Stage-dependent DAZL localization in stallion germ cells

Cloning, expression analysis and localization of DAZL gene implicated in germ cell development of male Hezuo pig

Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is essential for mammalian testicular function and spermatogenesis. To explore the molecular characterization, expression patterns, and cellular localization of the DAZL in Hezuo pig testes, testicular tissue was isolated from Hezuo pig at five development stages including 30 days old (30 d), 90 days old (90 d), 120 days old (120 d), 180 days old (180 d), and 240 days old (240 d). DAZL cDNA was first cloned using the RT-PCR method, and its molecular characterization was analyzed using relevant bioinformatics software. Subsequently, the expression patterns and cellular localization of DAZL were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The cloning and sequence analysis showed that the Hezuo pig DAZL cDNA fragment contained 888 bp open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding 295 amino acid residues and exhibited high identities with some other mammals. The qRT-PCR and Western blot results indicated that DAZL was specifically expressed in Hezuo pig testes, and DAZL levels of both mRNA and protein were expressed at all five reproductive stages of Hezuo pig testes, with extremely significant higher expression levels in 90 d, 120 d, 180 d, and 240 d than those in 30 d (p < 0.01). Additionally, immunohistochemistry results revealed that DAZL protein was mainly localized in gonocytes at 30 d testes, primary spermatocytes, and spermatozoon at other developmental stages, and Leydig cells throughout five development stages. Together, these results suggested that DAZL may play an important role by regulating the proliferation or differentiation of gonocytes, development of primary spermatocytes and spermatozoon, and functional maintenance of Leydig cells in testicular development and spermatogenesis of Hezuo pig. Nevertheless, the specific regulatory mechanisms underlying these phenomena still requires further investigated and verified.

High cholesterol diet-induced testicular dysfunction in rats

PURPOSE

Hypercholesterolemia due to a high-cholesterol diet is linked to numerous diseases and may lead to male infertility. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The maintenance of male fertility requires intact testicular structures (including seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme) and functioning cells (Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells, etc.), production of appropriate concentrations of sex hormones, and cooperation among testicular cells. Thus, we considered whether male fertility declined as the structure and function of testicular cells were altered in rats on a high-cholesterol diet.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed either a standard or a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. Serum sex hormones, lipid components, semen quality, and fertility rate were assayed in the rats. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), Wilms tumor 1 (WT-1), and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) were regarded as specific markers of Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells in rats. In addition, the ultrastructure of the testis and expression levels of particular marker molecules of testicular cells were further investigated.

RESULTS

Compared to rats fed on a regular diet, the serum testosterone levels and sperm progressive motility decreased in rats fed high cholesterol. Moreover, we observed a deformed nucleus, dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and swollen mitochondria of Leydig cells and a schizolytic nucleus of Sertoli cells in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. The 3β-HSD, WT-1, and DAZL protein expression levels were significantly reduced in rats on a high-cholesterol diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that a high-cholesterol diet adversely affected testosterone production and sperm progressive motility, possibly due to Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cell abnormalities.

Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of stallion testicular cells under normal and heat stress culture conditions

This study investigated the effect of heat stress on stallion testicular cells (TCs) and the effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on TC viability, proliferation, and apoptosis, including different stages of germ cells. TCs were divided into control or treatment groups with 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL of recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1) for 24 h at 34 °C and 37 °C. The population and viability were measured before and after treatment. The effects of rhIGF-1 on TC viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined using RT-qPCR. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI-67) were used as proliferation markers. Myeloid leukemia-1 (MCL-1) was used as an antiapoptotic marker. BCL2 antagonist/killer-1 (BAK-1) was used as a proapoptotic marker. The relative abundance of mRNA transcript of undifferentiated cell transcription factor 1 (UTF-1), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL), was measured for spermatogenesis progression. TCs treated with 1 ng/mL rhIGF-1 at 34 °C exhibited the highest viability. Significant upregulation of the relative abundance of mRNA transcript of PCNA, MKI-67, and MCL-1 was observed in treated TCs compared with untreated TCs; however, BAK-1 was significantly downregulated in treated TCs. Germ cells treated with 1 ng/mL rhIGF-1 exhibited the highest relative abundance of mRNA transcript of UTF-1 and DAZL, whereas TCs exposed to 0.1 ng/mL showed the highest PGP9.5 level. These data confirm that heat stress in stallions decreases TC viability. These findings may help identify a basal IGF-1 level for TC proliferation and apoptosis during heat stress-induced testicular degeneration in stallions.

Carob extract induces spermatogenesis in an infertile mouse model via upregulation of Prm1, Plzf, Bcl-6b, Dazl, Ngn3, Stra8, and Smc1b

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ethnopharmacological studies for drug discovery from natural compounds play an important role for developing current therapeutical platforms. Plants are a group of natural sources which have been served as the basis in the treatment of many diseases for centuries. In this regard, Ceratonia siliqua (carob) is one of the herbal medicine which is traditionally used for male infertility treatments. But so far the main mechanisms for effects of carob are unknown. Here, we intend to investigate the ability of carob extract to induce spermatogenesis in an azoospermia mouse model and determine the mechanisms that underlie its function.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This is a pre-clinical animal model study to evaluate the effect of carob extract in spermatogenesis recovery.

METHODS

We established an infertile mouse model with the intent to examine the ability of carob extract as a potential herbal medicine for restoration of male fertility. Sperm parameters, as well as gene expression dynamics and levels of spermatogenesis hormones, were evaluated 35 days after carob administration.

RESULTS

Significant enhanced sperm parameters (P < 0.05) showed that the carob extract could induce spermatogenesis in the infertile mouse model. Our data suggested an anti-apototic and inducer role in the expressions of cell cycle regulating genes. Carob extract improved the spermatogenesis niche by considerable affecting Sertoli and Leydig cells (P < 0.05). The carob-treated mice were fertile and contributed to healthy offspring that matured. Our data confirmed that this extract triggered the hormonal system, the spermatogenesis-related gene expression network, and signaling pathways to induce and promote sperm production with notable level (P < 0.05). We found that the aqueous extract consisted of a polar and mainly well water-soluble substance. Carob extract might upregulate spermatogenesis hormones via its amino acid components, which were detected in the extract by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

CONCLUSION

Our results strongly suggest that carob extract might be a promising future treatment option for male infertility. This finding could pave the way for clinical trials in infertile men. This is the first study that has provided reliable, strong pre-clinical evidence for carob extract as an effective candidate for fertility recovery in cancer-related azoospermia.

Seasonal changes in the expression of molecular markers of stallion germ cells

The economic impacts of infertility and subfertility of stallions greatly influence the horse breeding industry. Self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells are the initial processes to maintain an adequate sperm population. Thus, understanding these processes may provide useful information to reveal the causes and remedies of subfertile and infertile stallions. Stallions are seasonal breeders. About 50% of the sperm population is reduced during the non-breeding season (NBS) in stallions. The seasonal regulation of spermatogenesis renders stallions as ideal models to understand the process of sperm production. Furthermore, comparing internal and external factors related to spermatogenesis during the breeding season (BS) and NBS may provide a solution for subfertile/infertile stallions. It is especially pertinent to study the expression pattern of different protein markers during undifferentiated, differentiating, and differentiated spermatogonia. Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL), undifferentiated cell transcription factor 1 (UTF-1), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) are the molecular markers expressed at different stages of spermatogenesis. However, whether the expression pattern of these molecular markers is similar throughout the year in stallion remains undetermined. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the expression pattern and localization of DAZL, UTF-1, and PGP9.5 within seminiferous tubules and (2) evaluate the relative mRNA levels of these three germ cell markers in stallion testes during BS and NBS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to check and compare the expression pattern and localization of DAZL, UTF-1, and PGP9.5 antibodies. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to calculate the relative mRNA expression levels in the testes. Testicular tissues from thoroughbred stallions were collected during routine castration that was carried out in field conditions. Immunostaining of germ cells with DAZL and UTF-1 in BS and NBS were not significantly different. However, the relative mRNA expression levels of DAZL and UTF-1 were significantly different in both groups. Interestingly, the immunolabeling and the relative mRNA expression of PGP9.5 were significantly different between BS and NBS. From these results, it is hypothesized that the expression level of these putative molecular markers might be gonadotropin-dependent in stallion testes.

Stage-Dependent Expression of Protein Gene Product 9.5 in Donkey Testes

Simple Summary

Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are key functions of the testes. Molecular markers that identify each stage of germ cells and Leydig cells can identify and isolate specific germ or Leydig cells. Protein gene product (PGP)9.5 is observed in neuroendocrine cells and tumors; it is also used for the immunohistochemical detection of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in various species of animals. It was found that the immunolabeling of PGP9.5 in testicular tissue was not observed in the seminiferous tubules in the pre-pubertal stage. However, in the post-pubertal stage, spermatogonia were immunolabeled with PGP9.5. Interestingly, some Leydig cells were immunolabeled with PGP9.5 in both pre- and post-pubertal stages. This study reflects that the PGP9.5 antibody can be used as a tool to identify and isolate spermatogonia from seminiferous tubules in the post-pubertal stage of donkey testes.

Abstract

Molecular markers can be used to identify and isolate specific developmental stages of germ cells and Leydig cells. Protein gene product (PGP)9.5 expression in spermatogonia and Leydig cells has been reported in several species. The stages of spermatogonia and Leydig cells expressing PGP9.5 vary depending on the species and reproductive stages. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to identify the localization of PGP9.5 in donkey testicular cells, and (2) to compare the expression patterns of PGP9.5 in donkey testicular cells between pre- and post-pubertal stages. Testes samples were collected following the routine field castration of six donkeys. Western blotting was performed to verify the cross-reactivity of the rabbit anti-human PGP9.5 antibody to donkey testes. Immunofluorescence was performed to investigate the expression pattern of PGP9.5 in testicular tissues at different reproductive stages. In Western blotting, the protein band of the PGP9.5 antibody appeared at approximately 27 kDa, whereas the band was not observed in the negative control treated with normal mouse IgG. In the pre-pubertal stage, the expression of deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) was found in some spermatogonia in pre-pubertal testicular tissues. However, the immunolabeling of PGP9.5 in testicular tissue was not observed in the seminiferous tubules. In stages 1 and 2, spermatogonia were immunolabeled with either PGP9.5 or DAZL. In contrast, PGP9.5 and DAZL were co-immunolabeled in some of the spermatogonia in stages 3 to 8. Interestingly, some Leydig cells were immunolabeled with PGP9.5 in both pre- and post-pubertal stages. In conclusion, the PGP9.5 antibody can be used as a tool to identify and isolate spermatogonia from seminiferous tubules.

Expression of DAZL Gene in Selected Tissues and Association of Its Polymorphisms with Testicular Size in Hu Sheep

Simple Summary

The deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is an RNA binding protein coding gene in autosomal, playing important roles in testicular development and gametogenesis. In this paper, we found that DAZL is extremely highly expressed in testis compared with other organs and reaches to a peak at sex maturity (6-month old) in testis. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DAZL were found to have significant effect on the variation coefficient between left and right epididymis weight.

Abstract

The deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) gene encoding an RNA binding protein is pivotal in gametogenesis in lots of species and also acts as a pre-meiosis marker. The current study was conducted to detect expression profiles and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DAZL in sheep using qPCR, DNA-pooled sequencing, improved multiplex ligase detection reaction (iMLDR^®) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. The results confirmed that ovine DAZL showed the highest expression level at six-months of age across five developmental stage. At six-month stage, DAZL expressed primarily in testis across seven tissues analyzed. The abundance of DAZL in the large-testis group is higher than that in the small-testis group although it is not significant. In addition, six SNPs (SNP1-SNP6) were identified in DAZL. Of those, SNP1 (p < 0.05) and SNP6 (p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with the variation coefficient between left and right epididymis weight (VCTW). The current study implies DAZL may play important roles in testicular development and its SNPs are associated with testicular parameters, which supply important indicators for ram selection at early stage.

Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) and deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) expression in the testes of donkeys

Putative markers for each specific germ cell stage can be a useful tool to study the fate and functions of these cells. Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) is a putative marker for undifferentiated spermatogonia in humans, rats and horses. The deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) protein is also expressed by differentiated spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in several species. However, whether the expression patterns of these molecular markers are identical and applicable to donkeys remains to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of UTF1 and DAZL in donkey testicular tissue, using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Testicular samples were collected from routine field castration of donkeys in Korea. The reproductive stages (pre- or post-puberty) of the testes were determined from the morphological characteristics of cross-sections of the seminiferous tubules. For IHC, the UTF1 and DAZL primary antibodies were diluted at 1:100 and 1:200, respectively. The immunolabelling revealed that UTF1 was expressed in approximately 50% of spermatogonia in the pre-pubertal stage, whereas its expression was limited to an early subset of spermatogonia in the post-pubertal stage. DAZL was expressed in some, but not all, spermatogonia in the pre-pubertal spermatogonia, and interestingly, its expression was also observed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in the post-pubertal stage. Co-immunolabelling of the germ cells with both UTF1 and DAZL revealed three types of protein expression patterns at both reproductive stages, namely UTF1 only, DAZL only and both UTF1 and DAZL. These protein molecules were not expressed in Sertoli and Leydig cells. In conclusion, a co-immunolabelling system with UTF1 and DAZL antibodies may be used to identify undifferentiated (UTF1 only), differentiating (UTF1 and DAZL), and differentiated spermatogonia (DAZL only) in donkey testes.

The Lin28 Expression in Stallion Testes

The molecular markers for specific germ cell stages can be utilized for identifying, monitoring, and separating a particular stage of germ cells. The RNA-binding protein Lin28 is expressed in gonocytes of human fetal testes. The Lin28 expression is restricted to a very small population of spermatogonial cells in human, mice, and monkey. The main objective of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of Lin28 in stallion testes at different reproductive stages. Based on the presence or absence of full spermatogenesis and lumina in seminiferous tubules, the testicular samples were categorized into two reproductive stages pre-pubertal and post-pubertal. We performed a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to confirm the presence of Lin28 mRNA in the testicular tissues and a western blot analysis to verify the cross-reactivity of rabbit Lin28 antibody with horse testicular tissue. For immunohistochemistry, Lin28 (rabbit anti-human), GATA4 (goat anti-human) or DAZL (goat anti-human) antibodies were used. The results of RT-PCR confirmed the expression of Lin28 mRNA in the stallion testes. The western blot analysis showed that the expression of 28 kDa Lin28 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia at both reproductive stages. The numbers of Lin28-positive germ cells per 1000 Sertoli cells in pre- and post-pubertal stages were 253 ± 8.66 and 29.67 ± 2.18, respectively. At both reproductive stages, all Lin28 positive cells showed no co-stained with GATA4 antibody, whereas only some of the Lin28-positive germ cells showed co-staining with DAZL antibody. The results from whole-mount staining showed that the Lin28 expression was limited to Asingle (As) and Apaired (Apr) spermatogonia. In conclusion, Lin28 might be utilized as a molecular marker for undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells when used with DAZL antibody.

Immunolocalization of proteins in the spermatogenesis process of canine

Spermatogenesis is a process in which differentiated cells are produced and the adult stem cell population-known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)-is continuously replenished. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood in the canine species. We addressed this in this study by analysing the expression of specific markers in spermatogonia of seminiferous tubules of canine testes. SSCs at different stages of reproductive development (prepubertal and adult) were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1), deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) were expressed in SSCs, while stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) was detected only in undifferentiated spermatogonia in prepubertal testis and differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes in adult canine. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) showed an expression pattern, and the levels did not differ between the groups examined. However, C-kit expression varied as a function of reproductive developmental stage. Our results demonstrate that these proteins play critical roles in the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs and can serve as markers to identify canine spermatogonia at specific stages of development.

Beyond the mouse monopoly: studying the male germ line in domestic animal models

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of spermatogenesis and essential to maintain the continuous production of spermatozoa after the onset of puberty in the male. The study of the male germ line is important for understanding the process of spermatogenesis, unravelling mechanisms of stemness maintenance, cell differentiation, and cell-to-cell interactions. The transplantation of SSCs can contribute to the preservation of the genome of valuable individuals in assisted reproduction programs. In addition to the importance of SSCs for male fertility, their study has recently stimulated interest in the generation of genetically modified animals because manipulations of the male germ line at the SSC stage will be maintained in the long term and transmitted to the offspring. Studies performed mainly in the mouse model have laid the groundwork for facilitating advancements in the field of male germ line biology, but more progress is needed in nonrodent species in order to translate the technology to the agricultural and biomedical fields. The lack of reliable markers for isolating germ cells from testicular somatic cells and the lack of knowledge of the requirements for germ cell maintenance have precluded their long-term maintenance in domestic animals. Nevertheless, some progress has been made. In this review, we will focus on the state of the art in the isolation, characterization, culture, and manipulation of SSCs and the use of germ cell transplantation in domestic animals.

Testicular Characteristics and the Block to Spermatogenesis in Mature Hinny

Most hinnies (female donkey×male horse) and mules (female horse×male donkey) are sterile with few reports of equine fertile hybrids. The main cause of this sterility is thought to be a meiotic block to spermatogenesis and oogenesis. This study compared the developmental features of the testes and a histological analyses of spermatogenesis in a male hinny with those of a normal, fertile stallion and Jack donkey. Hinny testes showed a thicker tunica albuginea, fewer blood vessels and more connective tissue in the testis parenchyma than those of the stallion and Jack donkey. Although the mean number of seminiferous tubules was significantly higher in stallion and hinny than Jack donkey (p<0.01), the mean proportion of seminiferous tubules was lower in the hinny (p<0.01) which resulted in a smaller diameter of seminiferous tubules. The mean number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes per unit area were significantly lower in hinny testis (p<0.01) and no spermatids or mature spermatozoa cells were found during immunofluorescent analyses. These results indicated that defects in seminiferous tubule development and structure occur in the testis of hinnies. Furthermore, most spermatogonia and spermatocytes cease development in synapsis during mid-meiosis of spermatocytes, which results in a block to spermatogenesis that prevents the formation of spermatids and matured spermatozoa during meiosis in male hinnies.

UTF1, a putative marker for spermatogonial stem cells in stallions

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) continuously undergo self-renewal and differentiation to sustain spermatogenesis throughout adulthood in males. In stallions, SSCs may be used for the production of progeny from geldings after cryopreservation and therapy for infertile and subfertile stallions. Undifferentiated cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) is a putative marker for undifferentiated spermatogonia in humans and rats. The main purposes of this study are to determine the following: 1) changes in the expression pattern of UTF1 at various reproductive stages of stallions, 2) subpopulations of spermatogonia that express UTF1. Testicular samples were collected and categorized based on the age of the horses as follows: pre-pubertal (<1 yr), pubertal (1-1.5 yr), post-pubertal (2-3 yr), and adult (4-8 yr). Western blot analysis was utilized to determine the cross-activity of the UTF1 antibody to horse testes tissues. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to investigate the UTF1 expression pattern in germ cells at different reproductive stages. Whole mount staining was applied to determine the subpopulation of UTF1-positive spermatogonia. Immunohistological analysis showed that most germ cells in the pre-pubertal and pubertal stages were immunolabeled with UTF1, whereas only a few germ cells in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubule cross-sections of post-pubertal and adult tissues were UTF1-positive. No staining was observed in the Sertoli or Leydig cells at any reproductive stages. Whole mount staining showed that A(s), A(pr), and chains of 4, 8, 16 A(al) spermatogonia were immunolabeled with UTF1 in the post-pubertal stallion tubule. Isolated single germ cells were also immunolabeled with UTF1. In conclusion, UTF1 is expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and its antibody can be used as a putative marker for SSCs in stallions.