of CREM in the testis (ACT) is a tissue specific transcription factor which activates cAMP responsive element modulator (CREM), a key transcription factor in differentiation of round spermatids into mature spermatozoa. They bind to CRE region in the promoters of transition protein genes (TNP1, TNP2) and protamine genes (PRM1 and PRM2), which are essential for sperm chromatin compaction, and regulates their transcription. This study was conducted to consider the expression of ACT and CREM and their regulatory roles on the expression of PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 genes in testis tissues of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, testicular biopsies were collected from 40 infertile men and classified into three groups: obstructive azoospermia (OA, n=10, positive control), round spermatid maturation arrest (SMA, n=20), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n=10, negative control group). Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the expression profile of ACT, CREM, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 genes were assessed in testicular samples and incorporation of ACT and CREM proteins on the promoters of PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 genes were also evaluated by ChIP-real time PCR. RESULTS Our results demonstrated significant decrease in the expression levels of ACT, CREM and in their incorporations on their target genes in SMA group in comparison to control groups (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION These data confirm that there is low expression and incorporation of ACT and CREM and of their target genes in infertilities which are associated with post-meiotic arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jazireian
- Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Raha Favaedi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran,
Iran,Department of Urology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran,
Iran,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, *Corresponding Address: P.O.Box: 16635-148Department of GeneticsReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
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Pathogenic variations in Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA) are associated with human male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1781-1788. [PMID: 34413498 PMCID: PMC8632907 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00946-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples, half of which are caused by a male factor. Male infertility can be caused by both, qualitative and quantitative defects, leading to Oligo- astheno-terato-zoospermia (OAT; impairment in ejaculate sperm cell concentration, motility and morphology). Azoospermia defined as complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculation. While hundreds of genes are involved in spermatogenesis the genetic etiology of men's infertility remains incomplete.We identified a hemizygous stop gain pathogenic variation (PV) in the X-linked Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA), in an Azoospermic patient by exome sequencing. Assessment of the prevalence of pathogenic variations in this gene in infertile males by exome sequence data of 11 additional unrelated patients identified a probable hemizygous causative missense PV in GCNA in a severe OAT patient. Expression of GCNA in the patients' testes biopsies and the stage of spermatogonial developmental arrest were determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The Azoospermic patient presented spermatogenic maturation arrest with an almost complete absence of early and late primary spermatocytes and thus the complete absence of sperm. GCNA is critical for genome integrity and its loss results in genomic instability and infertility in Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, and mouse. PVs in GCNA appear to be incompatible with male fertility in humans as well: A stop-gain PV caused Azoospermia and a missense PV caused severe OAT with very low fertilization rates and no pregnancy in numerous IVF treatments.
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Bi-allelic variants in human WDR63 cause male infertility via abnormal inner dynein arms assembly. Cell Discov 2021; 7:110. [PMID: 34782613 PMCID: PMC8593051 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner dynein arm (IDA), composed of a series of protein complex, is necessary to cilia and flagella bend formation and beating. Previous studies indicated that defects of IDA protein complex result in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) and male infertility. However, the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms in the IDAs need further exploration. Here we identified two loss-of-function variants of WDR63 in both MMAF and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affected cohorts. WDR63 encodes an IDA-associated protein that is dominantly expressed in testis. We next generated Wdr63-knockout (Wdr63-KO) mice through the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Remarkably, Wdr63-KO induced decreased sperm number, abnormal flagellar morphology and male infertility. In addition, transmission electron microscopy assay showed severely disorganized "9 + 2" axoneme and absent inner dynein arms in the spermatozoa from Wdr63-KO male mice. Mechanistically, we found that WDR63 interacted with WDR78 mainly via WD40-repeat domain and is necessary for IDA assembly. Furthermore, WDR63-associated male infertility in human and mice could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that bi-allelic variants of WDR63 cause male infertility via abnormal inner dynein arms assembly and flagella formation and can be used as a genetic diagnostic indicator for infertility males.
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Sudhakar DVS, Shah R, Gajbhiye RK. Genetics of Male Infertility - Present and Future: A Narrative Review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:217-227. [PMID: 34759610 PMCID: PMC8527069 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_115_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8%–12% of couples worldwide with a male factor contributing to nearly 50% of couples either as a primary or contributing cause. Several genetic factors that include single-gene and multiple-gene defects associated with male infertility were reported in the past two decades. However, the etiology remains ambiguous in a majority of infertile men (~40%). The objective of this narrative review is to provide an update on the genetic factors associated with idiopathic male infertility and male reproductive system abnormalities identified in the last two decades. We performed a thorough literature search in online databases from January 2000 to July 2021. We observed a total of 13 genes associated with nonobstructive azoospermia due to maturation/meiotic arrest. Several studies that reported novel genes associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella are also discussed in this review. ADGRG2, PANK2, SCNN1B, and CA12 genes are observed in non-CFTR-related vas aplasia. The genomic analysis should be quickly implemented in clinical practice as the detection of gene abnormalities in different male infertility phenotypes will facilitate genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digumarthi V S Sudhakar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul K Gajbhiye
- Clinical Research Lab and Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Mellone S, Zavattaro M, Vurchio D, Ronzani S, Caputo M, Leone I, Prodam F, Giordano M. A Long Contiguous Stretch of Homozygosity Disclosed a Novel STAG3 Biallelic Pathogenic Variant Causing Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111709. [PMID: 34828315 PMCID: PMC8622734 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to an etiologically heterogeneous disorder characterized by hypergonadotropic hypogonadism that represents a major cause of infertility in women under 40 years of age. Most cases are apparently sporadic, but about 10–15% have an affected first-degree relative, indicating a genetic etiology. Pathogenic variations in genes involved in development, meiosis and hormonal signaling have been detected in the hereditary form of the disorder. However, most cases of POI remain unsolved even after exhaustive investigation. A 19-year-old Senegalese female affected by non-syndromic POI presented with primary amenorrhoea and answered well to the hormonal induction of puberty. In order to investigate the presence of a genetic defect, aCGH-SNP analysis was performed. A 13.5 Mb long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (LCSH) was identified on chromosome 7q21.13-q22.1 where the exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous 4-bp deletion (c.3381_3384delAGAA) in STAG3. Pathogenic variants in this gene, encoding for a meiosis-specific protein, have been previously reported as the cause of POI in only eight families and recently as the cause of infertility in a male. The here-identified mutation leads to the truncation of the last 55 amino acids, confirming the important role in meiosis of the STAG3 C-terminal domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mellone
- Laboratory of Genetics, SCDU Biochimica Clinica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Marco Zavattaro
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (M.Z.); (M.C.); (I.L.); (F.P.)
| | - Denise Vurchio
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (D.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Ronzani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (D.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Marina Caputo
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (M.Z.); (M.C.); (I.L.); (F.P.)
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (D.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Ilaria Leone
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (M.Z.); (M.C.); (I.L.); (F.P.)
| | - Flavia Prodam
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (M.Z.); (M.C.); (I.L.); (F.P.)
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (D.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Mara Giordano
- Laboratory of Genetics, SCDU Biochimica Clinica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy; (D.V.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence:
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48
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Ji Z, Yao C, Yang C, Huang C, Zhao L, Han X, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Liu N, Zhou Z, Li Z. Novel Hemizygous Mutations of TEX11 Cause Meiotic Arrest and Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Chinese Han Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:741355. [PMID: 34621296 PMCID: PMC8491544 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.741355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) mutation has been associated with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and meiotic arrest. An analogous mutation of TEX11 in the mouse impairs meiosis and can be rescued by in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy. However, a lack of genetic screening of a large cohort of Asian patients (including pedigree analysis) and proper functional evaluation limit the clinical application of TEX11 mutation screening. Thus, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 479 patients with NOA and identified three novel mutations (two splicing mutations and one missense mutation) in TEX11 in three pairs of siblings from three families and four novel pathogenic mutations (three frameshift mutations and a non-sense mutation) of TEX11 in four sporadic NOA-affected cases. Novel variants among family members were segregated by disease phenotype, and all the seven mutations were predicted to be pathogenic. Histological analysis showed that three patients with TEX11 mutations underwent meiotic arrest. The four mutations that resulted in protein truncations and defective meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 were validated by Western blot. In total, we find seven of 479 patients of NOA (1.5%) carrying TEX11 mutations. Our study expands the knowledge of mutations of TEX11 gene in Asian patients with NOA. The high prevalence and X-linked inherited mode indicated that TEX11 might be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of patients with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Di Persio S, Tekath T, Siebert-Kuss LM, Cremers JF, Wistuba J, Li X, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Drexler HCA, Wyrwoll MJ, Tüttelmann F, Dugas M, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Laurentino S, Neuhaus N. Single-cell RNA-seq unravels alterations of the human spermatogonial stem cell compartment in patients with impaired spermatogenesis. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100395. [PMID: 34622232 PMCID: PMC8484693 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high incidence of male infertility, only 30% of infertile men receive a causative diagnosis. To explore the regulatory mechanisms governing human germ cell function in normal and impaired spermatogenesis (crypto), we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (>30,000 cells). We find major alterations in the crypto spermatogonial compartment with increased numbers of the most undifferentiated spermatogonia (PIWIL4+). We also observe a transcriptional switch within the spermatogonial compartment driven by increased and prolonged expression of the transcription factor EGR4. Intriguingly, the EGR4-regulated chromatin-associated transcriptional repressor UTF1 is downregulated at transcriptional and protein levels. This is associated with changes in spermatogonial chromatin structure and fewer Adark spermatogonia, characterized by tightly compacted chromatin and serving as reserve stem cells. These findings suggest that crypto patients are disadvantaged, as fewer cells safeguard their germline’s genetic integrity. These identified spermatogonial regulators will be highly interesting targets to uncover genetic causes of male infertility. Crypto(zoospermic) men show increased number of PIWIL4+/EGR4+ spermatogonia Crypto undifferentiated spermatogonia over-activate the EGR4 regulatory network The predicted EGR4 target UTF1 is downregulated in crypto spermatogonia Crypto testes show reduced numbers of UTF1+ Adark reserve spermatogonia
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Marie Siebert-Kuss
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hannes C A Drexler
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Unit, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Margot Julia Wyrwoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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50
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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