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Zhang J, Xie Y, Wang X, Kang Y, Wang C, Xie Q, Dong X, Tian Y, Huang D. The single-cell atlas of the epididymis in mice reveals the changes in epididymis function before and after sexual maturity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1440914. [PMID: 39161591 PMCID: PMC11330779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1440914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The epididymis is important for sperm transport, maturation, and storage. Methods: The head and tail of the epididymis of 5-week-old and 10-week-old C57 BL/6J male mice were used for single-cell sequencing. Results: 10 cell types including main, basal, and narrow/clear cells are identified. Next, we performed cell subgroup analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and differentiation potential prediction on principal cells, clear cells, and basal cells. Our study indicates that the principal cells are significantly involved in sperm maturation, as well as in antiviral and anti-tumor immune responses. Clear cells are likely to play a crucial role in safeguarding sperm and maintaining epididymal pH levels. Basal cells are implicated in the regulation of inflammatory and stress responses. The composition and functions of the various cell types within the epididymis undergo significant changes before and after sexual maturity. Furthermore, pseudo-temporal analysis elucidates the protective and supportive roles of epididymal cells in sperm maturation during sexual maturation. Discussion: This study offers a theoretical framework and forecasts for the investigation of epididymal sperm maturation and epididymal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Xie
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Reproductive Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuxiong Wang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinying Xie
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Dong
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Tirumalasetty MB, Bhattacharya I, Mohiuddin MS, Baki VB, Choubey M. Understanding testicular single cell transcriptional atlas: from developmental complications to male infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1394812. [PMID: 39055054 PMCID: PMC11269108 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1394812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multi-step biological process where mitotically active diploid (2n) spermatogonia differentiate into haploid (n) spermatozoa via regulated meiotic programming. The alarming rise in male infertility has become a global concern during the past decade thereby demanding an extensive profiling of testicular gene expression. Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized our empathy towards complex biological events including spermatogenesis. However, despite multiple attempts made in the past to reveal the testicular transcriptional signature(s) either with bulk tissues or at the single-cell, level, comprehensive reviews on testicular transcriptomics and associated disorders are limited. Notably, technologies explicating the genome-wide gene expression patterns during various stages of spermatogenic progression provide the dynamic molecular landscape of testicular transcription. Our review discusses the advantages of single-cell RNA-sequencing (Sc-RNA-seq) over bulk RNA-seq concerning testicular tissues. Additionally, we highlight the cellular heterogeneity, spatial transcriptomics, dynamic gene expression and cell-to-cell interactions with distinct cell populations within the testes including germ cells (Gc), Sertoli cells (Sc), Peritubular cells (PTc), Leydig cells (Lc), etc. Furthermore, we provide a summary of key finding of single-cell transcriptomic studies that have shed light on developmental mechanisms implicated in testicular disorders and male infertility. These insights emphasize the pivotal roles of Sc-RNA-seq in advancing our knowledge regarding testicular transcriptional landscape and may serve as a potential resource to formulate future clinical interventions for male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, Kerala, India
| | - Mohammad Sarif Mohiuddin
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Vijaya Bhaskar Baki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Mayank Choubey
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
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3
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Kwaspen L, Kanbar M, Wyns C. Mapping the Development of Human Spermatogenesis Using Transcriptomics-Based Data: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6925. [PMID: 39000031 PMCID: PMC11241379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is a promising fertility restoration strategy for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia or for prepubertal boys to obtain fertilizing-competent spermatozoa. However, in vitro spermatogenesis is still not achieved with human immature testicular tissue. Knowledge of various human testicular transcriptional profiles from different developmental periods helps us to better understand the testis development. This scoping review aims to describe the testis development and maturation from the fetal period towards adulthood and to find information to optimize IVM. Research papers related to native and in vitro cultured human testicular cells and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) were identified and critically reviewed. Special focus was given to gene ontology terms to facilitate the interpretation of the biological function of related genes. The different consecutive maturation states of both the germ and somatic cell lineages were described. ScRNA-seq regularly showed major modifications around 11 years of age to eventually reach the adult state. Different spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) substates were described and scRNA-seq analyses are in favor of a paradigm shift, as the Adark and Apale spermatogonia populations could not distinctly be identified among the different SSC states. Data on the somatic cell lineage are limited, especially for Sertoli cells due technical issues related to cell size. During cell culture, scRNA-seq data showed that undifferentiated SSCs were favored in the presence of an AKT-signaling pathway inhibitor. The involvement of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway depended on the maturational state of the cells. Commonly identified cell signaling pathways during the testis development and maturation highlight factors that can be essential during specific maturation stages in IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kwaspen
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Laboratoire d’Andrologie, Pôle de Recherche en Physiologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (L.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Suen HC, Ou F, Miu KK, Wang Z, Chan WY, Liao J. The single-cell chromatin landscape in gonadal cell lineage specification. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:464. [PMID: 38741085 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10376-1] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonad development includes sex determination and divergent maturation of the testes and ovaries. Recent advances in measuring gene expression in single cells are providing new insights into this complex process. However, the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we profiled chromatin accessibility in mouse gonadal cells of both sexes from embryonic day 11.5 to 14.5 using single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin by sequencing (scATAC-seq). Our results showed that individual cell types can be inferred by the chromatin landscape, and that cells can be temporally ordered along developmental trajectories. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and chromatin-accessibility maps identified multiple putative regulatory elements proximal to key gonadal genes Nr5a1, Sox9 and Wt1. We also uncover cell type-specific regulatory factors underlying cell type specification. Overall, our results provide a better understanding of the epigenetic landscape associated with the progressive restriction of cell fates in the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fanghong Ou
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai-Kei Miu
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangting Wang
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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5
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Bush SJ, Nikola R, Han S, Suzuki S, Yoshida S, Simons BD, Goriely A. Adult Human, but Not Rodent, Spermatogonial Stem Cells Retain States with a Foetal-like Signature. Cells 2024; 13:742. [PMID: 38727278 PMCID: PMC11083513 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves a complex process of cellular differentiation maintained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Being critical to male reproduction, it is generally assumed that spermatogenesis starts and ends in equivalent transcriptional states in related species. Based on single-cell gene expression profiling, it has been proposed that undifferentiated human spermatogonia can be subclassified into four heterogenous subtypes, termed states 0, 0A, 0B, and 1. To increase the resolution of the undifferentiated compartment and trace the origin of the spermatogenic trajectory, we re-analysed the single-cell (sc) RNA-sequencing libraries of 34 post-pubescent human testes to generate an integrated atlas of germ cell differentiation. We then used this atlas to perform comparative analyses of the putative SSC transcriptome both across human development (using 28 foetal and pre-pubertal scRNA-seq libraries) and across species (including data from sheep, pig, buffalo, rhesus and cynomolgus macaque, rat, and mouse). Alongside its detailed characterisation, we show that the transcriptional heterogeneity of the undifferentiated spermatogonial cell compartment varies not only between species but across development. Our findings associate 'state 0B' with a suppressive transcriptomic programme that, in adult humans, acts to functionally oppose proliferation and maintain cells in a ready-to-react state. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that human foetal germ cells-which are mitotically arrested-can be characterised solely as state 0B. While germ cells with a state 0B signature are also present in foetal mice (and are likely conserved at this stage throughout mammals), they are not maintained into adulthood. We conjecture that in rodents, the foetal-like state 0B differentiates at birth into the renewing SSC population, whereas in humans it is maintained as a reserve population, supporting testicular homeostasis over a longer reproductive lifespan while reducing mutagenic load. Together, these results suggest that SSCs adopt differing evolutionary strategies across species to ensure fertility and genome integrity over vastly differing life histories and reproductive timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Bush
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rafail Nikola
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Seungmin Han
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D. Simons
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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6
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Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Liu H, Tu M, Yin Z, Zhang D, Ma J, He F. Unraveling the complexity of polycystic ovary syndrome with animal models. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:144-158. [PMID: 37777062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.012] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly familial and heritable endocrine disorder. Over half of the daughters born to women with PCOS may eventually develop their own PCOS-related symptoms. Progress in the treatment of PCOS is currently hindered by the complexity of its clinical manifestations and incomplete knowledge of its etiopathogenesis. Various animal models, including experimentally induced, naturally occurring, and spontaneously arising ones, have been established to emulate a wide range of phenotypical and pathological traits of human PCOS. These studies have led to a paradigm shift in understanding the genetic, developmental, and evolutionary origins of this disorder. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that animal models are useful in evaluating state-of-the-art drugs and treatments for PCOS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies of PCOS in animal models, highlighting the power of these disease models in understanding the biology of PCOS and aiding high-throughput approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanju Liu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Mixue Tu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Zhiyong Yin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Clinical Research Center on Birth Defect Prevention and Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Feng He
- Center for Genetic Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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Wu GMJ, Chen ACH, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166351. [PMID: 37325555 PMCID: PMC10267358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genie Min Ju Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Al-Sharkawi M, Calonga-Solís V, Dressler FF, Busch H, Hiort O, Werner R. Persistence of foetal testicular features in patients with defective androgen signalling. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:7017644. [PMID: 36721956 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital defects of androgen synthesis or action in 46,XY individuals can result in impaired virilisation, despite the apparent testicular development. In a recent case, report of a young adult with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), tumourous gonadal tissue was shown to express HSD17B3 in Sertoli cells (SCs) and not in Leydig cells (LCs). This expression pattern differs from the typical adult human testis and resembles a foetal mouse testis, suggesting an underlying testicular development and function defect. Here, we investigate the effect of altered androgen signalling in gonads from five 46,XY individuals with defects in androgen synthesis or action. METHODS Gonadal tissue sections from four patients with CAIS, one with CYP17A1 deficiency, and one control were immunostained for LC developmental and steroidogenic markers. The expression of some of these markers during development was investigated by reanalysing previously published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from normal human testicular tissues. RESULTS All gonadal tissues from the patients show an exclusive expression of HSD17B3 in SCs and an expression of the foetal/immature LC marker DLK1 in a subset of LCs, suggesting an androgen-dependent differentiation defect of adult SCs and LCs. Furthermore, reanalysis of scRNA-seq data reveals an expression of HSD17B3 in foetal and neonatal SCs that is downregulated in adult SCs. CONCLUSIONS Androgen signalling may affect the differentiation of adults, but possibly not foetal SCs or LCs, and may induce a shift of testosterone production from the tubular compartment in the foetal phase to the interstitial compartment in the adult phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Al-Sharkawi
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Biochemical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, 12622 Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Verónica Calonga-Solís
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Franz F Dressler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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10
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García-Andrade F, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Chávez-Saldaña MD, Rojas-Castañeda JC, Bahena-Ocampo IU, Aréchaga-Ocampo E, Díaz-Chávez J, Landero-Huerta DA. The Role of microRNAs in the Gonocyte Theory as Target of Malignancy: Looking for Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810526. [PMID: 36142439 PMCID: PMC9505168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some pediatric patients with cryptorchidism preserve cells with gonocyte characteristics beyond their differentiation period, which could support the theory of the gonocyte as a target for malignancy in the development of testicular neoplasia. One of the key molecules in gonocyte malignancy is represented by microRNAs (miRNAs). The goal of this review is to give an overview of miRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that participate in the regulation of gene expression. We also aim to review the crucial role of several miRNAs that have been further described in the regulation of gonocyte differentiation to spermatogonia, which, when transformed, could give rise to germ cell neoplasia in situ, a precursor lesion to testicular germ cell tumors. Finally, the potential use of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in testicular neoplasia is addressed, due to their specificity and sensitivity compared to conventional markers, as well as their applications in therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola García-Andrade
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.-V.); (D.A.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-(55)-1084-0900 (ext. 1453) (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.); Fax: +52-(55)-1084-5533 (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.)
| | | | | | - Iván Uriel Bahena-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico
| | - Elena Aréchaga-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México 05348, Mexico
| | - José Díaz-Chávez
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Daniel Adrian Landero-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.-V.); (D.A.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-(55)-1084-0900 (ext. 1453) (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.); Fax: +52-(55)-1084-5533 (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.)
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Chen M, Gao F. The Regulation of Gonadal Somatic Cell Differentiation in Humans. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:219-222. [PMID: 35504504 PMCID: PMC9684145 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male 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 518036, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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