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Sun W, Zhang X, Wang L, Ren G, Piao S, Yang C, Liu Z. RNA sequencing profiles reveals progressively reduced spermatogenesis with progression in adult cryptorchidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1271724. [PMID: 38027210 PMCID: PMC10643144 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1271724] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The fertility of cryptorchidism patients who didn't perform corrective surgery will decrease with age. Herein, we elucidate the histological alterations and underlying molecular mechanism in patients with an increase in the disease duration from 20 to 40 years. Methods Testicular tissues were obtained from three patients with cryptorchidism, ranging in age from 22 to 44 years. Three benign paracancerous testicular samples of matched ages were used as controls. The normal and undescended testicular tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunofluorescence and all six testicular samples were subjected to RNA sequencing. RNA sequencing data were subjected to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and Gene Ontology (GO) searches. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the DEGs. Results The seminiferous tubules' basement membrane thickens with age in healthy testes. As the period of cryptorchidism in the cryptorchid testis extended, the seminiferous tubules significantly atrophy, the number of spermatogenic cells declines, and the amount of interstitial fibrous tissue increases in comparison to normal tissues. The number of germ cells per cross-section of seminiferous tubules was significantly lower in cryptorchidism than in normal testicular tissues, according to immunofluorescence staining, but the number of Sertoli cells remained stable. RNA sequencing analysis identified 1150 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cryptorchidism and normal testicular tissues (fold change >2 and p<0.05), of which 61 genes were noticeably upregulated and 1089 were significantly downregulated. These genes were predominantly linked to sperm development and differentiation, and fertilization, according to GO analysis. Meiosis pathways were significantly downregulated in cryptorchidism, according to KEGG pathway analysis and GSEA (P<0.001). PPI analysis was used to identify the top seven downregulated hub genes (PLCZ1, AKAP4, IZUMO1, SPAG6, CAPZA3, and ROPN1L), which were then further verified by qPCR. Discussion By describing the histological changes and differential gene expression patterns in adult cryptorchid patients of different age groups, we discovered the progression mechanisms of undescended testes in adults with aging and identified seven significantly downregulated hub genes (PLCZ1, AKAP4, IZUMO1, SPAG6, CAPZA3, and ROPN1L) in cryptorchid testis compared to normal testicular tissues. These genes played a role in the process of spermgenesis and are directly linked to the steady decline in fertility caused by cryptorchidism. Our study provided a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of spermatogenesis in adult cryptorchidism, and give support for the development of adult cryptorchidism treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Sun
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanyu Ren
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuguang Piao
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghua Yang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Shanghai, China
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Shakeel M, Jung H, Yoon D, Yoon M. Seasonal changes in the expression of molecular markers of stallion germ cells. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 118:104109. [PMID: 36029943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104109] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The economic impacts of infertility and subfertility of stallions greatly influence the horse breeding industry. Self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells are the initial processes to maintain an adequate sperm population. Thus, understanding these processes may provide useful information to reveal the causes and remedies of subfertile and infertile stallions. Stallions are seasonal breeders. About 50% of the sperm population is reduced during the non-breeding season (NBS) in stallions. The seasonal regulation of spermatogenesis renders stallions as ideal models to understand the process of sperm production. Furthermore, comparing internal and external factors related to spermatogenesis during the breeding season (BS) and NBS may provide a solution for subfertile/infertile stallions. It is especially pertinent to study the expression pattern of different protein markers during undifferentiated, differentiating, and differentiated spermatogonia. Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL), undifferentiated cell transcription factor 1 (UTF-1), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) are the molecular markers expressed at different stages of spermatogenesis. However, whether the expression pattern of these molecular markers is similar throughout the year in stallion remains undetermined. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the expression pattern and localization of DAZL, UTF-1, and PGP9.5 within seminiferous tubules and (2) evaluate the relative mRNA levels of these three germ cell markers in stallion testes during BS and NBS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to check and compare the expression pattern and localization of DAZL, UTF-1, and PGP9.5 antibodies. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to calculate the relative mRNA expression levels in the testes. Testicular tissues from thoroughbred stallions were collected during routine castration that was carried out in field conditions. Immunostaining of germ cells with DAZL and UTF-1 in BS and NBS were not significantly different. However, the relative mRNA expression levels of DAZL and UTF-1 were significantly different in both groups. Interestingly, the immunolabeling and the relative mRNA expression of PGP9.5 were significantly different between BS and NBS. From these results, it is hypothesized that the expression level of these putative molecular markers might be gonadotropin-dependent in stallion testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Heejun Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Duhak Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Reseach Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Reseach Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Jia H, Ma T, Jia S, Ouyang Y. AKT3 and related molecules as potential biomarkers responsible for cryptorchidism and cryptorchidism-induced azoospermia. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:1805-1817. [PMID: 34430428 PMCID: PMC8349953 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation strongly related to future oligospermia and male infertility. Normally functioning early-stage spermatogonia are vital to ensure fertility. The present study aimed to identify new differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with signaling pathways related to spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance during early spermatogenesis. METHODS GEO2R was used to screen for genes differentially regulated in cryptorchidism using mRNA expression profiling data in the GEO database. DAVID was used to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs to analyze their functions. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database. The hub genes in the PPI networks were identified using Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) in Cytohubba, and the top 50 genes were displayed as hub genes using Cytoscape software. Then, the miRNAs targeting hub genes were predicted using miRWalk and an mRNA-miRNA interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape. We took the intersection of these target miRNAs and the differentially expressed miRNAs identified from a non-coding RNA sequencing dataset, GSE149084. Furthermore, the intersected miRNAs and their predicted target genes were validated in the testicular tissue of rats with cryptorchidism. RESULTS A total of 474 DEGs were identified, most of which were annotated to the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Hub genes related to the pathway were predicted to be targeted by 27 miRNAs. Further miRNA mining revealed that miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-519d-3p were both dysregulated in cryptorchidism patients. Further, we found that these two miRNAs were predicted with high confidence to share a common target gene, AKT3. In the testicular tissue of rats with cryptorchidism, miRNA-519d-3p was upregulated while miRNA-7-5p and AKT3 were downregulated. We also found that AKT3 plays an essential role in regulating SSC state through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and that AKT3 is one of the key genes related to SSC self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway functions in SSC maintenance, and alterations in this pathway may explain defects in spermatogenesis. AKT3-related miRNAs, including hsa-miR-7-5p and hsa-miR-519d-3p, might be responsible for cryptorchidism and cryptorchidism-induced azoospermia and serve as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuai Jia
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tiantian Ma
- Department of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shujing Jia
- Central Laboratory, the First Hospital of Handan, Handan, China
| | - Yuru Ouyang
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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Nagai T, Mizuno K, Usami M, Nishio H, Kato T, Nakane A, Matsumoto D, Kurokawa S, Kamisawa H, Maruyama T, Yasui T, Hayashi Y. Genetic and histopathological analysis of transverse testicular ectopia without persistent Müllerian duct syndrome: two case reports. J Med Case Rep 2020; 14:233. [PMID: 33256838 PMCID: PMC7706043 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-020-02559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is a rare anomaly in which both testes descend through a single inguinal canal into the same hemiscrotum. Although almost 20–50% of patients with TTE exhibit persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) and many genetic analyses have been performed, no reports have described the genes contributing to TTE without PMDS. Here, we report two cases of TTE without PMDS using immunohistochemical staining and genetic analysis. Case presentation Two Asian patients with TTE without PMDS were subjected to orchiopexy. We performed testicular biopsies during operation and obtained blood samples before the operation. Testicular tissues were stained for c-kit, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) to evaluate the presence of intratubular malignant germ cells. Additionally, we performed polymerase chain reaction-based direct sequencing to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with regression of the Müllerian duct and testicular descent (that is, anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH], AMH receptor 2 [AMHR2], insulin-like 3 [INSL3], and relaxin family peptide receptor 2 [RXFP2]). The three-dimensional structures of proteins were predicted using SWISS-MODEL. In immunohistochemical analysis, c-kit and UTF1 were positive, whereas PLAP was negative in three testicular tissue samples from the two patients. These features were also detected on the unaffected side. In variant analysis, common missense variants in the AMH gene (g.365G>T; c.165G>T; p.Ser49Ile [rs10407022]) were observed. All variants in INSL3 and RXFP2 genes were intronic or silent. Conclusions Because UTF1, a specific marker of spermatogonial stem cell activity, was expressed in both the affected and unaffected sides in the testicular tissues of two patients, the risk of malignancy may be high in these patients. Although the etiology of TTE without PMDS remains unclear, our variant analysis results were consistent with previous reports, and variants in the AMH gene (rs10407022) may contribute to the specific phenotype of TTE without PMDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagai
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Usami
- Department of Urology, Toyota Kosei Hospital, Toyota, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nishio
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Taiki Kato
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nakane
- Education and Research Center for Community Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsumoto
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kurokawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kamisawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Maruyama
- Education and Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasui
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
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Kato T, Mizuno K, Nishio H, Moritoki Y, Kamisawa H, Kurokawa S, Nakane A, Maruyama T, Ando R, Hayashi Y, Yasui T. Disorganization of claudin-11 and dysfunction of the blood-testis barrier during puberty in a cryptorchid rat model. Andrology 2020; 8:1398-1408. [PMID: 32196966 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is known to impair spermatogenesis. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) becomes defined in seminiferous tubules around puberty and provides a suitable environment for germ cells. Little is known about the BTB in undescended testes (UDT). OBJECTIVES To determine the role of BTB during puberty in UDT using a non-surgical cryptorchid rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Unilateral cryptorchid male rats were intraperitoneally injected with non-steroidal antiandrogen during intrauterine development; the testes were harvested at 4, 5, and 6 weeks after birth. Testicular histology, expression levels of the BTB proteins (claudin-11, occludin, zonula occludens-1), and apoptotic cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and TUNEL assay. The functionality of the BTB was investigated by electron microscopy using the lanthanum tracer method. RESULTS The testicular histology of undescended testes 6 weeks after birth showed maturation arrest at the spermatocyte level. The BTB protein distributions were altered in the UDT, with a noticeable difference in claudin-11(CLDN11) localization from 4 to 5 weeks after birth between control and UDT samples. BTB protein levels were similar. More apoptotic germ cells were detected in the adluminal compartment of tubules in the UDT than in the control testes. Electron microscopy showed that the lanthanum tracer was limited to the BTB of control testes, whereas it penetrated the BTB of UDT. DISCUSSION Here, loss of normal BTB function and impaired spermatogenesis were observed in UDT during puberty. CLDN11 is a pivotal tight junction protein belonging to the BTB. Tight junctions are considered as essential for normal spermatogenesis, and abnormal CLDN11 organization may cause UDT-associated male infertility. CONCLUSION CLDN11 disorganization within the BTB may cause spermatogenic impairment, possibly by limiting the BTB function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Kato
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nishio
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Moritoki
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kamisawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kurokawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nakane
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Maruyama
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ando
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasui
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Güleş Ö, Kum Ş, Yıldız M, Boyacıoğlu M, Ahmad E, Naseer Z, Eren Ü. Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against bisphenol-A-induced toxicity in the rat testes. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 35:466-481. [PMID: 31364507 DOI: 10.1177/0748233719862475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant, histomorphometric, histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and cytological effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against bisphenol-A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group remained untreated. The vehicle control group was administered corn oil (2 ml/kg/day), the BPA group was given BPA (100 mg/kg/day), the CoQ10 group was supplemented with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), and the rats in the CoQ10-BPA group received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) followed by BPA (100 mg/kg/day) 1 h later. The treatments were administered by oral gavage for 14 days. Results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameters (STDs) and seminiferous epithelium heights (SEHs) at stages VII-VIII and XII-XIV, number of undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor-1 (UTF-1) positive cells per tubule, UTF-1 positive tubules (%), plasma glutathione (GSH), and serum superoxide dismutase activities, testicular GSH activity and sperm viability (%) decreased whereas the number of terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells per tubule, TUNEL positive tubules (%), testicular and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the rate of mid-piece sperm abnormality increased in the BPA administered group. However, while the STDs at stages VII-VIII and XII-XIV, SEHs at stages VII-VIII, plasma GSH, and serum SOD activities increased, serum MDA level decreased in the CoQ10-BPA group. In conclusion, these results suggest a protective effect of CoQ10 against BPA-induced testicular toxicity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özay Güleş
- 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Şadiye Kum
- 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Yıldız
- 2 Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Çan School of Applied Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Murat Boyacıoğlu
- 3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Naseer
- 5 Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ülker Eren
- 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
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Wang J, Gao WJ, Deng SL, Liu X, Jia H, Ma WZ. High temperature suppressed SSC self-renewal through S phase cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:227. [PMID: 31358059 PMCID: PMC6664773 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High temperature has a very adverse effect on mammalian spermatogenesis and eventually leads to sub- or infertility through either apoptosis or DNA damage. However, the direct effects of heat stress on the development of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are still unknown because SSCs are rare in the testes. METHODS In the present study, we first used in vitro-cultured SSCs to study the effect of heat shock treatment on SSC development. Then, we used RNA-Seq analysis to identify new genes or signalling pathways implicated in the heat stress response. RESULTS We found that 45 min of 43 °C heat shock treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of SSCs 2 h after treatment but did not lead to apoptosis. In total, 17,822 genes were identified by RNA-Seq after SSC heat shock treatment. Among these genes, we found that 200 of them had significantly changed expression, with 173 upregulated and 27 downregulated genes. The number of differentially expressed genes in environmental information processing pathways was 37, which was the largest number. We screened the candidate JAK-STAT signalling pathway on the basis of inhibition of cell cycle progression and found that the JAK-STAT pathway was inhibited after heat shock treatment. The flow cytometry results further confirmed that heat stress caused S phase cycle arrest of SSCs. CONCLUSION Our results showed that heat shock treatment at 43 °C for 45 min significantly inhibited SSC self-renewal through S phase cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Wei-Jun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hua Jia
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Wen-Zhi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Liao J, Ng SH, Luk AC, Suen HC, Qian Y, Lee AWT, Tu J, Fung JCL, Tang NLS, Feng B, Chan WY, Fouchet P, Hobbs RM, Lee TL. Revealing cellular and molecular transitions in neonatal germ cell differentiation using single cell RNA sequencing. Development 2019; 146:dev174953. [PMID: 30824552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal germ cell development provides the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, a systematic understanding of this process is still limited. To resolve cellular and molecular heterogeneity in this process, we profiled single cell transcriptomes of undifferentiated germ cells from neonatal mouse testes and employed unbiased clustering and pseudotime ordering analysis to assign cells to distinct cell states in the developmental continuum. We defined the unique transcriptional programs underlying migratory capacity, resting cellular states and apoptosis regulation in transitional gonocytes. We also identified a subpopulation of primitive spermatogonia marked by CD87 (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), which exhibited a higher level of self-renewal gene expression and migration potential. We further revealed a differentiation-primed state within the undifferentiated compartment, in which elevated Oct4 expression correlates with lower expression of self-renewal pathway factors, higher Rarg expression, and enhanced retinoic acid responsiveness. Lastly, a knockdown experiment revealed the role of Oct4 in the regulation of gene expression related to the MAPK pathway and cell adhesion, which may contribute to stem cell differentiation. Our study thus provides novel insights into cellular and molecular regulation during early germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Ng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred Chun Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - 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
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Qian
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Annie Wing Tung Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Chak Lam Fung
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nelson Leung Sang Tang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, 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
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- CEA DRF IBFJ IRCM, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Sud, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Hoshi S, Sato Y, Hata J, Akaihata H, Ogawa S, Haga N, Kojima Y. Infrarenal high intra-abdominal testis: fusion of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images and pathological findings. BMC Urol 2017; 17:66. [PMID: 28836968 PMCID: PMC5571510 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-017-0254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent reports have demonstrated that the preoperative sensitivity and accuracy of identifying and locating non-palpable testes increases with the use of conventional MRI, in addition to diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Therefore, pre-operative prediction of the presence and location of testes using imaging techniques may guide management of intra-abdominal testis. Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy is effective for treating patients with intra-abdominal testis; however, long-term testicular function after this procedure has not been clarified. We present a case of a high intra-abdominal testis located below the kidney, and discuss the usefulness of fusion view with T2-weighted and DWI images to make a diagnosis of high intra-abdominal testis and the pathological findings to predict future fertility potential. CASE PRESENTATION A 10-month-old boy was referred to the urology department for the management of non-palpable testis. We employed not only conventional MRI, but also DWI, to improve the diagnostic accuracy of non-palpable testes by MRI examination. The high-intensity mass-like structure below the kidney on the T2-weighted image and the markedly high signal intensity mass on the DWI image completely matched, which suggested that the mass below the kidney was the right testis. The patient underwent diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy. A testis was found under the ascending colon, 1 cm below the right kidney. We performed 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. The testis could be delivered to the scrotum without any tension. We examined expression patterns of the stem cell marker, undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) in the testicular biopsy sample, and demonstrated that the UTF1-positive Ad spermatogonia / negative Ad spermatogonia ratio was lower in this patient than in boys his age with descended and inguinal undescended testes, indicating that spermatogonial stem cell activity may decrease remarkably in this boy. CONCLUSIONS Fusion view with T2-weighted and DWI images may be a useful diagnostic modality for high intra-abdominal testes. Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy may provide blood supply to the testis but that might not be enough to achieve spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Hoshi
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuichi Sato
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Junya Hata
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hidenori Akaihata
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ogawa
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Haga
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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10
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Wong J, Punwani V, Lai C, Chia J, Hutson JM. Why do undescended testes and posterior urethral valve occur together? Pediatr Surg Int 2016; 32:509-14. [PMID: 27072813 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-3883-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Undescended testis (UDT) occurs in ~2 % of newborn males, and occasionally these infants also have posterior urethral valve (PUV). The cause of this relationship is uncertain. We aimed to review the literature to identify publications documenting co-occurrence of UDT and PUV, and to summarise the theories of co-occurrence. METHODS A search of the literature (Embase, Medline, Pubmed; 1947-2015) was undertaken to identify publications describing the link between UDT in PUV patients, as well as PUV in UDT patients. Ten publications in English were found with both UDT and PUV: 9 articles describing the frequency of UDT in patients with PUV, and 1 article examining the frequency of PUV in infants with UDT. RESULTS UDT occurred in 12-17 % of PUV compared with 1-2 % in the control population, consistent with a 10-fold increase. PUV occurred in 1.2 % of UDT patients compared with 0.01 % in the control population, consistent with a 100-fold increase. DISCUSSION PUV leads to a 10-fold increase in occurrence of UDT, while the presence of UDT causes a 100-fold increase in occurrence of PUV. Four main theories of causation have been proposed, each of which have some merit but little supporting evidence, leaving the cause of simultaneous occurrence of PUV and UDT uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vishal Punwani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher Lai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessalynn Chia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John M Hutson
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Urology Department, The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, 3052, VIC, Australia. .,Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
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11
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Yang S, Ping P, Ma M, Li P, Tian R, Yang H, Liu Y, Gong Y, Zhang Z, Li Z, He Z. Generation of haploid spermatids with fertilization and development capacity from human spermatogonial stem cells of cryptorchid patients. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:663-75. [PMID: 25358793 PMCID: PMC4223697 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of functional spermatids from azoospermia patients is of unusual significance in the treatment of male infertility. Here, we report an efficient approach to obtain human functional spermatids from cryptorchid patients. Spermatogonia remained whereas meiotic germ cells were rare in cryptorchid patients. Expression of numerous markers for meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells was enhanced in human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of cryptorchidism patients by retinoic acid (RA) and stem cell factor (SCF) treatment. Meiotic spreads and DNA content assays revealed that RA and SCF induced a remarkable increase of SCP3-, MLH1-, and CREST-positive cells and haploid cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reflected distinct global gene profiles in embryos derived from round spermatids and nuclei of somatic cells. Significantly, haploid spermatids generated from human SSCs of cryptorchid patients possessed fertilization and development capacity. This study thus provides an invaluable source of autologous male gametes for treating male infertility in azoospermia patients. Spermatogonia remain whereas meiotic male germ cells are rare in cryptorchid patients Human SSCs of cryptorchid patients differentiate into phenotypic haploid spermatids Round spermatids derived from human SSCs have fertilization and development capacity Distinct gene profiles exist in embryos from round spermatid and somatic cell nuclei
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Meng Ma
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yuehua Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200001, China.
| | - Zuping He
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Linshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200001, China.
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12
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Expression Profiling of microRNA in Cryptorchid Testes: miR-135a Contributes to the Maintenance of Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Regulating FoxO1. J Urol 2014; 191:1174-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.10.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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13
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Nishio H, Hayashi Y, Moritoki Y, Kamisawa H, Mizuno K, Kojima Y, Kohri K. Distinctive changes in histone H3K4 modification mediated via Kdm5a expression in spermatogonial stem cells of cryptorchid testes. J Urol 2014; 191:1564-72. [PMID: 24679876 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gonocytes differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which make it possible to maintain spermatogenesis continuously throughout life. We previously reported attenuated spermatogonial stem cell activity in cryptorchid testes, which resulted in altered spermatogenesis and affected fertility. However, few groups have examined the differentiation process from gonocytes to spermatogonial stem cells. To clarify the underlying mechanisms comprehensively we performed microarray analysis to assess differential expression of transcripts between normal and undescended testes in juvenile rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using microarray analysis we compared whole mRNA expression of normal and cryptorchid testes in a rat model. We subsequently validated differential expression of candidate genes by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and performed immunohistochemistry. We also investigated the methylation status of histone H3K4 in cryptorchid testes and the GC-1 spermatogonial cell line. RESULTS We detected 24 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated genes. Of these genes Kdm5a expression was significantly higher in undescended testes. Immunohistochemistry showed that Kdm5a was localized in the nuclei of gonocytes, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. H3K4me2/me3 expression levels were decreased in undescended testes at 9 days postpartum. Furthermore, Kdm5a over expression in GC-1 cells led to increased expression of Esr2, Neurog3, Pou5f1, Ret and Thy1. CONCLUSIONS Recent investigations revealed that not only genetic but also epigenetic regulation has a role in spermatogenesis. Kdm5a is likely involved in the transformation of gonocytes into spermatogonial stem cells by transcriptional regulation of specific genes via H3K4 histone modification. To our knowledge this is the first report of epigenetic analysis of germ cell differentiation during early spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Nishio
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan.
| | - Yoshinobu Moritoki
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kamisawa
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Kohri
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya and Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (YK), Fukushima, Japan
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14
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Ferguson L, How JJ, Agoulnik AI. The fate of spermatogonial stem cells in the cryptorchid testes of RXFP2 deficient mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77351. [PMID: 24098584 PMCID: PMC3789668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental niche of the spermatogonial stem cell pool is critical to ensure the continued generation of the germ cell population. To study the consequences of an aberrant testicular environment in cryptorchidism we used a mouse model with a deletion of Rxfp2 gene resulting in a high intra-abdominal testicular position. Mutant males were infertile with the gross morphology of the cryptorchid testis progressively deteriorating with age. Few spermatogonia were identifiable in 12 month old cryptorchid testes. Gene expression analysis showed no difference between mutant and control testes at postnatal day 10. In three month old males a decrease in expression of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) markers Id4, Nanos2, and Ret was shown. The direct counting of ID4+ cells supported a significant decrease of SSCs. In contrast, the expression of Plzf, a marker for undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia was not reduced, and the number of PLZF+ cells in the cryptorchid testis was higher in three month old testes, but equal to control in six month old mutants. The PLZF+ cells did not show a higher rate of apoptosis in cryptorchid testis. The expression of the Sertoli cell FGF2 gene required for SSC maintenance was significantly reduced in mutant testis. Based on these findings we propose that the deregulation of somatic and germ cell genes in the cryptorchid testis, directs the SSCs towards the differentiation pathway. This leads to a depletion of the SSC pool and an increase in the number of PLZF+ spermatogonial cells, which too, eventually decreases with the exhaustion of the stem cell pool. Such a dynamic suggests that an early correction of cryptorchidism is critical for the retention of the SSC pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Javier J. How
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Zogbi C, Tesser RB, Encinas G, Miraglia SM, Stumpp T. Gonocyte development in rats: proliferation, distribution and death revisited. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 138:305-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-0955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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