1
|
Kamińska A, Lustofin S, Brzoskwinia M, Duliban M, Cyran-Gryboś J, Bilińska B, Hejmej A. Androgens and Notch signaling cooperate in seminiferous epithelium to regulate genes related to germ cell development and apoptosis. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100878. [PMID: 38490111 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
It was reported previously that in adult males disruption of both androgen and Notch signaling impairs spermatid development and germ cell survival in rodent seminiferous epithelium. To explain the molecular mechanisms of these effects, we focused on the interaction between Notch signaling and androgen receptor (AR) in Sertoli cells and investigate its role in the control of proteins involved in apical ectoplasmic specializations, actin remodeling during spermiogenesis, and induction of germ cell apoptosis. First, it was revealed that in rat testicular explants ex vivo both testosterone and Notch signaling modulate AR expression and cooperate in the regulation of spermiogenesis-related genes (Nectin2, Afdn, Arp2, Eps8) and apoptosis-related genes (Fasl, Fas, Bax, Bcl2). Further, altered expression of these genes was found following exposure of Sertoli cells (TM4 cell line) and germ cells (GC-2 cell line) to ligands for Notch receptors (Delta-like1, Delta-like4, and Jagged1) and/or Notch pathway inhibition. Finally, direct interactions of Notch effector, Hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif protein 1, and the promoter of Ar gene or AR protein were revealed in TM4 Sertoli cells. In conclusion, Notch pathway activity in Sertoli and germ cells regulates genes related to germ cell development and apoptosis acting both directly and indirectly by influencing androgen signaling in Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Kamińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Lustofin
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Brzoskwinia
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Duliban
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Cyran-Gryboś
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cao C, Ma Q, Mo S, Shu G, Liu Q, Ye J, Gui Y. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Defines the Regulation of Spermatogenesis by Sertoli-Cell Androgen Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:763267. [PMID: 34869354 PMCID: PMC8634442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.763267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is essential for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the molecular mechanisms by which AR acts between male germ cells and somatic cells during spermatogenesis have not begun to be revealed until recently. With the advances obtained from the use of transgenic mice lacking AR in Sertoli cells (SCARKO) and single-cell transcriptomic sequencing (scRNA-seq), the cell specific targets of AR action as well as the genes and signaling pathways that are regulated by AR are being identified. In this study, we collected scRNA-seq data from wild-type (WT) and SCARKO mice testes at p20 and identified four somatic cell populations and two male germ cell populations. Further analysis identified that the distribution of Sertoli cells was completely different and uncovered the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptional changes between WT and SCARKO Sertoli cells. In addition, several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SCARKO Sertoli cells, many of which have been previously implicated in cell cycle, apoptosis and male infertility, have also been identified. Together, our research explores a novel perspective on the changes in the transcription level of various cell types between WT and SCARKO mice testes, providing new insights for the investigations of the molecular and cellular processes regulated by AR signaling in Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Cao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaomei Mo
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ge Shu
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunlong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Institute of Urology, Shenzhen-Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guillermet-Guibert J, Smith LB, Halet G, Whitehead MA, Pearce W, Rebourcet D, León K, Crépieux P, Nock G, Strömstedt M, Enerback M, Chelala C, Graupera M, Carroll J, Cosulich S, Saunders PTK, Huhtaniemi I, Vanhaesebroeck B. Novel Role for p110β PI 3-Kinase in Male Fertility through Regulation of Androgen Receptor Activity in Sertoli Cells. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005304. [PMID: 26132308 PMCID: PMC4488938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The organismal roles of the ubiquitously expressed class I PI3K isoform p110β remain largely unknown. Using a new kinase-dead knockin mouse model that mimics constitutive pharmacological inactivation of p110β, we document that full inactivation of p110β leads to embryonic lethality in a substantial fraction of mice. Interestingly, the homozygous p110β kinase-dead mice that survive into adulthood (maximum ~26% on a mixed genetic background) have no apparent phenotypes, other than subfertility in females and complete infertility in males. Systemic inhibition of p110β results in a highly specific blockade in the maturation of spermatogonia to spermatocytes. p110β was previously suggested to signal downstream of the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor in germ cells to regulate their proliferation and survival. We now report that p110β also plays a germ cell-extrinsic role in the Sertoli cells (SCs) that support the developing sperm, with p110β inactivation dampening expression of the SC-specific Androgen Receptor (AR) target gene Rhox5, a homeobox gene critical for spermatogenesis. All extragonadal androgen-dependent functions remain unaffected by global p110β inactivation. In line with a crucial role for p110β in SCs, selective inactivation of p110β in these cells results in male infertility. Our study is the first documentation of the involvement of a signalling enzyme, PI3K, in the regulation of AR activity during spermatogenesis. This developmental pathway may become active in prostate cancer where p110β and AR have previously been reported to functionally interact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse UMR1037, INSERM, BP84225, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume Halet
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, Rennes, France
- Université Rennes 1, UEB, SFR BIOSIT UMS 3480, Faculté de Médecine, Rennes, France
| | | | - Wayne Pearce
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly León
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA—CNRS—Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA—CNRS—Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Gemma Nock
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Strömstedt
- Astra Zeneca, Research and Development, Mölndal, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Malin Enerback
- Astra Zeneca, Research and Development, Mölndal, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Claude Chelala
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariona Graupera
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Vascular Signalling Laboratory, Institut d´Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l’Hospitalet 199–203, 08908 L´Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John Carroll
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sabina Cosulich
- Astrazeneca Oncology iMED, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom, and Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
De Gendt K, Verhoeven G, Amieux PS, Wilkinson MF. Genome-wide identification of AR-regulated genes translated in Sertoli cells in vivo using the RiboTag approach. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:575-91. [PMID: 24606126 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which androgens drive spermatogenesis has been thwarted by the fact that few consistent androgen receptor (AR) target genes have been identified. Here, we addressed this issue using next-generation sequencing coupled with the RiboTag approach, which purifies translated mRNAs expressed in cells that express cyclic recombinase (CRE). Using RiboTag mice expressing CRE in Sertoli cells (SCs), we identified genes expressed specifically in SCs in both prepubertal and adult mice. Unexpectedly, this analysis revealed that the SC-specific gene program is already largely defined at the initiation of spermatogenesis despite the subsequent dramatic maturational changes known to occur in SCs. To identify AR-regulated genes, we generated triple-mutant mice in which the SCs express the RiboTag but lack ARs. RNA sequencing analysis revealed hundreds of SC-expressed AR-regulated genes that had previously gone unnoticed, including suppressed genes involved in ovarian development. Comparison of the SC-enriched dataset with that from the whole testes allowed us to classify genes in terms of their degree of expression in SCs. This revealed that a greater fraction of AR-up-regulated genes than AR-down-regulated genes were expressed predominantly in SCs. Our results also revealed that AR signaling in SCs causes a large number of genes not detectably expressed in SCs to undergo altered expression, thereby providing genome-wide evidence for wide-scale communication between SCs and other cells. Taken together, our results identified novel classes of genes expressed in a hormone-dependent manner in different testicular cell subsets and highlight a new approach to analyze cell type-specific gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel De Gendt
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Institute of Genomic Medicine (M.F.W.), University of California, La Jolla, California 92093 (K.D.G., M.F.W.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium (K.D.G., G.V.); and Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225 (P.S.A.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hazra R, Jimenez M, Desai R, Handelsman DJ, Allan CM. Sertoli cell androgen receptor expression regulates temporal fetal and adult Leydig cell differentiation, function, and population size. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3410-22. [PMID: 23766127 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We recently created a mouse model displaying precocious Sertoli cell (SC) and spermatogenic development induced by SC-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR). Here we reveal that TgSCAR regulates the development, function, and absolute number of Leydig cells (LCs). Total fetal and adult type LC numbers were reduced in postnatal and adult TgSCAR vs control testes, despite normal circulating LH levels. Normal LC to SC ratios found in TgSCAR testes indicate that SC androgen receptor (SCAR)-mediated activity confers a quorum-dependent relationship between total SC and LC numbers. TgSCAR enhanced LC differentiation, shown by elevated ratios of advanced to immature LC types, and reduced LC proliferation in postnatal TgSCAR vs control testes. Postnatal TgSCAR testes displayed up-regulated expression of coupled ligand-receptor transcripts (Amh-Amhr2, Dhh-Ptch1, Pdgfa-Pdgfra) for potential SCAR-stimulated paracrine pathways, which may coordinate LC differentiation. Neonatal TgSCAR testes displayed normal T and dihydrotestosterone levels despite differential changes to steroidogenic gene expression, with down-regulated Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1 expression contrasting with up-regulated Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, and Srd5a1 expression. TgSCAR males also displayed elevated postnatal and normal adult serum testosterone levels, despite reduced LC numbers. Enhanced adult-type LC steroidogenic output was revealed by increased pubertal testicular T, dihydrotestosterone, 3α-diol and 3β-diol levels per LC and up-regulated steroidogenic gene (Nr5a1, Lhr, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b6, Srd5a1) expression in pubertal or adult TgSCAR vs control males, suggesting regulatory mechanisms maintain androgen levels independently of absolute LC numbers. Our unique gain-of-function TgSCAR model has revealed that SCAR activity controls temporal LC differentiation, steroidogenic function, and population size.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Cell Count
- Cell Differentiation
- Hemizygote
- Isoenzymes/biosynthesis
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- Isoenzymes/metabolism
- Leydig Cells/cytology
- Leydig Cells/metabolism
- Ligands
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Patched Receptors
- Patched-1 Receptor
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/genetics
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Sertoli Cells/cytology
- Sertoli Cells/metabolism
- Sexual Development
- Testis/cytology
- Testis/growth & development
- Testis/metabolism
- Testosterone Congeners/blood
- Testosterone Congeners/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasmani Hazra
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alves MG, Rato L, Carvalho RA, Moreira PI, Socorro S, Oliveira PF. Hormonal control of Sertoli cell metabolism regulates spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:777-93. [PMID: 23011766 PMCID: PMC11113727 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal regulation is essential to spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells (SCs) have functions that reach far beyond the physical support of germ cells, as they are responsible for creating the adequate ionic and metabolic environment for germ cell development. Thus, much attention has been given to the metabolic functioning of SCs. During spermatogenesis, germ cells are provided with suitable metabolic substrates, in a set of events mediated by SCs. Multiple signaling cascades regulate SC function and several of these signaling pathways are hormone-dependent and cell-specific. Within the seminiferous tubules, only SCs possess receptors for some hormones rendering them major targets for the hormonal signaling that regulates spermatogenesis. Although the mechanisms by which SCs fulfill their own and germ cells metabolic needs are mostly studied in vitro, SC metabolism is unquestionably a regulation point for germ cell development and the hormonal control of these processes is required for a normal spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco G. Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Rato
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rui A. Carvalho
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I. Moreira
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cadwallader AB, Lim CS, Rollins DE, Botrè F. The androgen receptor and its use in biological assays: looking toward effect-based testing and its applications. J Anal Toxicol 2012; 35:594-607. [PMID: 22080898 DOI: 10.1093/anatox/35.9.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid abuse is a growing problem among amateur and professional athletes. Because of an inundation of newly and illegally synthesized steroids with minor structural modifications and other designer steroid receptor modulators, there is a need to develop new methods of detection which do not require prior knowledge of the abused steroid structure. The number of designer steroids currently being abused is unknown because detection methods in general are only identifying substances with a known structure. The detection of doping is moving away from merely checking for exposure to prohibited substance toward detecting an effect of prohibited substances, as biological assays can do. Cell-based biological assays are the next generation of assays which should be utilized by antidoping laboratories; they can detect androgenic anabolic steroid and other human androgen receptor (hAR) ligand presence without knowledge of their structure and assess the relative biological activity of these compounds. This review summarizes the hAR and its action and discusses its relevance to sports doping and its use in biological assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Cadwallader
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Largo Giulio Onesti, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Verhoeven G, Willems A, Denolet E, Swinnen JV, De Gendt K. Androgens and spermatogenesis: lessons from transgenic mouse models. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2010; 365:1537-56. [PMID: 20403868 PMCID: PMC2871915 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic mouse models have contributed considerably to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which androgens control spermatogenesis. Cell-selective ablation of the androgen receptor (AR) in Sertoli cells (SC) results in a complete block in meiosis and unambiguously identifies the SC as the main cellular mediator of the effects of androgens on spermatogenesis. This conclusion is corroborated by similar knockouts in other potential testicular target cells. Mutations resulting in diminished expression of the AR or in alleles with increased length of the CAG repeat mimick specific human forms of disturbed fertility that are not accompanied by defects in male sexual development. Transcriptional profiling studies in mice with cell-selective and general knockouts of the AR, searching for androgen-regulated genes relevant to the control of spermatogenesis, have identified many candidate target genes. However, with the exception of Rhox5, the identified subsets of genes show little overlap. Genes related to tubular restructuring, cell junction dynamics, the cytoskeleton, solute transportation and vitamin A metabolism are prominently present. Further research will be needed to decide which of these genes are physiologically relevant and to identify genes that can be used as diagnostic tools or targets to modulate the effects of androgens in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Verhoeven
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
De Gendt K, McKinnell C, Willems A, Saunders PTK, Sharpe RM, Atanassova N, Swinnen JV, Verhoeven G. Organotypic cultures of prepubertal mouse testes: a method to study androgen action in sertoli cells while preserving their natural environment. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:1083-92. [PMID: 19587329 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.078360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster analysis at Postnatal Day 8-20 of putative androgen-regulated genes in mice with Sertoli cell-selective knockout of the androgen receptor (SCARKO) has pinpointed three genes (Spinlw1, Gpd1, Drd4) with an expression pattern strongly resembling that of Rhox5, the definitive Sertoli cell (SC) androgen-regulated gene. We used organotypic testis cultures from Day 8 mice to study control of these genes by (anti)androgens and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testis morphology and androgen induction of the studied genes were preserved for 48 h. Preincubation with ketoconazole for 24 h to block endogenous androgen production, followed by 24-h incubation with the synthetic androgen R1881, resulted in 45-, 5-, 19-, and 6-fold induction of mRNA levels of Rhox5, Spinlw1, Gpd1, and Drd4, respectively. However, noticeable differences in control of the studied genes were observed. Rhox5 and Spinlw1 were fully induced by R1881 in the continuous (48 h) presence of ketoconazole, whereas only marginal effects were observed on expression of Gpd1 and Drd4. Similarly, FSH only marginally affected expression of Rhox5 and Spinlw1, whereas it markedly increased Gpd1 and Drd4 expression. Explant cultures of SCARKO testes confirmed the differential effects of FSH on the studied genes and, for Gpd1, showed that the effect did not depend on a functional androgen receptor in SC, whereas this was essential for the effects of FSH on Drd4. In conclusion, organotypic cultures represent the first in vitro approach to preserving androgen responsiveness of putative SC-expressed genes. This approach facilitates detailed analysis of their regulation in ways not possible in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel De Gendt
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pottier N, Yang W, Assem M, Panetta JC, Pei D, Paugh SW, Cheng C, Den Boer ML, Relling MV, Pieters R, Evans WE, Cheok MH. The SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex and glucocorticoid resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008; 100:1792-803. [PMID: 19066270 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djn416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids are used in the curative treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Resistance to glucocorticoids is an important adverse prognostic factor in newly diagnosed ALL patients but its mechanism is unknown. Because SWI/SNF complex-mediated chromatin remodeling is required for glucocorticoid transcriptional activity in vitro, we investigated whether expression of subunits of the SWI/SNF complex was related to glucocorticoid resistance in ALL. METHODS Gene expression and in vitro sensitivity to prednisolone and dexamethasone were assessed in a training set of primary ALL cells from 177 children with newly diagnosed ALL and a validation set of cells from an independent cohort of 95 ALL patients. The global test method was used to select pathways whose genes were associated with drug sensitivity. Genes involved in chromatin remodeling were identified by use of the Gene Ontology database. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knock down mRNA expression of SMARCA4 in glucocorticoid-sensitive Jurkat human ALL cells. Spearman rank correlation, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression were used to investigate associations between gene expression and glucocorticoid sensitivity. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Statistically significant associations between decreased expression in ALL cells of genes for core subunits of the SWI/SNF complex-SMARCA4, ARID1A, and SMARCB1-and resistance to prednisolone and dexamethasone were identified in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, expression of SMARCA4 (P < .001 and r = -0.43), ARID1A (P = .016 and r = -0.29), and SMARCB1 (P = .019 and r = -0.29) in ALL cells was statistically significantly associated with dexamethasone sensitivity, and SMARCA4 expression (P = .018 and r = -0.28) was statistically significantly associated with prednisolone sensitivity. Prednisolone resistance was higher in SMARCA4 shRNA-transfected Jurkat cells (drug concentration lethal to 50% of the leukemia cells [LC(50)] = 277 microM) than in control shRNA-transfected cells (LC(50) = 174 microM, difference = 103 microM, 95% confidence interval of the difference = 100 to 106 microM; P < .001, t test). CONCLUSION Decreased expression of as many as three subunits of the SWI/SNF complex appears to be associated with glucocorticoid resistance in primary ALL cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pottier
- Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shanker S, Hu Z, Wilkinson MF. Epigenetic regulation and downstream targets of the Rhox5 homeobox gene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 31:462-70. [PMID: 18637153 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the Rhox homeobox gene cluster on the X chromosome opens up new vistas in the regulation of reproductive processes in mammals. In mice, this cluster comprises more than 30 genes that are selectively expressed in reproductive tissues. A subset of Rhox genes are androgen and AR regulated in postnatal and adult Sertoli cells, making them candidates to mediate androgen-dependent steps during spermatogenesis. The best characterized of these androgen/AR-regulated genes is Rhox5 (Pem), the founding member of the Rhox gene cluster. Targeted deletion of Rhox5 in mice causes male subfertility marked by increased germ-cell apoptosis and decreased sperm count and motility. Microarray analyses identified a wide variety of genes regulated by Rhox5 in Sertoli cells. One of them is the tumour suppressor UNC5C, a pro-apoptotic molecule previously only known to be involved in brain development. Targeted deletion of Unc5c causes decreased germ-cell apoptosis in postnatal and adult testes, indicating that it also has a role in spermatogenesis and supporting a model in which Rhox5 promotes germ-cell survival by downregulating Unc5c. Rhox5 has two independently regulated promoters that have distinct expression patterns. The unique tissue-specific and developmentally regulated transcription pattern of these two promoters appear to be controlled by DNA methylation. Both promoters are methylated in tissues in which they are not expressed, suggesting that DNA methylation serves to repress Rhox5 expression in inappropriate cell types and tissues. In summary, the Rhox gene cluster is an epigenetically regulated set of genes encoding a large number of transcription factors that are strong candidates to regulate gametogenesis and other aspects of reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schauwaers K, De Gendt K, Saunders PTK, Atanassova N, Haelens A, Callewaert L, Moehren U, Swinnen JV, Verhoeven G, Verrijdt G, Claessens F. Loss of androgen receptor binding to selective androgen response elements causes a reproductive phenotype in a knockin mouse model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:4961-6. [PMID: 17360365 PMCID: PMC1829247 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0610814104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens influence transcription of their target genes through the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) that subsequently interacts with specific DNA motifs in these genes. These DNA motifs, called androgen response elements (AREs), can be classified in two classes: the classical AREs, which are also recognized by the other steroid hormone receptors; and the AR-selective AREs, which display selectivity for the AR. For in vitro interaction with the selective AREs, the androgen receptor DNA-binding domain is dependent on specific residues in its second zinc-finger. To evaluate the physiological relevance of these selective elements, we generated a germ-line knockin mouse model, termed SPARKI (SPecificity-affecting AR KnockIn), in which the second zinc-finger of the AR was replaced with that of the glucocorticoid receptor, resulting in a chimeric protein that retains its ability to bind classical AREs but is unable to bind selective AREs. The reproductive organs of SPARKI males are smaller compared with wild-type animals, and they are also subfertile. Intriguingly, however, they do not display any anabolic phenotype. The expression of two testis-specific, androgen-responsive genes is differentially affected by the SPARKI mutation, which is correlated with the involvement of different types of response elements in their androgen responsiveness. In this report, we present the first in vivo evidence of the existence of two functionally different types of AREs and demonstrate that AR-regulated gene expression can be targeted based on this distinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris Schauwaers
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Karel De Gendt
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Developmental Biology, Catholic University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland; and
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Annemie Haelens
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Leen Callewaert
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Udo Moehren
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Johannes V. Swinnen
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Developmental Biology, Catholic University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guido Verhoeven
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Developmental Biology, Catholic University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Verrijdt
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Frank Claessens
- *Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, and
- Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Developmental Biology, Catholic University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|