1
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Kita K, Morkos C, Nolan K. Maintenance of stem cell self-renewal by sex chromosomal zinc-finger transcription factors. World J Methodol 2024; 14:97664. [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i4.97664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this Editorial review, we would like to focus on a very recent discovery showing the global autosomal gene regulation by Y- and inactivated X-chromosomal transcription factors, zinc finger gene on the Y chromosome (ZFY) and zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX). ZFX and ZFY are both zinc-finger proteins that encode general transcription factors abundant in hematopoietic and embryonic stem cells. Although both proteins are homologs, interestingly, the regulation of self-renewal by these transcriptional factors is almost exclusive to ZFX. This fact implies that there are some differential roles between ZFX and ZFY in regulating the maintenance of self-renewal activity in stem cells. Besides the maintenance of stemness, ZFX overexpression or mutations may be linked to certain cancers. Although cancers and stem cells are double-edged swords, there is no study showing the link between ZFX activity and the telomere. Thus, stemness or cancers with ZFX may be linked to other molecules, such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and others. Based on very recent studies and a few lines of evidence in the past decade, it appears that the ZFX is linked to the canonical Wnt signaling, which is one possible mechanism to explain the role of ZFX in the self-renewal of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Kita
- Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Celine Morkos
- Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Kathleen Nolan
- Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
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2
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Shepherdson JL, Hutchison K, Don DW, McGillivray G, Choi TI, Allan CA, Amor DJ, Banka S, Basel DG, Buch LD, Carere DA, Carroll R, Clayton-Smith J, Crawford A, Dunø M, Faivre L, Gilfillan CP, Gold NB, Gripp KW, Hobson E, Holtz AM, Innes AM, Isidor B, Jackson A, Katsonis P, Amel Riazat Kesh L, Küry S, Lecoquierre F, Lockhart P, Maraval J, Matsumoto N, McCarrier J, McCarthy J, Miyake N, Moey LH, Németh AH, Østergaard E, Patel R, Pope K, Posey JE, Schnur RE, Shaw M, Stolerman E, Taylor JP, Wadman E, Wakeling E, White SM, Wong LC, Lupski JR, Lichtarge O, Corbett MA, Gecz J, Nicolet CM, Farnham PJ, Kim CH, Shinawi M. Variants in ZFX are associated with an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with recurrent facial gestalt. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:487-508. [PMID: 38325380 PMCID: PMC10940019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.01.007] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in multiple genes on the X chromosome have been implicated in syndromic and non-syndromic intellectual disability disorders. ZFX on Xp22.11 encodes a transcription factor that has been linked to diverse processes including oncogenesis and development, but germline variants have not been characterized in association with disease. Here, we present clinical and molecular characterization of 18 individuals with germline ZFX variants. Exome or genome sequencing revealed 11 variants in 18 subjects (14 males and 4 females) from 16 unrelated families. Four missense variants were identified in 11 subjects, with seven truncation variants in the remaining individuals. Clinical findings included developmental delay/intellectual disability, behavioral abnormalities, hypotonia, and congenital anomalies. Overlapping and recurrent facial features were identified in all subjects, including thickening and medial broadening of eyebrows, variations in the shape of the face, external eye abnormalities, smooth and/or long philtrum, and ear abnormalities. Hyperparathyroidism was found in four families with missense variants, and enrichment of different tumor types was observed. In molecular studies, DNA-binding domain variants elicited differential expression of a small set of target genes relative to wild-type ZFX in cultured cells, suggesting a gain or loss of transcriptional activity. Additionally, a zebrafish model of ZFX loss displayed an altered behavioral phenotype, providing additional evidence for the functional significance of ZFX. Our clinical and experimental data support that variants in ZFX are associated with an X-linked intellectual disability syndrome characterized by a recurrent facial gestalt, neurocognitive and behavioral abnormalities, and an increased risk for congenital anomalies and hyperparathyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Shepherdson
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Katie Hutchison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - George McGillivray
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Tae-Ik Choi
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Carolyn A Allan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, and Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Donald G Basel
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Renée Carroll
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ali Crawford
- Medical Genomics Research, Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Morten Dunø
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, FHU TRANSLAD, Hôpital d'Enfants, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, Equipe GAD, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Christopher P Gilfillan
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nina B Gold
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen W Gripp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Emma Hobson
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Clinical Genetics, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Alexander M Holtz
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Micheil Innes
- Departments of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 44000 Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Adam Jackson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Panagiotis Katsonis
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leila Amel Riazat Kesh
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Clinical Genetics, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sébastien Küry
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 44000 Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - François Lecoquierre
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1245 and CHU Rouen, Department of Genetics and Reference Center for Developmental Disorders, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Paul Lockhart
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Julien Maraval
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, FHU TRANSLAD, Hôpital d'Enfants, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231, Equipe GAD, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Julie McCarrier
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Josephine McCarthy
- Department of Endocrinology, Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Lip Hen Moey
- Department of Genetics, Penang General Hospital, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andrea H Németh
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Elsebet Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rushina Patel
- Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Kate Pope
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jennifer E Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Marie Shaw
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Julie P Taylor
- Medical Genomics Research, Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erin Wadman
- Division of Medical Genetics, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Emma Wakeling
- North East Thames Regional Genetic Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Lawrence C Wong
- Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, Downey, CA, USA
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olivier Lichtarge
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Corbett
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charles M Nicolet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peggy J Farnham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
| | - Marwan Shinawi
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Rehmann-Sutter C, Hornig N, Stammberger B, Stoff H. The past and future of "sex genes". MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:153-161. [PMID: 38840815 PMCID: PMC10842558 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Much later than the discovery of "sex chromosomes" and of "sex hormones", genetics started delivering detailed explanations of sex-determining developmental pathways. Despite increasing knowledge of biological processes, concepts and theories about sex development are never based on facts alone. There are inevitable entanglements of biological description and changing cultural assumptions and they play a key role in how sex genes are framed and interpreted in biological research. In this review article we first focus on the early 20th century biology that worked in a hormone-based paradigm. Genetic explanations emerged later, first on the basis of sex chromosomes; starting in the 1980s, on the basis of genes. We highlight orthodox views of female development, which saw the default pathway of human sex development. We will show how recent findings in biology challenge it. The article discusses the interactions of causal claims in science with cultural assumption about gender and outlines three influential strands of critical feminist philosophy of science: the critique of genetic determinism and genetic essentialism, of dualist assumptions, and of an androcentric bias in the conception of research strategies. In the final section we suggest key agenda points of future genetic research on sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Rehmann-Sutter
- Universität zu LübeckInstitut für Medizingeschichte und WissenschaftsforschungKönigstraße 4223552LübeckDeutschland
| | - Nadine Hornig
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu KielInstitut für HumangenetikSchwanenweg 2424105KielDeutschland
| | - Birgit Stammberger
- Universität zu LübeckInstitut für Medizingeschichte und WissenschaftsforschungKönigstraße 4223552LübeckDeutschland
| | - Heiko Stoff
- Medizinische Hochschule HannoverInstitut für Ethik, Geschichte und Philosophie der MedizinCarl-Neuberg-Str. 130625HannoverDeutschland
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4
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Holmlund H, Yamauchi Y, Ruthig VA, Cocquet J, Ward MA. Return of the forgotten hero: the role of Y chromosome-encoded Zfy in male reproduction. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad025. [PMID: 37354519 PMCID: PMC10695432 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Y-linked zinc finger gene ZFY is conserved across eutherians and is known to be a critical fertility factor in some species. The initial studies of the mouse homologues, Zfy1 and Zfy2, were performed using mice with spontaneous Y chromosome mutations and Zfy transgenes. These studies revealed that Zfy is involved in multiple processes during spermatogenesis, including removal of germ cells with unpaired chromosomes and control of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation during meiosis I, facilitating the progress of meiosis II, promoting spermiogenesis, and improving assisted reproduction outcomes. Zfy was also identified as a key gene in Y chromosome evolution, protecting this chromosome from extinction by serving as the executioner responsible for meiosis surveillance. Studies with targeted Zfy knock-outs revealed that mice lacking both homologues have severe spermatogenic defects and are infertile. Based on protein structure and in vitro assays, Zfy is expected to drive spermatogenesis as a transcriptional regulator. The combined evidence documents that the presence of at least one Zfy homologue is required for male fertility and that Zfy2 plays a more prominent role. This knowledge reinforces the importance of these factors for mouse spermatogenesis and informs our understanding of the human ZFY variants, which are homologous to the mouse Zfy1 and Zfy2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Holmlund
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Julie Cocquet
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Universite Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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5
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Yamauchi Y, Matsumura T, Bakse J, Holmlund H, Blanchet G, Carrot E, Ikawa M, Ward MA. Loss of mouse Y chromosome gene Zfy1 and Zfy2 leads to spermatogenesis impairment, sperm defects, and infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1312-1326. [PMID: 35293998 PMCID: PMC9199016 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Using mice with Y chromosome deficiencies and supplementing Zfy transgenes, we, and others, have previously shown that the loss of Y chromosome Zfy1 and Zfy2 genes is associated with infertility and spermiogenic defects and that the addition of Zfy transgenes rescues these defects. In these past studies, the absence of Zfy was linked to the loss of other Y chromosome genes, which might have contributed to spermiogenic phenotypes. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically remove open reading frame of Zfy1, Zfy2, or both Zfy1 and Zfy2, and generated Zfy knockout (KO) and double knockout (DKO) mice. Zfy1 KO and Zfy2 KO mice were both fertile, but the latter had decreased litters size and sperm number, and sperm headshape abnormalities. Zfy DKO males were infertile and displayed severe spermatogenesis defects. Postmeiotic arrest largely prevented production of sperm and the few sperm that were produced all displayed gross headshape abnormalities and structural defects within head and tail. Infertility of Zfy DKO mice could be overcome by injection of spermatids or sperm directly to oocytes, and the resulting male offspring had the same spermiogenic phenotype as their fathers. The study is the first describing detailed phenotypic characterization of mice with the complete Zfy gene loss. It provides evidence supporting that the presence of at least one Zfy homolog is essential for male fertility and development of normal sperm functional in unassisted fertilization. The data also show that while the loss of Zfy1 is benign, the loss of Zfy2 is mildly detrimental for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jackson Bakse
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Hayden Holmlund
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Genevieve Blanchet
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Emmaelle Carrot
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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6
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Garafutdinov RR, Sakhabutdinova AR, Aminev FG, Chemeris AV. [New polymorphic DNA marker to determine a person's sex from biological material]. Sud Med Ekspert 2022; 65:36-40. [PMID: 35947408 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20226504136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to pre-evaluate the applicability of gender-specific nucleotide sequences in human neuroligin genes as alternative DNA markers of sex. A new polymorphic locus based on NLGNX and NLGNY genes was proposed to establish the sex attribute of human biomaterials. The significant difference in the location of these loci relative to the pseudoautosomal region (PAR), as well as the combination of different types of polymorphism on the one hand, and the possibility of using gender-specific primers «in one assay» on the other hand, warrants their use as an additional marker of human sex attribute, including utilization as part of systems for DNA registration in the population. The introduction of a new polymorphic locus based on the NLGNX and NLGNY genes will make it possible to reliably identify the sex attribute of biological material recovered from crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Garafutdinov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia
| | - A R Sakhabutdinova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia
| | - F G Aminev
- Institute of law, Bashkir State University, Ufa, Russia
| | - A V Chemeris
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia
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Subrini J, Turner J. Y chromosome functions in mammalian spermatogenesis. eLife 2021; 10:67345. [PMID: 34606444 PMCID: PMC8489898 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome is critical for male sex determination and spermatogenesis. However, linking each Y gene to specific aspects of male reproduction has been challenging. As the Y chromosome is notoriously hard to sequence and target, functional studies have mostly relied on transgene-rescue approaches using mouse models with large multi-gene deletions. These experimental limitations have oriented the field toward the search for a minimum set of Y genes necessary for male reproduction. Here, considering Y-chromosome evolutionary history and decades of discoveries, we review the current state of research on its function in spermatogenesis and reassess the view that many Y genes are disposable for male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie Subrini
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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Barragán-Ruiz CE, Paviotti-Fischer E, Rodríguez-Castro KG, Desbiez ALJ, Galetti PM. Molecular sexing of Xenarthra: a tool for genetic and ecological studies. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-020-01168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Meiotic Executioner Genes Protect the Y from Extinction. Trends Genet 2020; 36:728-738. [PMID: 32773168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Y has been described as a wimpy degraded relic of the X, with imminent demise should it lose sex-determining function. Why then has it persisted in almost all mammals? Here we present a novel mechanistic explanation for its evolutionary perseverance: the persistent Y hypothesis. The Y chromosome bears genes that act as their own judge, jury, and executioner in the tightly regulated meiotic surveillance pathways. These executioners are crucial for successful meiosis, yet need to be silenced during the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation window, otherwise germ cells die. Only rare transposition events to the X, where they remain subject to obligate meiotic silencing, are heritable, posing strong evolutionary constraint for the Y chromosome to persist.
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10
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The Use of RNAi Technology to Interfere with Zfx Gene Increases the Male Rates of Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus) Offspring. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9549765. [PMID: 32509876 PMCID: PMC7254085 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9549765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger protein X-linked (Zfx) was regarded to be a sex determination factor and plays a critical role in spermatogenesis. RNAi is an effective method of silencing Zfx mRNA expression. However, there has been little research on the use of RNAi technology to control the sex of the offspring of red deer (Cervus elaphus). The objective of this study was first to explore an efficient method to alter the red deer offspring sex-ratio by silencing the gene Zfx during spermatogenesis. Three recombinant expression vectors pLL3.7/A, pLL3.7/B, and pLL3.7/C were constructed to interrupt the Zfx gene. The results showed that the expression of Zfx mRNA was significantly silenced by pLL3.7/A (P < 0.01), compared with the control group. The group injected with pLL3.7/A produced 94 red deer, including 68 males and 26 females. The male rates (72.34%) were significantly higher than the control groups (P < 0.01). Our result suggests that Zfx siRNA is a useful approach to control offspring sex in red deer. This study further confirms that the Zfx gene plays a significant role in the process of X spermatogenesis.
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11
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Identification of the Sex of Pre-implantation Mouse Embryos Using a Marked Y Chromosome and CRISPR/Cas9. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14315. [PMID: 31586114 PMCID: PMC6778187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50731-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although numerous attempts have been made to alter the sex ratio of the progeny of mammals, the limitations of current technologies have prevented their widespread use in farm animals. The presence or absence of a Y chromosome determines whether a mammalian embryo develops as a male or female, and non-invasive genetic reporters such as fluorescence protein markers have been intensively applied in a variety of fields of research. To develop a non-invasive and instantaneous method for advance determination of the sex of embryos, we developed a Y chromosome-linked eGFP mouse line that stably expresses green fluorescent protein under the control of the CAG promoter. The development of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has made it easy to deliver an exogenous gene to a specific locus of a genome, and linking a tracer to the Y chromosome has simplified the process of predicting the sex of embryos collected by mating a Y-Chr-eGFP transgenic male with a wild-type female. XY embryos appeared green, under a fluorescence microscope, and XX embryos did not. Y chromosome-linked genes were amplified by nested PCR to further confirm the accuracy of this method, and the simultaneous transplantation of green and non-green embryos into foster mothers indicated that 100% accuracy was achieved by this method. Thus, the Y-Chr-eGFP mouse line provides an expeditious and accurate approach for sexing pre-implantation embryos and can be efficiently used for the pre-selection of sex.
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12
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Zhang YS, Du YC, Sun LR, Wang XH, Liu SB, Xi JF, Li CC, Ying RW, Jiang S, Wang XZ, Shen H, Jia B. A genetic method for sex determination in Ovis spp. by interruption of the zinc finger protein, Y-linked (ZFY) gene on the Y chromosome. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1161-1168. [PMID: 29505743 DOI: 10.1071/rd17339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome plays a critical role in spermatogenesis. However, the exact functions of each gene on the Y chromosome have not been completely elucidated, due, in part, to difficulties in gene targeting analysis of the Y chromosome. The zinc finger protein, Y-linked (ZFY) gene was first proposed to be a sex determination factor, although its function in spermatogenesis has recently been elucidated. Nevertheless, ZFY gene targeting analysis has not been performed to date. In the present study, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to generate ZFY-interrupted Hu sheep by injecting short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into round spermatids. The resulting spermatozoa exhibited abnormal sperm morphology, including spermatozoa without tails and others with head and tail abnormalities. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ZFY mRNA expression was decreased significantly in Hu sheep with interrupted ZFY compared with wild-type Hu sheep. The sex ratio of lambs also exhibited a bias towards females. Together, the experimental strategy and findings of the present study reveal that ZFY also functions in spermatogenesis in Hu sheep and facilitate the use of RNAi in the control of sex in Hu sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ying Chun Du
- The Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li Rong Sun
- Tongliao City Quality and Safety Centre of Agricultural and Livestock, Tongliao, China
| | - Xu Hai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shuai Bing Liu
- Nanhu District of Jiaxing City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ji Feng Xi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chao Cheng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Wen Ying
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Song Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiang Zu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hong Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bin Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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13
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Deakin JE, Potter S, O'Neill R, Ruiz-Herrera A, Cioffi MB, Eldridge MDB, Fukui K, Marshall Graves JA, Griffin D, Grutzner F, Kratochvíl L, Miura I, Rovatsos M, Srikulnath K, Wapstra E, Ezaz T. Chromosomics: Bridging the Gap between Genomes and Chromosomes. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10080627. [PMID: 31434289 PMCID: PMC6723020 DOI: 10.3390/genes10080627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent advances in DNA sequencing technology are enabling a rapid increase in the number of genomes being sequenced. However, many fundamental questions in genome biology remain unanswered, because sequence data alone is unable to provide insight into how the genome is organised into chromosomes, the position and interaction of those chromosomes in the cell, and how chromosomes and their interactions with each other change in response to environmental stimuli or over time. The intimate relationship between DNA sequence and chromosome structure and function highlights the need to integrate genomic and cytogenetic data to more comprehensively understand the role genome architecture plays in genome plasticity. We propose adoption of the term 'chromosomics' as an approach encompassing genome sequencing, cytogenetics and cell biology, and present examples of where chromosomics has already led to novel discoveries, such as the sex-determining gene in eutherian mammals. More importantly, we look to the future and the questions that could be answered as we enter into the chromosomics revolution, such as the role of chromosome rearrangements in speciation and the role more rapidly evolving regions of the genome, like centromeres, play in genome plasticity. However, for chromosomics to reach its full potential, we need to address several challenges, particularly the training of a new generation of cytogeneticists, and the commitment to a closer union among the research areas of genomics, cytogenetics, cell biology and bioinformatics. Overcoming these challenges will lead to ground-breaking discoveries in understanding genome evolution and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine E Deakin
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - Sally Potter
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William St Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Rachel O'Neill
- Institute for Systems Genomics and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marcelo B Cioffi
- Laboratório de Citogenética de Peixes, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Mark D B Eldridge
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William St Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Kichi Fukui
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jennifer A Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Darren Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Frank Grutzner
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Lukáš Kratochvíl
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ikuo Miura
- Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Michail Rovatsos
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics & Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Tariq Ezaz
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia.
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14
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Zhou M, Yu J, Xue R, Li B, Yang J. A reliable non-invasive PCR method for takin (Budorcas taxicolor) sex identification based on amelogenin gene. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-017-0956-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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16
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Graves JAM. Marsupial genomics meet marsupial reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 31:1181-1188. [PMID: 30482268 DOI: 10.1071/rd18234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We came from very different backgrounds, with different skills and interests. Marilyn Renfree was recognised as 'a giant of marsupial embryology'; I had spent my working life studying genes and chromosomes. We teamed up out of mutual respect (awe on my side) to form, with Des Cooper, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics. This is the story of how our collaboration came to be, and what it has produced for our knowledge of some of the world's most remarkable animals.
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17
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Stévant I, Papaioannou MD, Nef S. A brief history of sex determination. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:3-10. [PMID: 29635012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental biological question that has puzzled, but also fascinated mankind since antiquity is the one pertaining to the differences between sexes. Ancient cultures and mythologies poetically intended to explain the origin of the two sexes; philosophy offered insightful albeit occasionally paradoxical perceptions about men and women; and society as a whole put forward numerous intuitive observations about the traits that distinguish the two sexes. However, it was only through meticulous scientific research that began in the 16th century, and gradual technical improvements that followed over the next centuries, that the study of sex determination bore fruit. Here, we present a brief history of sex determination studies from ancient times until today, by selectively interviewing some of the milestones in the field. We complete our review by outlining some yet unanswered questions and proposing future experimental directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marilena D Papaioannou
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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18
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Colaco S, Modi D. Genetics of the human Y chromosome and its association with male infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:14. [PMID: 29454353 PMCID: PMC5816366 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human Y chromosome harbors genes that are responsible for testis development and also for initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in adulthood. The long arm of the Y chromosome (Yq) contains many ampliconic and palindromic sequences making it predisposed to self-recombination during spermatogenesis and hence susceptible to intra-chromosomal deletions. Such deletions lead to copy number variation in genes of the Y chromosome resulting in male infertility. Three common Yq deletions that recur in infertile males are termed as AZF (Azoospermia Factor) microdeletions viz. AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. As estimated from data of nearly 40,000 Y chromosomes, the global prevalence of Yq microdeletions is 7.5% in infertile males; however the European infertile men are less susceptible to Yq microdeletions, the highest prevalence is in Americans and East Asian infertile men. In addition, partial deletions of the AZFc locus have been associated with infertility but the effect seems to be ethnicity dependent. Analysis of > 17,000 Y chromosomes from fertile and infertile men has revealed an association of gr/gr deletion with male infertility in Caucasians and Mongolian men, while the b2/b3 deletion is associated with male infertility in African and Dravidian men. Clinically, the screening for Yq microdeletions would aid the clinician in determining the cause of male infertility and decide a rational management strategy for the patient. As these deletions are transmitted to 100% of male offspring born through assisted reproduction, testing of Yq deletions will allow the couples to make an informed choice regarding the perpetuation of male infertility in future generations. With the emerging data on association of Yq deletions with testicular cancers and neuropsychiatric conditions long term follow-up data is urgently needed for infertile men harboring Yq deletions. If found so, the information will change the current the perspective of androgenetics from infertility and might have broad implication in men health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Colaco
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
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19
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Abstract
Making my career in Australia exposed me to the tyranny of distance, but it gave me opportunities to study our unique native fauna. Distantly related animal species present genetic variation that we can use to explore the most fundamental biological structures and processes. I have compared chromosomes and genomes of kangaroos and platypus, tiger snakes and emus, devils (Tasmanian) and dragons (lizards). I particularly love the challenges posed by sex chromosomes, which, apart from determining sex, provide stunning examples of epigenetic control and break all the evolutionary rules that we currently understand. Here I describe some of those amazing animals and the insights on genome structure, function, and evolution they have afforded us. I also describe my sometimes-random walk in science and the factors and people who influenced my direction. Being a woman in science is still not easy, and I hope others will find encouragement and empathy in my story.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Marshall Graves
- School of Life Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Australia Institute of Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
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20
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Koopman P, Sinclair A, Lovell-Badge R. Of sex and determination: marking 25 years of Randy, the sex-reversed mouse. Development 2017; 143:1633-7. [PMID: 27190031 DOI: 10.1242/dev.137372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
On Thursday 9 May 1991, the world awoke to front-page news of a breakthrough in biological research. From Washington to Wollongong, newspapers, radio and TV were abuzz with the story of a transgenic mouse in London called Randy. Why was this mouse so special? The mouse in question was a chromosomal female (XX) made male by the presence of a transgene containing the Y chromosome gene Sry This sex-reversal provided clear experimental proof that Sry was the elusive mammalian sex-determining gene. Twenty-five years on, we reflect on what this discovery meant for our understanding of how males and females arise and what remains to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
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21
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Vernet N, Mahadevaiah SK, de Rooij DG, Burgoyne PS, Ellis PJI. Zfy genes are required for efficient meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) in spermatocytes. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 25:5300-5310. [PMID: 27742779 PMCID: PMC5418838 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, germ cells that fail to synapse their chromosomes or fail to undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) are eliminated via apoptosis during mid-pachytene. Previous work showed that Y-linked genes Zfy1 and Zfy2 act as ‘executioners’ for this checkpoint, and that wrongful expression of either gene during pachytene triggers germ cell death. Here, we show that in mice, Zfy genes are also necessary for efficient MSCI and the sex chromosomes are not correctly silenced in Zfy-deficient spermatocytes. This unexpectedly reveals a triple role for Zfy at the mid-pachytene checkpoint in which Zfy genes first promote MSCI, then monitor its progress (since if MSCI is achieved, Zfy genes will be silenced), and finally execute cells with MSCI failure. This potentially constitutes a negative feedback loop governing this critical checkpoint mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK.,Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Shantha K Mahadevaiah
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK.,Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, London, UK
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul S Burgoyne
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK.,Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, London, UK
| | - Peter J I Ellis
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK
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22
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Cathey JC, Bickham JW, Patton JC. INTROGRESSIVE HYBRIDIZATION AND NONCONCORDANT EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF MATERNAL AND PATERNAL LINEAGES IN NORTH AMERICAN DEER. Evolution 2017; 52:1224-1229. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1998.tb01850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/1997] [Accepted: 03/24/1998] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James C. Cathey
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Gus Engling Wildlife Management Area; Route I, Box 27 Tennessee Colony Texas 75861
| | - John W. Bickham
- Texas A&M University; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences; College Station Texas 77843
| | - John C. Patton
- Spur Science Institute and Spur ISD; P.O. Box 550 Spur Texas 79370
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23
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Spermatogenic failure and the Y chromosome. Hum Genet 2017; 136:637-655. [PMID: 28456834 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Y chromosome harbors a number of genes essential for testis development and function. Its highly repetitive structure predisposes this chromosome to deletion/duplication events and is responsible for Y-linked copy-number variations (CNVs) with clinical relevance. The AZF deletions remove genes with predicted spermatogenic function en block and are the most frequent known molecular causes of impaired spermatogenesis (5-10% of azoospermic and 2-5% of severe oligozoospermic men). Testing for this deletion has both diagnostic and prognostic value for testicular sperm retrieval in azoospermic men. The most dynamic region on the Yq is the AZFc region, presenting numerous NAHR hotspots leading to partial losses or gains of the AZFc genes. The gr/gr deletion (a partial AZFc deletion) negatively affects spermatogenic efficiency and it is a validated, population-dependent risk factor for oligozoospermia. In certain populations, the Y background may play a role in the phenotypic expression of partial AZFc rearrangements and similarly it may affect the predisposition to specific deletions/duplication events. Also, the Yp contains a gene array, TSPY1, with potential effect on germ cell proliferation. Despite intensive investigations during the last 20 years on the role of this sex chromosome in spermatogenesis, a number of clinical and basic questions remain to be answered. This review is aimed at providing an overview of the role of Y chromosome-linked genes, CNVs, and Y background in spermatogenesis.
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24
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Zhang Y, Xi J, Jia B, Wang X, Wang X, Li C, Li Y, Zeng X, Ying R, Li X, Jiang S, Yuan F. RNAi as a tool to control the sex ratio of mouse offspring by interrupting Zfx/Zfy genes in the testis. Mamm Genome 2017; 28:100-105. [PMID: 28251288 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-017-9682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore a novel method to alter the sex-ratio balance of mouse offspring by silencing the paralogous genes Zfx/Zfy (Zinc finger X/Y-chromosomal transcription factor gene) during spermatogenesis. Four recombined vectors PRZ1, PRZ2, PRZ3, and PRZ4 (RNAi-Ready-pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen) were constructed for interrupting the Zfx gene. Additionally, a recombined vector Psilencer/Zfy-shRNA was constructed for interrupting the Zfy gene. Male mice were randomly divided into 8 groups, with 20 animals per group. Five groups of mice were injected with PRZ1, PRZ2, PRZ3, PRZ4, and Psilencer/Zfy-shRNA vectors, respectively. The three control groups were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline, empty RNAi-Ready-pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector, and empty Psilencer/Zfy-shRNA vector, respectively. All groups were injected every 7 days for a total of four injections. Fourteen days after the fourth injection, 10 male mice from each group were mated individually with 10 females. Testicular tissue of 10 male mice in each group was collected, and the expression level of Zfx/Zfy mRNA was determined by qRT-PCR. Results showed that, compared with the empty RNAi-Ready-pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector and the physiological saline group, expression of Zfx mRNA decreased significantly after injection of PRZ1 (p < 0.01), PRZ3 (p < 0.01), and PRZ4 (p < 0.01), and 78.75 ± 7.50% of the offspring were male in PRZ4 group, significantly higher than the offspring derived from the empty RNAi-Ready-pSIREN-RetroQ-ZsGreen vector and physiological saline group (p < 0.01). In the PRZ1 group, the expression of Zfx mRNA was also significantly lower (p < 0.01), but the male rate of offspring was not different (p > 0.05). Conversely, the expression of Zfy mRNA decreased significantly after injection of Psilencer/Zfy-shRNA (p < 0.01) and 31.00 ± 11.00% of the offspring were male, significantly lower than in the physiological saline group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings show that RNAi-mediated disruption of Zfx/Zfy in mouse testis affected X/Y spermatogenesis. Additionally, results suggest that the paralogous genes Zfx/Zfy play an important role in the process of X and Y sperm development. The individual interference of Zfx/Zfy may predict the outcome of X and Y haploid sperms. Presented herein is an advanced method developed to control mouse X/Y spermatogenesis and sex ratio of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongSheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - JiFeng Xi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,Xinjiang Agricultural Vocational Technical College, Shihezi, China
| | - Bin Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| | - XiangZu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,Xinjiang Agricultural Vocational Technical College, Shihezi, China
| | - XuHai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - ChaoCheng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - YaQiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - XianCun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - RuiWen Ying
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Song Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - FangYuan Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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25
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Complementary Critical Functions of Zfy1 and Zfy2 in Mouse Spermatogenesis and Reproduction. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006578. [PMID: 28114340 PMCID: PMC5287576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome plays a critical role in spermatogenesis. However, the exact functions of each gene in the Y chromosome have not been completely elucidated, partly owing to difficulties in gene targeting analysis of the Y chromosome. Zfy was first proposed to be a sex determination factor, but its function in spermatogenesis has been recently elucidated. Nevertheless, Zfy gene targeting analysis has not been performed thus far. Here, we adopted the highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate individual Zfy1 or Zfy2 knockout (KO) mice and Zfy1 and Zfy2 double knockout (Zfy1/2-DKO) mice. While individual Zfy1 or Zfy2-KO mice did not show any significant phenotypic alterations in fertility, Zfy1/2-DKO mice were infertile and displayed abnormal sperm morphology, fertilization failure, and early embryonic development failure. Mass spectrometric screening, followed by confirmation with western blot analysis, showed that PLCZ1, PLCD4, PRSS21, and HTT protein expression were significantly deceased in spermatozoa of Zfy1/2-DKO mice compared with those of wild-type mice. These results are consistent with the phenotypic changes seen in the double-mutant mice. Collectively, our strategy and findings revealed that Zfy1 and Zfy2 have redundant functions in spermatogenesis, facilitating a better understanding of fertilization failure and early embryonic development failure.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Marshall Graves
- School of Life Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia, and at the Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra
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27
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Graves JAM. How Australian mammals contributed to our understanding of sex determination and sex chromosomes. AUST J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/zo16054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Marsupials and monotremes can be thought of as independent experiments in mammalian evolution. The discovery of the human male-determining gene, SRY, how it works, how it evolved and defined our sex chromosomes, well illustrates the value of comparing distantly related animals and the folly of relying on humans and mice for an understanding of the most fundamental aspects of mammalian biology. The 25th anniversary of the discovery of SRY seems a good time to review the contributions of Australian mammals to these discoveries.
The discovery of the mammalian sex determining gene, SRY, was a milestone in the history of human genetics. SRY opened up investigations into the pathway by which the genital ridge (bipotential gonad) becomes a testis. Studies of Australian mammals were important in the story of the discovery of SRY, not only in refuting the qualifications of the first candidate sex-determining gene, but also in confirming the ubiquity of SRY and raising questions as to how it works. Studies in marsupials also led to understanding of how SRY evolved from a gene on an autosome with functions in the brain and germ cells, and to identifying the ancestors of other genes on the human Y. The discovery that platypus have sex chromosomes homologous, not to the human XY, but to the bird ZW, dated the origin of the therian SRY and the XY chromosomes it defined. This led to important new models of how our sex chromosomes function, how they evolved, and what might befall this gene and the Y chromosome it defines.
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Ruthig V, Ward MA. Mouse Y-Encoded Transcription Factor Zfy2 Is Essential for Sperm Formation and Function in Assisted Fertilization. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005476. [PMID: 26719889 PMCID: PMC4697804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a key developmental process allowing for a formation of a mature male gamete. During its final phase, spermiogenesis, haploid round spermatids undergo cellular differentiation into spermatozoa, which involves extensive restructuring of cell morphology, DNA, and epigenome. Using mouse models with abrogated Y chromosome gene complements and Y-derived transgene we identified Y chromosome encoded Zfy2 as the gene responsible for sperm formation and function. In the presence of a Zfy2 transgene, mice lacking the Y chromosome and transgenic for two other Y-derived genes, Sry driving sex determination and Eif2s3y initiating spermatogenesis, are capable of producing sperm which when injected into the oocytes yield live offspring. Therefore, only three Y chromosome genes, Sry, Eif2s3y and Zfy2, constitute the minimum Y chromosome complement compatible with successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the mouse. The mammalian Y chromosome was once thought to be a genetic wasteland with testis determinant Sry being the only gene of importance. We now know that there are many genes on this chromosome crucial for male reproduction but their specific roles are often undefined. Here, we investigated the function of the Y chromosome gene Zfy2 during a final step of male gamete formation. We demonstrated that Zfy2 is responsible for allowing sperm precursor cells, haploid round spermatids, to undergo transformation into spermatozoa, and that these sperm are capable of yielding live offspring when injected into the oocytes. Thus, we identified a novel role of the Zfy2 gene during spermatogenesis and fertilization. Considering that in human sperm formation is a prerequisite for male infertility treatment using assisted reproduction technologies, our finding bear translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Victor Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Mammals have the oldest sex chromosome system known: the mammalian X and Y chromosomes evolved from ordinary autosomes beginning at least 180 million years ago. Despite their shared ancestry, mammalian Y chromosomes display enormous variation among species in size, gene content, and structural complexity. Several unique features of the Y chromosome--its lack of a homologous partner for crossing over, its functional specialization for spermatogenesis, and its high degree of sequence amplification--contribute to this extreme variation. However, amid this evolutionary turmoil many commonalities have been revealed that have contributed to our understanding of the selective pressures driving the evolution and biology of the Y chromosome. Two biological themes have defined Y-chromosome research over the past six decades: testis determination and spermatogenesis. A third biological theme begins to emerge from recent insights into the Y chromosome's roles beyond the reproductive tract--a theme that promises to broaden the reach of Y-chromosome research by shedding light on fundamental sex differences in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Hughes
- Whitehead Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142;
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142;
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Rengaraj D, Kwon WS, Pang MG. Bioinformatics Annotation of Human Y Chromosome-Encoded Protein Pathways and Interactions. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:3503-18. [PMID: 26279084 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We performed a comprehensive analysis of human Y chromosome-encoded proteins, their pathways, and their interactions using bioinformatics tools. From the NCBI annotation release 107 of human genome, we retrieved a total of 66 proteins encoded on Y chromosome. Most of the retrieved proteins were also matched with the proteins listed in the core databases of the Human Proteome Project including neXtProt, PeptideAtlas, and the Human Protein Atlas. When we examined the pathways of human Y-encoded proteins through KEGG database and Pathway Studio software, many of proteins fall into the categories related to cell signaling pathways. Using the STRING program, we found a total of 49 human Y-encoded proteins showing strong/medium interaction with each other. While using the Pathway studio software, we found that a total of 16 proteins interact with other chromosome-encoded proteins. In particular, the SRY protein interacted with 17 proteins encoded on other chromosomes. Additionally, we aligned the sequences of human Y-encoded proteins with the sequences of chimpanzee and mouse Y-encoded proteins using the NCBI BLAST program. This analysis resulted in a significant number of orthologous proteins between human, chimpanzee, and mouse. Collectively, our findings provide the scientific community with additional information on the human Y chromosome-encoded proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University , Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University , Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 456-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University , Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do 456-756, Republic of Korea
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Vernet N, Mahadevaiah SK, Yamauchi Y, Decarpentrie F, Mitchell MJ, Ward MA, Burgoyne PS. Mouse Y-linked Zfy1 and Zfy2 are expressed during the male-specific interphase between meiosis I and meiosis II and promote the 2nd meiotic division. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004444. [PMID: 24967676 PMCID: PMC4072562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse Zfy1 and Zfy2 encode zinc finger transcription factors that map to the short arm of the Y chromosome (Yp). They have previously been shown to promote meiotic quality control during pachytene (Zfy1 and Zfy2) and at the first meiotic metaphase (Zfy2). However, from these previous studies additional roles for genes encoded on Yp during meiotic progression were inferred. In order to identify these genes and investigate their function in later stages of meiosis, we created three models with diminishing Yp and Zfy gene complements (but lacking the Y-long-arm). Since the Y-long-arm mediates pairing and exchange with the X via their pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) we added a minute PAR-bearing X chromosome derivative to enable formation of a sex bivalent, thus avoiding Zfy2-mediated meiotic metaphase I (MI) checkpoint responses to the unpaired (univalent) X chromosome. Using these models we obtained definitive evidence that genetic information on Yp promotes meiosis II, and by transgene addition identified Zfy1 and Zfy2 as the genes responsible. Zfy2 was substantially more effective and proved to have a much more potent transactivation domain than Zfy1. We previously established that only Zfy2 is required for the robust apoptotic elimination of MI spermatocytes in response to a univalent X; the finding that both genes potentiate meiosis II led us to ask whether there was de novo Zfy1 and Zfy2 transcription in the interphase between meiosis I and meiosis II, and this proved to be the case. X-encoded Zfx was also expressed at this stage and Zfx over-expression also potentiated meiosis II. An interphase between the meiotic divisions is male-specific and we previously hypothesised that this allows meiosis II critical X and Y gene reactivation following sex chromosome silencing in meiotic prophase. The interphase transcription and meiosis II function of Zfx, Zfy1 and Zfy2 validate this hypothesis. The mouse Y chromosome genes Zfy1 and Zfy2 were first identified in the late 1980s during the search for the gene on the Y that triggers male development; they encode proteins that regulate the expression of other genes to which they bind via a ‘zinc finger’ domain. We have now discovered that these genes play important roles during spermatogenesis. Zfy2 proved to be essential for the efficient operation of a ‘checkpoint’ during the first meiotic division that identifies and kills cells that would otherwise produce sperm with an unbalanced chromosome set. Female meiosis, which does not have an equivalent checkpoint, generates a significant proportion of eggs with an unbalanced chromosome set. In the present study we show that Zfy2 also has a major role in ensuring that the second meiotic division occurs, with Zfy1 and a related gene, Zfx, on the X chromosome providing some support. In order to fulfil this function all three genes are expressed in the ‘interphase’ stage between the two divisions. In female meiosis there is no interphase stage between the two meiotic divisions but in this case essential functions during the divisions are supported by stored RNAs, so an interphase is not needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of functional genomics and cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- * E-mail: ,
| | | | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | | | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Marseille, France
- Inserm UMR_S 910, Marseille, France
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Paul S. Burgoyne
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
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Gokulakrishnan P, Kumar RR, Sharma BD, Mendiratta SK, Malav O, Sharma D. Determination of sex origin of meat and meat products on the DNA basis: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2014; 55:1303-14. [PMID: 24915321 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2012.690095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination of domestic animal's meat is of potential value in meat authentication and quality control studies. Methods aiming at determining the sex origin of meat may be based either on the analysis of hormone or on the analysis of nucleic acids. At the present time, sex determination of meat and meat products based on hormone analysis employ gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Most of the hormone-based methods proved to be highly specific and sensitive but were not performed on a regular basis for meat sexing due to the technical limitations or the expensive equipments required. On the other hand, the most common methodology to determine the sex of meat is unquestionably traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that involves gel electrophoresis of DNA amplicons. This review is intended to provide an overview of the DNA-based methods for sex determination of meat and meat products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanisamy Gokulakrishnan
- a Division of Livestock Products Technology , Indian Veterinary Research Institute , Izatnagar, Bareilly , Uttar Pradesh , India
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Bhandari RK, Haque MM, Skinner MK. Global genome analysis of the downstream binding targets of testis determining factor SRY and SOX9. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43380. [PMID: 22984422 PMCID: PMC3440412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A major event in mammalian male sex determination is the induction of the testis determining factor Sry and its downstream gene Sox9. The current study provides one of the first genome wide analyses of the downstream gene binding targets for SRY and SOX9 to help elucidate the molecular control of Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. A modified ChIP-Chip analysis using a comparative hybridization was used to identify 71 direct downstream binding targets for SRY and 109 binding targets for SOX9. Interestingly, only 5 gene targets overlapped between SRY and SOX9. In addition to the direct response element binding gene targets, a large number of atypical binding gene targets were identified for both SRY and SOX9. Bioinformatic analysis of the downstream binding targets identified gene networks and cellular pathways potentially involved in the induction of Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. The specific DNA sequence binding site motifs for both SRY and SOX9 were identified. Observations provide insights into the molecular control of male gonadal sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K. Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Md. M. Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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34
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Jobling MA. Boys and girls. INVESTIGATIVE GENETICS 2012; 3:13. [PMID: 22716283 PMCID: PMC3464707 DOI: 10.1186/2041-2223-3-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jobling
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
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35
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Mekkawy M, Kamel A, El-Ruby M, Mohamed A, Essawi M, Soliman H, Dessouky N, Shehab M, Mazen I. Isodicentric Y chromosomes in Egyptian patients with disorders of sex development (DSD). Am J Med Genet A 2012; 158A:1594-603. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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36
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Decarpentrie F, Vernet N, Mahadevaiah SK, Longepied G, Streichemberger E, Aknin-Seifer I, Ojarikre OA, Burgoyne PS, Metzler-Guillemain C, Mitchell MJ. Human and mouse ZFY genes produce a conserved testis-specific transcript encoding a zinc finger protein with a short acidic domain and modified transactivation potential. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:2631-45. [PMID: 22407129 PMCID: PMC3363334 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian ZFY genes are located on the Y chromosome, and code putative transcription factors with 12–13 zinc fingers preceded by a large acidic (activating) domain. In mice, there are two genes, Zfy1 and Zfy2, which are expressed mainly in the testis. Their transcription increases in germ cells as they enter meiosis, both are silenced by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) during pachytene, and Zfy2 is strongly reactivated later in spermatids. Recently, we have shown that mouse Zfy2, but not Zfy1, is involved in triggering the apoptotic elimination of specific types of sex chromosomally aberrant spermatocytes. In humans, there is a single widely transcribed ZFY gene, and there is no evidence for a specific role in the testis. Here, we characterize ZFY transcription during spermatogenesis in mice and humans. In mice, we define a variety of Zfy transcripts, among which is a Zfy2 transcript that predominates in spermatids, and a Zfy1 transcript, lacking an exon encoding approximately half of the acidic domain, which predominates prior to MSCI. In humans, we have identified a major testis-specific ZFY transcript that encodes a protein with the same short acidic domain. This represents the first evidence that ZFY has a conserved function during human spermatogenesis. We further show that, in contrast to the full acidic domain, the short domain does not activate transcription in yeast, and we hypothesize that this explains the functional difference observed between Zfy1 and Zfy2 during mouse meiosis.
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37
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Tsubouchi A, Fukui D, Ueda M, Tada K, Toyoshima S, Takami K, Tsujimoto T, Uraguchi K, Raichev E, Kaneko Y, Tsunoda H, Masuda R. Comparative Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Sex Chromosome DNA Sequences in the Family Canidae (Mammalia: Carnivora). Zoolog Sci 2012; 29:151-61. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.29.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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38
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Ellis PJI, Yu Y, Zhang S. Transcriptional dynamics of the sex chromosomes and the search for offspring sex-specific antigens in sperm. Reproduction 2011; 142:609-19. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ability to pre-select offspring sex via separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm would have profound ramifications for the animal husbandry industry. No fully satisfactory method is as yet available for any species, although flow sorting is commercially viable for cattle. The discovery of antigens that distinguish X- and Y-bearing sperm, i.e. offspring sex-specific antigens (OSSAs), would allow for batched immunological separation of sperm and thus enable a safer, more widely applicable and high-throughput means of sperm sorting. This review addresses the basic processes of spermatogenesis that have complicated the search for OSSAs, in particular the syncytial development of male germ cells, and the transcriptional dynamics of the sex chromosomes during and after meiosis. We survey the various approaches taken to discover OSSA and propose that a whole-genome transcriptional approach to the problem is the most promising avenue for future research in the field.
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Keller S, Ridinger J, Rupp AK, Janssen JWG, Altevogt P. Body fluid derived exosomes as a novel template for clinical diagnostics. J Transl Med 2011; 9:86. [PMID: 21651777 PMCID: PMC3118335 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exosomes are small membrane vesicles with a size of 40-100 nm that are released by different cell types from a late endosomal cellular compartment. They can be found in various body fluids including plasma, malignant ascites, urine, amniotic fluid and saliva. Exosomes contain proteins, miRNAs and mRNAs (exosome shuttle RNA, esRNA) that could serve as novel platform for diagnosis. Method We isolated exosomes from amniotic fluid, saliva and urine by differential centrifugation on sucrose gradients. Marker proteins were identified by Western blot and FACS analysis after adsorption of exosomes to latex beads. We extracted esRNA from exosomes, carried out RT-PCR, and analyzed amplified products by restriction length polymorphism. Results Exosomes were positive for the marker proteins CD24, CD9, Annexin-1 and Hsp70 and displayed the correct buoyant density and orientation of antigens. In sucrose gradients the exosomal fractions contained esRNA that could be isolated with sufficient quantity for further analysis. EsRNAs were protected in exosomes from enzymatic degradation. Amniotic fluid esRNA served as template for the typing of the CD24 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs52812045). It also allowed sex determination of the fetus based on the detection of the male specific ZFY gene product. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that exosomes from body fluids carry esRNAs which can be analyzed and offers access to the transcriptome of the host organism. The exosomal lipid bilayer protects the genetic information from degradation. As the isolation of exosomes is a minimally invasive procedure, this technique opens new possibilities for diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Keller
- Tumor Immunology Programme, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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40
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Vallo P, Benda P, Martínková N, Kaňuch P, Kalko EKV, Červený J, Koubek P. Morphologically Uniform BatsHipposiderosaff.Ruber(Hipposideridae) Exhibit High Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity in Southeastern Senegal. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2011. [DOI: 10.3161/150811011x578633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Peng Q, Li RY, Jia B, Li HT. Sex control by Zfy siRNA in the mouse. Theriogenology 2011; 76:507-11. [PMID: 21550106 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to detect the influence of Y sperm forming of Mus musculus by silencing the Zfy gene during spermatogenesis. The recombination expression vectors pSilencer5.1/Zfy215 and pSilencer5.1/Zfy2102 were constructed. 64 male KunMing Mus were divided into four groups randomly and averagely. The two recombination expression vectors were injected into two groups, respectively, through testis. The other two groups were injected with the same volume of physiological saline and empty vector pSilencer5.1-H1 Retro, respectively. They were injected every ten days for a total of four injections. Seventeen days after the fourth injection, 8 male Mus of each group mated with 8 female Mus. The testis tissue of the other 8 male Mus of each group was collected, and the expression level of Zfy mRNA was determined by fluorescence quantitation real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The result showed that the expression of Zfy mRNA decreased significantly after injection of pSilencer5.1/Zfy2102 (P < 0.01), and that 72.3% of the offspring were female, a number significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). In the pSilencer5.1/Zfy215 group, the expression of Zfy mRNA was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), but the female rate of offspring was not. It was concluded that the Zfy gene could play a role in the process of Y sperm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, PR China
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Xu X, Li Y, Wang X, Wei K, Zhang W, Zhang Z, Shen F, Yue B. Zinc-finger intron 7: a new locus for sex identification of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Zoo Biol 2010; 29:526-31. [PMID: 19750485 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We developed a single-reaction test for identifying the sex of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) targeted to co-amplify homologous fragments with size polymorphism that located at zinc-finger (ZF) intron 7 by using one pair of primers. This assay produced one sex-specific fragment in females (XX genotypes) whereas two fragments were produced in males (XY genotypes). Indels (insertion/deletion) in intron 7 of Y-linked allele provide a significant discrimination between ZFX and ZFY, thus the amplification products can be simply distinguished by agarose gel electrophoresis, exhibiting sex-specific banding patterns (female, 354 bp; male, 354 bp, 135 bp). The new primer set was successfully tested on known-sex giant pandas by using template DNA extracted from both blood and fecal samples. Cross-species test was also performed, revealing that this assay could be applied to other Ursidae species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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LI YUZHI, XU XIAO, ZHANG LIANG, ZHANG ZHIHE, SHEN FUJUN, ZHANG WENPING, YUE BISONG. An ARMS-based technique for sex determination of red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Mol Ecol Resour 2010; 11:400-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02934.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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44
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Quilter C, Karcanias A, Bagga M, Duncan S, Murray A, Conway G, Sargent C, Affara N. Analysis of X chromosome genomic DNA sequence copy number variation associated with premature ovarian failure (POF). Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2139-50. [PMID: 20570974 PMCID: PMC3836253 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a heterogeneous disease defined as amenorrhoea for >6 months before age 40, with an FSH serum level >40 mIU/ml (menopausal levels). While there is a strong genetic association with POF, familial studies have also indicated that idiopathic POF may also be genetically linked. Conventional cytogenetic analyses have identified regions of the X chromosome that are strongly associated with ovarian function, as well as several POF candidate genes. Cryptic chromosome abnormalities that have been missed might be detected by array comparative genomic hybridization. METHODS In this study, samples from 42 idiopathic POF patients were subjected to a complete end-to-end X/Y chromosome tiling path array to achieve a detailed copy number variation (CNV) analysis of X chromosome involvement in POF. The arrays also contained a 1 Mb autosomal tiling path as a reference control. Quantitative PCR for selected genes contained within the CNVs was used to confirm the majority of the changes detected. The expression pattern of some of these genes in human tissue RNA was examined by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. RESULTS A number of CNVs were identified on both Xp and Xq, with several being shared among the POF cases. Some CNVs fall within known polymorphic CNV regions, and others span previously identified POF candidate regions and genes. CONCLUSIONS The new data reported in this study reveal further discrete X chromosome intervals not previously associated with the disease and therefore implicate new clusters of candidate genes. Further studies will be required to elucidate their involvement in POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.R. Quilter
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - A.C. Karcanias
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - M.R. Bagga
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - S. Duncan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - A. Murray
- Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - G.S. Conway
- Department of Endocrinology, University College Hospitals, London NW1 2PQ, UK
| | - C.A. Sargent
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - N.A. Affara
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
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Mustafa O, Mehmet E. A 46, XX SRY - negative man with infertility, and co-existing with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2010; 26:413-5. [PMID: 20170343 DOI: 10.3109/09513591003632225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
46, XX male (de la Chapelle syndrome) is a rare syndrome with a frequency of 1 in 20,000-25,000 males. 46, XX males exist in different clinical categories with ambiguous genitalia or partially to fully mature male genitalia, in combination with complete or incomplete masculinisation. We herein report a case of SRY-negative XX male with complete masculinisation but with infertility, and co-existing with autoimmune thyroiditis. The patient had fully mature male genitalia with descended but small testes and no signs of undervirilisation. Peripheral blood culture for chromosome studies revealed 46 chromosomes with XX constitution. Repeat polymerase chain reaction analysis, using Y-specific sequence tagged sites analysing about 40 metaphases of genomic DNA, confirmed the absence of the Y chromosome, including any detectable SRY gene. We herein report a case of a man 46, XX male SRY with normal male phenotype and infertility. This case is the first reported case, co-existing with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozbek Mustafa
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism Disease, Ministry of Health, Diskapi Y.B. Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Dingel MJ, Sprague J. Research and reporting on the development of sex in fetuses: gendered from the start. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2010; 19:181-196. [PMID: 20533797 DOI: 10.1177/0963662508096782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Research into human genetics has been expanding rapidly and most people learn about that research from mass media. Because prior research finds gender bias in aspects of both science and the media, we investigate the messages presented to the public concerning the relationship between biology and gender, taking as a case research on the genetic development of sexual difference before birth. We examine both the science that is getting media attention and the form that coverage takes. We find that gendered assumptions direct the science but also that scholarly discourse makes gender biases in method and interpretation accessible to scientific critique. On the other hand, mass media reporting ignores feminist critiques, marginalizes women and dramatically reinscribes gendered beliefs about the inherent superiority of men and the biological basis for gender differences in personality and behavior.
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Yamada C, Masuda R. Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Sex-Chromosomal Genes and SINE Sequences in the Family Mustelidae. MAMMAL STUDY 2010. [DOI: 10.3106/041.035.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Wang T, Liu JH, Yang J, Chen J, Ye ZQ. 46, XX male sex reversal syndrome: a case report and review of the genetic basis. Andrologia 2009; 41:59-62. [PMID: 19143733 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00889.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex reversal syndrome is a kind of human genetic disease about gender dysplasia, which is characterised by inconsistency between gonadal sexuality and chromosome sexuality; the incidence rate was about 1:20,000-100,000. The clinical manifestations, hormonal levels and cytogenetic findings in a patient of 46, XX male sex reversal syndrome retrospectively were analysed and related published reports were reviewed. The DNA fragments of sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene from the patient was found by polymerase chain reaction, but the fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis revealed that the SRY translocated from Y to X chromosome. We concluded that the Y chromosomal SRY gene is required for the regulation of male sex determination. The detection of SRY is important for the clinical diagnosis of sex reversal syndrome. Translocation of SRY to X chromosome or other autosomes would be one of the key factors that induced XX male SRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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The p53 tumor suppressor causes congenital malformations in Rpl24-deficient mice and promotes their survival. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:2489-504. [PMID: 19273598 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01588-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypomorphic mutation in one allele of ribosomal protein l24 gene (Rpl24) is responsible for the Belly Spot and Tail (Bst) mouse, which suffers from defects of the eye, skeleton, and coat pigmentation. It has been hypothesized that these pathological manifestations result exclusively from faulty protein synthesis. We demonstrate here that upregulation of the p53 tumor suppressor during the restricted period of embryonic development significantly contributes to the Bst phenotype. However, in the absence of p53 a large majority of Rpl24(Bst/+) embryos die. We showed that p53 promotes survival of these mice via p21-dependent mechanism. Our results imply that activation of a p53-dependent checkpoint mechanism in response to various ribosomal protein deficiencies might also play a role in the pathogenesis of congenital malformations in humans.
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Abstract
By 1959 it was recognized that the gene (or genes) responsible for initiating the human male phenotype were carried on the Y chromosome. But in subsequent years, few phenotypes were associated with the Y chromosome. Recently, using molecular techniques combined with classical genetics, the Y chromosome has been the focus of intensive and productive investigation. Some of the findings are unexpected and have extended our understanding of the functions of the human Y chromosome. The notion that the Y chromosome is largely devoid of genes is changing. At the present, over 20 Y chromosome genes or pseudogenes have been identified or cloned, a number that is rapidly increasing. A high proportion of Y chromosome sequences have been found to be related to X chromosome sequences: the assembly of a complete physical map of the Y chromosome euchromatic region (believed to carry all of the genes) has shown 25% of the region studied to have homology to the X chromosome.3 Several X-homologous genes are located in the X and Y chromosome pairing regions, an area predicted to have shared homology. Surprisingly, some of the Y-encoded genes that lie outside of the X and Y pairing region share high sequence similarity, and in at least one case, functional identity, with genes on the X chromosome.
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