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Wang Q, Deng J, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Xia B, Chen T. A medaka gonad-specific lncRNA may act as pri-miR-202 to regulate testicular endocrine homeostasis and spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2024; 214:273-285. [PMID: 37948817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.020] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
A large number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in animal gonads, but their functions are poorly understood. In this study, a gonad-specific lncRNA, termed lnc4, was identified and characterized in the model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes). The expression pattern and in vitro functional analyses indicated that lnc4 was likely to be a primary transcript of miR-202 (pri-miR-202). Results of single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that the precursor miR-202 (pre-miR-202) was highly expressed in the nuclei of testicular somatic cells, including Leydig and Sertoli cells, whereas only a small amount of lnc4 molecules could be detected co-expressed with pre-miR-202 in Sertoli cells due to its low expression level. Deletion of the lnc4 locus led to a significant reduction in testis size and a dramatic decrease in the number of male germ cells, as well as a reduction in sperm viability. Moreover, lnc4 knockout resulted in enhanced synthesis and secretion of testicular somatic cells and accelerated differentiation of immature male germ cells. Taken together, functional studies of lnc4 and its mature transcript miR-202 will contribute to the understanding of the important role of non-coding RNAs in animal or human reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434024, China; College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Jiajie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yuewen Jiang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Bilin Xia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China; College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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Chen Y, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhu F, Yan L, Tang W, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Jiang H, Qiao J. Deciphering the Molecular Characteristics of Human Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia from the Perspective of Germ Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206852. [PMID: 37083227 PMCID: PMC10265083 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility, accounting for 10-15% of infertile men worldwide. Among these, more than 70% of cases are idiopathic NOA (iNOA), whose pathogenesis and molecular basis remain unknown. This work profiles 3696 human testicular single-cell transcriptomes from 17 iNOA patients, which are classified into four classes with different arrest periods and variable cell proportions based on the gene expression patterns and pathological features. Genes related to the cell cycle, energy production, and gamete generation show obvious abnormalities in iNOA germ cells. This work identifies several candidate causal genes for iNOA, including CD164, LELP1, and TEX38, which are significantly downregulated in iNOA germ cells. Notably, CD164 knockdown promotes apoptosis in spermatogonia. Cellular communications between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells are disturbed in iNOA patients. Moreover, BOD1L2, C1orf194, and KRTCAP2 are found to indicate testicular spermatogenic capacity in a variety of testicular diseases, such as Y-chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter syndrome. In general, this study analyzes the pathogenesis of iNOA from the perspective of germ cell development, transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks, as well as germ cell and somatic cell interactions, which provides new ideas for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Chen
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Feiyin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of UrologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of UrologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University)Ministry of EducationBeijing100191China
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive TechnologyBeijing100191China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for GenomicsBeijing100871China
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Wang X, Pei J, Guo S, Cao M, Bao P, Xiong L, Wu X, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Characterization of N 6-Methyladenosine in Domesticated Yak Testes Before and After Sexual Maturity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755670. [PMID: 34858983 PMCID: PMC8632223 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prominent mRNA modification in eukaryotes, has recently been identified in mammals, plants, and yeast. However, whether and how m6A methylation is involved in sexual maturation in mammals remains largely unexplored. In this study, testicular tissue was obtained from yaks before and after sexual maturation, and m6A maps were generated via preliminary experiments and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. Only spermatogonial cells and a few primary spermatocytes were observed in the testicular tissue of yaks before sexual maturation, while spermatogenic cells at different stages of maturity could observed after sexual maturation. Experiments examining the expression of methylation-related enzymes and overall methylation levels showed that the methylation levels in yak testes increased after sexual maturation. Overall, 1,438 methylation peaks were differentially expressed before and after sexual maturation; 1,226 showed significant up-regulation and 212 showed significant down-regulation after sexual maturation. Annotation analysis showed that the differential methylation peaks were most commonly concentrated in the exon region, followed by the 3′UTR and finally the 5′UTR region. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that homologous recombination, the Notch signaling pathway, growth hormone synthesis, and other signaling pathways may be involved in testicular development and maturation in yaks. Levels of most m6A modifications were positively correlated with mRNA abundance, suggesting that m6A plays a regulatory role in mammalian sexual maturation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an m6A transcriptional map of the yak testes, and our study lays the foundation for elucidating the function of m6A in the development of yak testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Cao Y, Liu L, Lin J, Sun P, Guo K, Li S, Li X, Lan ZJ, Wang H, Lei Z. Dysregulation of Notch-FGF signaling axis in germ cells results in cystic dilation of the rete testis in mice. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:75-92. [PMID: 34101112 PMCID: PMC8688682 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00628-0] [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: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Numb (Nb) and Numb-like (Nbl) are functionally redundant adaptor proteins that critically regulate cell fate and morphogenesis in a variety of organs. We selectively deleted Nb and Nbl in testicular germ cells by breeding Nb/Nbl floxed mice with a transgenic mouse line Tex101-Cre. The mutant mice developed unilateral or bilateral cystic dilation in the rete testis (RT). Dye trace indicated partial blockages in the testicular hilum. Morphological and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed that the lining epithelium of the cysts possessed similar characteristics of RT epithelium, suggesting that the cyst originated from dilation of the RT lumen. Spermatogenesis and the efferent ducts were unaffected. In comparisons of isolated germ cells from mutants to control mice, the Notch activity considerably increased and the expression of Notch target gene Hey1 significantly elevated. Further studies identified that germ cell Fgf4 expression negatively correlated the Notch activity and demonstrated that blockade of FGF receptors mediated FGF4 signaling induced enlargement of the RT lumen in vitro. The crucial role of the FGF4 signaling in modulation of RT development was verified by the selective germ cell Fgf4 ablation, which displayed a phenotype similar to that of germ cell Nb/Nbl null mutant males. These findings indicate that aberrant over-activation of the Notch signaling in germ cells due to Nb/Nbl abrogation impairs the RT development, which is through the suppressing germ cell Fgf4 expression. The present study uncovers the presence of a lumicrine signal pathway in which secreted/diffusible protein FGF4 produced by germ cells is essential for normal RT development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Cao
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Penghao Sun
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengqiang Li
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
- Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Zi-Jian Lan
- Division of Life Sciences, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, 40356, USA
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, MDR Building, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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MicroRNA expression profiles in the seminal plasma of nonobstructive azoospermia patients with different histopathologic patterns. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1197-1211. [PMID: 33602558 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the seminal plasma of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with different histopathologic patterns and evaluate potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of NOA. DESIGN Sequencing and validation using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SETTING Reproductive center and research institute. PATIENT(S) Thirteen patients with NOA (7 Sertoli cell-only syndrome [SCOS] and 6 hypospermatogenesis to spermatogenesis arrest [SA]) and 7 normal fertile controls for sequencing, six samples per group for validation; 54 patients with NOA (27 SCOS and 27 SA) and 19 normal fertile controls for large-sample qRT-PCR analysis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) MicroRNA expression profiles in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA with different histopathologic patterns were assessed using high-throughput sequencing and validated using qRT-PCR. RESULT(S) There were 78 overexpressed and 132 underexpressed miRNAs in patients with SCOS and 32 up-regulated and 90 down-regulated miRNAs in patients with SA compared with fertile men with normozoospermia. Two down-regulated and one up-regulated miRNA were validated using qRT-PCR, which indicated that the qRT-PCR and sequencing results were basically consistent. Hsa-miR-34c-5p expression was significantly lower in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA than normal fertile controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) for hsa-miR-34c-5p was 0.979 and 0.987 in the seminal plasma of patients with SA and patients with SCOS, respectively, compared with normal fertile controls. The AUC was 0.799 for hsa-miR-34c-5p in the seminal plasma between patients with SA and patients with SCOS. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed miRNA target genes revealed that the Notch signaling pathway was one of the most abundant signaling pathways. The expression of Hes5, an effector of the Notch signaling pathway, was significantly higher in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA than normal fertile controls. CONCLUSION(S) MicroRNA expression profiles in seminal plasma were altered in patients with NOA compared with normal fertile controls. The profiles differed in patients with NOA with different pathologic patterns. We speculate that miR-34c-5p in seminal plasma could be a potential noninvasive biomarker to diagnose patients with NOA and distinguish different pathologic types of NOA. The Notch signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of NOA.
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Neto FTL, Flannigan R, Goldstein M. Regulation of Human Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:255-286. [PMID: 34453741 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis (HS) is an intricate network of sequential processes responsible for the production of the male gamete, the spermatozoon. These processes take place in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of the testis, which are small tubular structures considered the functional units of the testes. Each human testicle contains approximately 600-1200 STs [1], and are capable of producing up to 275 million spermatozoa per day [2].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Lu E, Feng F, Wen W, Tong X, Li X, Xiao L, Li G, Wang J, Zhang C. Notch signaling inhibition induces G0/G1 arrest in murine Leydig cells. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13413. [PMID: 31523838 DOI: 10.1111/and.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As a highly evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway, Notch widely participates in cell-fate decisions and the development of various tissues and organs. In male reproduction, research on the Notch signaling pathway has mainly concentrated on germ cells and Sertoli cells. Leydig cells are the primary producers of testosterone and play important roles in spermatogenesis and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics. In this study, we used TM3 cells, a murine adult Leydig cell line, to investigate the expression profiles of Notch receptors and ligands and observe the effect of Notch signaling on the proliferation of TM3 cells. We found that Notch 1-3 and the ligands Dll-1 and Dll-4 were expressed in TM3 cells, Notch 1-3 and the ligand Dll-1 were expressed in testis interstitial Leydig cells, and Notch signaling inhibition suppressed the proliferation of TM3 cells and induced G0/G1 arrest. Inhibition of Notch signaling increased the expression of p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27. Overall, our results suggest that Notch inhibition suppresses the proliferation of TM3 cells and P21Waf1/Cip1 , and p27 may contribute to this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enhang Lu
- Joint Programme of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fen Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weihui Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiating Tong
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangxi Medicine School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Roy A, Basak R, Rai U. In silico analysis, seasonal variation and gonadotropic regulation of jag1 and its receptor notch1 in testis of spotted snakehead Channa punctatus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:166-177. [PMID: 29772210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study in seasonally breeding spotted snakehead Channa punctatus, for the first time in nonmammalian vertebrates, demonstrated correlation between reproductive phase-dependent testicular expression of ligand Jag1/receptor Notch1 and spermatogenic events. Testicular transcriptome sequencing data from our earlier study in C. punctatus was used in the present study to select the best transcript for jag1 (cpjag1) and notch1 (cpnotch1). The transcripts cpjag1 and cpnotch1 encoded full-length putative proteins of 1215 (cpJag1) and 2475 (cpNotch1) amino acids, respectively. A marked homology in the extracellular domains of Jag1 and Notch1 was observed following their alignment with respective proteins from different vertebrates, suggesting conservation in ligand-receptor interaction in C. punctatus. Both cpJag1 and cpNotch1 showed phylogenetic closeness with their teleostean counterparts, especially with that of Perciformes. Temporal expression of cpjag1 and cpnotch1 in testis depending on reproductive phases showed an appreciably high expression during spermatogenically inactive resting and postspawning phases when seminiferous lobules consisted of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia. Their expression sharply declined during spermatogenically active preparatory and spawning phases. It appears that involvement of cpjag1/cpnotch1 is restricted to inactive phases when spermatogonial stem cells renew themselves and replenish undifferentiated spermatogonia. This assumption is ascertained by an experimental study in which high level of testicular cpjag1/cpnotch1 expression in control fish of resting phase markedly decreased after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin that is known to induce proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia and spawning of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alivia Roy
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Reetuparna Basak
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
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Li D, Ji Y, Wang F, Wang Y, Wang M, Zhang C, Zhang W, Lu Z, Sun C, Ahmed MF, He N, Jin K, Cheng S, Wang Y, He Y, Song J, Zhang Y, Li B. Regulation of crucial lncRNAs in differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells to spermatogonia stem cells. Anim Genet 2016; 48:191-204. [PMID: 27862128 DOI: 10.1111/age.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of crucial lncRNAs involved in differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) was explored by sequencing the transcriptome of ESCs, primordial germ cells (PGCs) and SSCs with RNA-Seq; analytical bioinformatic methods were used to excavate candidate lncRNAs. We detected expression of candidate lncRNAs in ESCs, PGCs and SSCs and forecasted related target genes. Utilizing wego, david and string, function and protein-protein interactions of target genes were analyzed. Finally, based on string analysis, interaction diagrams and relevant signaling pathways were established. Our results indicate a total of 9657 lncRNAs in ESCs, PGCs and SSCs, with 3549 defined as significantly different. We screened 20 candidate lncRNAs, each demonstrating a greater than eight-fold difference in |logFC| value between groups (ESCs vs. PGCs, ESCs vs. SSCs and PGCs vs. SSCs) or specifically expressed in an individual cell type. qRT-PCR results indicated that expression tendencies of candidate lncRNAs were consistent with RNA-Seq. Fifteen cis and four trans target genes were forecasted. Based on wego and string analyses, we found lnc-SSC1, lnc-SSC5, lnc-SSC2 and lnc-ESC2 negatively regulated target genes SUFU, EPHA3, KLF3, ARL3 and TRIM8, whereas SHH, NOTCH, TGF-β, cAMP/cGMP and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were promoted, causing differentiation of ESCs into SSCs. Our findings represent a preliminary unveiling of lncRNA-associated regulatory mechanisms during differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs, filling a research void in male germ cell differentiation related to lncRNA. Our results also provide basic information for improving in vitro induction systems for differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Y Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - F Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Y Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - M Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - C Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - W Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Z Lu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - C Sun
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - M F Ahmed
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - N He
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - K Jin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - S Cheng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Y Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Y He
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - J Song
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - B Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
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10
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Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:10-26. [PMID: 27143445 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.
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Mruk DD, Cheng CY. The Mammalian Blood-Testis Barrier: Its Biology and Regulation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:564-91. [PMID: 26357922 PMCID: PMC4591527 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the cellular process by which spermatogonia develop into mature spermatids within seminiferous tubules, the functional unit of the mammalian testis, under the structural and nutritional support of Sertoli cells and the precise regulation of endocrine factors. As germ cells develop, they traverse the seminiferous epithelium, a process that involves restructuring of Sertoli-germ cell junctions, as well as Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions at the blood-testis barrier. The blood-testis barrier, one of the tightest tissue barriers in the mammalian body, divides the seminiferous epithelium into 2 compartments, basal and adluminal. The blood-testis barrier is different from most other tissue barriers in that it is not only comprised of tight junctions. Instead, tight junctions coexist and cofunction with ectoplasmic specializations, desmosomes, and gap junctions to create a unique microenvironment for the completion of meiosis and the subsequent development of spermatids into spermatozoa via spermiogenesis. Studies from the past decade or so have identified the key structural, scaffolding, and signaling proteins of the blood-testis barrier. More recent studies have defined the regulatory mechanisms that underlie blood-testis barrier function. We review here the biology and regulation of the mammalian blood-testis barrier and highlight research areas that should be expanded in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores D Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
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Murta D, Batista M, Trindade A, Silva E, Henrique D, Duarte A, Lopes-da-Costa L. In vivo notch signaling blockade induces abnormal spermatogenesis in the mouse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113365. [PMID: 25412258 PMCID: PMC4239051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study we identified active Notch signaling in key cellular events occurring at adult spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the function of Notch signaling in spermatogenesis through the effects of in vivo Notch blockade. Adult CD1 male mice were either submitted to a long term DAPT (?-secretase inhibitor) or vehicle treatment. Treatment duration was designed to attain one half the time (25 days) or the time (43 days) required to accomplish a complete cycle of spermatogenesis. Blockade of Notch signaling was depicted from decreased transcription of Notch effector genes. Notch signaling blockade disrupted the expression patterns of Notch components in the testis, induced male germ cell fate aberrations, and significantly increased germ cell apoptosis, mainly in the last stages of the spermatogenic cycle, and epididymis spermatozoa morphological defects. These effects were more pronounced following the 43 day than the 25 day DAPT treatment schedule. These results indicate a relevant regulatory role of Notch signaling in mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Murta
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Batista
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Trindade
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Domingos Henrique
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Duarte
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- Reproduction and Development, Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Hai Y, Hou J, Liu Y, Liu Y, Yang H, Li Z, He Z. The roles and regulation of Sertoli cells in fate determinations of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 29:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Murta D, Batista M, Silva E, Trindade A, Henrique D, Duarte A, Lopes-da-Costa L. Dynamics of Notch pathway expression during mouse testis post-natal development and along the spermatogenic cycle. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72767. [PMID: 24015274 PMCID: PMC3755970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription and expression patterns of Notch pathway components (Notch 1–3, Delta1 and 4, Jagged1) and effectors (Hes1, Hes2, Hes5 and Nrarp) were evaluated (through RT-PCR and IHC) in the mouse testis at key moments of post-natal development, and along the adult spermatogenic cycle. Notch pathway components and effectors are transcribed in the testis and expressed in germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells, and each Notch component shows a specific cell-type and time-window expression pattern. This expression at key testis developmental events prompt for a role of Notch signaling in pre-pubertal spermatogonia quiescence, onset of spermatogenesis, and regulation of the spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Murta
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Batista
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Trindade
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Domingos Henrique
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Duarte
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Huang Z, Rivas B, Agoulnik AI. NOTCH1 gain of function in germ cells causes failure of spermatogenesis in male mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71213. [PMID: 23936265 PMCID: PMC3728026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NOTCH1 is a member of the NOTCH receptor family, a group of single-pass trans-membrane receptors. NOTCH signaling is highly conserved in evolution and mediates communication between adjacent cells. NOTCH receptors have been implicated in cell fate determination, as well as maintenance and differentiation of stem cells. In the mammalian testis expression of NOTCH1 in somatic and germ cells has been demonstrated, however its role in spermatogenesis was not clear. To study the significance of NOTCH1 in germ cells, we applied a cre/loxP approach in mice to induce NOTCH1 gain- or loss-of function specifically in male germ cells. Using a Stra8-icre transgene we produced mice with conditional activation of the NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD) in germ cells. Spermatogenesis in these mutants was progressively affected with age, resulting in decreased testis weight and sperm count. Analysis of downstream target genes of NOTCH1 signaling showed an increased expression of Hes5, with a reduction of the spermatogonial differentiation marker, Neurog3 expression in the mutant testis. Apoptosis was significantly increased in mouse germ cells with the corresponding elevation of pro-apoptotic Trp53 and Trp63 genes' expression. We also showed that the conditional germ cell-specific ablation of Notch1 had no effect on spermatogenesis or male fertility. Our data suggest the importance of NOTCH signaling regulation in male germ cells for their survival and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaohua Huang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bryan Rivas
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) reside within specialized microenvironments called 'niches', which are essential for their maintenance and self-renewal. In the mammalian testis, the main components of the niche include the Sertoli cell, the growth factors that this nursing cell produces, the basement membrane, and stimuli from the vascular network between the seminiferous tubules. This review focuses on signalling pathways maintaining SSCs self-renewal and differentiation and describes potential mechanisms of regulation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kostereva
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Hahn KL, Beres B, Rowton MJ, Skinner MK, Chang Y, Rawls A, Wilson-Rawls J. A deficiency of lunatic fringe is associated with cystic dilation of the rete testis. Reproduction 2008; 137:79-93. [PMID: 18801836 DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Lunatic fringe belongs to a family of beta1-3 N-acetyltransferases that modulate the affinity of the Notch receptors for their ligands through the elongation of O-fucose moieties on their extracellular domain. A role for Notch signaling in vertebrate fertility has been predicted by the intricate expression of the Notch receptors and their ligands in the oocyte and granulosa cells of the ovary and the spermatozoa and Sertoli cells of the testis. It has been demonstrated that disruption of Notch signaling by inactivation of lunatic fringe led to infertility associated with pleiotropic defects in follicle development and meiotic maturation of oocytes. Lunatic fringe null males were found to be subfertile. Here, we report that gene expression data demonstrate that fringe and Notch signaling genes are expressed in the developing testis and the intratesticular ductal tract, predicting roles for this pathway during embryonic gonadogenesis and spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis was not impaired in the majority of the lunatic fringe null males; however, spermatozoa were unilaterally absent in the epididymis of many mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of these testes revealed the development of unilateral cystic dilation of the rete testis. Tracer dye experiments confirm a block in the connection between the rete testis and the efferent ducts. Further, the dye studies demonstrated that many lunatic fringe mutant males had partial blocks of the connection between the rete testis and the efferent ducts bilaterally.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Hahn
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-4501, USA
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Hofmann MC. Gdnf signaling pathways within the mammalian spermatogonial stem cell niche. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 288:95-103. [PMID: 18485583 PMCID: PMC2491722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex process in which male germ-line stem cells develop to ultimately form spermatozoa. Spermatogonial stem cells, or SSCs, are found in the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. They self-renew to maintain the pool of stem cells throughout life, or they differentiate to generate a large number of germ cells. A balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation in the adult testis is therefore essential to maintain normal spermatogenesis and fertility. Maintenance and self-renewal are tightly regulated by extrinsic signals from the surrounding microenvironment, called the spermatogonial stem cell niche. By physically supporting the SSCs and providing them with growth factors, the Sertoli cell is the main component of the niche. In addition, adhesion molecules that connect the SSCs to the basement membrane and cellular components of the interstitium between the seminiferous tubules are important regulators of the niche function. This review mainly focuses on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), which is produced by Sertoli cells to maintain SSCs self-renewal, and the downstream signaling pathways induced by this crucial growth factor. Interactions between Gdnf and other signaling pathways that maintain self-renewal, as well as the role of novel SSC- and Sertoli cell-specific transcription factors, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
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Braydich-Stolle L, Nolan C, Dym M, Hofmann MC. Role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in germ-line stem cell fate. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1061:94-9. [PMID: 16467260 PMCID: PMC2904487 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1336.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The overall goal of this study is to unravel the role(s) played by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the fate of spermatogonial stem cells. There is great interest in the biology of spermatogonial stem cells, or A(single) spermatogonia, because of their importance in the treatment of infertility, the development of contraceptives, and the understanding of the etiology of testicular cancer, particularly seminoma. In the mouse, spermatogonial stem cells express GFRalpha-1, the receptor for GDNF, and respond to this growth factor in vivo and in vitro. GDNF is produced by the adjacent Sertoli cells, which are part of the germ-line stem cell niche in vertebrates. We specifically isolated GFRalpha-1-positive spermatogonia using an immunomagnetic bead technique. We then stimulated the cells with 100 ng/mL of rGDNF for 10 hours; unstimulated cells served as negative controls. Microarray analysis, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting revealed that Numb, a regulator of the Notch pathway, is upregulated by GDNF in spermatogonial stem cells. There are indications that in rats, mice, and humans, the Notch pathway promotes spermatogonial differentiation. We observed that an increase in Numb expression is concomitant with Notch degradation in these cells. Thus, through Numb, GDNF might inhibit differentiation and allows the maintenance of the stem cell pool in the mouse seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney Nolan
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469, USA
| | - Martin Dym
- Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2005. [DOI: 10.1097/01.gco.0000169110.00376.bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hofmann MC, Braydich-Stolle L, Dym M. Isolation of male germ-line stem cells; influence of GDNF. Dev Biol 2005; 279:114-24. [PMID: 15708562 PMCID: PMC2904978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2004] [Revised: 11/20/2004] [Accepted: 12/07/2004] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The identification and physical isolation of testis stem cells, a subset of type A spermatogonia, is critical to our understanding of their growth regulation during the first steps of spermatogenesis. These stem cells remain poorly characterized because of the paucity of specific molecular markers that permit us to distinguish them from other germ cells. Thus, the molecular mechanisms driving the first steps of spermatogenesis are still unknown. We show in the present study that GFR alpha-1, the receptor for GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), is strongly expressed by a subset of type A spermatogonia in the basal part of the seminiferous epithelium. Using this characteristic, we devised a method to specifically isolate these GFR alpha-1-positive cells from immature mouse testes. The isolated cells express Ret, a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor that mediates the intracellular response to GDNF via GFR alpha-1. After stimulation with rGDNF, the isolated cells proliferated in culture and underwent the first steps of germ cell differentiation. Microarray analysis revealed that GDNF induces the differential expression of a total of 1124 genes. Among the genes upregulated by GDNF were many genes involved in early mammalian development, differentiation, and the cell cycle. This report describes the first isolation of a pure population of GFR alpha-1-positive cells in the testis and identifies signaling pathways that may play a crucial role in maintaining germ-line stem cell proliferation and/or renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Biology, The University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-2320, USA.
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