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La Y, Ma X, Bao P, Chu M, Yan P, Guo X, Liang C. Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Key Proteins Involved in Testicular Development of Yaks. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8433. [PMID: 39126002 PMCID: PMC11313431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive health is largely determined already in the early development of the testis. Although much work has been carried out to study the mechanisms of testicular development and spermatogenesis, there was previously no information on the differences in the protein composition of yak testicles during early development. In this study, the protein profiles in the testicles of 6- (M6), 18- (M18), and 30-month-old (M30) yaks were comparatively analyzed using TMT proteomics. A total of 5521 proteins were identified, with 13, 1295, and 1397 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in 30- vs. 18-, 18- vs. 6-, and 30- vs. 6-month-old testes, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in signaling pathways related to testicular development and spermatogenesis, including the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Wnt, mTOR, TGF-β, and AMPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, we also identified eight potential proteins (TEX101, PDCL2, SYCP2, SYCP3, COL1A1, COL1A2, ADAM10, and ATF1) that may be related to the testicular development and spermatogenesis of yaks. This study may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the testicular development and spermatogenesis of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
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Liu P, Li Z, Zhang Q, Qiao J, Zheng C, Zheng W, Zhang H. Identification of testis development-related genes by combining Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq in Zeugodacus tau. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1356151. [PMID: 38529408 PMCID: PMC10961823 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1356151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Zeugodacus tau (Walker) is an invasive pest. An effective method to control this pest is the sterile insect technique (SIT). To better apply this technique, it is necessary to understand testis development progression. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during testis development were analyzed by PacBio Iso-Seq and RNA-seq. Results: RNA-Seq library of Z. tau testes on day 1, 6, and 11 post eclosion were constructed. We identified 755 and 865 differentially expressed genes in the comparisons of T6 (testes on day 6) vs. T1 and T11 vs. T1, respectively. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in retinol metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathways. Knockdown of retinol dehydrogenase 12-like (rdh12-like), pyridoxal kinase (pdxk) and regucalcin (rgn), the representative gene in each of the above 3 pathways, reduced the hatching rate of Z. tau offspring. In addition, we identified 107 Drosophila spermatogenesis-related orthologous genes in Z. tau, of which innexin 2 (inx2) exhibited significantly up-regulated expression throughout testis development, and the knockdown of this gene reduced offspring hatching rate. Discussion: Our data indicated that rdh12-like, pdxk, rgn, and inx2 genes were related to testis development, and they were conserved in tephritid species. These results suggested that this gene might have the same function in tephritid. The findings provide an insight into testis development and spermatogenesis in tephritid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ziniu Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiuyuan Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao Qiao
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenjun Zheng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenping Zheng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Lv MQ, Yang YQ, Li YX, Zhou L, Ge P, Sun RF, Zhang J, Gao JC, Qu LQ, Jing QY, Li PC, Yan YJ, Wang HX, Li HC, Zhou DX. A detection model of testis-derived circular RNAs in serum for predicting testicular sperm retrieval rate in non-obstructive azoospermia patients. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38421140 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdissection testicular sperm extraction is an effective method to retrieve sperm from non-obstructive azoospermia patients. However, its successful rate is less than 50%. OBJECTIVES To identify the predictive value of circular RNAs in serum for sperm retrieval rate in non-obstructive azoospermia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS 180 non-obstructive azoospermia patients were recruited in this study, including 84 individuals with successful sperm retrieval and 96 individuals with failed sperm retrieval. Our study contained two phases. First, 20 patients, selected from the 180 patients, were included in screening cohort. In this cohort, the top 20 circular RNAs from our previous testicular circRNA profiles were verified between successful and failed sperm retrieval groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Six circular RNAs with the most significantly different expressions were selected for further verification. Second, the 180 patients were included as discovery cohort to verify the six circular RNAs. Circular RNAs were extracted from serum in each participant. Logistic regression analysis was further performed to identify the predictive value and the area under the curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS Six circular RNAs including hsa_circ_0058058, hsa_circ_0008045, hsa_circ_0084789, hsa_circ_0000550, hsa_circ_0007422, and hsa_circ_0004099 showed aberrant expressions between the successful and failed sperm retrieval group. In addition, both single-circular RNA panels and multi-circular RNA panels were finally verified to be significant in predicting sperm retrieval rate. Notably, multi-circular RNAs panels demonstrated better predictive abilities compared with single-circRNA panels, and the combined panel of six-circular RNAs (risk score = 1.094×hsa_circ_0058058+0.697×hsa_circ_0008045+0.718×hsa_circ_0084789-0.591×hsa_circ_0000550-0.435×hsa_circ_0007422-1.017×hsa_circ_0004099-1.561) exhibited the best predictive ability in the present study with an AUC of 0.977, a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 86.5%. A higher risk score indicated a higher risk of failure in sperm retrieval. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study was the first to report that testis-derived circular RNAs in serum have the ability to predict sperm retrieval rate in non-obstructive azoospermia patients, whether it is a single-circular RNA or a combination of multi-circular RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui-Fang Sun
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun-Cheng Gao
- School of Humanities and Social Development, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Liu-Qing Qu
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi-Ya Jing
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pin-Cheng Li
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jia Yan
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai-Xu Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University (the former the Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - He-Cheng Li
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
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Li N, Sun DM, Chang YZ, Li XN, Li JL, Wang TQ. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exacerbates abnormalities of testicular development in F1 males via inhibition the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123170. [PMID: 38135137 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The theory of "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)" espouses that environmental exposures to toxicants during critical developmental stages can affect health outcomes in adulthood. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that can be transferred to developing organisms via the placenta and breast milk as an environmental endocrine disruptor. We herein implemented a cross-fostering model to decipher the contributions of prenatal vs. postnatal exposure to low or high dose DEHP (30 or 500 mg/kg-bw•d) on reproductive outcomes in male offspring and the underlying mechanism of action. Unexpectedly, we observed that postnatal DEHP exposure programmed weight gain in a dose-dependent manner, in-utero exposure to high dose DEHP appeared to constitute a significant factor in the weight loss of male offspring. Moreover, in the low dose group, offspring of control that were suckled by DEHP dams (CC-DE) generated a considerable number of adverse reproductive outcomes compared with the offspring of DEHP that were suckled by control dams (DE-CC), based on histopathologic alterations in the testis, blockage of sex hormone secretion, and transcriptional inhibition of steroid-hormone-related factors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. However, DE-CC group affected reproductive dysfunction in male offspring more so than CC-DE in the high dose group. Mechanistically, DEHP contributed to the inhibition of steroidogenesis by perturbing the Wnt/β-catenin-signaling pathway. These studies confirm the sensitivity window in which future reproductive outcomes in offspring are influenced following developmental exposure to DEHP at two different dosages, and reveals a critical role for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in DEHP-induced male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
| | - De-Ming Sun
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Yong-Zhang Chang
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Tian-Qi Wang
- Center of laboratory animal, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
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Chen M, Wang N, Yang H, Liu D, Gao Y, Duo L, Cui X, Hao F, Ye J, Gao F, Tu Q, Gui Y. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of the germ cells and somatic cells during mitotic quiescence stage in goats. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23244. [PMID: 37823602 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301278] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The mitotic quiescence of prospermatogonia is the event known to occur during genesis of the male germline and is tied to the development of the spermatogenic lineage. The regulatory mechanisms and the functional importance of this process have been demonstrated in mice; however, regulation of this process in human and domestic animal is still largely unknown. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptional signatures of prospermatogonia and major somatic cell types in testes of goats at E85, E105, and E125. We identified both common and specific Gene Ontology categories, transcription factor regulatory networks, and cell-cell interactions in cell types from goat testis. We also analyzed the transcriptional dynamic changes in prospermatogonia, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and interstitial cells. Our datasets provide a useful resource for the study of domestic animal germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lei Duo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Tu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
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Yang A, Yan S, Yin Y, Chen C, Tang X, Ran M, Chen B. FZD7, Regulated by Non-CpG Methylation, Plays an Important Role in Immature Porcine Sertoli Cell Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076179. [PMID: 37047150 PMCID: PMC10094452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulatory role of non-CpG methylation in mammals has been important in whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. It has also been suggested that non-CpG methylation regulates gene expression to affect the development and health of mammals. However, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of genome-wide, non-CpG methylation during testicular development still require intensive study. In this study, we analyzed the dataset from the whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and the RNA-seq of precocious porcine testicular tissues across two developmental stages (1 and 75 days old) in order to explore the regulatory roles of non-CpG methylation. Our results showed that genes regulated by non-CpG methylation affect the development of testes in multiple pathways. Furthermore, several hub genes that are regulated by non-CpG methylation during testicular development-such as VEGFA, PECAM1, and FZD7-were also identified. We also found that the relative expression of FZD7 was downregulated by the zebularine-induced demethylation of the first exon of FZD7. This regulatory relationship was consistent with the results of the WGBS and RNA-seq analysis. The immature porcine Sertoli cells were transfected with RNAi to mimic the expression patterns of FZD7 during testicular development. The results of the simulation test showed that cell proliferation was significantly impeded and that cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase was caused by the siRNA-induced FZD7 inhibition. We also found that the percentage of early apoptotic Sertoli cells was decreased by transfecting them with the RNAi for FZD7. This indicates that FZD7 is an important factor in linking the proliferation and apoptosis of Sertoli cells. We further demonstrated that Sertoli cells that were treated with the medium collected from apoptotic cells could stimulate proliferation. These findings will contribute to the exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of non-CpG methylation in testicular development and of the relationship between the proliferation and apoptosis of normal somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Saina Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yanfei Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Chujie Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiangwei Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Maoliang Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Population Structure and Selection Signatures Underlying Domestication Inferred from Genome-Wide Copy Number Variations in Chinese Indigenous Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112026. [PMID: 36360263 PMCID: PMC9690591 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphism was widely used to perform genetic and evolution research in pigs. However, little is known about the effect of copy number variation (CNV) on characteristics in pigs. This study performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Wannan black pigs (WBP) and Asian wild boars (AWB), using whole genome resequencing data. By using Manta, we detected in total 28,720 CNVs that covered approximately 1.98% of the pig genome length. We identified 288 selected CNVs (top 1%) by performing Fst statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in selected CNVs were found to be muscle related (NDN, TMOD4, SFRP1, and SMYD3), reproduction related (GJA1, CYP26B1, WNT5A, SRD5A2, PTPN11, SPEF2, and CCNB1), residual feed intake (RFI) related (MAP3K5), and ear size related (WIF1). This study provides essential information on selected CNVs in Wannan black pigs for further research on the genetic basis of the complex phenotypic and provides essential information for direction in the protection and utilization of Wannan black pig.
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Wang X, Li Z, Qu M, Xiong C, Li H. A homozygous PIWIL2 frameshift variant affects the formation and maintenance of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spermatogonial stem cells and causes Sertoli cell-only syndrome. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:480. [PMID: 36153567 PMCID: PMC9509617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The most serious condition of male infertility is complete Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), which refers to the lack of all spermatogenic cells in the testes. The genetic cause of SCOS remains to be explored. We aimed to investigate the genetic cause of SCOS and assess the effects of the identified causative variant on human male germ cells. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify potentially pathogenic variants in a man with complete SCOS, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the causative variant in this man and his father and brother. The pathogenic mechanisms of the causative variant were investigated by in vitro differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into germ cell-like cells. Results The homozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variant p.His244ArgfsTer31 (c.731_732delAT) in PIWIL2 was identified as the causative variant in the man with complete SCOS, and the same variant in heterozygosis was confirmed in his father and brother. This variant resulted in a truncated PIWIL2 protein lacking all functional domains, and no PIWIL2 expression was detected in the patient’s testes. The patient and PIWIL2−/− hiPSCs could be differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells and spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro, but the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs were severely impaired. RNA-seq analyses suggested the inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the process of SSCLC induction in the PIWIL2−/− group, which was validated in the patient group by RT-qPCR. The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor hindered the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs during the differentiation of normal hiPSCs. Conclusions Our study revealed the pivotal role of PIWIL2 in the formation and maintenance of human spermatogonial stem cells. We provided clinical and functional evidence that the LoF variant in PIWIL2 is a genetic cause of SCOS, which supported the potential role of PIWIL2 in genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our results highlighted the applicability of in vitro differentiation models to function validation experiments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6.
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9
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Zhao X, Wu Y, Li H, Li J, Yao Y, Cao Y, Mei Z. Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed profiles of mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA of Yili geese ovary at different egg-laying stages. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:607. [PMID: 35986230 PMCID: PMC9392330 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08774-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of the ovaries is an important factor that affects egg production performance in geese. Ovarian development is regulated by genes that are expressed dynamically and stage-specifically. The transcriptome profile analysis on ovarian tissues of goose at different egg laying stages could provide an important basis for screening and identifying key genes regulating ovarian development. Results In this study, 4 ovary tissues at each breeding period of pre-laying (PP), laying (LP), and ceased-laying period (CP), respectively, with significant morphology difference, were used for RNA extraction and mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs comparison in Yili geese. CeRNA regulatory network was constructed for key genes screening. A total of 337, 1136, and 525 differentially expressed DE mRNAs, 466, 925, and 742 DE lncRNAs and 258, 1131 and 909 DE miRNAs were identified between PP and LP, between CP and LP, and between CP and PP groups, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs and non-coding RNA target genes were mainly involved in the cell process, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, phagosome, calcium signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis and ECM-receptor interaction. Differential genes and non-coding RNAs, PDGFRB, ERBB4, LHCGR, MSTRG.129094.34, MSTRG.3524.1 and gga-miR-145–5p, related to reproduction and ovarian development were highly enriched. Furthermore, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks related to ovary development were constructed. Conclusions Our study found dramatic transcriptomic differences in ovaries of Yili geese at different egg-laying stages, and a differential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network related to cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis and involved in stromal follicle development were established and preliminarily validated, which could be regarded as a key regulatory pathway of ovarian development in Yili geese. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08774-4.
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10
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Štiavnická M, Chaulot-Talmon A, Perrier JP, Hošek P, Kenny DA, Lonergan P, Kiefer H, Fair S. Sperm DNA methylation patterns at discrete CpGs and genes involved in embryonic development are related to bull fertility. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:379. [PMID: 35585482 PMCID: PMC9118845 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a multifactorial approach being taken for the evaluation of bull semen quality in many animal breeding centres worldwide, reliable prediction of bull fertility is still a challenge. Recently, attention has turned to molecular mechanisms, which could uncover potential biomarkers of fertility. One of these mechanisms is DNA methylation, which together with other epigenetic mechanisms is essential for the fertilising sperm to drive normal embryo development and establish a viable pregnancy. In this study, we hypothesised that bull sperm DNA methylation patterns are related to bull fertility. We therefore investigated DNA methylation patterns from bulls used in artificial insemination with contrasting fertility scores. Results The DNA methylation patterns were obtained by reduced representative bisulphite sequencing from 10 high-fertility bulls and 10 low-fertility bulls, having average fertility scores of − 6.6 and + 6.5%, respectively (mean of the population was zero). Hierarchical clustering analysis did not distinguish bulls based on fertility but did highlight individual differences. Despite this, using stringent criteria (DNA methylation difference ≥ 35% and a q-value < 0.001), we identified 661 differently methylated cytosines (DMCs). DMCs were preferentially located in intergenic regions, introns, gene downstream regions, repetitive elements, open sea, shores and shelves of CpG islands. We also identified 10 differently methylated regions, covered by 7 unique genes (SFRP1, STXBP4, BCR, PSMG4, ARSG, ATP11A, RXRA), which are involved in spermatogenesis and early embryonic development. Conclusion This study demonstrated that at specific CpG sites, sperm DNA methylation status is related to bull fertility, and identified seven differently methylated genes in sperm of subfertile bulls that may lead to altered gene expression and potentially influence embryo development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Petr Hošek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Transcriptomes of testis and pituitary from male Nile tilapia (O. niloticus L.) in the context of social status. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268140. [PMID: 35544481 PMCID: PMC9094562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African cichlids are well established models for studying social hierarchies in teleosts and elucidating the effects social dominance has on gene expression. Ascension in the social hierarchy has been found to increase plasma levels of steroid hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI). Furthermore, the expression of genes related to gonadotropins and steroidogenesis and signaling along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis (BPG-axis) is affected by changes of an animal’s social status. In this study, we use RNA-sequencing to obtain an in-depth look at the transcriptomes of testes and pituitaries from dominant and subordinate male Nile tilapia living in long-term stable social hierarchies. This allows us to draw conclusions about factors along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis that are involved in maintaining dominance over weeks or even months. We identify a number of genes that are differentially regulated between dominant and subordinate males and show that in high-ranking fish this subset of genes is generally upregulated. Genes differentially expressed between the two social groups comprise growth factors, related binding proteins and receptors, components of Wnt-, Tgfβ- and retinoic acid-signaling pathway, gonadotropin signaling and steroidogenesis pathways. The latter is backed up by elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol in dominant males. Luteinizing hormone (Lh) is found in higher concentration in the plasma of long-term dominant males than in subordinate animals. Our results both strengthen the existing models and propose new candidates for functional studies to expand our understanding of social phenomena in teleost fish.
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12
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Sun D, Yu H, Li Q. Genome-Wide Differential DNA Methylomes Provide Insights into the Infertility of Triploid Oysters. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:18-31. [PMID: 35041105 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal incompatibility and gene expression changes would affect the development of polyploid gonad and gamete formation. The role of epigenetics like DNA methylation in reproductive development is fully demonstrated in diploid animals. The lack of polyploid species and the infertility of polyploid animals, especially the odd ploidy, limit the study of epigenetic regulation mechanism of polyploid reproduction. Fertile and infertile individuals exist in triploid Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, which provide an interesting model for studies on the effect of epigenetic regulation on gonadal development. The whole genome single base resolution DNA methylomes in gonads of triploid females α (F-3nα), triploid females β (F-3nβ), triploid males α (M-3nα), triploid hermaphrodite predominantly males (HPM-3n), diploid females (F-2n), and diploid males (M-2n) were generated by using bisulfite-sequencing. The overall DNA methylation profiles in gene regions and transposable regions of fertile and infertile triploid oysters were consistent with those of diploid oysters. The DNA methylation level of CG context decreased in infertile triploid oysters, with more hypomethylated than hypermethylated regions, and the opposite is true in fertile triploid oysters. Genes harbored with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in infertile triploids were mainly related to the metabolism pathways and the signal pathways. Correlation analysis indicated that the expression of gene transcriptions was generally positively associated with DNA methylation in gene body regions, and DMRs in infertile triploid oysters played significant roles in gonadal development as a possible critical epigenetic regulator of gonadal development gene transcriptional activity. These findings indicate a potential relationship between DNA methylation variability and gene expression plasticity in newly formed polyploidy. As far as we know, this is the first study revealing the epigenetic regulation of gonadal development in invertebrates based on fertile and infertile models, meanwhile providing a new mentality to explore the regulatory mechanisms of infertility in triploids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China), Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China), Qingdao, 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China), Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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13
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Singh N, Singh D, Modi D. LIM Homeodomain (LIM-HD) Genes and Their Co-Regulators in Developing Reproductive System and Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2021; 16:147-161. [PMID: 34518474 DOI: 10.1159/000518323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
LIM homeodomain (LIM-HD) family genes are transcription factors that play crucial roles in a variety of functions during embryonic development. The activities of the LIM-HD proteins are regulated by the co-regulators LIM only (LMO) and LIM domain-binding (LDB). In the mouse genome, there are 13 LIM-HD genes (Lhx1-Lhx9, Isl1-2, Lmx1a-1b), 4 Lmo genes (Lmo1-4), and 2 Ldb genes (Ldb1-2). Amongst these, Lhx1 is required for the development of the müllerian duct epithelium and the timing of the primordial germ cell migration. Lhx8 is necessary for oocyte differentiation and Lhx9 for somatic cell proliferation in the genital ridges and control of testosterone production in the Leydig cells. Lmo4 is involved in Sertoli cell differentiation. Mutations in LHX1 are associated with müllerian agenesis or Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. LHX9 gene variants are reported in cases with disorders of sex development (DSD). Mutations in LHX3 and LHX4 are reported in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency having absent or delayed puberty. A transcript map of the Lhx, Lmo, and Ldb genes reveal that multiple LIM-HD genes and their co-regulators are expressed in a sexually dimorphic pattern in the developing mouse gonads. Unraveling the roles of LIM-HD genes during development will aid in our understanding of the causes of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR-NIRRH), Mumbai, India
| | - Domdatt Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR-NIRRH), Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR-NIRRH), Mumbai, India
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14
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SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is not essential for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251028. [PMID: 33945571 PMCID: PMC8096103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is an evolutionarily conserved, testis-specific protein that is differentially expressed during rat male meiotic prophase. Some reports have suggested a link between SPATS1 underexpression/mutation and human pathologies such as male infertility and testicular cancer. Given the absence of functional studies, we generated a Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotypic analysis showed no overt phenotype in Spats1-/- mice, with both males and females being fertile. Flow cytometry and histological analyses did not show differences in the testicular content and histology between WT and knockout mice. Moreover, no significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were observed between WT and KO mice. These results were obtained both for young adults and for aged animals. Besides, although an involvement of SPATS1 in the Wnt signaling pathway has been suggested, we did not detect changes in the expression levels of typical Wnt pathway-target genes in mutant individuals. Thus, albeit Spats1 alteration might be a risk factor for male testicular health, we hereby show that this gene is not individually essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mouse.
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15
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Young JC, Kerr G, Micati D, Nielsen JE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Abud HE, Loveland KL. WNT signalling in the normal human adult testis and in male germ cell neoplasms. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1991-2003. [PMID: 32667987 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa150] [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: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is WNT signalling functional in normal and/or neoplastic human male germ cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Regulated WNT signalling component synthesis in human testes indicates that WNT pathway function changes during normal spermatogenesis and is active in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs), and that WNT pathway blockade may restrict seminoma growth and migration. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Regulated WNT signalling governs many developmental processes, including those affecting male fertility during early germ cell development at embryonic and adult (spermatogonial) ages in mice. In addition, although many cancers arise from WNT signalling alterations, the functional relevance and WNT pathway components in TGCT, including germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), are unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The cellular distribution of transcripts and proteins in WNT signalling pathways was assessed in fixed human testis sections with normal spermatogenesis, GCNIS and seminoma (2-16 individuals per condition). Short-term (1-7 h) ligand activation and long-term (1-5 days) functional outcomes were examined using the well-characterised seminoma cell line, TCam-2. Pathway inhibition used siRNA or chemical exposures over 5 days to assess survival and migration. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The cellular localisation of WNT signalling components was determined using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry on Bouin's- and formalin-fixed human testis sections with complete spermatogenesis or germ cell neoplasia, and was also assessed in TCam-2 cells. Pathway function tests included exposure of TCam-2 cells to ligands, small molecules and siRNAs. Outcomes were measured by monitoring beta-catenin (CTNNB1) intracellular localisation, cell counting and gap closure measurements. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Detection of nuclear-localised beta-catenin (CTNNB1), and key WNT signalling components (including WNT3A, AXIN2, TCF7L1 and TCF7L2) indicate dynamic and cell-specific pathway activity in the adult human testis. Their presence in germ cell neoplasia and functional analyses in TCam-2 cells indicate roles for active canonical WNT signalling in TGCT relating to viability and migration. All data were analysed to determine statistical significance. LARGE SCALE DATA No large-scale datasets were generated in this study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As TGCTs are rare and morphologically heterogeneous, functional studies in primary cancer cells were not performed. Functional analysis was performed with the only well-characterised, widely accepted seminoma-derived cell line. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study demonstrated the potential sites and involvement of the WNT pathway in human spermatogenesis, revealing similarities with murine testis that suggest the potential for functional conservation during normal spermatogenesis. Evidence that inhibition of canonical WNT signalling leads to loss of viability and migratory activity in seminoma cells suggests that potential treatments using small molecule or siRNA inhibitors may be suitable for patients with metastatic TGCTs. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (Project ID 1011340 to K.L.L. and H.E.A., and Fellowship ID 1079646 to K.L.L.) and supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. None of the authors have any competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Young
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Genevieve Kerr
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Diana Micati
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helen E Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 3168, Australia
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16
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Shah W, Khan R, Shah B, Khan A, Dil S, Liu W, Wen J, Jiang X. The Molecular Mechanism of Sex Hormones on Sertoli Cell Development and Proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:648141. [PMID: 34367061 PMCID: PMC8344352 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.648141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustaining and maintaining the intricate process of spermatogenesis is liable upon hormones and growth factors acting through endocrine and paracrine pathways. The Sertoli cells (SCs) are the major somatic cells present in the seminiferous tubules and are considered to be the main regulators of spermatogenesis. As each Sertoli cell supports a specific number of germ cells, thus, the final number of Sertoli cells determines the sperm production capacity. Similarly, sex hormones are also major regulators of spermatogenesis and they can determine the proliferation of Sertoli cells. In the present review, we have critically and comprehensively discussed the role of sex hormones and some other factors that are involved in Sertoli cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we have also presented a model of Sertoli cell development based upon the recent advancement in the field of reproduction. Hence, our review article provides a general overview regarding the sex hormonal pathways governing Sertoli cell proliferation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranjha Khan
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
| | | | | | | | | | - Jie Wen
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
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Ding H, Liu M, Zhou C, You X, Su T, Yang Y, Xu D. Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in testes of Duroc and Meishan boars. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:686. [PMID: 33008286 PMCID: PMC7531090 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs playing vital roles in regulating posttranscriptional gene expression. Elucidating the expression regulation of miRNAs underlying pig testis development will contribute to a better understanding of boar fertility and spermatogenesis. RESULTS In this study, miRNA expression profile was investigated in testes of Duroc and Meishan boars at 20, 75, and 270 days of age by high-throughput sequencing. Forty-five differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from testes of Duroc and Meishan boars before and after puberty. Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA profiles predicted many miRNA-mRNA pairs. Gene ontology and biological pathway analyses revealed that predicted target genes of ssc-mir-423-5p, ssc-mir-34c, ssc-mir-107, ssc-mir-196b-5p, ssc-mir-92a, ssc-mir-320, ssc-mir-10a-5p, and ssc-mir-181b were involved in sexual reproduction, male gamete generation, and spermatogenesis, and GnRH, Wnt, and MAPK signaling pathway. Four significantly differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and phospholipase C beta 1 (PLCβ1) gene was verified to be a target of ssc-mir-423-5p. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an insight into the functional roles of miRNAs in testis development and spermatogenesis and offers useful resources for understanding differences in sexual function development caused by the change in miRNAs expression between Duroc and Meishan boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Changfan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangbin You
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Su
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Youbing Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People's Republic of China
| | - Dequan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Integrated Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Reveals Functional miRNA-Targets in Development Testes of Small Tail Han Sheep. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:523-533. [PMID: 30559255 PMCID: PMC6385976 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Small Tail Han Sheep is a highly valued local breed in China because of their precocity, perennial estrus, and high fecundity. The average annual lambing rate of ewes is as high as 180–270%, the semen of ram has characteristics of high yield, high density, and good motility. To reveal the key miRNAs and miRNA-targets underlying testis development and spermatogenesis in male Small Tail Han Sheep, integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old testes was performed by RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics methods. The results showed that total of 153 known sheep miRNAs and 2712 novel miRNAs were obtained in 2-,6 - and 12-month-old Small Tail Han Sheep testes; 5, 1, and 4 differentially expressed (DE) known sheep miRNAs, and 132, 105, and 24 DE novel miRNAs were identified in 2- vs. 6-, 6- vs. 12-, and 2- vs. 12-month-old testes, respectively. We combined miRNA results of this study and the mRNA results obtained in our previous study to predict the target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs; 131, 10, and 15 target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs and 76, 1, and 11 DE miRNA–targets were identified in the three groups, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses showed that: in 2- vs. 6-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 100 biological processes and 11 signaling pathways; in 6- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 4 biological processes; and in 2- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 17 biological processes and 4 signaling pathways. Three miR–target regulatory networks were constructed based on these DE miRNA–targets. The key miRNA-Targets involved in testis development and spermatogenesis were screened. 6 known sheep miRNAs and 6 novel miRNAs were selected to validate the accuracy of miRNA sequencing data by qRT-PCR. The binding sites of oar-miR-379-5p with WNT8A was validated by a dual luciferase reporter gene detection system.
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Lobo J, Gillis AJM, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Looijenga LHJ. Human Germ Cell Tumors are Developmental Cancers: Impact of Epigenetics on Pathobiology and Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E258. [PMID: 30634670 PMCID: PMC6359418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current (high throughput omics-based) data support the model that human (malignant) germ cell tumors are not initiated by somatic mutations, but, instead through a defined locked epigenetic status, representative of their cell of origin. This elegantly explains the role of both genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis, referred to as 'genvironment'. Moreover, it could also explain various epidemiological findings, including the rising incidence of this type of cancer in Western societies. In addition, it allows for identification of clinically relevant and informative biomarkers both for diagnosis and follow-up of individual patients. The current status of these findings will be discussed, including the use of high throughput DNA methylation profiling for determination of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as chromosomal copy number variation (CNV). Finally, the potential value of methylation-specific tumor DNA fragments (i.e., XIST promotor) as well as embryonic microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for cancer detection in liquid biopsies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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20
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Effect of dietary energy restriction and subsequent compensatory feeding on testicular transcriptome in developing rams. Theriogenology 2018; 119:198-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Comparison of Hematopoietic and Spermatogonial Stem Cell Niches from the Regenerative Medicine Aspect. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1107:15-40. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Kumar M, Atkins J, Cairns M, Ali A, Tanwar PS. Germ cell-specific sustained activation of Wnt signalling perturbs spermatogenesis in aged mice, possibly through non-coding RNAs. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85709-85727. [PMID: 27992363 PMCID: PMC5349868 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated Wnt signalling is associated with human infertility and testicular cancer. However, the role of Wnt signalling in male germ cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we first confirmed the activity of Wnt signalling in mouse, dog and human testes. To determine the physiological importance of the Wnt pathway, we developed a mouse model with germ cell-specific constitutive activation of βcatenin. In young mutants, similar to controls, germ cell development was normal. However, with age, mutant testes showed defective spermatogenesis, progressive germ cell loss, and flawed meiotic entry of spermatogonial cells. Flow sorting confirmed reduced germ cell populations at the leptotene/zygotene stages of meiosis in mutant group. Using thymidine analogues-based DNA double labelling technique, we further established decline in germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Overactivation of Wnt/βcatenin signalling in a spermatogonial cell line resulted in reduced cell proliferation, viability and colony formation. RNA sequencing analysis of testes revealed significant alterations in the non-coding regions of mutant mouse genome. One of the novel non-coding RNAs was switched on in mutant testes compared to controls. QPCR analysis confirmed upregulation of this unique non-coding RNA in mutant testis. In summary, our results highlight the significance of Wnt signalling in male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Atkins
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ayesha Ali
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Weng B, Ran M, Chen B, He C, Dong L, Peng F. Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs and their role in postnatal porcine testis development. Genomics 2017; 109:446-456. [PMID: 28746831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive and systematic understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in the postnatal development of the pig testis has still not been achieved. In the present study, we obtained more than one billion clean reads and identified 15,528 lncRNA transcripts; these transcripts included 5032 known and 10,496 novel porcine lncRNA transcripts and corresponded to 10,041 lncRNA genes. Pairwise comparisons identified 449 known and 324 novel lncRNAs that showed differential expression patterns. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the TGF-beta pathway, the PI3K-Akt pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the AMPK pathway. Using this information, we predicted some lncRNAs and coding gene pairs were predicted that may function in testis development and spermatogenesis; these are listed in detail. This study has provided the most comprehensive catalog to date of lncRNAs in the postnatal pig testis and will aid our understanding of their functional roles in testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Weng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Maoliang Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Changqing He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lianhua Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Fuzhi Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
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24
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Wip1 directly dephosphorylates NLK and increases Wnt activity during germ cell development. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1013-1022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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25
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Miao N, Wang X, Hou Y, Feng Y, Gong Y. Identification of male-biased microRNA-107 as a direct regulator for nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 based on sexually dimorphic microRNA expression profiling from chicken embryonic gonads. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 429:29-40. [PMID: 27036932 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several studies indicate that sexual dimorphic microRNAs (miRNAs) in chicken gonads are likely to have important roles in sexual development, but a more global understanding of the roles of miRNAs in sexual differentiation is still needed. To this end, we performed miRNA expression profiling in chicken gonads at embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5). Among the sex-biased miRNAs validated by qRT-PCR, twelve male-biased and six female-biased miRNAs were consistent with the sequencing results. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that some sex-biased miRNAs were potentially involved in gonadal development. Further functional analysis found that over-expression of miR-107 directly inhibited nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5a1), and its downstream cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP19A1). However, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was not directly or indirectly regulated by miR-107. Overall results indicate that miR-107 may specifically mediate avian ovary-development by post-transcriptional regulation of NR5a1 and CYP19A1 in estrogen signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Hou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Histological and transcriptome analyses of testes from Duroc and Meishan boars. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20758. [PMID: 26865000 PMCID: PMC4749976 DOI: 10.1038/srep20758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meishan boars are known for their early sexual maturity. However, they exhibit a significantly smaller testicular size and a reduced proportion of Sertoli cells and daily sperm production compared with Duroc boars. The testes of Duroc and Meishan boars at 20, 75 and 270 days of age were used for histological and transcriptome analyses. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to observe histological structure of the testes in Duroc and Meishan boars at different ages. Although spermatogenesis occurred prior to 75 days in Meishan boars, the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in Meishan boars were less than in Duroc boars at adulthood. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules of the testes differed significantly during the initiation of development of the seminiferous tubules between the two breeds. We obtained differentially expressed functional genes and analysed seven pathways involved in male sexual maturity and spermatogenesis using RNA-seq. We also detected four main alternative splicing events and many single nucleotide polymorphisms from testes. Eight functionally important genes were validated by qPCR, and Neurotrophin 3 was subjected to quantification and cellular localization analysis. Our study provides the first transcriptome evidence for the differences in sexual function development between Meishan and Duroc boars.
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França LR, Hess RA, Dufour JM, Hofmann MC, Griswold MD. The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity. Andrology 2016; 4:189-212. [PMID: 26846984 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular 'nurse cell', not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - R A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J M Dufour
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - M C Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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28
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Chen J, Xiao Y, Gai Z, Li R, Zhu Z, Bai C, Tanguay RL, Xu X, Huang C, Dong Q. Reproductive toxicity of low level bisphenol A exposures in a two-generation zebrafish assay: Evidence of male-specific effects. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 169:204-14. [PMID: 26562050 PMCID: PMC6689195 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a high-volume chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, is a ubiquitous contaminant in environment and human body. To investigate the reproductive effects of long-term exposure to low concentrations of BPA, a two-generation study was conducted using the aquatic model species of zebrafish. Our findings revealed that exposure to 1nM (0.228μg/L) BPA for continuous two generations resulted in female-biased sex ratio in both F1 and F2 adult population, decreased sperm density, and decreased sperm quality as measured by motility, velocity, ATP content and lipid peroxidation in F1 and F2 males. Females were less sensitive to BPA exposures than males as no adverse effects were found in female gonads or gametes. Delayed hatching at 48hpf and increased malformation and mortality were found in the offspring from BPA exposed F2, but not F1 parents. Most importantly, the adverse effect on larval development and survival from BPA exposed F2 parents was paternal-specific, resulting mainly from BPA exposed males. Subsequent transcription analysis of F2 male gonads revealed dysregulated mitochondrial biogenesis and significant activation of non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity and Wnt/Calcium signaling pathways. Gene expression analysis of larvae from BPA exposed F2 parents showed significant reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases such as dnmt1, dnmt3, and dnmt5. In conclusion, low level BPA exposures for continuous two generations not only affects sex ratio and sperm quantity/quality in F1 and F2 adults, reproductive success in offspring from F2 parents, but also perturbs various molecular pathways potentially contributing to these BPA induced male-specific reproductive defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yanyan Xiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zengxin Gai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Rong Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zixu Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory and the Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State, University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrated Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Changjiang Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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