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Wehbe Z, Barbotin AL, Boursier A, Cazin C, Hograindleur JP, Bidart M, Fontaine E, Plouvier P, Puch F, Satre V, Arnoult C, Mustapha SFB, Zouari R, Thierry-Mieg N, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE, Coutton C, Martinez G. Phenotypic continuum and poor intracytoplasmic sperm injection intracytoplasmic sperm injection prognosis in patients harboring HENMT1 variants. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39120570 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small RNAs interacting with PIWI (piRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating transposable elements and translation during spermatogenesis and are essential in male germ cell development. Disruptions in the piRNA pathway typically lead to severe spermatogenic defects and thus male infertility. The HENMT1 gene is a key player in piRNAs primary biogenesis and dysfunction of HENMT1 protein in meiotic and haploid germ cells resulted in the loss of piRNA methylation, piRNA instability, and TE de-repression. Henmt1-knockout mice exhibit a severe oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) phenotype, whereas patients with HENMT1 variants display more severe azoospermia phenotypes, ranging from meiotic arrest to hypospermatogenesis. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES) of infertile patient cohorts, we identified two new patients with variants in the HENMT1 gene presenting spermatozoa in their ejcaulate, providing us the opportunity to study spermatozoa from these patients. OBJECTIVES Investigate the spermatozoa of two patients harboring an HENMT1 variant to determine whether or not these scarce spermatozoa could be used with assisted reproductive technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS HENMT1 variants identified by WES were validated through Sanger sequencing. Comprehensive semen analysis was conducted, and sperm cells were subjected to transmission electron microscopy for structural examination, in situ hybridization for aneuploidy assessment, and aniline blue staining for DNA compaction status. Subsequently, we assessed their suitability for in vitro fertilization using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). RESULTS Our investigations revealed a severe OAT phenotype similar to knockout mice, revealing altered sperm concentration, mobility, morphology, aneuploidy and nuclear compaction defects. Multiple IVF-ICSI attempts were also performed, but no live births were achieved. DISCUSSION We confirm the crucial role of HENMT1 in spermatogenesis and highlight a phenotypic continuum associated with HENMT1 variants. Unfortunately, the clinical outcome of these genetic predispositions remains unfavorable, regardless of the patient's phenotype. CONCLUSION The presence of spermatozoa is insufficient to anticipate ICSI pregnancy success in HENMT1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Wehbe
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Lille, France
| | - Angèle Boursier
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Lille, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Marie Bidart
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire: Maladies Héréditaires et Oncologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Emeline Fontaine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
| | - Pauline Plouvier
- CHU Lille, Service d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation et Préservation de la Fertilité, Lille, France
| | - Florence Puch
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble, France
| | - Véronique Satre
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
| | | | - Raoudha Zouari
- Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Polyclinique les Jasmin, Centre Urbain Nord, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), La Tronche, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
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2
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Adams M, Vollmers C. Generation and analysis of a mouse multi-tissue genome annotation atlas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578267. [PMID: 38352519 PMCID: PMC10862843 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Generating an accurate and complete genome annotation for an organism is complex because the cells within each tissue can express a unique set of transcript isoforms from a unique set of genes. A comprehensive genome annotation should contain information on what tissues express what transcript isoforms at what level. This tissue-level isoform information can then inform a wide range of research questions as well as experiment designs. Long-read sequencing technology combined with advanced full-length cDNA library preparation methods has now achieved throughput and accuracy where generating these types of annotations is achievable. Here, we show this by generating a genome annotation of the mouse (Mus musculus). We used the nanopore-based R2C2 long-read sequencing method to generate 64 million highly accurate full length cDNA consensus reads - averaging 5.4 million reads per tissue for a dozen tissues. Using the Mandalorion tool we processed these reads to generate the Tissue-level Atlas of Mouse Isoforms (TAMI - available at https://genome.ucsc.edu/s/vollmers/TAMI) which we believe will be a valuable complement to conventional, manually curated reference genome annotations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Adams
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz
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3
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Mann JM, Wei C, Chen C. How genetic defects in piRNA trimming contribute to male infertility. Andrology 2023; 11:911-917. [PMID: 36263612 PMCID: PMC10115909 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In germ cells, small non-coding PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) work to silence harmful transposons to maintain genomic stability and regulate gene expression to ensure fertility. However, these piRNAs must undergo a series of steps during biogenesis to be properly loaded onto PIWI proteins and reach the correct nucleotide length. This review is focused on what we are learning about a crucial step in this process, piRNA trimming, in which pre-piRNAs are shortened to final lengths of 21-35 nucleotides. Recently, the 3'-5' exonuclease trimmer has been identified in various models as PNLDC1/PARN-1. Mutations of the piRNA trimmers in vivo lead to increased transposon expression, elevated levels of untrimmed pre-piRNAs, decreased piRNA stability, and male infertility. Here, we will discuss the role of piRNA trimmers in piRNA biogenesis and function, describe consequences of piRNA trimmer mutations using mammalian models and human patients, and examine future avenues of piRNA trimming-related study for clinical advancements for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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4
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Xiong M, Yin L, Gui Y, Lv C, Ma X, Guo S, Wu Y, Feng S, Fan X, Zhou S, Wang L, Wen Y, Wang X, Xie Q, Namekawa SH, Yuan S. ADAD2 interacts with RNF17 in P-bodies to repress the Ping-pong cycle in pachytene piRNA biogenesis. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202206067. [PMID: 36930220 PMCID: PMC10040813 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202206067] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pachytene piRNA biogenesis is a hallmark of the germline, distinct from another wave of pre-pachytene piRNA biogenesis with regard to the lack of a secondary amplification process known as the Ping-pong cycle. However, the underlying molecular mechanism and the venue for the suppression of the Ping-pong cycle remain elusive. Here, we showed that a testis-specific protein, ADAD2, interacts with a TDRD family member protein RNF17 and is associated with P-bodies. Importantly, ADAD2 directs RNF17 to repress Ping-pong activity in pachytene piRNA biogenesis. The P-body localization of RNF17 requires the intrinsically disordered domain of ADAD2. Deletion of Adad2 or Rnf17 causes the mislocalization of each other and subsequent Ping-pong activity derepression, secondary piRNAs overproduced, and disruption of P-body integrity at the meiotic stage, thereby leading to spermatogenesis arrested at the round spermatid stage. Collectively, by identifying the ADAD2-dependent mechanism, our study reveals a novel function of P-bodies in suppressing Ping-pong activity in pachytene piRNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu Lv
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xixiang Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuangshuang Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xv Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingjuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingzhen Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Wang X, Ramat A, Simonelig M, Liu MF. Emerging roles and functional mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNAs. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:123-141. [PMID: 36104626 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that associate with proteins of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute family. First identified in animal germ line cells, piRNAs have essential roles in germ line development. The first function of PIWI-piRNA complexes to be described was the silencing of transposable elements, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the germ line genome. Later studies provided new insights into the functions of PIWI-piRNA complexes by demonstrating that they regulate protein-coding genes. Recent studies of piRNA biology, including in new model organisms such as golden hamsters, have deepened our understanding of both piRNA biogenesis and piRNA function. In this Review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of piRNA biogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of piRNA function and the emerging roles of piRNAs in germ line development mainly in flies and mice, and in infertility, cancer and neurological diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anne Ramat
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Simonelig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Yu T, Biasini A, Cecchini K, Saflund M, Mou H, Arif A, Eghbali A, de Rooij D, Weng Z, Zamore PD, Ozata DM. A-MYB/TCFL5 regulatory architecture ensures the production of pachytene piRNAs in placental mammals. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 29:rna.079472.122. [PMID: 36241367 PMCID: PMC9808571 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079472.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In male mice, the transcription factor A MYB initiates the transcription of pachytene piRNA genes during meiosis. Here, we report that A MYB activates the transcription factor Tcfl5 produced in pachytene spermatocytes. Subsequently, A MYB and TCFL5 reciprocally reinforce their own transcription to establish a positive feedback circuit that triggers pachytene piRNA production. TCFL5 regulates the expression of genes required for piRNA maturation and promotes transcription of evolutionarily young pachytene piRNA genes, whereas A-MYB activates the transcription of older pachytene piRNA genes. Intriguingly, pachytene piRNAs from TCFL5-dependent young loci initiates the production of piRNAs from A-MYB-dependent older loci ensuring the self-propagation of pachytene piRNAs. A MYB and TCFL5 act via a set of incoherent feedforward loops that drive regulation of gene expression by pachytene piRNAs during spermatogenesis. This regulatory architecture is conserved in rhesus macaque, suggesting that it was present in the last common ancestor of placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amena Arif
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
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7
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Wang X, Gou LT, Liu MF. Noncanonical Functions of PIWIL1/piRNAs in animal male germ cells and human diseases. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:101-108. [PMID: 35403682 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are specifically expressed in animal germlines and play essential roles during gametogenesis in animals. The primary function of PIWI/piRNAs is known to silence transposable elements for protecting genome integrity in animal germlines, while their roles beyond silencing transposons are also documented by us and others. In particular, we show that mouse PIWIL1 (MIWI)/piRNAs play a dual role in regulating protein-coding genes in mouse spermatids through interacting with different protein factors in a developmental stage-dependent manner, including translationally activating a subset of ARE-containing mRNAs in round spermatids and inducing massive mRNA degradation in late spermatids. We further show that MIWI is eliminated through the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway during late spermiogenesis. By exploring the biological function of MIWI ubiquitination by APC/C, we identified ubiquitination-deficient mutations in human PIWIL1 of infertile men and further established their causative role in male infertility in mouse model, supporting PIWIL1 as a human male infertility-relevant gene. Additionally, we reported that PIWIL1, aberrantly induced in human tumors, functions as an oncoprotein in a piRNA-independent manner in cancer cells. In the current review, we summarize our latest findings regarding the roles and mechanisms of PIWIL1 and piRNAs in mouse spermatids and human diseases, and discuss the related works in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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8
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Sperm granules mediate epigenetic inheritance. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:129-130. [DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Membrane-associated cytoplasmic granules carrying the Argonaute protein WAGO-3 enable paternal epigenetic inheritance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:217-229. [PMID: 35132225 PMCID: PMC9973253 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance describes the transmission of gene regulatory information across generations without altering DNA sequences, enabling offspring to adapt to environmental conditions. Small RNAs have been implicated in this, through both the oocyte and the sperm. However, as much of the cellular content is extruded during spermatogenesis, it is unclear whether cytoplasmic small RNAs can contribute to epigenetic inheritance through sperm. Here we identify a sperm-specific germ granule, termed the paternal epigenetic inheritance (PEI) granule, that mediates paternal epigenetic inheritance by retaining the cytoplasmic Argonaute protein WAGO-3 during spermatogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. We identify the PEI granule proteins PEI-1 and PEI-2, which have distinct functions in this process: granule formation, Argonaute selectivity and subcellular localization. We show that PEI granule segregation is coupled to the transport of sperm-specific secretory vesicles through PEI-2 in an S-palmitoylation-dependent manner. PEI-like proteins are found in humans, suggesting that the identified mechanism may be conserved.
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10
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Alerasool N, Leng H, Lin ZY, Gingras AC, Taipale M. Identification and functional characterization of transcriptional activators in human cells. Mol Cell 2022; 82:677-695.e7. [PMID: 35016035 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription is orchestrated by thousands of transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin-associated proteins, but how these are causally connected to transcriptional activation is poorly understood. Here, we conduct an unbiased proteome-scale screen to systematically uncover human proteins that activate transcription in a natural chromatin context. By combining interaction proteomics and chemical inhibitors, we delineate the preference of these transcriptional activators for specific co-activators, highlighting how even closely related TFs can function via distinct cofactors. We also identify potent transactivation domains among the hits and use AlphaFold2 to predict and experimentally validate interaction interfaces of two activation domains with BRD4. Finally, we show that many novel activators are partners in fusion events in tumors and functionally characterize a myofibroma-associated fusion between SRF and C3orf62, a potent p300-dependent activator. Our work provides a functional catalog of potent transactivators in the human proteome and a platform for discovering transcriptional regulators at genome scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Alerasool
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - He Leng
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Zhen-Yuan Lin
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Mikko Taipale
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.
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11
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Small Noncoding RNAs in Reproduction and Infertility. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121884. [PMID: 34944700 PMCID: PMC8698561 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been reported as one of the most common reproductive impairments, affecting nearly one in six couples worldwide. A large proportion of infertility cases are diagnosed as idiopathic, signifying a deficit in information surrounding the pathology of infertility and necessity of medical intervention such as assisted reproductive therapy. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are well-established regulators of mammalian reproduction. Advanced technologies have revealed the dynamic expression and diverse functions of sncRNAs during mammalian germ cell development. Mounting evidence indicates sncRNAs in sperm, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are sensitive to environmental changes and mediate the inheritance of paternally acquired metabolic and mental traits. Here, we review the critical roles of sncRNAs in mammalian germ cell development. Furthermore, we highlight the functions of sperm-borne sncRNAs in epigenetic inheritance. We also discuss evidence supporting sncRNAs as promising biomarkers for fertility and embryo quality in addition to the present limitations of using sncRNAs for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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12
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The birth of piRNAs: how mammalian piRNAs are produced, originated, and evolved. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:293-311. [PMID: 34724117 PMCID: PMC9114089 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09927-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small noncoding RNAs 24–35 nucleotides long, are essential for animal fertility. They play critical roles in a range of functions, including transposable element suppression, gene expression regulation, imprinting, and viral defense. In mammals, piRNAs are the most abundant small RNAs in adult testes and the only small RNAs that direct epigenetic modification of chromatin in the nucleus. The production of piRNAs is a complex process from transcription to post-transcription, requiring unique machinery often distinct from the biogenesis of other RNAs. In mice, piRNA biogenesis occurs in specialized subcellular locations, involves dynamic developmental regulation, and displays sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, the genomic loci and sequences of piRNAs evolve much more rapidly than most of the genomic regions. Understanding piRNA biogenesis should reveal novel RNA regulations recognizing and processing piRNA precursors and the forces driving the gain and loss of piRNAs during animal evolution. Such findings may provide the basis for the development of engineered piRNAs capable of modulating epigenetic regulation, thereby offering possible single-dose RNA therapy without changing the genomic DNA. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis of piRNAs in mammalian adult testes that are derived from long non-coding RNAs. Although piRNA biogenesis is believed to be evolutionarily conserved from fruit flies to humans, recent studies argue for the existence of diverse, mammalian-specific RNA-processing pathways that convert precursor RNAs into piRNAs, perhaps associated with the unique features of mammalian piRNAs or germ cell development. We end with the discussion of major questions in the field, including substrate recognition and the birth of new piRNAs.
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13
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Choi H, Wang Z, Dean J. Sperm acrosome overgrowth and infertility in mice lacking chromosome 18 pachytene piRNA. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009485. [PMID: 33831001 PMCID: PMC8057611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
piRNAs are small non-coding RNAs required to maintain genome integrity and preserve RNA homeostasis during male gametogenesis. In murine adult testes, the highest levels of piRNAs are present in the pachytene stage of meiosis, but their mode of action and function remain incompletely understood. We previously reported that BTBD18 binds to 50 pachytene piRNA-producing loci. Here we show that spermatozoa in gene-edited mice lacking a BTBD18 targeted pachytene piRNA cluster on Chr18 have severe sperm head dysmorphology, poor motility, impaired acrosome exocytosis, zona pellucida penetration and are sterile. The mutant phenotype arises from aberrant formation of proacrosomal vesicles, distortion of the trans-Golgi network, and up-regulation of GOLGA2 transcripts and protein associated with acrosome dysgenesis. Collectively, our findings reveal central role of pachytene piRNAs in controlling spermiogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejin Choi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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14
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Yu T, Fan K, Özata DM, Zhang G, Fu Y, Theurkauf WE, Zamore PD, Weng Z. Long first exons and epigenetic marks distinguish conserved pachytene piRNA clusters from other mammalian genes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:73. [PMID: 33397987 PMCID: PMC7782496 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20345-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the male germ cells of placental mammals, 26-30-nt-long PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) emerge when spermatocytes enter the pachytene phase of meiosis. In mice, pachytene piRNAs derive from ~100 discrete autosomal loci that produce canonical RNA polymerase II transcripts. These piRNA clusters bear 5' caps and 3' poly(A) tails, and often contain introns that are removed before nuclear export and processing into piRNAs. What marks pachytene piRNA clusters to produce piRNAs, and what confines their expression to the germline? We report that an unusually long first exon (≥ 10 kb) or a long, unspliced transcript correlates with germline-specific transcription and piRNA production. Our integrative analysis of transcriptome, piRNA, and epigenome datasets across multiple species reveals that a long first exon is an evolutionarily conserved feature of pachytene piRNA clusters. Furthermore, a highly methylated promoter, often containing a low or intermediate level of CG dinucleotides, correlates with germline expression and somatic silencing of pachytene piRNA clusters. Pachytene piRNA precursor transcripts bind THOC1 and THOC2, THO complex subunits known to promote transcriptional elongation and mRNA nuclear export. Together, these features may explain why the major sources of pachytene piRNA clusters specifically generate these unique small RNAs in the male germline of placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, The School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kaili Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, The School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Deniz M Özata
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Gen Zhang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Yu Fu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Oncology Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - William E Theurkauf
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Phillip D Zamore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, The School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China.
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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15
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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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16
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Maezawa S, Sakashita A, Yukawa M, Chen X, Takahashi K, Alavattam KG, Nakata I, Weirauch MT, Barski A, Namekawa SH. Super-enhancer switching drives a burst in gene expression at the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:978-988. [PMID: 32895557 PMCID: PMC8690596 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to bursts in the expression of thousands of germline-specific genes, the testis has the most diverse and complex transcriptome of all organs. By analyzing the male germline of mice, we demonstrate that the genome-wide reorganization of super-enhancers (SEs) drives bursts in germline gene expression after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. SE reorganization is regulated by two molecular events: the establishment of meiosis-specific SEs via A-MYB (MYBL1), a key transcription factor for germline genes, and the resolution of SEs in mitotically proliferating cells via SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein required for spermatogenesis-specific gene expression. Prior to entry into meiosis, meiotic SEs are preprogrammed in mitotic spermatogonia to ensure the unidirectional differentiation of spermatogenesis. We identify key regulatory factors for both mitotic and meiotic enhancers, revealing a molecular logic for the concurrent activation of mitotic enhancers and suppression of meiotic enhancers in the somatic and/or mitotic proliferation phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ippo Nakata
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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17
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Tian Q, Guo SM, Xie SM, Yin Y, Zhou LQ. Rybp orchestrates spermatogenesis via regulating meiosis and sperm motility in mice. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1492-1501. [PMID: 32324084 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1754585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ring1 and Yin Yang 1-Binding Protein (RYBP) is a member of non-canonical polycomb repressive complex 1 to mediate monoubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119. It plays an important role in development, but its role in reproduction remains illusive. In this study, we used Rybp conditional knockout mouse model to genetically ablate Rybp in male germ cells. We found that Rybp deficiency during spermatogenesis led to smaller testes, loss of germline cells, disturbed meiosis, increased apoptosis of spermatocytes, decreased sperm motility, and reduced global H3K9me3, without impacting retrotransposon expression. Meanwhile, we depleted Rybp during oogenesis, but oocyte maturation and preimplantation development were normal. Our findings demonstrate that RYBP plays important roles in spermatogenesis through regulating meiosis and sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tian
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shi-Meng Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shi-Ming Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Yin
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei, China
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18
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Zhang GW, Wang L, Chen H, Guan J, Wu Y, Zhao J, Luo Z, Huang W, Zuo F. Promoter hypermethylation of PIWI/piRNA pathway genes associated with diminished pachytene piRNA production in bovine hybrid male sterility. Epigenetics 2020; 15:914-931. [PMID: 32141383 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1738026] [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] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a postzygotic reproductive isolation mechanism that enforces speciation. A bovine example of HMS is the yattle (also called dzo), an interspecies hybrid of taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens). The molecular mechanisms underlying HMS of yattle are not well understood. Epigenetic modifications of DNA methylation and P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNA (piRNAs) are important regulators in spermatogenesis. In this study, we investigated DNA methylation patterns and piRNA expression in adult testes in hybrid infertile yattle bulls and fertile cattle and yak bulls using whole genome bisulphite-seq and small RNA-seq. Promoter hypermethylation in yattle were associated with DNA methylation involved in gamete generation, piRNA metabolic processes, spermatogenesis, and spermatid development (P < 2.6 × 10-5). Male infertility in yattle was associated with the promoter hypermethylation-associated silencing of PIWI/piRNA pathway genes including PIWIL1, DDX4, PLD6, MAEL, FKBP6, TDRD1 and TDRD5. The downstream effects of silencing these genes were diminished production of 29- to 31- nucleotide pachytene piRNAs in yattle testes. Hypermethylation events at transposable element loci (LINEs, SINEs, and LTRs) were found in yattle. LINE-derived prepachytene piRNAs increased and SINE-derived prepachytene piRNAs were reduced in yattle testes. Our data suggests that DNA methylation affects the PIWI/piRNA pathway and is involved in gene expression and pachytene piRNA production during spermatogenesis in bovine HMS. DNA hypermethylation and disruption of piRNA production contributed to unsuccessful germ cell development that may drive bovine HMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Wei Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Huiyou Chen
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jiuqiang Guan
- Yak Research Institution, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhui Wu
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Jianjun Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zonggang Luo
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Wenming Huang
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
| | - Fuyuan Zuo
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University , Chongqing, China.,Beef Cattle Engineering and Technology Research Center of Chongqing, Southwest University , Chongqing, China
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19
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Kent K, Johnston M, Strump N, Garcia TX. Toward Development of the Male Pill: A Decade of Potential Non-hormonal Contraceptive Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:61. [PMID: 32161754 PMCID: PMC7054227 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continued steep rise of the global human population, and the paucity of safe and practical contraceptive options available to men, the need for development of effective and reversible non-hormonal methods of male fertility control is widely recognized. Currently there are several contraceptive options available to men, however, none of the non-hormonal alternatives have been clinically approved. To advance progress in the development of a safe and reversible contraceptive for men, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific druggable protein targets is required. Here we provide an overview of genes/proteins identified in the last decade as specific or highly expressed in the male reproductive tract, with deletion phenotypes leading to complete male infertility in mice. These phenotypes include arrest of spermatogenesis and/or spermiogenesis, abnormal spermiation, abnormal spermatid morphology, abnormal sperm motility, azoospermia, globozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and/or teratozoospermia, which are all desirable outcomes for a novel male contraceptive. We also consider other associated deletion phenotypes that could impact the desirability of a potential contraceptive. We further discuss novel contraceptive targets underscoring promising leads with the objective of presenting data for potential druggability and whether collateral effects may exist from paralogs with close sequence similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kent
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Madelaine Johnston
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natasha Strump
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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20
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Wu X, Luo C, Hu L, Chen X, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Unraveling epigenomic abnormality in azoospermic human males by WGBS, RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:789-802. [PMID: 32056059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine associations between genomic DNA methylation in testicular cells and azoospermia in human males. METHODS This was a case-control study investigating the differences and conservations in DNA methylation, genome-wide DNA methylation, and bulk RNA-Seq for transcriptome profiling using testicular biopsy tissues from NOA and OA patients. Differential methylation and different conserved methylation regions associated with azoospermia were identified by comparing genomic DNA methylation of testicular seminiferous cells derived from NOA and OA patients. RESULTS The genome methylation modification of testicular cells from NOA patients was disordered, and the reproductive-related gene expression was significantly different. CONCLUSION Our findings not only provide valuable knowledge of human spermatogenesis but also paved the way for the identification of genes/proteins involved in male germ cell development. The approach presented in this report provides a powerful tool to identify responsible biomolecules, and/or cellular changes (e.g., epigenetic abnormality) that induce male reproductive dysfunction such as OA and NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, USA.
| | - Fei Sun
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Dong J, Wang X, Cao C, Wen Y, Sakashita A, Chen S, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Luo M, Liu M, Liao A, Namekawa SH, Yuan S. UHRF1 suppresses retrotransposons and cooperates with PRMT5 and PIWI proteins in male germ cells. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4705. [PMID: 31624244 PMCID: PMC6797737 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, repressive histone marks, and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) are essential for the control of retrotransposon silencing in the mammalian germline. However, it remains unknown how these repressive epigenetic pathways crosstalk to ensure retrotransposon silencing in the male germline. Here, we show that UHRF1 is responsible for retrotransposon silencing and cooperates with repressive epigenetic pathways in male germ cells. Conditional loss of UHRF1 in postnatal germ cells causes DNA hypomethylation, upregulation of retrotransposons, the activation of a DNA damage response, and switches in the global chromatin status, leading to complete male sterility. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1 interacts with PRMT5, an arginine methyltransferase, to regulate the repressive histone arginine modifications (H4R3me2s and H3R2me2s), and cooperates with the PIWI pathway during spermatogenesis. Collectively, UHRF1 regulates retrotransposon silencing in male germ cells and provides a molecular link between DNA methylation, histone modification, and the PIWI pathway in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Liquan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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22
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Lehtiniemi T, Kotaja N. Germ granule-mediated RNA regulation in male germ cells. Reproduction 2017; 155:R77-R91. [PMID: 29038333 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells have exceptionally diverse transcriptomes. Furthermore, the progress of spermatogenesis is accompanied by dramatic changes in gene expression patterns, the most drastic of them being near-to-complete transcriptional silencing during the final steps of differentiation. Therefore, accurate RNA regulatory mechanisms are critical for normal spermatogenesis. Cytoplasmic germ cell-specific ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, known as germ granules, participate in posttranscriptional regulation in developing male germ cells. Particularly, germ granules provide platforms for the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway and appear to be involved both in piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-targeted RNA degradation. Recently, other RNA regulatory mechanisms, such as the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway have also been associated to germ granules providing new exciting insights into the function of germ granules. In this review article, we will summarize our current knowledge on the role of germ granules in the control of mammalian male germ cell's transcriptome and in the maintenance of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of Turku, Turku, Finland
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23
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Ding D, Liu J, Dong K, Midic U, Hess RA, Xie H, Demireva EY, Chen C. PNLDC1 is essential for piRNA 3' end trimming and transposon silencing during spermatogenesis in mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:819. [PMID: 29018194 PMCID: PMC5635004 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00854-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs are small regulatory RNAs with key roles in transposon silencing and regulation of gametogenesis. The production of mature piwi-interacting RNAs requires a critical step of trimming piwi-interacting RNA intermediates to achieve optimally sized piwi-interacting RNAs. The poly(A)-specific ribonuclease family deadenylase PNLDC1 is implicated in piwi-interacting RNA trimming in silkworms. The physiological function of PNLDC1 in mammals remains unknown. Using Pnldc1-deficient mice, here we show that PNLDC1 is required for piwi-interacting RNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, and spermatogenesis. Pnldc1 mutation in mice inhibits piwi-interacting RNA trimming and causes accumulation of untrimmed piwi-interacting RNA intermediates with 3′ end extension, leading to severe reduction of mature piwi-interacting RNAs in the testis. Pnldc1 mutant mice exhibit disrupted LINE1 retrotransposon silencing and defect in spermiogenesis. Together, these results define PNLDC1 as a mammalian piwi-interacting RNA biogenesis factor that protects the germline genome and ensures normal sperm production in mice. piRNAs are regulatory RNAs that play a critical role in transposon silencing and gametogenesis. Here, the authors provide evidence that mammalian PNLDC1 is a regulator of piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing and spermatogenesis, protecting the germline genome in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deqiang Ding
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kunzhe Dong
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Uros Midic
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Elena Y Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA. .,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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