1
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Almamoun R, Pierozan P, Karlsson O. Mechanistic screening of reproductive toxicity in a novel 3D testicular co-culture model shows significant impairments following exposure to low-dibutyl phthalate concentrations. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2695-2709. [PMID: 38769170 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
To improve the mechanistic screening of reproductive toxicants in chemical-risk assessment and drug development, we have developed a three-dimensional (3D) heterogenous testicular co-culture model from neonatal mice. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), an environmental contaminant that can affect reproductive health negatively, was used as a model compound to illustrate the utility of the in vitro model. The cells were treated with DBP (1 nM to 100 µM) for 7 days. Automated high-content imaging confirmed the presence of cell-specific markers of Leydig cells (CYP11A1 +), Sertoli cells (SOX9 +), and germ cells (DAZL +). Steroidogenic activity of Leydig cells was demonstrated by analyzing testosterone levels in the culture medium. DBP induced a concentration-dependent reduction in testosterone levels and decreased the number of Leydig cells compared to vehicle control. The levels of steroidogenic regulator StAR and the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 were decreased already at the lowest DBP concentration (1 nM), demonstrating upstream effects in the testosterone biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, exposure to 10 nM DBP decreased the levels of the germ cell-specific RNA binding protein DAZL, central for the spermatogenesis. The 3D model also captured the development of the Sertoli cell junction proteins, N-cadherin and Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), critical for the blood-testis barrier. However, DBP exposure did not significantly alter the cadherin and ZO-1 levels. Altogether, this 3D in vitro system models testicular cellular signaling and function, making it a powerful tool for mechanistic screening of developmental testicular toxicity. This can open a new avenue for high throughput screening of chemically-induced reproductive toxicity during sensitive developmental phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Almamoun
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paula Pierozan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oskar Karlsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Hong L, Herjan T, Chen X, Zagore LL, Bulek K, Wang H, Yang CFJ, Licatalosi DD, Li X, Li X. Act1 drives chemoresistance via regulation of antioxidant RNA metabolism and redox homeostasis. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231442. [PMID: 38861022 PMCID: PMC11167376 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The IL-17 receptor adaptor molecule Act1, an RNA-binding protein, plays a critical role in IL-17-mediated cancer progression. Here, we report a novel mechanism of how IL-17/Act1 induces chemoresistance by modulating redox homeostasis through epitranscriptomic regulation of antioxidant RNA metabolism. Transcriptome-wide mapping of direct Act1-RNA interactions revealed that Act1 binds to the 5'UTR of antioxidant mRNAs and Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP), a key regulator in m6A methyltransferase complex. Strikingly, Act1's binding sites are located in proximity to m6A modification sites, which allows Act1 to promote the recruitment of elF3G for cap-independent translation. Loss of Act1's RNA binding activity or Wtap knockdown abolished IL-17-induced m6A modification and translation of Wtap and antioxidant mRNAs, indicating a feedforward mechanism of the Act1-WTAP loop. We then developed antisense oligonucleotides (Wtap ASO) that specifically disrupt Act1's binding to Wtap mRNA, abolishing IL-17/Act1-WTAP-mediated antioxidant protein production during chemotherapy. Wtap ASO substantially increased the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin, demonstrating a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzi Hong
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tomasz Herjan
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Leah L. Zagore
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Katarzyna Bulek
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Donny D. Licatalosi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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3
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Huang Z, Xie L, Feng H, Lan M, Xu T, Chen D, Pu L, Lu Y. DAZL regulate germline, pluripotency, and proliferation related genes in chicken PGCs and cooperate with DDX4. Theriogenology 2024; 222:22-30. [PMID: 38615433 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of germ cells and play a crucial role in germline transmission. In chickens, PGCs can be cultured in vitro while maintaining their germline stem cell characteristics. The Deleted in Azoospermia-Like (DAZL) gene, which is highly expressed in PGCs, is essential for germ cell development. Here, through gene knockout experiments, we discovered that the loss of DAZL expression in chicken PGCs led to decreased proliferation and survival. By next employed techniques such as RIP-seq (RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation) and Co-IP-MS/MS (Co-immunoprecipitation Mass Spectrometry), we identified genes directly regulated by DAZL or cooperating with DAZL at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. DAZL was found to control genes related to germline development, pluripotency, and cell proliferation in PGCs. Additionally, we observed a significant overlap between RNAs and proteins that interact with both DAZL and DDX4, indicating their cooperation in the gene regulation network in chicken PGCs. Our research provides valuable insights into the function of the DAZL gene in germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwen Huang
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Long Xie
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hu Feng
- From the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meiyu Lan
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Tianpeng Xu
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Dongyang Chen
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Liping Pu
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- From the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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4
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Ou N, Wang Y, Xu S, Luo J, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Shi X, Xiong M, Zhao L, Ji Z, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Bai H, Tian R, Li P, Zhi E, Huang Y, Chen W, Wang R, Jin Y, Wang D, Li Z, Chen H, Yao C. Primate-Specific DAZ Regulates Translation of Cell Proliferation-Related mRNAs and is Essential for Maintenance of Spermatogonia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400692. [PMID: 38783578 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Primate-specific DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) has evolved in the azoospermia factor c (AZFc) locus on the Y chromosome. Loss of DAZ is associated with azoospermia in patients with deletion of the AZFc region (AZFc_del). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAZ in spermatogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the molecular mechanism of DAZ is identified, which is unknown since it is identified 40 years ago because of the lack of a suitable model. Using clinical samples and cell models, it is shown that DAZ plays an important role in spermatogenesis and that loss of DAZ is associated with defective proliferation of c-KIT-positive spermatogonia in patients with AZFc_del. Mechanistically, it is shown that knockdown of DAZ significantly downregulated global translation and subsequently decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, DAZ interacted with PABPC1 via the DAZ repeat domain to regulate global translation. DAZ targeted mRNAs that are involved in cell proliferation and cell cycle phase transition. These findings indicate that DAZ is a master translational regulator and essential for the maintenance of spermatogonia. Loss of DAZ may result in defective proliferation of c-KIT-positive spermatogonia and spermatogenic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningjing Ou
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Urology, Department of Interventional Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Yuci Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chenwang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yangyi Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Minggang Xiong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Urology, Department of Interventional Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Yuxuan Jin
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Dian Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
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5
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Wood TWP, Henriques WS, Cullen HB, Romero M, Blengini CS, Sarathy S, Sorkin J, Bekele H, Jin C, Kim S, Chemiakine A, Khondker RC, Isola JVV, Stout MB, Gennarino VA, Mogessie B, Jain D, Schindler K, Suh Y, Wiedenheft B, Berchowitz LE. The retrotransposon - derived capsid genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 maintain reproductive capacity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.11.592987. [PMID: 38798495 PMCID: PMC11118267 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.592987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The human genome contains 24 gag -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the ability to form capsids and even transfer cargo, their fitness benefit has remained elusive. Here we show that the gag -like genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 support reproductive capacity. Six-week-old mice lacking either Pnma1 or Pnma4 are indistinguishable from wild-type littermates, but by six months the mutant mice become prematurely subfertile, with precipitous drops in sex hormone levels, gonadal atrophy, and abdominal obesity; overall they produce markedly fewer offspring than controls. Analysis of donated human ovaries shows that expression of both genes declines normally with aging, while several PNMA1 and PNMA4 variants identified in genome-wide association studies are causally associated with low testosterone, altered puberty onset, or obesity. These findings expand our understanding of factors that maintain human reproductive health and lend insight into the domestication of retrotransposon-derived genes.
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6
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Wang X, Zhu J, Wang H, Deng W, Jiao S, Wang Y, He M, Zhang F, Liu T, Hao Y, Ye D, Sun Y. Induced formation of primordial germ cells from zebrafish blastomeres by germplasm factors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7918. [PMID: 38097571 PMCID: PMC10721796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of genome editing and primordial germ cell (PGC) transplantation has enormous significance in the study of developmental biology and genetic breeding, despite its low efficiency due to limited number of donor PGCs. Here, we employ a combination of germplasm factors to convert blastoderm cells into induced PGCs (iPGCs) in zebrafish and obtain functional gametes either through iPGC transplantation or via the single blastomere overexpression of germplasm factors. Zebrafish-derived germplasm factors convert blastula cells of Gobiocypris rarus into iPGCs, and Gobiocypris rarus spermatozoa can be produced by iPGC-transplanted zebrafish. Moreover, the combination of genome knock-in and iPGC transplantation perfectly resolves the contradiction between high knock-in efficiency and early lethality during embryonic stages and greatly improves the efficiency of genome knock-in. Together, we present an efficient method for generating PGCs in a teleost, a technique that will have a strong impact in basic research and aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Junwen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Houpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wenqi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shengbo Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mudan He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongkang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ding Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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7
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Tang Y, Zhang B, Shi H, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Li J, Wang Z, Gun S. Cloning, expression analysis and localization of DAZL gene implicated in germ cell development of male Hezuo pig. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4000-4014. [PMID: 37671929 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2249953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiyou Li
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zike Wang
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, China
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8
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Yakhou L, Azogui A, Gupta N, Richard Albert J, Miura F, Ferry L, Yamaguchi K, Battault S, Therizols P, Bonhomme F, Bethuel E, Sarkar A, Greenberg MC, Arimondo P, Cristofari G, Kirsh O, Ito T, Defossez PA. A genetic screen identifies BEND3 as a regulator of bivalent gene expression and global DNA methylation. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10292-10308. [PMID: 37650637 PMCID: PMC10602864 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are essential to establish and safeguard cellular identities in mammals. They dynamically regulate the expression of genes, transposable elements and higher-order chromatin structures. Consequently, these chromatin marks are indispensable for mammalian development and alterations often lead to disease, such as cancer. Bivalent promoters are especially important during differentiation and development. Here we used a genetic screen to identify new regulators of a bivalent repressed gene. We identify BEND3 as a regulator of hundreds of bivalent promoters, some of which it represses, and some of which it activates. We show that BEND3 is recruited to a CpG-containg consensus site that is present in multiple copies in many bivalent promoters. Besides having direct effect on the promoters it binds, the loss of BEND3 leads to genome-wide gains of DNA methylation, which are especially marked at regions normally protected by the TET enzymes. DNA hydroxymethylation is reduced in Bend3 mutant cells, possibly as consequence of altered gene expression leading to diminished alpha-ketoglutarate production, thus lowering TET activity. Our results clarify the direct and indirect roles of an important chromatin regulator, BEND3, and, more broadly, they shed light on the regulation of bivalent promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lounis Yakhou
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Anaelle Azogui
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nikhil Gupta
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Fumihito Miura
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Laure Ferry
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Kosuke Yamaguchi
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Battault
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Therizols
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Bonhomme
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, UMR 3523, F-75724 Paris, France
| | - Elouan Bethuel
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Arpita Sarkar
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | | | - Paola B Arimondo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, UMR 3523, F-75724 Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Kirsh
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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9
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Razmi K, Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Paternal source of germ plasm determinants in the viviparous teleost, Gambusia holbrooki; dads do matter. Dev Biol 2023; 502:14-19. [PMID: 37385406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The identity of germ cells, the progenitors of life, is thought to be acquired by two modes; either by maternal signals (preformed) or induced de novo from pluripotent cells (epigenesis) in the developing embryos. However, paternal roles seem enshrouded or completely overlooked in this fundamental biological process. Hence, we investigated the presence of germplasm transcripts in the sperm of Gambusia holbrooki, a live-bearing fish, demonstrating their presence and suggesting paternal contributions. Interestingly, not all germplasm markers were present (nanos1 and tdrd6) in the sperm, but some were conspicuous (dazl, dnd-α, piwi II, and vasa), indicating that the latter is required for establishing germ cell identity in the progeny, with a possible parent-specific role. Furthermore, there were also spatial differences in the distribution of these determinants, suggesting additional roles in sperm physiology and/or fertility. Our results support the hypothesis that dads also play a vital role in establishing the germ cell identity, especially in G. holbrooki, which shares elements of both preformation and induction modes of germline determination. This, coupled with its life history traits, makes G. holbrooki an excellent system for dissecting evolutionary relationships between the two germline determination modes, their underpinning mechanisms and ultimately the perpetuity of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia.
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10
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Kamble VS, Pachpor TA, Khandagale SB, Wagh VV, Khare SP. Translation initiation and dysregulation of initiation factors in rare diseases. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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11
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Yan A, Xiong J, Zhu J, Li X, Xu S, Feng X, Ke X, Wang Z, Chen Y, Wang HW, Zhang MQ, Kee K. DAZL regulates proliferation of human primordial germ cells by direct binding to precursor miRNAs and enhances DICER processing activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11255-11272. [DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) is essential in studying infertility and germ cell tumorigenesis. Many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and non-coding RNAs are specifically expressed and functional during hPGC developments. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of these RBPs and non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), in hPGCs remain elusive. In this study, we reported a new regulatory function of DAZL, a germ cell-specific RBP, in miRNA biogenesis and cell proliferation. First, DAZL co-localized with miRNA let-7a in human PGCs and up-regulated the levels of >100 mature miRNAs, including eight out of nine let-7 family, miR21, miR22, miR125, miR10 and miR199. Purified DAZL directly bound to the loops of precursor miRNAs with sequence specificity of GUU. The binding of DAZL to the precursor miRNA increased the maturation of miRNA by enhancing the cleavage activity of DICER. Furthermore, cell proliferation assay and cell cycle analysis confirmed that DAZL inhibited the proliferation of in vitro PGCs by promoting the maturation of these miRNAs. Evidently, the mature miRNAs up-regulated by DAZL silenced cell proliferation regulators including TRIM71. Moreover, DAZL inhibited germline tumor cell proliferation and teratoma formation. These results demonstrate that DAZL regulates hPGC proliferation by enhancing miRNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Yan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- Tsinghua University-–Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Jiadong Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- School of Software Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University , Beijing 100044 , China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, BNRist; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Shuting Xu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- Tsinghua University-–Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Xiaoyu Feng
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Xin Ke
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua–Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, BNRist; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Yang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, BNRist; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua–Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Michael Q Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, BNRist; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, RL11, Richardson , TX 75080-3021, USA
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
- Tsinghua University-–Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
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12
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Lavorgna G, Tascini AS, Bertini A, Lanzaro F, Montorsi F, Alfano M, Salonia A. Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals several LncRNAs differentially expressed in idiopathic germ cell aplasia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:952518. [PMID: 36147743 PMCID: PMC9486010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.952518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying severe male infertility are still largely elusive. However, recently, a single-cell transcription study by our group identified several differentially expressed coding genes in all the somatic cell types in testes of patients with idiopathic germ cell aplasia (iGCA). Here, we leverage this work by extending the analysis also to the non-coding portion of the genome. As a result, we found that 43 LncRNAs were differentially expressed in the somatic cells of these patients. Interestingly, a significant portion of the overexpressed LncRNAs was found to be a target of TAF9B, a transcription factor known to be involved in germ cell survival. Moreover, several overexpressed LncRNAs were also found to be activated in a mouse model of Sertoli cells treated with bisphenol A, a widespread environmental contaminant, long suspected to impair male fertility. Finally, a literature search for MEG3, a maternally imprinted LncRNA overexpressed as well in our patients, found it to be involved, among other things, in obesity and inflammation, known comorbidities of iGCA, ultimately suggesting that our findings deepen the understanding of the molecular insights coupled not only to the pathogenesis, but also to the clinical course of this class of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lavorgna
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Lavorgna, ; Massimo Alfano,
| | | | - Alessandro Bertini
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lanzaro
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Lavorgna, ; Massimo Alfano,
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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13
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Peart NJ, Johnson TA, Lee S, Sears MJ, Yang F, Quesnel-Vallières M, Feng H, Recinos Y, Barash Y, Zhang C, Hermann BP, Wang PJ, Geyer CB, Carstens RP. The germ cell-specific RNA binding protein RBM46 is essential for spermatogonial differentiation in mice. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010416. [PMID: 36129965 PMCID: PMC9529142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Control over gene expression is exerted, in multiple stages of spermatogenesis, at the post-transcriptional level by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). We identify here an essential role in mammalian spermatogenesis and male fertility for 'RNA binding protein 46' (RBM46). A highly evolutionarily conserved gene, Rbm46 is also essential for fertility in both flies and fish. We found Rbm46 expression was restricted to the mouse germline, detectable in males in the cytoplasm of premeiotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes. To define its requirement for spermatogenesis, we generated Rbm46 knockout (KO, Rbm46-/-) mice; although male Rbm46-/- mice were viable and appeared grossly normal, they were infertile. Testes from adult Rbm46-/- mice were small, with seminiferous tubules containing only Sertoli cells and few undifferentiated spermatogonia. Using genome-wide unbiased high throughput assays RNA-seq and 'enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation' coupled with RNA-seq (eCLIP-seq), we discovered RBM46 could bind, via a U-rich conserved consensus sequence, to a cohort of mRNAs encoding proteins required for completion of differentiation and subsequent meiotic initiation. In summary, our studies support an essential role for RBM46 in regulating target mRNAs during spermatogonia differentiation prior to the commitment to meiosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natoya J. Peart
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Taylor A. Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sungkyoung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Sears
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yocelyn Recinos
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Russ P. Carstens
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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14
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Källsten L, Almamoun R, Pierozan P, Nylander E, Sdougkou K, Martin JW, Karlsson O. Adult Exposure to Di-N-Butyl Phthalate (DBP) Induces Persistent Effects on Testicular Cell Markers and Testosterone Biosynthesis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158718. [PMID: 35955852 PMCID: PMC9369267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies indicate that phthalates are endocrine disruptors affecting reproductive health. One of the most commonly used phthalates, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), has been linked with adverse reproductive health outcomes in men, but the mechanisms behind these effects are still poorly understood. Here, adult male mice were orally exposed to DBP (10 or 100 mg/kg/day) for five weeks, and the testis and adrenal glands were collected one week after the last dose, to examine more persistent effects. Quantification of testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and corticosterone concentrations by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that testicular testosterone was significantly decreased in both DBP treatment groups, whereas the other steroids were not significantly altered. Western blot analysis of testis revealed that DBP exposure increased the levels of the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, HSD3β2, and CYP17A1, the oxidative stress marker nitrotyrosine, and the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). The analysis further demonstrated increased levels of the germ cell marker DAZL, the Sertoli cell markers vimentin and SOX9, and the Leydig cell marker SULT1E1. Overall, the present work provides more mechanistic understanding of how adult DBP exposure can induce effects on the male reproductive system by affecting several key cells and proteins important for testosterone biosynthesis and spermatogenesis, and for the first time shows that these effects persist at least one week after the last dose. It also demonstrates impairment of testosterone biosynthesis at a lower dose than previously reported.
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15
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Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Bastian NA, Hartanti MD, Wan Q, Irving-Rodgers HF, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Isolation, culture, and characterisation of bovine ovarian fetal fibroblasts and gonadal ridge epithelial-like cells and comparison to their adult counterparts. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268467. [PMID: 35802560 PMCID: PMC9269465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During ovarian development, gonadal ridge epithelial-like (GREL) cells arise from the epithelial cells of the ventral surface of the mesonephros. They ultimately develop into follicular granulosa cells or into ovarian surface epithelial cells. Stromal fibroblasts arise from the mesonephros and penetrate the ovary. We developed methods for isolating and culturing fetal ovarian GREL cells and ovarian fibroblasts by expansion of colonies without passage. In culture, these two cell types were morphologically different. We examined the expression profile of 34 genes by qRT-PCR, of which 24 genes had previously been studied in whole fetal ovaries. Expression of nine of the 10 newly-examined genes in fetal ovaries correlated with gestational age (MUC1, PKP2, CCNE1 and CCNE2 negatively; STAR, COL4A1, GJA1, LAMB2 and HSD17B1 positively). Comparison between GREL cells and fetal fibroblasts revealed higher expression of KRT19, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, ESR1 and LGR5 and lower expression of GJA1, FOXL2, NR2F2, FBN1, COL1A1, NR5A1, CCND2, CCNE1 and ALDH1A1. Expression of CCND2, CCNE1, CCNE2, ESR2 and TGFBR1 was higher in the fetal fibroblasts than in adult fibroblasts; FBN1 was lower. Expression of OCLN, MUC1, LAMB2, NR5A1, ESR1, ESR2, and TGFBR3 was lower in GREL cells than ovarian surface epithelial cells. Expression of KRT19, DSG2, PKP2, OCLN, MUC1, FBN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, STAR and TGFBR2 was higher and GJA1, CTNNB1, LAMB2, NR5A1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A1, HSD17B1, FOXL2, ESR1, ESR2, TGFBR3 and CCND2 was lower in GREL cells compared to granulosa cells. TGFβ1 altered the expression of COL1A1, COL3A1 and FBN1 in fetal fibroblasts and epidermal growth factor altered the expression of FBN1 and COL1A1. In summary, the two major somatic cell types of the developing ovary have distinct gene expression profiles. They, especially GREL cells, also differ from the cells they ultimately differentiate in to. The regulation of cell fate determination, particularly of the bi-potential GREL cells, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicole A. Bastian
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D. Hartanti
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Qianhui Wan
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helen F. Irving-Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
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16
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Hirano T, Wright D, Suzuki A, Saga Y. A cooperative mechanism of target RNA selection via germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins NANOS2 and DND1. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110894. [PMID: 35705038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ-cell-specific RNA-binding protein (RBP) NANOS2 plays a pivotal role in male gonocyte differentiation and spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Although NANOS2 interacts with the CNOT deadenylation complex and Dead end 1 (DND1) to repress target RNAs, the molecular mechanisms underlying target mRNA selection remain unclear because of the limited cell resource in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous NANOS2-DND1 suppresses target mRNAs in somatic cells. Using this somatic cell system, we find that NANOS2 interacts with RNA-bound DND1 and recruits the CNOT complex to the mRNAs. However, a fusion construct composed of the CNOT1-binding site of NANOS2 (NIM) and DND1 fails to repress the target gene expression. Therefore, NANOS2 is required not only for recruitment of the CNOT complex but also for selecting the target mRNA with DND1. This study reveals that NANOS2 functions as a second-layer RBP for the target recognition and functional adaptation of DND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Hirano
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Danelle Wright
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501 Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Division for Development of Genetic-Engineered Mouse Resource, Genetic Resource Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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17
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Vogt PH, Rauschendorf MA, Zimmer J, Drummer C, Behr R. AZFa Y gene, DDX3Y, evolved novel testis transcript variants in primates with proximal 3´UTR polyadenylation for germ cell specific translation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8954. [PMID: 35624115 PMCID: PMC9142519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Translational control is a major level of gene expression regulation in the male germ line. DDX3Y located in the AZFa region of the human Y chromosome encodes a conserved RNA helicase important for translational control at the G1-S phase of the cell cycle. In human, DDX3Y protein is expressed only in premeiotic male germ cells. In primates, DDX3Y evolved a second promoter producing novel testis-specific transcripts. Here, we show primate species-specific use of alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites for these testis-specific DDX3Y transcript variants. They have evolved subsequently in the 3´UTRs of the primates´ DDX3Y transcripts. Whereas a distal APA site (PAS4) is still used for polyadenylation of most DDX3Y testis transcripts in Callithrix jacchus; two proximal APAs (PAS1; PAS2) are used predominantly in Macaca mulatta, in Pan trogloydates and in human. This shift corresponds with a significant increase of DDX3Y protein expression in the macaque testis tissue. In chimpanzee and human, shift to predominant use of the most proximal APA site (PAS1) is associated with translation of these DDX3Y transcripts in only premeiotic male germ cells. We therefore assume evolution of a positive selection process for functional DDX3Y testis transcripts in these primates which increase their stability and translation efficiency to promote its cell cycle balancing function in the human male germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. H. Vogt
- Division of Reproduction Genetics, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Women Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M-A. Rauschendorf
- Molecular Health GmbH, Kurfürsten-Anlage 21, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J. Zimmer
- Division of Reproduction Genetics, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Women Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C. Drummer
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - R. Behr
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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18
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Robinson M, Bedford E, Witherspoon L, Willerth SM, Flannigan R. Using clinically derived human tissue to 3-dimensionally bioprint personalized testicular tubules for in vitro culturing: first report. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:130-139. [PMID: 35560010 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the feasibility and spermatogenic potential of 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinting personalized human testicular cells derived from a patient with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). DESIGN A human testicular biopsy from a single donor with NOA was dissociated into single cells, expanded in vitro, and 3D bioprinted into tubular structures akin to the seminiferous tubule using AGC-10 bioink and an RX1 bioprinter with a CENTRA coaxial microfluidic printhead from Aspect Biosystems. Three-dimensional organoid cultures were used as a nonbioprinted in vitro control. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) A 31-year-old man with NOA with testis biopsy demonstrating Sertoli cell-only syndrome. INTERVENTION(S) Three-dimensional bioprinting and in vitro culturing of patient-derived testis cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cellular viability after printing was determined, along with the expression of phenotypic and spermatogenic functional genetic markers after 12 days of in vitro culture. RESULT(S) Testicular cultures were expandable in vitro and generated sufficiently large numbers for 3D bioprinting at 35 million cells per mL of bioink. Viability 24 hours after printing was determined to be 93.4% ± 2.4%. Immunofluorescence staining for the phenotype markers SRY-Box transcription factor 9, insulin-like 3, actin alpha 2 smooth muscle, and synaptonemal complex protein 3 after 12 days was positive, confirming the presence of Sertoli, Leydig, peritubular myoid, and meiotic germ cells. Reverse transcription qualitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that after 12 days in spermatogenic media, the bioprints substantially up-regulated spermatogenic gene expression on par with nonbioprinted controls and showed a particularly significant improvement in genes involved in spermatogonial stem cell maintenance: inhibitor of deoxyribonucleic acid binding 4 by 365-fold; fibroblast growth factor 3 by 94,152-fold; stem cell growth factor receptor KIT by twofold; stimulated by retinoic acid 8 by 125-fold; deleted in azoospermia-like by 114-fold; synaptonemal complex protein 3 by sevenfold; zona pellucida binding protein by twofold; transition protein 1 by 2,908-fold; and protamine 2 by 11-fold. CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of 3D bioprinting adult human testicular cells. We show that the bioprinting process is compatible with high testicular cell viability and without loss of the main somatic phenotypes within the testis tissue. We demonstrate an increase in germ cell markers in the 3D bioprinted tubules after 12 days of in vitro culture. This platform may carry future potential for disease modeling and regenerative opportunities in a personalized medicine framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Robinson
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erin Bedford
- Aspect Biosystems, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke Witherspoon
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Willerth
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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Lan KC, Wang HJ, Wang TJ, Lin HJ, Chang YC, Kang HY. Y-chromosome genes associated with sertoli cell-only syndrome identified by array comparative genome hybridization. Biomed J 2022; 46:100524. [PMID: 35358715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise contribution of each chromosome gene or gene family in achieving male fertility is still the subject of debate. Most studies have examined male populations with heterogeneous causes of infertility, and have therefore reached controversial or uncertain conclusions. This study uses Y-chromosome array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to examine a population of males with a uniform sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) infertility phenotype. METHODS Initial analysis of gene copy number variations in 8 SCOS patients, with determination of the log-ratio of probe signal intensity against a DNA reference, was performed using the Y-chromosome NimbleGen aCGH. To confirm the role of candidate genes, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare 19 patients who had SCOS non-obstructive azoospermia with 15 patients who had obstructive azoospermia but normal spermatogenesis. RESULTS Our initial aCGH experiments identified CDY1a and CDY1b double deletions in all 8 patients who had total germ cell depletion. However, 5 patients had DAZ1/2 and DAZ3/4 deletions, 1 patient had a DAZ2 and DAZ3/4 deletion, and 2 patients had no DAZ1/2 or DAZ3/4 deletions. Examination of testicular mRNA expression in another 19 patients with SCOS indicated all patients had no detectable levels of CDY1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CDY1 deletion in SCOS patients, and analysis of the expression of DAZ and CDY1 genes using aCGH and quantitative RT-PCR, may be useful to predict the presence of mature spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Jen Wang
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jou Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jung Lin
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chiao Chang
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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20
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Members of the AP-1 Family of Transcription Factors Regulate the Expression of Gja1 in Mouse GC-1 Spermatogonial Cells. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, mainly formed by Gja1 (Connexin43), play an essential role in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia in the testis. Regulation of the abundance of Gja1 in spermatogonia involves various processes, including gene transcription, mRNA maturation, protein synthesis, post-translational modifications, plasma membrane integration and protein degradation. However, gene expression of Gja1 is abnormally decreased in most testicular germ cell tumors. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of Gja1 in spermatogonia is essential to understand how the loss of its expression occurs during the development of testicular cancer. As in other cell types, activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors may be involved in such regulatory process. Thus, AP-1 members were overexpressed in GC-1 cells to assess their impact on Gja1 expression. We showed that Jun and Fosl2 cooperate to activate the Gja1 promoter in GC-1 cells. Furthermore, the recruitment of Jun to the proximal region (−153 to +46 bp) of the Gja1 promoter has been confirmed via chromatin immunoprecipitation. Protein kinase A and calcium-calmodulin protein kinase I also contribute to the activation of Gja1 expression by improving the cooperation between AP-1 factors. Therefore, the reduction in Gja1 expression in testicular germ cell tumors may involve a loss of cooperation between AP-1 factors.
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21
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Qi X, Zhang M, Sun M, Luo D, Guan Q, Yu C. Restoring Impaired Fertility Through Diet: Observations of Switching From High-Fat Diet During Puberty to Normal Diet in Adulthood Among Obese Male Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839034. [PMID: 35518932 PMCID: PMC9063411 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with a decrease in testicular function, yet the effects and mechanisms relative to different stages of sexual development remain unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether high-fat diet-induced obesity impairs male fertility during puberty and in adulthood, and to ascertain its underlying mechanisms. This study aims to further reveal whether restoring to a normal diet can improve impaired fertility. METHODS Male mice were divided into 6 groups: the group N and H exposed to a normal diet or high-fat diet during puberty. The group NN or NH were further maintained a normal diet or exposed to high-fat diet in adulthood, the group HH or HN were further maintained high-fat diet or switched to normal diet in adulthood. Metabolic parameters, fertility parameters, testicular function parameters, TUNEL staining and testicular function-related proteins were evaluated, respectively. RESULTS The fertility of the mice in the high-fat diet group was impaired, which validated by declines in pregnancy rates and litter weight loss. Further analysis demonstrated the increased level of oxidative stress, the increased number of spermatogenic cell apoptosis and decreased number of sperm and decreased acrosome integrity. The expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and spermatogenesis related proteins (WT-1) decreased. Fertility among the HN group recovered, accompanied by the recovery of metabolism, fertility and testicular function parameters, StAR and WT-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that high-fat diet-induced obesity impairs male fertility during puberty and in adulthood. The loss of acrosome integrity, the increase of oxidative stress, the increase of cells apoptosis and the down-regulation of StAR and WT-1 may be the underlying mechanisms. Switching from high-fat diets during puberty to normal diets in adulthood can improve male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Qi
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Meijie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Jing’an District Center Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqi Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- General Practice, Jinan Forth People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Dandan Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Qingbo Guan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong Prevention and Control Engineering Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chunxiao Yu,
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22
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The therapeutic effect of hesperetin on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity: Potential roles of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 435:115833. [PMID: 34933056 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical utilization of doxorubicin (DOX), which is a commonly used chemotherapeutic, is restricted due to toxic effects on various tissues. Using hesperetin (HST), an antioxidant used in Chinese traditional medicine protects testis against DOX-induced toxicity although the molecular mechanisms are not well-known. The study was aimed to examine the possible role of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and dynamin 1-like dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in the therapeutic effects of HST on the DOX-induced testicular toxicity. Rats were divided into Control, DOX, DOX + HST, and HST groups (n = 7). Single-dose DOX (15 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally and HST (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage every other day for 28 days. Total antioxidant status (TAS), histopathological evaluations, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression level detection analyses were performed. Histopathologically, DOX-induced testicular damage was ameliorated by HST treatment. DOX reduced testicular TAS levels and increased oxidative stress markers, 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Also, upregulated mTOR and DRP1 expressions with DOX exposure were decreased after HST treatment in the testis (p < 0.05). On the other hand, DOX-administration downregulated miR-150-5p and miR-181b-2-3p miRNAs, targeting mTOR and mRNA levels of beclin 1 (BECN1) and autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), autophagic markers. Furthermore, these levels were nearly similar to control testis samples in the DOX + HST group (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated that HST may have a therapeutic effect on DOX-induced testicular toxicity by removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by modulating the mTOR and DRP1 expressions, which have a critical role in regulating the balance of generation/elimination of ROS.
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23
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Rafiee MR, Zagalak JA, Sidorov S, Steinhauser S, Davey K, Ule J, Luscombe NM. Chromatin-contact atlas reveals disorder-mediated protein interactions and moonlighting chromatin-associated RBPs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:13092-13107. [PMID: 34871434 PMCID: PMC8682780 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play diverse roles in regulating co-transcriptional RNA-processing and chromatin functions, but our knowledge of the repertoire of chromatin-associated RBPs (caRBPs) and their interactions with chromatin remains limited. Here, we developed SPACE (Silica Particle Assisted Chromatin Enrichment) to isolate global and regional chromatin components with high specificity and sensitivity, and SPACEmap to identify the chromatin-contact regions in proteins. Applied to mouse embryonic stem cells, SPACE identified 1459 chromatin-associated proteins, ∼48% of which are annotated as RBPs, indicating their dual roles in chromatin and RNA-binding. Additionally, SPACEmap stringently verified chromatin-binding of 403 RBPs and identified their chromatin-contact regions. Notably, SPACEmap showed that about 40% of the caRBPs bind chromatin by intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Studying SPACE and total proteome dynamics from mES cells grown in 2iL and serum medium indicates significant correlation (R = 0.62). One of the most dynamic caRBPs is Dazl, which we find co-localized with PRC2 at transcription start sites of genes that are distinct from Dazl mRNA binding. Dazl and other PRC2-colocalised caRBPs are rich in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which could contribute to the formation and regulation of phase-separated PRC condensates. Together, our approach provides an unprecedented insight into IDR-mediated interactions and caRBPs with moonlighting functions in native chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian A Zagalak
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | | | - Karen Davey
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jernej Ule
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nicholas M Luscombe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.,Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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24
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p53 inactivation unmasks histone methylation-independent WDR5 functions that drive self-renewal and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2642-2658. [PMID: 34715053 PMCID: PMC8581203 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
p53 alterations occur during culture of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), but the significance of these events on epigenetic control of PSC fate determination remains poorly understood. Wdr5 deletion in p53-null (DKO) mouse ESCs (mESCs) leads to impaired self-renewal, defective retinal neuroectoderm differentiation, and de-repression of germ cell/meiosis (GCM)-specific genes. Re-introduction of a WDR5 mutant with defective H3K4 methylation activity into DKO ESCs restored self-renewal and suppressed GCM gene expression but failed to induce retinal neuroectoderm differentiation. Mechanistically, mutant WDR5 targets chromatin that is largely devoid of H3K4me3 and regulates gene expression in p53-null mESCs. Furthermore, MAX and WDR5 co-target lineage-specifying chromatin and regulate chromatin accessibility of GCM-related genes. Importantly, MAX and WDR5 are core subunits of a non-canonical polycomb repressor complex 1 responsible for gene silencing. This function, together with canonical, pro-transcriptional WDR5-dependent MLL complex H3K4 methyltransferase activity, highlight how WDR5 mediates crosstalk between transcription and repression during mESC fate choice. H3K4me defective WDR5 supports self-renewal and GCM differentiation in p53-null mESCs WDR5 regulates H3K4me-independent stemness and GCM gene expression in p53-null mESCs MAX and WDR5 repress GCM-related gene chromatin accessibility upon differentiation
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25
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Morgan M, Kumar L, Li Y, Baptissart M. Post-transcriptional regulation in spermatogenesis: all RNA pathways lead to healthy sperm. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:8049-8071. [PMID: 34748024 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple RNA pathways are required to produce functional sperm. Here, we review RNA post-transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis with particular emphasis on the role of 3' end modifications. From early studies in the 1970s, it became clear that spermiogenesis transcripts could be stored for days only to be translated at advanced stages of spermatid differentiation. The transition between the translationally repressed and active states was observed to correlate with the shortening of the transcripts' poly(A) tail, establishing a link between RNA 3' end metabolism and male germ cell differentiation. Since then, numerous RNA metabolic pathways have been implicated not only in the progression through spermatogenesis, but also in the maintenance of genomic integrity. Recent studies have characterized the elusive 3' biogenesis of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), identified a critical role for messenger RNA (mRNA) 3' uridylation in meiotic progression, established the mechanisms that destabilize transcripts with long 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) in post-mitotic cells, and defined the physiological relevance of RNA exonucleases and deadenylases in male germ cells. In this review, we discuss RNA processing in the male germline in the light of the most recent findings. A brief recollection of different RNA-processing events will aid future studies exploring post-transcriptional regulation in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Morgan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Lokesh Kumar
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Yin Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Marine Baptissart
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
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26
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Hansen CL, Pelegri F. Primordial Germ Cell Specification in Vertebrate Embryos: Phylogenetic Distribution and Conserved Molecular Features of Preformation and Induction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730332. [PMID: 34604230 PMCID: PMC8481613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) occurs during early embryonic development and is critical for the survival and fitness of sexually reproducing species. Here, we review the two main mechanisms of PGC specification, induction, and preformation, in the context of four model vertebrate species: mouse, axolotl, Xenopus frogs, and zebrafish. We additionally discuss some notable molecular characteristics shared across PGC specification pathways, including the shared expression of products from three conserved germline gene families, DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) genes, nanos-related genes, and DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the distribution of germ cell determination systems across kingdom Animalia, with particular attention to vertebrate species, but include several categories of invertebrates - ranging from the "proto-vertebrate" cephalochordates to arthropods, cnidarians, and ctenophores. We also briefly highlight ongoing investigations and potential lines of inquiry that aim to understand the evolutionary relationships between these modes of specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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27
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Voigt AL, Kondro DA, Powell D, Valli-Pulaski H, Ungrin M, Stukenborg JB, Klein C, Lewis IA, Orwig KE, Dobrinski I. Unique metabolic phenotype and its transition during maturation of juvenile male germ cells. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21513. [PMID: 33811704 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002799r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human male reproductive development has a prolonged prepubertal period characterized by juvenile quiescence of germ cells with immature spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) precursors (gonocytes) present in the testis for an extended period of time. The metabolism of gonocytes is not defined. We demonstrate with mitochondrial ultrastructure studies via TEM and IHC and metabolic flux studies with UHPLC-MS that a distinct metabolic transition occurs during the maturation to SSCs. The mitochondrial ultrastructure of prepubertal human spermatogonia is shared with prepubertal pig spermatogonia. The metabolism of early prepubertal porcine spermatogonia (gonocytes) is characterized by the reliance on OXPHOS fuelled by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate. Interestingly, at the same time, a high amount of the consumed pyruvate is also reduced and excreted as lactate. With maturation, prepubertal spermatogonia show a metabolic shift with decreased OXHPOS and upregulation of the anaerobic metabolism-associated uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This shift is accompanied with stem cell specific promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) protein expression and glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) pathway activation. Our results demonstrate that gonocytes differently from mature spermatogonia exhibit unique metabolic demands that must be attained to enable their maintenance and growth in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas Andrew Kondro
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diana Powell
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hanna Valli-Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Claudia Klein
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ian A Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Yang C, Yao C, Ji Z, Zhao L, Chen H, Li P, Tian R, Zhi E, Huang Y, Han X, Hong Y, Zhou Z, Li Z. RNA-binding protein ELAVL2 plays post-transcriptional roles in the regulation of spermatogonia proliferation and apoptosis. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13098. [PMID: 34296486 PMCID: PMC8450129 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) play essential post‐transcriptional roles in regulating spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintenance and differentiation. We identified a conserved and SSCs‐enriched RBP ELAVL2 from our single‐cell sequencing data, but its function and mechanism in SSCs were unclear. Materials and methods Expressions of ELAVL2 during human and mouse testis development were validated. Stable C18‐4 and TCam‐2 cell lines with overexpression and knockdown of ELAVL2 were established, which were applied to proliferation and apoptosis analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing were used to identify ELAVL2 targets, and regulatory functions of ELAVL2 on target mRNAs were studied. Proteins interacting with ELAVL2 in human and mouse testes were identified using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric, which were validated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results ELAVL2 was testis‐enriched and preferentially expressed in human and mouse SSCs. ELAVL2 was down‐regulated in NOA patients. ELAVL2 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of C18‐4 and TCam‐2 cell lines via activating ERK and AKT pathways. ELAVL2 associated with mRNAs encoding essential regulators of SSCs proliferation and survival, and promoted their protein expression at post‐transcriptional level. ELAVL2 interacted with DAZL in vivo and in vitro in both human and mouse testes. Conclusions Taken together, these results indicate that ELAVL2 is a conserved SSCs‐enriched RBP that down‐regulated in NOA, which regulates spermatogonia proliferation and apoptosis by promoting protein expression of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Skaftnesmo KO, Crespo D, Kleppe L, Andersson E, Edvardsen RB, Norberg B, Fjelldal PG, Hansen TJ, Schulz RW, Wargelius A. Loss of stra8 Increases Germ Cell Apoptosis but Is Still Compatible With Sperm Production in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657192. [PMID: 33942021 PMCID: PMC8087537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Entering meiosis strictly depends on stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8) gene function in mammals. This gene is missing in a number of fish species, including medaka and zebrafish, but is present in the majority of fishes, including Atlantic salmon. Here, we have examined the effects of removing stra8 on male fertility in Atlantic salmon. As in mammals, stra8 expression was restricted to germ cells in the testis, transcript levels increased during the start of puberty, and decreased when blocking the production of retinoic acid. We targeted the salmon stra8 gene with two gRNAs one of these were highly effective and produced numerous mutations in stra8, which led to a loss of wild-type (WT) stra8 expression in F0 salmon testis. In maturing stra8 crispants, the spermatogenetic tubuli were partially disorganized and displayed a sevenfold increase in germ cell apoptosis, in particular among type B spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The production of spermatogenic cysts, on the other hand, increased in maturing stra8 crispants. Gene expression analysis revealed unchanged (lin28a, ret) or reduced levels (egr1, dusp4) of transcripts associated with undifferentiated spermatogonia. Decreased expression was recorded for some genes expressed in differentiating spermatogonia including dmrt1 and ccnd2 or in spermatocytes, such as ccna1. Different from Stra8-deficient mammals, a large number of germ cells completed spermatogenesis, sperm was produced and fertilization rates were similar in WT and crispant males. While loss of stra8 increased germ cell apoptosis during salmon spermatogenesis, crispants compensated this cell loss by an elevated production of spermatogenic cysts, and were able to produce functional sperm. It appears that also in a fish species with a stra8 gene in the genome, the critical relevance this gene has attained for mammalian spermatogenesis is not yet given, although detrimental effects of the loss of stra8 were clearly visible during maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai O Skaftnesmo
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Diego Crespo
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Tom J Hansen
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway.,Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
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Bertho S, Clapp M, Banisch TU, Bandemer J, Raz E, Marlow FL. Zebrafish dazl regulates cystogenesis and germline stem cell specification during the primordial germ cell to germline stem cell transition. Development 2021; 148:dev187773. [PMID: 33722898 PMCID: PMC8077517 DOI: 10.1242/dev.187773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Fertility and gamete reserves are maintained by asymmetric divisions of the germline stem cells to produce new stem cells or daughters that differentiate as gametes. Before entering meiosis, differentiating germ cells (GCs) of sexual animals typically undergo cystogenesis. This evolutionarily conserved process involves synchronous and incomplete mitotic divisions of a GC daughter (cystoblast) to generate sister cells connected by intercellular bridges that facilitate the exchange of materials to support rapid expansion of the gamete progenitor population. Here, we investigated cystogenesis in zebrafish and found that early GCs are connected by ring canals, and show that Deleted in azoospermia-like (Dazl), a conserved vertebrate RNA-binding protein (Rbp), is a regulator of this process. Analysis of dazl mutants revealed the essential role of Dazl in regulating incomplete cytokinesis, germline cyst formation and germline stem cell specification before the meiotic transition. Accordingly, dazl mutant GCs form defective ring canals, and ultimately remain as individual cells that fail to differentiate as meiocytes. In addition to promoting cystoblast divisions and meiotic entry, dazl is required for germline stem cell establishment and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Bertho
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place Box 1020 New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Mara Clapp
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Torsten U. Banisch
- Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Jan Bandemer
- Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Florence L. Marlow
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place Box 1020 New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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31
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Ho JJD, Man JHS, Schatz JH, Marsden PA. Translational remodeling by RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1647. [PMID: 33694288 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Responsible for generating the proteome that controls phenotype, translation is the ultimate convergence point for myriad upstream signals that influence gene expression. System-wide adaptive translational reprogramming has recently emerged as a pillar of cellular adaptation. As classic regulators of mRNA stability and translation efficiency, foundational studies established the concept of collaboration and competition between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) on individual mRNAs. Fresh conceptual innovations now highlight stress-activated, evolutionarily conserved RBP networks and ncRNAs that increase the translation efficiency of populations of transcripts encoding proteins that participate in a common cellular process. The discovery of post-transcriptional functions for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was particularly intriguing given their cell-type-specificity and historical definition as nuclear-functioning epigenetic regulators. The convergence of RBPs, lncRNAs, and microRNAs on functionally related mRNAs to enable adaptive protein synthesis is a newer biological paradigm that highlights their role as "translatome (protein output) remodelers" and reinvigorates the paradigm of "RNA operons." Together, these concepts modernize our understanding of cellular stress adaptation and strategies for therapeutic development. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Translation Regulation Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J David Ho
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey H S Man
- Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Respirology, University Health Network, Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan H Schatz
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Philip A Marsden
- Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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33
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Sharma D, Zagore LL, Brister MM, Ye X, Crespo-Hernández CE, Licatalosi DD, Jankowsky E. The kinetic landscape of an RNA-binding protein in cells. Nature 2021; 591:152-156. [PMID: 33568810 PMCID: PMC8299502 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression in higher eukaryotic cells orchestrates interactions between thousands of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and tens of thousands of RNAs1. The kinetics by which RBPs bind to and dissociate from their RNA sites are critical for the coordination of cellular RNA-protein interactions2. However, these kinetic parameters have not been experimentally measured in cells. Here we show that time-resolved RNA-protein cross-linking with a pulsed femtosecond ultraviolet laser, followed by immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing, allows the determination of binding and dissociation kinetics of the RBP DAZL for thousands of individual RNA-binding sites in cells. This kinetic cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (KIN-CLIP) approach reveals that DAZL resides at individual binding sites for time periods of only seconds or shorter, whereas the binding sites remain DAZL-free for markedly longer. The data also indicate that DAZL binds to many RNAs in clusters of multiple proximal sites. The effect of DAZL on mRNA levels and ribosome association correlates with the cumulative probability of DAZL binding in these clusters. Integrating kinetic data with mRNA features quantitatively connects DAZL-RNA binding to DAZL function. Our results show how kinetic parameters for RNA-protein interactions can be measured in cells, and how these data link RBP-RNA binding to the cellular function of RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sharma
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Leah L. Zagore
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Matthew M. Brister
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Xuan Ye
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | | | - Donny D. Licatalosi
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Corresponding authors: Donny D. Licatalosi: ; Eckhard Jankowsky:
| | - Eckhard Jankowsky
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,Corresponding authors: Donny D. Licatalosi: ; Eckhard Jankowsky:
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34
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Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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35
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Wu X, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Male Infertility in Humans: An Update on Non-obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) and Obstructive Azoospermia (OA). ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:161-173. [PMID: 34453736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) are two common causes of infertility that affect a considerable number of men. However, few studies were performed to understand the molecular etiology of these disorders. Studies based on bioinformatics and genetic analyses in recent years, however, have yielded insightful information and have identified a number of genes that are involved in these disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these findings. We also discuss findings based on epigenetic modifications of sperm DNAs that affect a number of genes pertinent to NOA and OA. The information summarized in this Chapter should be helpful to investigators in future functional studies of NOA and OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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36
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Laureau R, Dyatel A, Dursuk G, Brown S, Adeoye H, Yue JX, De Chiara M, Harris A, Ünal E, Liti G, Adams IR, Berchowitz LE. Meiotic Cells Counteract Programmed Retrotransposon Activation via RNA-Binding Translational Repressor Assemblies. Dev Cell 2020; 56:22-35.e7. [PMID: 33278343 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposon proliferation poses a threat to germline integrity. While retrotransposons must be activated in developing germ cells in order to survive and propagate, how they are selectively activated in the context of meiosis is unclear. We demonstrate that the transcriptional activation of Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons and host defense are controlled by master meiotic regulators. We show that budding yeast Ty3/Gypsy co-opts binding sites of the essential meiotic transcription factor Ndt80 upstream of the integration site, thereby tightly linking its transcriptional activation to meiotic progression. We also elucidate how yeast cells thwart Ty3/Gypsy proliferation by blocking translation of the retrotransposon mRNA using amyloid-like assemblies of the RNA-binding protein Rim4. In mammals, several inactive Ty3/Gypsy elements are undergoing domestication. We show that mammals utilize equivalent master meiotic regulators (Stra8, Mybl1, Dazl) to regulate Ty3/Gypsy-derived genes in developing gametes. Our findings inform how genes that are evolving from retrotransposons can build upon existing regulatory networks during domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaelle Laureau
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Annie Dyatel
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gizem Dursuk
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Samantha Brown
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hannah Adeoye
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jia-Xing Yue
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice 06107, France
| | | | - Anthony Harris
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elçin Ünal
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Gianni Liti
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice 06107, France
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Luke E Berchowitz
- Department of Genetics and Development, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Welter H, Herrmann C, Fröhlich T, Flenkenthaler F, Eubler K, Schorle H, Nettersheim D, Mayerhofer A, Müller-Taubenberger A. Filamin A Orchestrates Cytoskeletal Structure, Cell Migration and Stem Cell Characteristics in Human Seminoma TCam-2 Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E2563. [PMID: 33266100 PMCID: PMC7761120 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamins are large dimeric F-actin cross-linking proteins, crucial for the mechanosensitive properties of a number of cell types. Due to their interaction with a variety of different proteins, they exert important regulatory functions. However, in the human testis the role of filamins has been insufficiently explored. Immunohistochemical staining of human testis samples identified filamin A (FLNA) in spermatogonia and peritubular myoid cells. Investigation of different testicular tumor samples indicated that seminoma also express FLNA. Moreover, mass spectrometric analyses identified FLNA as one of the most abundant proteins in human seminoma TCam-2 cells. We therefore focused on FLNA in TCam-2 cells, and identified by co-immunoprecipitation LAD1, RUVBL1 and DAZAP1, in addition to several cytoskeletal proteins, as interactors of FLNA. To study the role of FLNA in TCam-2 cells, we generated FLNA-deficient cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Loss of FLNA causes an irregular arrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and mechanical instability, impaired adhesive properties and disturbed migratory behavior. Furthermore, transcriptional activity of typical stem cell factors is increased in the absence of FLNA. In summary, our data suggest that FLNA is crucially involved in balancing stem cell characteristics and invasive properties in human seminoma cells and possibly human testicular germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Welter
- Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany; (H.W.); (C.H.); (K.E.); (A.M.-T.)
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany; (H.W.); (C.H.); (K.E.); (A.M.-T.)
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.F.); (F.F.)
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.F.); (F.F.)
| | - Katja Eubler
- Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany; (H.W.); (C.H.); (K.E.); (A.M.-T.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany; (H.W.); (C.H.); (K.E.); (A.M.-T.)
| | - Annette Müller-Taubenberger
- Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany; (H.W.); (C.H.); (K.E.); (A.M.-T.)
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McLean ZL, Appleby SJ, Wei J, Snell RG, Oback B. Testes of DAZL null neonatal sheep lack prospermatogonia but maintain normal somatic cell morphology and marker expression. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:3-14. [PMID: 33251684 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Multiplying the germline would increase the number of offspring that can be produced from selected animals, accelerating genetic improvement for livestock breeding. This could be achieved by producing multiple chimaeric animals, each carrying a mix of donor and host germ cells in their gonads. However, such chimaeric germlines would produce offspring from both donor and host genotypes, limiting the rate of genetic improvement. To resolve this problem, we disrupted the RNA-binding protein DAZL and generated germ cell-deficient host animals. Using Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR), we introduced a DAZL loss-of-function mutation in male ovine fetal fibroblasts. Following manual single cell isolation, 4/48 (8.3%) of donor cell strains were homozygously HDR-edited. Sequence-validated strains were used as nuclear donors for somatic cell cloning to generate three lambs, which died at birth. All DAZL null male neonatal sheep lacked germ cells on histological sections and showed greatly reduced germ cell markers. Somatic cells within their testes were morphologically intact and expressed normal levels of lineage-specific markers, suggesting that the germ cell niche remained intact. This extends the DAZL mutant phenotype beyond mice into agriculturally relevant ruminants, providing a pathway for using absolute germline transmitters in rapid livestock improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah L McLean
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Applied Translational Research Group and Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J Appleby
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jingwei Wei
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton
| | - Russell G Snell
- Applied Translational Research Group and Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Björn Oback
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Greither T, Schumacher J, Dejung M, Behre HM, Zischler H, Butter F, Herlyn H. Fertility Relevance Probability Analysis Shortlists Genetic Markers for Male Fertility Impairment. Cytogenet Genome Res 2020; 160:506-522. [PMID: 33238277 DOI: 10.1159/000511117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of male fertility is one of the major public health issues worldwide. Nevertheless, genetic causes of male sub- and infertility can often only be suspected due to the lack of reliable and easy-to-use routine tests. Yet, the development of a marker panel is complicated by the large quantity of potentially predictive markers. Actually, hundreds or even thousands of genes could have fertility relevance. Thus, a systematic method enabling a selection of the most predictive markers out of the many candidates is required. As a criterion for marker selection, we derived a gene-specific score, which we refer to as fertility relevance probability (FRP). For this purpose, we first categorized 2,753 testis-expressed genes as either candidate markers or non-candidates, according to phenotypes in male knockout mice. In a parallel approach, 2,502 genes were classified as candidate markers or non-candidates based on phenotypes in men. Subsequently, we conducted logistic regression analyses with evolutionary rates of genes (dN/dS), transcription levels in testis relative to other organs, and connectivity of the encoded proteins in a protein-protein interaction network as covariates. In confirmation of the procedure, FRP values showed the expected pattern, thus being overall higher in genes with known relevance for fertility than in their counterparts without corresponding evidence. In addition, higher FRP values corresponded with an increased dysregulation of protein abundance in spermatozoa of 37 men with normal and 38 men with impaired fertility. Present analyses resulted in a ranking of genes according to their probable predictive power as candidate markers for male fertility impairment. Thus, AKAP4, TNP1, DAZL, BRDT, DMRT1, SPO11, ZPBP, HORMAD1, and SMC1B are prime candidates toward a marker panel for male fertility impairment. Additional candidate markers are DDX4, SHCBP1L, CCDC155, ODF1, DMRTB1, ASZ1, BOLL, FKBP6, SLC25A31, PRSS21, and RNF17. FRP inference additionally provides clues for potential new markers, thereunder TEX37 and POU4F2. The results of our logistic regression analyses are freely available at the PreFer Genes website (https://prefer-genes.uni-mainz.de/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hans Zischler
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany,
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Zhao Y, Li X, Tian G, Zhao X, Wong J, Shen Y, Wu J. Ubiquitin-Specific-Processing Protease 7 Regulates Female Germline Stem Cell Self-Renewal Through DNA Methylation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:938-951. [PMID: 33151468 PMCID: PMC8166723 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific-processing protease 7 (Usp7) is a key deubiquitinase controlling epigenetic modification and regulating the self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells. However, the functions and mechanisms of action of Usp7 on female germline stem cells (FGSCs) are unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Usp7 regulated FGSC self-renewal via DNA methylation. The results of Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine assays showed that the viability and proliferation of FGSCs were negatively regulated by Usp7. Moreover, Usp7 downregulated the expression of self-renewal genes, such as Oct4, Etv5, Foxo1, and Akt, but upregulated the expression of differentiation-related genes including Stra8 and Sycp3. Mechanistically, RNA-seq results showed that Usp7 negatively regulated FGSC self-renewal but positively modulated differentiation in FGSCs. Meanwhile, both overexpression and knockdown of Usp7 resulted in significant changes in DNA methylation and histone modification in FGSCs. Additionally, RNA-seq and MeDIP-seq analyses showed that Usp7 regulates the self-renewal and differentiation of FGSCs mainly through DNA methylation rather than histone modification, which was also confirmed by a rescue assay. Our study not only offers a novel method to research FGSC self-renewal and differentiation in view of epigenetic modifications, but also provides a deep understanding of FGSC development. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhao
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyong Li
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiemin Wong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Fengxian District Central Hospital-ECNU Joint Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Rengaraj D, Won S, Han JW, Yoo D, Kim H, Han JY. Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing-Based Analysis of DAZL and Its Interacting Genes during Germ Cells Specification and Zygotic Genome Activation in Chickens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218170. [PMID: 33142918 PMCID: PMC7672628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL) is required for germ cells development and maintenance. In chickens, the mRNA and protein of DAZL, a representative maternally inherited germ plasm factor, are detected in the germ plasm of oocyte, zygote, and all stages of the intrauterine embryos. However, it is still insufficient to explain the origin and specification process of chicken germ cells, because the stage at which the zygotic transcription of DAZL occurs and the stage at which the maternal DAZL RNA/protein clears have not yet been fully identified. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the expression of DAZL interacting genes during the germ cells specification and development and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is lacking in chickens. In this study, we identified a set of DAZL interacting genes in chickens using in silico prediction method. Then, we analyzed the whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS)-based expression of DAZL and its interacting genes in the chicken oocyte, zygote, and Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK) stage embryos (EGK.I to EGK.X). In the results, DAZL transcripts are increased in the zygote (onset of transcription), maintained the increased level until EGK.VI, and decreased from EGK.VIII (possible clearance of maternal RNAs). Among the DAZL interacting genes, most of them are increased either at 1st ZGA or 2nd ZGA, indicating their involvement in germ cells specification and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (D.R.); (J.W.H.); (H.K.)
| | - Sohyoung Won
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Jong Won Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (D.R.); (J.W.H.); (H.K.)
| | - DongAhn Yoo
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Heebal Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (D.R.); (J.W.H.); (H.K.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.W.); (D.Y.)
- C&K Genomics, Seoul 05836, Korea
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (D.R.); (J.W.H.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-4810
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42
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Snider PL, Simmons O, Conway SJ. Cracd Marks the First Wave of Meiosis during Spermatogenesis and Is Mis-Expressed in Azoospermia Mice. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8030021. [PMID: 32962040 PMCID: PMC7558608 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8030021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development starts in utero and maturation continues postnatally, requiring a cascade of gene activation and differentiation into different cell types, with each cell type having its own specific function. As we had previously reported that the Capping protein inhibiting regulator of actin (Cracd) gene was expressed in the adult mouse testis, herein we examine when and where the β-catenin associated Cracd is initially expressed during postnatal testis development. Significantly, Cracd mRNA is present in both the immature postnatal and adult testis in round spermatid cells, with highest level of expression occurring during the first wave of meiosis and spermatogenesis. In the juvenile testes, Cracd is initially expressed within the innermost region but as maturation occurs, Cracd mRNA switches to a more peripheral location. Thereafter, Cracd is downregulated to maintenance levels in the haploid male germ cell lineage. As Cracd mRNA was expressed within developing round spermatids, we tested its effectiveness as a biomarker of non-obstructive azoospermia using transgenic knockout mice models. Meaningfully, Cracd expression was absent in Deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) null testis, which exhibit a dramatic germ cell loss. Moreover, Cracd was abnormally regulated and ectopically mis-expressed in Polypyrimidine tract binding protein-2 (Ptbp2) conditional germ cell restricted knockout testis, which exhibit a block during spermatid differentiation and a reduction in the number of late stage spermatocytes coincident with reduced β-catenin expression. Combined, these data suggest that Cracd is a useful first wave of spermatogenesis biomarker of azoospermia phenotypes, even prior to an overt phenotype being evident.
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43
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Mikedis MM, Fan Y, Nicholls PK, Endo T, Jackson EK, Cobb SA, de Rooij DG, Page DC. DAZL mediates a broad translational program regulating expansion and differentiation of spermatogonial progenitors. eLife 2020; 9:56523. [PMID: 32686646 PMCID: PMC7445011 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility across metazoa requires the germline-specific DAZ family of RNA-binding proteins. Here we examine whether DAZL directly regulates progenitor spermatogonia using a conditional genetic mouse model and in vivo biochemical approaches combined with chemical synchronization of spermatogenesis. We find that the absence of Dazl impairs both expansion and differentiation of the spermatogonial progenitor population. In undifferentiated spermatogonia, DAZL binds the 3' UTRs of ~2,500 protein-coding genes. Some targets are known regulators of spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation while others are broadly expressed, dosage-sensitive factors that control transcription and RNA metabolism. DAZL binds 3' UTR sites conserved across vertebrates at a UGUU(U/A) motif. By assessing ribosome occupancy in undifferentiated spermatogonia, we find that DAZL increases translation of its targets. In total, DAZL orchestrates a broad translational program that amplifies protein levels of key spermatogonial and gene regulatory factors to promote the expansion and differentiation of progenitor spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Fan
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Emily K Jackson
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | | | | | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
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44
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Zhang F, Liu R, Zhang H, Liu C, Liu C, Lu Y. Suppressing Dazl modulates tumorigenicity and stemness in human glioblastoma cells. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:673. [PMID: 32682409 PMCID: PMC7368788 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07155-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is devastating cancer with a high frequency of occurrence and poor survival rate and it is urgent to discover novel glioblastoma-specific antigens for the therapy. Cancer-germline genes are known to be related to the formation and progression of several cancer types by promoting tumor transformation. Dazl is one such germline gene and is up-regulated in a few germ cell cancers. In this study, we analyzed the expression of Dazl in human glioblastoma tissues and cells, and investigated its significance in proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of the glioblastoma cell lines. Methods We evaluated the expression of Dazl in different pathologic grades of glioblastoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. We assessed the expression of Dazl in glioblastoma cells and normal human astrocytes (NHA) cells by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Then we generated Dazl knockout glioblastoma cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to explore the cellular function of Dazl. We detected the proliferation and germline traits via CCK-8 assays and alkaline phosphatase staining, respectively. Boyden chamber assays were performed to measure glioblastoma cell migration and invasion. Crystal violet staining was used to determine the number of viable cells after the treatment of Doxorubicin and Temozolomide. Finally, we used subcutaneous xenograft studies to measure the growth of tumors in vivo. Results We found that Dazl was upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and glioblastoma cell lines. Dazl knockdown glioblastoma cells showed decreased cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance in vitro, and inhibited the initiation of glioblastoma in vivo. The glioblastoma cell lines A172, U251, and LN229 were found to express stem cell markers CD133, Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. The expression of these markers was downregulated in Dazl-deficient cells. Conclusions Our results indicated that Dazl contributes to the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma via reducing cell stemness. Therefore, cancer-germline genes might represent a new paradigm of glioblastoma-initiating cells in the treatment of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 85 Wujin Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruilai Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Haishi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chunfang Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Road, Jing-an District, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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45
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EZH2 expression and its role in spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal in goats. Theriogenology 2020; 155:222-231. [PMID: 32731005 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase that plays vital roles in mouse spermatogenesis. However, the expression pattern and role of EZH2 in goat spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is unknown. In the present study, we investigated EZH2 expression in the testis of postpubertal goats and its effect on the biological characteristics of goat SSCs. We found that EZH2 mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05) expression was increased in the testes of postpubertal goats compared to that of prepubertal goats. Moreover, EZH2 was more highly expressed in goat SSCs than in Leydig cells (P < 0.01) and Sertoli cells (P < 0.01) as determined by qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Compared to a negative control (NC), cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.01) were decreased in SSCs in which EZH2 was knocked down, and the G2/M phase of the cell cycle was blocked (P < 0.01), as determined by Edu staining, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the expression of CASP3, CASP9, and BAX was significantly increased (P < 0.01) while BCL2 expression was decreased (P < 0.01) in EZH2 knockdown SSCs. Notably, the expression of GDNF, a SSCs marker gene, and DAZL, a spermatogenesis-related gene, were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) while GFRA1 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) in EZH2 knockdown SSCs. Our data suggest that EZH2 plays a pivotal role in the self-renewal of goat SSCs, and knockdown of EZH2 might impair spermatogenesis in goats.
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Yang W, Zhao F, Chen M, Li Y, Lan X, Yang R, Pan C. Identification and characterization of male reproduction-related genes in pig (Sus scrofa) using transcriptome analysis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:381. [PMID: 32487021 PMCID: PMC7268776 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06790-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The systematic interrogation of reproduction-related genes was key to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying male reproductive traits in mammals. Here, based on the data collected from the NCBI SRA database, this study first revealed the genes involved in porcine male reproduction as well their uncharacterized transcriptional characteristics. RESULTS Results showed that the transcription of porcine genome was more widespread in testis than in other organs (the same for other mammals) and that testis had more tissue-specific genes (1210) than other organs. GO and GSEA analyses suggested that the identified test is-specific genes (TSGs) were associated with male reproduction. Subsequently, the transcriptional characteristics of porcine TSGs, which were conserved across different mammals, were uncovered. Data showed that 195 porcine TSGs shared similar expression patterns with other mammals (cattle, sheep, human and mouse), and had relatively higher transcription abundances and tissue specificity than low-conserved TSGs. Additionally, further analysis of the results suggested that alternative splicing, transcription factors binding, and the presence of other functionally similar genes were all involved in the regulation of porcine TSGs transcription. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this analysis revealed an extensive gene set involved in the regulation of porcine male reproduction and their dynamic transcription patterns. Data reported here provide valuable insights for a further improvement of the economic benefits of pigs as well as future treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Feiyang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ye Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ruolin Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China. .,Present Address: Northwest A&F University, No.22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China. .,Present Address: Northwest A&F University, No.22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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Nanavaty V, Abrash EW, Hong C, Park S, Fink EE, Li Z, Sweet TJ, Bhasin JM, Singuri S, Lee BH, Hwang TH, Ting AH. DNA Methylation Regulates Alternative Polyadenylation via CTCF and the Cohesin Complex. Mol Cell 2020; 78:752-764.e6. [PMID: 32333838 PMCID: PMC7245569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of DNA methylation and mRNA alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) are both prevalent in cancer and have been studied as independent processes. We discovered a DNA methylation-regulated APA mechanism when we compared genome-wide DNA methylation and polyadenylation site usage between DNA methylation-competent and DNA methylation-deficient cells. Here, we show that removal of DNA methylation enables CTCF binding and recruitment of the cohesin complex, which, in turn, form chromatin loops that promote proximal polyadenylation site usage. In this DNA demethylated context, either deletion of the CTCF binding site or depletion of RAD21 cohesin complex protein can recover distal polyadenylation site usage. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we authenticated the relationship between DNA methylation and mRNA polyadenylation isoform expression in vivo. This DNA methylation-regulated APA mechanism demonstrates how aberrant DNA methylation impacts transcriptome diversity and highlights the potential sequelae of global DNA methylation inhibition as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Nanavaty
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Abrash
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Changjin Hong
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sunho Park
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Emily E Fink
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Zhuangyue Li
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Thomas J Sweet
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for RNA Sciences and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bhasin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Srinidhi Singuri
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Byron H Lee
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Tae Hyun Hwang
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Angela H Ting
- Genomic Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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48
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Yang CR, Rajkovic G, Daldello EM, Luong XG, Chen J, Conti M. The RNA-binding protein DAZL functions as repressor and activator of mRNA translation during oocyte maturation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1399. [PMID: 32170089 PMCID: PMC7070028 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15209-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is an RNA-binding protein critical for gamete development. In full-grown oocytes, the DAZL protein increases 4-fold during reentry into the meiotic cell cycle. Here, we have investigated the functional significance of this accumulation at a genome-wide level. Depletion of DAZL causes a block in maturation and widespread disruption in the pattern of ribosome loading on maternal transcripts. In addition to decreased translation, DAZL depletion also causes translational activation of a distinct subset of mRNAs both in quiescent and maturing oocytes, a function recapitulated with YFP-3′UTR reporters. DAZL binds to mRNAs whose translation is both repressed and activated during maturation. Injection of recombinant DAZL protein in DAZL-depleted oocytes rescues the translation and maturation to MII. Mutagenesis of putative DAZL-binding sites in these mRNAs mimics the effect of DAZL depletion. These findings demonstrate that DAZL regulates translation of maternal mRNAs, functioning both as the translational repressor and activator during oocyte maturation. The RNA binding protein DAZL plays a critical role during germ cell development. Here the authors provide evidence that DAZL functions both as activator and repressor of translation during oocyte maturation in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Rong Yang
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gabriel Rajkovic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Enrico Maria Daldello
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Xuan G Luong
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,USA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Mitochondria Associated Germinal Structures in Spermatogenesis: piRNA Pathway Regulation and Beyond. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020399. [PMID: 32050598 PMCID: PMC7072634 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple specific granular structures are present in the cytoplasm of germ cells, termed nuage, which are electron-dense, non-membranous, close to mitochondria and/or nuclei, variant size yielding to different compartments harboring different components, including intermitochondrial cement (IMC), piP-body, and chromatoid body (CB). Since mitochondria exhibit different morphology and topographical arrangements to accommodate specific needs during spermatogenesis, the distribution of mitochondria-associated nuage is also dynamic. The most relevant nuage structure with mitochondria is IMC, also called pi-body, present in prospermatogonia, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. IMC is primarily enriched with various Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) proteins and mainly functions as piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, mRNA translation, and mitochondria fusion. Importantly, our previous work reported that mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are abundant in spermatogenic cells and contain many crucial proteins associated with the piRNA pathway. Provocatively, IMC functionally communicates with other nuage structures, such as piP-body, to perform its complex functions in spermatogenesis. Although little is known about the formation of both IMC and MAMs, its distinctive characters have attracted considerable attention. Here, we review the insights gained from studying the structural components of mitochondria-associated germinal structures, including IMC, CB, and MAMs, which are pivotal structures to ensure genome integrity and male fertility. We discuss the roles of the structural components in spermatogenesis and piRNA biogenesis, which provide new insights into mitochondria-associated germinal structures in germ cell development and male reproduction.
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Li T, Wang X, Zhang H, Chen H, Liu N, Xue R, Zhao X, Ma Y. Gene expression patterns and protein cellular localization suggest a novel role for DAZL in developing Tibetan sheep testes. Gene 2020; 731:144335. [PMID: 31927007 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis as it regulates proliferation, development, maturation and functional maintenance of male germ cells. Its expression and regulation vary with different species or in the same animal at different developmental stages, and despite its importance, very little is known about its roles in sheep, especially Tibetan sheep. To investigate the expression patterns and regulatory roles of DZAL in Tibetan sheep testis, testicular tissue was isolated from sheep at three crucial development stages: 3 months old, 1 year old and 3 years old. Using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, we found that DAZL mRNA first decreased and then increased with advancing age, while DAZL protein exhibited an opposite expression pattern, with first increased and subsequently decreased levels. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed that DAZL protein was located predominantly in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of spermatids. ELISA indicated that testosterone content within developing testes was first enhanced and then declined. Our results, taken together, demonstrate, for the first time, that DAZL gene is involved in Tibetan sheep spermatogenesis by regulating the development of spermatids in post-pubertal rams, along with a novel role in functional maintenance of Leydig cells in postnatal rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China; Sheep Breeding Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Minqin 733300, Gansu, China
| | - Xia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Ruilin Xue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, China; Sheep Breeding Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Minqin 733300, Gansu, China.
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