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Park SH, Xu Y, Park YS, Seo JT, Gye MC. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Isoform Variants and Their Inhibitory Phosphorylation in Human Testes and Spermatozoa. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:215-226. [PMID: 36047078 PMCID: PMC9826905 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To clarify (phospho-) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) isoform variants in the germline and soma of human testes and spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS GSK3 isoform variants in normospermatogenic and Sertoli cell-only (SCO) testicular biopsies and spermatozoa were examined. RESULTS In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3α and GSK3β variants 1 and 2 different in low complexity region (LCR) were expressed and their levels were decreased in SCO testes. GSK3β variant 3 was only expressed in SCO testes. GSK3β as well as GSK3α, the dominant isoforms in testes were decreased in SCO testes. In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3β were found in spermatogonia and markedly decreased in meiotic germ cells in which GSK3α was dominant. p-GSK3α/β were marginal in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes. In SCO testes, GSK3α/β immunoreactivity in seminiferous epithelia was weaker than those of normospermatogenic testes whereas p-GSK3α/β(Ser) immunoreactivity was visibly increased in Sertoli cells. GSK3α was dominant in ejaculated spermatozoa in which GSK3α and p-GSK3α(Ser) were found in the head, midpiece, and tail. In acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, GSK3α was found in the equatorial region of head, midpiece, and tail, and p-GSK3α(Ser) was only found in midpiece. During sperm capacitation, p-GSK3α(Ser) was significantly increased together with phosphotyrosine proteins and motility. CONCLUSIONS In human male germ cells, GSK3 isoforms different in LCRs switch from GSK3β to GSK3α during meiotic entry, suggesting the isoform-specific roles of GSK3α and GSK3β in meiosis and stemness or proliferation of spermatogonia, respectively. In dormant Sertoli cells of SCO testes kinase activity of GSK3 might be downregulated via inhibitory phosphorylation. In spermatozoa, inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3α might be coupled with activation of motility during capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Seog Park
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Tae Seo
- Department of Urology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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Holmlund H, Yamauchi Y, Durango G, Fujii W, Ward MA. Two acquired mouse Y chromosome-linked genes, Prssly and Teyorf1, are dispensable for male fertility‡. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:752-764. [PMID: 35485405 PMCID: PMC9476217 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prssly (Protease, serine-like, Chr Y) and Teyorf1 (Testis expressed, chromosome Y open reading frame 1) are two acquired single-copy genes located on the distal tip of the non-pairing short arm of the mouse Y chromosome adjacent to telomeric sequence. Both genes lack X chromosome-linked homologues and are expressed in testicular germ cells. We first performed analysis of Prssly and Teyorf1 genomic sequences and demonstrated that previously reported Prssly sequence is erroneous and the true Prssly sequence is longer and encodes a larger protein than previously estimated. We also confirmed that both genes encode pseudogenes that are not expressed in testes. Next, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome targeting, we generated Prssly and Teyorf1 knockout (KO) mice and characterized their phenotype. To create Prssly KO mice, we targeted the conserved exon 5 encoding a trypsin domain typical for serine proteases. The targeting was successful and resulted in a frame shift mutation that introduced a premature stop codon, with the Prssly KO males retaining only residual transcript expression in testes. The Teyorf1 targeting removed the entire open reading frame of the gene, which resulted in no transcript expression in KO males. Both Prssly KO and Teyorf1 KO males were fertile and had normal testis size and normal sperm number, motility, and morphology. Our findings show that Prssly and Teyorf1 transcripts with potential to encode proteins are dispensable for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Holmlund
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Gerald Durango
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Lu T, Ling C, Hu M, Meng X, Deng Y, An H, Li L, Hu Y, Wang H, Song G, Guo S. Effect of Nano-Titanium Dioxide on Blood-Testis Barrier and MAPK Signaling Pathway in Male Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:2961-2971. [PMID: 32990870 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have found that nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Blood-testis barrier (BTB), as one of the tightest blood-tissue restriction, is crucial to the male reproductive system. However, the potential effects on BTB and signaling pathway changes in testis tissue induced by nano-TiO2 remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, 60 Institute of Cancer Research mice were divided randomly into four groups (per group = 15). The mice of four groups were intragastrically administered with 0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW nano-TiO2 respectively for 30 days to analyze the changes of BTB structure, BTB-related proteins, and MAPK signal pathways. Besides, testosterone level, estradiol level, and sperm parameter (sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm malformation rate) changes were also studied in this research. The results indicated that nano-TiO2 could induce the BTB structural damage and accompanied by the BTB main protein (ZO-1, Claudin-11, and F-actin) elevation of irritability. Nano-TiO2 could also activate the MAPK signaling pathways (p38, JNK, and ERK) of mice testis tissue. The testosterone and estradiol levels in serum reduced. Besides when the mice were administered with nano-TiO2, we also found the sperm motility rate decreased, and sperm malformation increased. The above changes may be associated with BTB damage and the activation of MAPK signaling pathways, thereby causing male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Lu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Chunmei Ling
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Mingjuan Hu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Xiaojia Meng
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Yaxin Deng
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Hongmei An
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Yunhua Hu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Guanling Song
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China.
| | - Shuxia Guo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China.
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Claudins: New Players in Human Fertility and Reproductive System Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030711. [PMID: 32197343 PMCID: PMC7140004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are major integral proteins of tight junctions (TJs), the apical cell-cell adhesions that enable maintaining polarity of epithelial cells, their differentiation, and cell signaling. A number of studies have indicated that claudins might play a crucial role in both physiology and pathogenesis. Their tissue-specific expression was originally linked to the development of different types of cancer and triggered a hope to use them as diagnostic or prognostic markers. However, it seems that their expression is more complex than that, and undoubtedly, claudins participate in one of the most important molecular events in cells. This review summarizes the recent research evaluating the role of claudins in fertility and the most common endocrine-dependent cancers in the reproductive system and highlights the crucial role of claudins both in human fertility and the most common cancers.
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Expression of claudin-11 in canine prepubertal testes, and in canine adult testes showing normal spermatogenesis, impaired spermatogenesis, or testicular neoplasia. Theriogenology 2020; 148:122-131. [PMID: 32171971 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) consists of different cell-to-cell connections, including tight junction proteins like claudin-11 (CLDN11). For dogs, only limited data is published dealing with these proteins in general. Therefore, their physiological relevance, their postnatal expression, and their distribution pattern in pathological conditions, e.g. in altered spermatogenesis and testicular neoplasia were assessed. Canine testes from routine castrations, and those sent in for diagnostic purposes were investigated. Based on morphological evaluation, the dogs and testes were divided into groups: (1) dogs with normal spermatogenesis, (2) four months old prepubertal dogs, (3) intratubular seminoma, (4) diffuse seminoma, (5) Sertoli cell tumours (SCT), (6) Leydig cell tumours (LCT), and (7) dogs with impaired spermatogenesis (e.g. mixed atrophy). In order to examine possible alterations of the BTB components, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence using a commercial antibody against CLDN11 was performed. Sertoli cell (SC) nuclei (SOX9) and peritubular myoid cells (smooth-muscle-actin, SMA) were also assessed using IHC. Additionally, semi-quantitative Western-blot (WB) and RT-PCR analyses of CLDN11 were conducted. In tubules with normal spermatogenesis, IHC of CLDN11 revealed a basolateral staining at BTB localisation. In prepubertal cords, CLDN11 was diffusely expressed along the cytoplasmic extensions of SCs supposing that the BTB was neither built up nor functional, yet. A shift from weakly expressed CLDN11 between/in residual SCs in intratubular seminoma to only small CLDN11 immunopositive stained spots in the cytoplasm of remaining SOX9-positive SCs in diffuse seminoma was detectable. Reduction or even loss of CLDN11 expression in diffuse seminoma was confirmed using RT-PCR and WB analyses, thus indicating that in seminoma, CLDN11 was downregulated at transcriptional level and completely lost its sealing function. Basal SCs in SCT still showed a CLDN11/SOX9 co-localisation, suggesting that luminal neoplastic SCs undergo de-differentiation during tumour progression. In LCT, no CLDN11 was detectable. Dogs with mixed atrophy showed an upregulation of CLDN11 in tubules with spermatogenic arrest on mRNA and protein level, leading to the conclusion that within these tubules regulatory mechanisms lost their equilibrium. For the first time, the spatial expression of CLDN11 in prepubertal canine testis, impaired spermatogenesis, intratubular seminoma and its absence in diffuse seminoma and LCT was shown. Since altered CLDN11 levels could be part of adaptive mechanisms to modify BTB integrity, further functional investigations to characterize the canine BTB need to be conducted.
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Gorga A, Rindone GM, Centola CL, Sobarzo C, Pellizzari EH, Camberos MDC, Cigorraga SB, Riera MF, Galardo MN, Meroni SB. In vitro effects of glyphosate and Roundup on Sertoli cell physiology. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 62:104682. [PMID: 31626902 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Roundup (R), a formulation that contains glyphosate (G) as the active ingredient, is a commonly used nonselective herbicide that has been proposed to affect male fertility. It is well known that an adequate Sertoli cell function is essential to maintain germ cell development. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether G and R are able to affect Sertoli cell functions, such as energy metabolism and blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity. Sertoli cell cultures from 20-day-old rats were exposed to 10 and 100 ppm of G or R, doses which do not decrease cell viability. Neither G nor R caused impairment in lactate production or fatty acid oxidation. G and R decreased Transepithelial Electrical Resistance, which indicates the establishment of a Sertoli cell junction barrier. However, neither G nor R modified the expression of claudin11, ZO1 and occludin, proteins that constitute the BTB. Analysis of cellular distribution of claudin11 by immunofluorescence showed that G and R induced a delocalization of the signal from membrane to the cytoplasm. The results suggest that G and R could alter an important function of Sertoli cell such as BTB integrity and thus they could compromise the normal development of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Gorga
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Marcelo Rindone
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Lucia Centola
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Cristian Sobarzo
- Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Argentina
| | - Eliana Herminia Pellizzari
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - María Del Carmen Camberos
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Selva Beatriz Cigorraga
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Maria Fernanda Riera
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Maria Noel Galardo
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina
| | - Silvina Beatriz Meroni
- CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá", Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Argentina.
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Blood Testis Barrier and Somatic Cells Impairment in a Series of 35 Adult Klinefelter Syndrome Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225717. [PMID: 31739598 PMCID: PMC6888948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of infertility in men. Degeneration of the testicular tissue starts in utero and accelerates at puberty with hyalinisation of seminiferous tubules, spermatogonia apoptosis and germ cell maturation arrest. Therefore, fertility preservation in young KS boys has been proposed, although this measure is still debated due to insufficient knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of testicular failure and germ cell loss, we analysed functional and morphological alterations in the somatic compartment of KS testis, i.e., Sertoli cells, including the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and Leydig cells (LC). We compared three populations: 35 KS 47,XXY non-mosaic patients, 28 Sertoli-cell-only (SCO) syndrome patients and 9 patients with normal spermatogenesis. In KS patients the expression of BTB proteins connexin-43 and claudin-11 assessed with a semi-quantitative scoring system appeared significantly reduced with a disorganised pattern. A significant reduction in seminiferous tubules expressing androgen receptors (AR) was observed in KS compared to normal spermatogenesis controls. INSL3 expression, a marker of LC maturation, was also significantly reduced in KS compared to patients with normal spermatogenesis or SCO. Hence, the somatic compartment impairment in KS could be involved in degeneration of seminiferous tubules.
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Altered hormonal milieu and dysregulated protein expression can cause spermatogenic arrest in ectopic xenografted immature rat testis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4036. [PMID: 30858478 PMCID: PMC6411886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis tissue xenografting complemented with cryopreservation is a feasible technique for fertility preservation in children with malignancy receiving gonadotoxic therapy and for endangered species with high neonatal mortality rate. However, xenografted testis of human and most endangered species are known to undergo spermatogenic arrest. In this study, we xenografted immature rat testis onto immunodeficient male mice to investigate the plausible underlying causes of spermatogenic arrest. Histological analysis of xenografted testes collected 8-wk post-grafting showed incomplete spermatogenesis with pachytene-stage spermatocytes as the most advanced germ cells. Although the levels of serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone were normal in recipient mice, those of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly high, and specific receptors of FSH were absent in the xenografts. The xenografts demonstrated dysregulated expression of Sertoli cell-transcriptional regulators (WT1 and SOX9) and secretory proteins (SCF and GDNF). In conclusion, results from our study suggested that an altered hormonal milieu in recipients and dysregulated protein expression in xenografts could be a potential cause of spermatogenic arrest in xenografted immature rat testis. Further stereological analysis of xenografts can demonstrate precise cellular composition of xenografts to decipher interactions between germ and somatic cells to better understand spermatogenic arrest in xenografted testis.
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Long M, Yang S, Dong S, Chen X, Zhang Y, He J. Characterization of semen quality, testicular marker enzyme activities and gene expression changes in the blood testis barrier of Kunming mice following acute exposure to zearalenone. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:27235-27243. [PMID: 28965173 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of 95 8-week-old male Kunming mice were randomly assigned into five groups and exposed to zearalenone (ZEA) at doses of 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg delivered by intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection for 5 days. The testis and epididymis indices involving sperm quality and morphology, testis enzyme activities, serum concentrations of testosterone and estrogen, and the expression levels of the three gene and protein of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin 11 related to the blood testis barrier (BTB) were analyzed. Results showed that ZEA significantly decreased body weight and semen quality compared to the control group along with increased activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reduced serum concentrations of testosterone and estrogen. At the mRNA and protein levels, expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin 11 significantly increased; however, the mRNA and protein of N-cad expression decreased. These data suggest acute exposure to ZEA reduces sperm quality and significantly decreases the concentration of serum testosterone and estradiol. In addition, the activities of the testis marker enzymes and associated mRNA and protein expressions of the BTB were also significantly affected. Our results demonstrated that ZEA has a significant impact on the reproductive parameters of male mice which showed compensatory response to strengthen the barrier function of the BTB following ZEA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Long
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Shuhua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Xinliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
| | - Jianbin He
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Liaoning Province, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
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Wen L, Yuan Q, Sun M, Niu M, Wang H, Fu H, Zhou F, Yao C, Wang X, Li Z, He Z. Generation and characteristics of human Sertoli cell line immortalized by overexpression of human telomerase. Oncotarget 2017; 8:16553-16570. [PMID: 28152522 PMCID: PMC5369984 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are required for normal spermatogenesis and they can be reprogrammed to other types of functional cells. However, the number of primary Sertoli cells is rare and human Sertoli cell line is unavailable. In this study, we have for the first time reported a stable human Sertoli cell line, namely hS1 cells, by overexpression of human telomerase. The hS1 cells expressed a number of hallmarks for human Sertoli cells, including SOX9, WT1, GDNF, SCF, BMP4, BMP6, GATA4, and VIM, and they were negative for 3β-HSD, SMA, and VASA. Higher levels of AR and FSHR were observed in hS1 cells compared to primary human Sertoli cells. Microarray analysis showed that 70.4% of global gene profiles of hS1 cells were similar to primary human Sertoli cells. Proliferation assay demonstrated that hS1 cells proliferated rapidly and they could be passaged for more than 30 times in 6 months. Neither Y chromosome microdeletion nor tumorgenesis was detected in this cell line and 90% normal karyotypes existed in hS1 cells. Collectively, we have established the first human Sertoli cell line with phenotype of primary human Sertoli cells, an unlimited proliferation potential and high safety, which could offer sufficient human Sertoli cells for basic research as well as reproductive and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Minghui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Hongyong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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11
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McCabe MJ, Foo CF, Dinger ME, Smooker PM, Stanton PG. Claudin-11 and occludin are major contributors to Sertoli cell tight junction function, in vitro. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:620-6. [PMID: 26585695 PMCID: PMC4955190 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.163189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) is the key component of the blood-testis barrier, where it sequesters developing germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. Hormonally regulated claudin-11 is a critical transmembrane protein involved in barrier function and its murine knockout results in infertility. We aimed to assess quantitatively the significance of the contribution of claudin-11 to TJ function, in vitro, using siRNA-mediated gene silencing. We also conducted an analysis of the contribution of occludin, another intrinsic transmembrane protein of the TJ. Silencing of claudin-11 and/or occludin was conducted using siRNA in an immature rat Sertoli cell culture model. Transepithelial electrical resistance was used to assess quantitatively TJ function throughout the culture. Two days after siRNA treatment, cells were fixed for immunocytochemical localization of junction proteins or lyzed for RT-PCR assessment of mRNA expression. Silencing of claudin-11, occludin, or both resulted in significant decreases in TJ function of 55% (P < 0.01), 51% (P < 0.01), and 62% (P < 0.01), respectively. Data were concomitant with significant decreases in mRNA expression and marked reductions in the localization of targeted proteins to the Sertoli cell TJ. We provide quantitative evidence that claudin-11 contributes significantly (P < 0.01) to Sertoli cell TJ function in vitro. Interestingly, occludin, which is hormonally regulated but not implicated in infertility until late adulthood, is also a significant (P < 0.01) contributor to barrier function. Our data are consistent with in vivo studies that clearly demonstrate a role for these proteins in maintaining normal TJ barrier structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J McCabe
- Male Fertility Regulation Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168; School of Applied Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria 3088; Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline Fh Foo
- Male Fertility Regulation Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Peter M Smooker
- School of Applied Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria 3088, Australia
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Male Fertility Regulation Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Stammler A, Lüftner BU, Kliesch S, Weidner W, Bergmann M, Middendorff R, Konrad L. Highly Conserved Testicular Localization of Claudin-11 in Normal and Impaired Spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160349. [PMID: 27486954 PMCID: PMC4972306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we tested expression of tight junction proteins in human, mouse and rat and analyzed the localization of claudin-11 in testis of patients with normal and impaired spermatogenesis. Recent concepts generated in mice suggest that the stage-specifically expressed claudin-3 acts as a basal barrier, sealing the seminiferous epithelium during migration of spermatocytes. Corresponding mechanisms have never been demonstrated in humans. Testicular biopsies (n = 103) from five distinct groups were analyzed: normal spermatogenesis (NSP, n = 28), hypospermatogenesis (Hyp, n = 24), maturation arrest at the level of primary spermatocytes (MA, n = 24), Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO, n = 19), and spermatogonial arrest (SGA, n = 8). Protein expression of claudin-3, -11 and occludin was analyzed. Human, mice and rat testis robustly express claudin-11 protein. Occludin was detected in mouse and rat and claudin-3 was found only in mice. Thus, we selected claudin-11 for further analysis of localization. In NSP, claudin-11 is located at Sertoli-Sertoli junctions and in Sertoli cell contacts towards spermatogonia. Typically, claudin-11 patches do not reach the basal membrane, unless flanked by the Sertoli cell body or patches between two Sertoli cell bodies. The amount of basal claudin-11 patches was found to be increased in impaired spermatogenesis. Only claudin-11 is expressed in all three species examined. The claudin-11 pattern is robust in man with impaired spermatogenesis, but the proportion of localization is altered in SCO and MA. We conclude that claudin-11 might represent the essential component of the BTB in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Stammler
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Aulweg 123, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feulgenstraße 12, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Udo Lüftner
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feulgenstraße 12, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- University Hospital Münster, Department of Clinical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48129, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Justus-Liebig-University / UKGM Giessen, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Frankfurter Straße 98, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Aulweg 123, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feulgenstraße 12, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
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Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines Accompany Deregulation of Claudin-11, Resulting in Inter-Sertoli Tight Junctions in Varicocele Rat Testes. J Urol 2016; 196:1303-12. [PMID: 27164517 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate the changes that occur in the blood-testis barrier during varicocele we examined changes in Cldn11 (claudin-11), an element of the blood-testis barrier, as well as steroidogenesis and proinflammatory cytokines in a model of varicocele rat testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male rats with experimentally induced varicocele were sacrificed 4 weeks after operation. Testicular histology and blood testosterone concentrations were examined. The expression of tight junctions, steroidogenic enzymes, apoptosis and immune cell markers, and proinflammatory cytokines in the testes were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Weight and Johnsen scores of varicocele testes were lower than those of normal testes. mRNA expression of Bad and Bax increased whereas Bcl-xl and Bcl2 mRNA decreased in varicocele testes compared to controls. Although blood testosterone did not change, Leydig cell 3βHsd immunoreactivity, testicular 3βHsd6 and 17βHsd3 mRNA were significantly decreased in varicocele testes. Cldn11 mRNA and protein levels in varicocele testes were higher than in normal testes together with altered expression of Ocln, Zo1 and N-cadherin mRNA. Cldn11 immunoreactivity appeared as wavy strands at the periphery of the seminiferous epithelium in normal testes but was frequently found in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm in varicocele testes. In varicocele testes Tnfα, Il1α, Il6, Cd45, Cd3g and Cd3d mRNA was increased. CONCLUSIONS An increase in proinflammatory cytokines might be responsible for deregulation of Cldn11 in the Sertoli cells in varicocele testes, leading to alterations in the permeability of the blood-testis barrier and immunological barriers to normal spermatogenesis.
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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: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [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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Al-Maghrebi M, Renno WM, Al-Somali HF, Botras MS, Qadhi IN. Lutein modulates transcription dysregulation of adhesion molecules and spermatogenesis transcription factors induced by testicular ischemia reperfusion injury: it could be SAFE. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 389:539-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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McCabe MJ, Tarulli GA, Laven-Law G, Matthiesson KL, Meachem SJ, McLachlan RI, Dinger ME, Stanton PG. Gonadotropin suppression in men leads to a reduction in claudin-11 at the Sertoli cell tight junction. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:875-86. [PMID: 26908839 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are Sertoli cell tight junctions (TJs) disrupted in men undergoing hormonal contraception? SUMMARY ANSWER Localization of the key Sertoli cell TJ protein, claudin-11, was markedly disrupted by 8 weeks of gonadotropin suppression, the degree of which was related to the extent of adluminal germ cell suppression. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sertoli cell TJs are vital components of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) that sequester developing adluminal meiotic germ cells and spermatids from the vascular compartment. Claudin-11 knockout mice are infertile; additionally claudin-11 is spatially disrupted in chronically gonadotropin-suppressed rats coincident with a loss of BTB function, and claudin-11 is disorganized in various human testicular disorders. These data support the Sertoli cell TJ as a potential site of hormonal contraceptive action. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION BTB proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry (n = 16 samples) and mRNA (n = 18 samples) expression levels in available archived testis tissue from a previous study of 22 men who had undergone 8 weeks of gonadotropin suppression and for whom meiotic and post-meiotic germ cell numbers were available. The gonadotropin suppression regimens were (i) testosterone enanthate (TE) plus the GnRH antagonist, acyline (A); (ii) TE + the progestin, levonorgestrel, (LNG); (iii) TE + LNG + A or (iv) TE + LNG + the 5α-reductase inhibitor, dutasteride (D). A control group consisted of seven additional men, with three archived samples available for this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Immunohistochemical localization of claudin-11 (TJ) and other junctional type markers [ZO-1 (cytoplasmic plaque), β-catenin (adherens junction), connexin-43 (gap junction), vinculin (ectoplasmic specialization) and β-actin (cytoskeleton)] and quantitative PCR was conducted using matched frozen testis tissue. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Claudin-11 formed a continuous staining pattern at the BTB in control men. Regardless of gonadotropin suppression treatment, claudin-11 localization was markedly disrupted and was broadly associated with the extent of meiotic/post-meiotic germ cell suppression; claudin-11 staining was (i) punctate (i.e. 'spotty' appearance) at the basal aspect of tubules when the average numbers of adluminal germ cells were <15% of control, (ii) presented as short fragments with cytoplasmic extensions when numbers were 15-25% of control or (iii) remained continuous when numbers were >40% of control. Changes in localization of connexin-43 and vinculin were also observed (smaller effects than for claudin-11) but ZO-1, β-catenin and β-actin did not differ, compared with control. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Claudin-11 was the only Sertoli cell TJ protein investigated, but it is considered to be the most pivotal of constituent proteins given its known implication in infertility and BTB function. We were limited to testis samples which had been gonadotropin-suppressed for 8 weeks, shorter than the 74-day spermatogenic wave, which may account for the heterogeneity in claudin-11 and germ cell response observed among the men. Longer suppression (12-24 weeks) is known to suppress germ cells further and claudin-11 disruption may be more uniform, although we could not access such samples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings are important for our understanding of the sites of action of male hormonal contraception, because they suggest that BTB function could be ablated following long-term hormone suppression treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Program Grants 241000 and 494802; Research Fellowship 1022327 (to R.I.M.) and the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. None of the authors have any conflicts to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J McCabe
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Applied Biology/Biotechnology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, VIC 3088, Australia Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - G A Tarulli
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - G Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - K L Matthiesson
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - S J Meachem
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - R I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - M E Dinger
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - P G Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in pediatric pathology, chapter 4. Pubertal and adult testis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:187-202. [PMID: 25993606 DOI: 10.2350/12-11-1271-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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18
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Guan Y, Liang G, Hawken PAR, Meachem SJ, Malecki IA, Ham S, Stewart T, Guan LL, Martin GB. Nutrition affects Sertoli cell function but not Sertoli cell numbers in sexually mature male sheep. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 28:RD14368. [PMID: 25515817 DOI: 10.1071/rd14368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested whether the reversible effects of nutrition on spermatogenesis in sexually mature sheep were mediated by Sertoli cells. Rams were fed with diets designed to achieve a 10% increase (High), no change (Maintenance) or a 10% decrease (Low) in body mass after 65 days. At the end of treatment, testes were lighter in the Low than the High group (PP<0.05) in the expression of seven Sertoli cell-specific genes. Under-nutrition appeared to reverse cellular differentiation leading to disruption of tight-junction morphology. In conclusion, in sexually mature sheep, reversible reductions in testis mass and spermatogenesis caused by under-nutrition were associated with impairment of basic aspects of Sertoli cell function but not with changes in the number of Sertoli cells.
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Qiu L, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Gu J, Chen M, Zhang Z, Wang X, Wang SL. Sertoli cell is a potential target for perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced reproductive dysfunction in male mice. Toxicol Sci 2013; 135:229-40. [PMID: 23761298 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kft129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is associated with male reproductive disorders, but its targets and mechanisms are poorly understood. We used in vitro and in vivo models to explore the roles of Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in PFOS-induced male reproductive dysfunction. First, we used primary Sertoli cell to estimate PFOS-induced cytotoxicity, junction proteins expression, and the changes of barrier function. ICR mice were then administered PFOS (0.25-50mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Sperm count, ultrastructure and permeability of the Sertoli cell-based BTB, and testicular PFOS were estimated. Furthermore, the expression and localization of proteins related to junctions between Sertoli cells and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were evaluated. Apparent decreases in sperm count were found. PFOS significantly increased vacuolization in Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules and BTB ultrastructural disassembly, which subsequently increased BTB permeability and testicular PFOS levels, which was confirmed by in vitro results that PFOS decreased transepithelial electrical resistance between Sertoli cells. Additionally, PFOS decreased the expression of junction proteins in Sertoli cells, which was further confirmed by in vivo results that PFOS decreased or dislocated junction proteins (i.e., ZO-1, occludin, claudin-11, and connexin-43) and increased proteins related to the MAPK signaling pathway (i.e., Erk and p38), whereas basal ectoplasmic specialization proteins did not change. The results were confirmed by SB203580, a p38 MAPK selective inhibitor. Sertoli cells appear to be a new cellular target for PFOS. Together with disruption of BTB integrity and function, these cells play an important role in PFOS-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianglin Qiu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
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Haverfield JT, Meachem SJ, O'Bryan MK, McLachlan RI, Stanton PG. Claudin-11 and connexin-43 display altered spatial patterns of organization in men with primary seminiferous tubule failure compared with controls. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:658-66. [PMID: 23706332 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the spatial organization of two proteins involved in the Sertoli cell junctional complex in men with primary seminiferous tubule failure. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Medical research institute. PATIENT(S) Sixteen men total, six with meiotic arrest, seven with the Sertoli cell-only phenotype, and three with normal spermatogenesis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differences in claudin-11 and connexin-43 organization as detected using confocal microscopy. RESULT(S) In men with primary seminiferous tubule failure, four organizational patterns (I-IV) were recognized and quantified for claudin-11. Across these patterns, claudin-11 changed from a basal filamentous staining pattern to a punctate staining pattern with diffuse localization throughout the entire epithelium. Similar changes in staining patterns for connexin-43 were observed. Major differences were seen in the spatial organization of claudin-11 and connexin-43 in tubules from control men compared with tubules with primary seminiferous tubule failure, but we observed no differences in the spatial organization of these proteins in tubules from men with meiotic arrest and Sertoli cell-only phenotypes. CONCLUSION(S) The spatial organization of claudin-11 and connexin-43 is altered in men with primary seminiferous tubule failure. Disorganization of the proteins composing the Sertoli cell junctional complex may be involved in the spermatogenic impairment, possibly via loss of blood-testis barrier function.
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Expression Pattern of Testicular claudin-11 in Infertile Men. Urology 2012; 80:1161.e13-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Su W, Mruk DD, Lie PPY, Lui WY, Cheng CY. Filamin A is a regulator of blood-testis barrier assembly during postnatal development in the rat testis. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5023-35. [PMID: 22872576 PMCID: PMC3512009 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is an important ultrastructure in the testis. A delay in its assembly during postnatal development leads to meiotic arrest. Also, a disruption of the BTB by toxicants in adult rats leads to a failure in spermatogonial differentiation. However, the regulation of BTB assembly remains unknown. Herein, filamin A, an actin filament cross-linker that is known to maintain and regulate cytoskeleton structure and function in other epithelia, was shown to be highly expressed during the assembly of Sertoli cell BTB in vitro and postnatal development of BTB in vivo, perhaps being used to maintain the actin filament network at the BTB. A knockdown of filamin A by RNA interference was found to partially perturb the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, this down-regulating effect on the TJ barrier function after the knockdown of filamin A was associated with a mis-localization of both TJ and basal ectoplasmic specialization proteins. Filamin A knockdown also induced a disorganization of the actin filament network in Sertoli cells in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these findings illustrate that filamin A regulates BTB assembly by recruiting these proteins to the microenvironment in the seminiferous epithelium to serve as the building blocks. In short, filamin A participates in BTB assembly by regulating protein recruitment during postnatal development in the rat testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Su
- Population Council, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Ilani N, Armanious N, Lue YH, Swerdloff RS, Baravarian S, Adler A, Tsang C, Jia Y, Cui YG, Wang XH, Zhou ZM, Sha JH, Wang C. Integrity of the blood-testis barrier in healthy men after suppression of spermatogenesis with testosterone and levonorgestrel. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:3403-11. [PMID: 23019303 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do exogenous male hormonal contraceptives that suppress intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis interfere with the blood-testis barrier integrity in men? SUMMARY ANSWER When spermatogenesis was suppressed by testosterone alone or combined with levonorgestrel (LNG) treatment in men, the structural appearance of Sertoli cell tight junctions remained intact in the human testis. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Testosterone promotes the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. Intratesticular androgen deprivation induced by exogenous testosterone plus a progestin to suppress spermatogenesis in a contraceptive regimen may disturb the structural and functional integrity of the blood-testis barrier. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Testicular biopsies were obtained from a sub-study of a randomized clinical trial of 36 healthy Chinese men who were treated for 18 weeks and followed for at least a 12-week recovery period. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIAL, SETTING, METHODS Healthy Chinese male volunteers (27-48 years) were randomized to two treatment groups (n = 18/group) for 18 weeks: (1) testosterone undecanoate (TU) 1000 mg i.m. injection followed by a 500 mg injection every 6 weeks and (2) TU + LNG 250 μg orally daily. Blood samples were obtained from all participants before and during treatment and at the end of the recovery phase. Open testicular biopsies for this study were obtained from four men before treatment and from four men in each of the TU and TU + LNG groups at 2 and 9 weeks of treatment. The presence of antisperm antibodies was checked in the archived serum samples of the subjects at baseline, during treatment and at the end of the recovery period. Stored testicular biopsy samples from cynomolgus monkeys treated with either sub-cutaneous testosterone or placebo for 12 weeks were used for additional protein expression studies. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF THE CHANCE Expression of blood-testis barrier associated proteins quantified by immunohistochemistry (claudin 3, claudin 11, junctional adhesion molecule-A, zonula occludens-1) remained unchanged despite a significant decrease in the numbers of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids in the seminiferous tubules at 9 weeks in the TU + LNG group. This was confirmed by immunoblots showing a lack of quantitative change in these tight junction proteins in monkeys after testosterone treatment. There were no increases in serum antisperm antibodies in the volunteers during the study. LIMITATIONS/REASONS FOR CAUTION The duration of the study was short and the long-term effects of male hormonal contraceptive treatments on the integrity of the blood-testis barrier remain to be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study supports the safety of male hormonal contraceptive treatment and does not corroborate the previous findings of disturbed immunological integrity of the blood-testis barrier from animal studies such as androgen receptor knockout mice and exogenous hormonal treatment in rats. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST The study was supported by grants from the Contraceptive Research and Development Program and the Mellon Foundation (MFG-02-64, MFG-03-67), Endocrine, Metabolism and Nutrition Training Grant (T32 DK007571), the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Los Angeles Biomedical and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (UL1RR033176 and UL1TR000124) and the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute Summer High School Student Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Ilani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, 1000 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
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Wu X, Peppi M, Vengalil MJ, Maheras KJ, Southwood CM, Bradley M, Gow A. Transgene-mediated rescue of spermatogenesis in Cldn11-null mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:139, 1-11. [PMID: 22378758 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.096230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins comprise a large family of tight junction (TJ) proteins that are often expressed broadly during development and in adult tissues and constitute the physical barriers that occlude the paracellular space in polarized epithelia. In mouse testis, the integrity of TJs is critical to normal spermatogenesis and is dependent on CLDN11 expression. In the current study, we have generated multiple transgenic mouse lines in which steady-state levels of transgene-derived Cldn11 mRNA are up to fourfold greater than endogenous gene expression. Spermatogenesis in all founder mice harboring two copies of the endogenous Cldn11 gene is normal. These animals breed well, indicating that transgene overexpression, at least at the level of mRNA, is well tolerated by Sertoli cells. In addition, we demonstrate that the promoter/enhancer of the transgene, comprising 5 kb of genomic sequence upstream of exon 1 of the mouse Cldn11 gene, is sufficient to rescue azoospermia in Cldn11-null mice. Finally, using transient transgenic mice, we narrow the location of Sertoli cell-specific cis regulatory elements to a 2-kb region upstream of the Cldn11 transcription start site. Together, these data provide essential information for further investigation of the biological regulation of CLDN11 TJs in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Mok KW, Mruk DD, Lee WM, Cheng CY. A study to assess the assembly of a functional blood-testis barrier in developing rat testes. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:270-280. [PMID: 22319674 PMCID: PMC3271668 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.17998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is an important ultrastructure in the seminiferous tubule of the mammalian testis that segregates the events of spermatogenesis, in particular post-meiotic germ cell development, from the harmful substances in the environment including toxicants and drugs, as well as from the unwanted hormones and biomolecules in the systemic circulation. It is known that the BTB is assembled by ∼15-21 days postpartum (dpp) in rats coinciding with the onset of late cell cycle progression, namely the formation of zygotene and pachytene spermatocytes by day 15-18 dpp. This is to prepare for: (1) the differentiation/transformation of pachytene spermatocytes to diplotene and dictyate spermatocytes and (2) meiosis I and II, which take place by 23-26 and 26 dpp, respectively. Recent findings have shown spermatogonia/spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) in the tubules failed to re-initiate spermatogenesis by differentiating spermatogonia beyond type A spermatogonia in the absence of a functional BTB, leading to meiotic arrest. These studies thus illustrate that a functional BTB is crucial to the initiation and/or re-initiation of spermatogenesis. Herein, we sought to examine the precise time window when a functional and intact BTB is established in the developing rat testis during the final stage of cell cycle progression and meiosis. Using the techniques of: (1) dual-labeled immunofluorescence analysis to assess the distribution of integrated proteins at the tight junction (TJ), basal ectoplasmic specialization [basal ES, a testis-specific atypical adherens junction (AJ) type] and gap junction (GJ) at the BTB, (2) functional assay to assess the BTB integrity in vivo, (3) immunoblot analysis to monitor changes in steady-state levels of adhesion proteins at the BTB, and (4) co-immunoprecipitation to assess changes in protein-protein interactions at the BTB, it was shown that a BTB was being assembled by day 15-20 dpp, but a functional BTB was not fully established until day 25 dpp in Sprague-Dawley rats, tightly associated with the onset of meiosis I and II. These findings thus illustrate the significance of the BTB on cell cycle progression and the preparation for meiosis, such as germ cell differentiation beyond type A spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Wai Mok
- Center for Biomedical Research; The Population Council; New York, NY USA
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Mok KW, Mruk DD, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Spermatogonial stem cells alone are not sufficient to re-initiate spermatogenesis in the rat testis following adjudin-induced infertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:86-101. [PMID: 21696392 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a unique ultrastructure in the testis, which creates a specialized microenvironment in the seminiferous epithelium known as the apical (or adluminal) compartment for post-meiotic germ-cell development and for maintenance of an immunological barrier. In this study, we have demonstrated unequivocally that a functional and intact BTB is crucial for the initiation of spermatogenesis, in particular, the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). It was shown that adult rats (∼300 g body weight, b.w.) treated with adjudin at 50 (low-dose) or 250 (high-dose) mg/kg b.w. by gavage led to germ-cell depletion from the seminiferous tubules and that >98% of the tubules were devoid of germ cells by ∼2 week and rats became infertile in both groups after the sperm reserve in the epididymis was exhausted. While the population of SSC/spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules from both groups was similar to that of normal rats, only rats from the low-dose group were capable of re-initiating spermatogenesis; and by 20 weeks, greater than 75% of the tubules displayed normal spermatogenesis and the fertility of these rats rebounded. Detailed analysis by dual-labelled immunofluorescence analysis and a functional BTB integrity assay revealed that in both treatment groups, the BTB was disrupted from week 6 to week 12. However, the disrupted BTB 'resealed' in the low-dose group, but not in the high-dose group. Our findings illustrate that SSC/spermatogonia failed to differentiate into spermatocytes beyond A(aligned) spermatogonia in the high-dose group with a disrupted BTB. In short, these findings illustrate the critical significance of the BTB for re-initiation of spermatogenesis besides SSC and spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K-W Mok
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
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