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Yang J, Ye L, Cui R, Zheng K, Qiao X, Wang M, Su M, Li X, Ge RS, Wang Y. Deoxynivalenol Inhibits Progenitor Leydig Cell Development by Stimulating Mitochondrial Fission in Rats. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10616-10626. [PMID: 38656193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common food contaminant that can impair male reproductive function. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of DON exposure on progenitor Leydig cell (PLC) development in prepubertal male rats. Rats were orally administrated DON (0-4 mg/kg) from postnatal days 21-28. DON increased PLC proliferation but inhibited PLC maturation and function, including reducing testosterone levels and downregulating biomarkers like HSD11B1 and INSL3 at ≥2 mg/kg. DON also stimulated mitochondrial fission via upregulating DRP1 and FIS1 protein levels and increased oxidative stress by reducing antioxidant capacity (including NRF2, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT) in PLCs in vivo. In vitro, DON (2-4 μM) inhibited PLC androgen biosynthesis, increased reactive oxygen species production and protein levels of DRP1, FIS1, MFF, and pAMPK, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and MFN1 protein levels, and caused mitochondrial fragmentation. The mitochondrial fission inhibitor mdivi-1 attenuated DON-induced impairments in PLCs. DON inhibited PLC steroidogenesis, increased oxidative stress, perturbed mitochondrial homeostasis, and impaired maturation. In conclusion, DON disrupts PLC development in prepubertal rats by stimulating mitochondrial fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Rong Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xinyi Qiao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Mengyun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ming Su
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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2
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Liu W, Du L, Cui Y, He C, He Z. WNT5A regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and stemness of human stem Leydig cells via the β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:93. [PMID: 38367191 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) are essential for maintaining normal spermatogenesis as the significant component of testis microenvironment and gonadal aging. Although progress has been achieved in the regulation of male germ cells in mammals and humans, it remains unknown about the genes and signaling pathways of human SLCs. Here we have demonstrated, for the first time, that WNT5A (Wnt family member 5a) mediates the proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness of human SLCs, namely NGFR+ Leydig cells. We revealed that NGFR+ Leydig cells expressed NGFR, PDGFRA, NES, NR2F2, and THY1, hallmarks for SLCs. RNA-sequencing showed that WNT5A was expressed at a higher level in human SLCs than non-SLCs, while immunohistochemistry and Western blots further illustrated that WNT5A was predominantly expressed in human SLCs. Notably, CCK-8, EdU and Western blots displayed that WNT5A enhanced the proliferation and DNA synthesis and retained stemness of human SLCs, whereas flow cytometry and TUNEL analyses demonstrated that WNT5A inhibited the apoptosis of these cells. WNT5A knockdown caused an increase in LC lineage differentiation of human SLCs and reversed the effect of WNT5A overexpression on fate decisions of human SLCs. In addition, WNT5A silencing resulted in the decreases in nuclear translocation of β-catenin and expression levels of c-Myc, CD44, and Cyclin D1. Collectively, these results implicate that WNT5A regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and stemness of human SLCs through the activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway. This study thus provides a novel molecular mechanism underlying the fate determinations of human SLCs, and it offers a new insight into the niche regulation of human testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Du
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Caimei He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zuping He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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3
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Guan X, Chen P, Ji M, Wen X, Chen D, Zhao X, Huang F, Wang J, Shao J, Xie J, Zhao X, Chen F, Tian J, Lin H, Zirkin BR, Duan P, Su Z, Chen H. Identification of Rat Testicular Leydig Precursor Cells by Single-Cell-RNA-Sequence Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:805249. [PMID: 35242757 PMCID: PMC8887666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.805249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) play a critical role in the development and maintenance of the adult Leydig cell (ALC) population. SLCs also are present in the adult testis. Their identification, characteristics, and regulation in the adult testis remain uncertain. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we found that the mesenchymal stromal population may be involved in ALC regeneration. Upon ALC elimination, a fraction of stromal cells begins to proliferate while a different fraction begins to differentiate to ALCs. Transcriptomic analysis identified five stromal clusters that can be classified into two major groups representing proliferation and differentiation populations. The proliferating group represents stem cells expressing high levels of CD90, Nes, Lum, Fn and Gap43. The differentiating group represents a progenitor stage that is ready to form ALCs, and specifically expresses Vtn, Rasl11a, Id1 and Egr2. The observation that the actively dividing cells after ALC loss were not those that formed ALCs suggests that stem cell proliferation and differentiation are regulated separately, and that the maintenance of the stromal stem cell pool occurs at the population level. The study also identified specific markers for the major interstitial cell groups and potential paracrine factors involved in the regulation of SLCs. Our data suggest a new theory about SLC identity, proliferation, differentiation, and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Guan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xingyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiexia Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Shao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xingxing Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Han Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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4
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Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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5
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Zhao X, Wen X, Ji M, Guan X, Chen P, Hao X, Chen F, Hu Y, Duan P, Ge RS, Chen H. Differentiation of seminiferous tubule-associated stem cells into leydig cell and myoid cell lineages. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 525:111179. [PMID: 33515640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Peritubular stem Leydig cells (SLCs) have been identified from rat testicular seminiferous tubules. However, no stem cells for peritubular myoid cells have been reported in the adult testis so far. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the peritubular SLCs are multipotent and able to form either Leydig or myoid cells. Using cultured tubules, we show that in the presence of PDGFAA and luteinizing hormone, SLCs became testosterone-producing Leydig cells, while in the presence of PDGFBB and TGFB, the cells formed α-smooth muscle actin-expressing myoid cells. This multipotency was also confirmed by culture of isolated CD90+ SLCs. These results suggest that these stem cells outside the myoid layer are multipotent and give rise to either Leydig or myoid cells, depending on the inducing factors. These cells may serve as a common precursor population for maintaining homeostasis of both Leydig and myoid cell populations in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoju Guan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xinrui Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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6
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Eliveld J, van den Berg EA, Chikhovskaya JV, van Daalen SKM, de Winter-Korver CM, van der Veen F, Repping S, Teerds K, van Pelt AMM. Primary human testicular PDGFRα+ cells are multipotent and can be differentiated into cells with Leydig cell characteristics in vitro. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1621-1631. [PMID: 31398257 PMCID: PMC6735802 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to differentiate primary human testicular platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα+) cells into functional Leydig cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Although human testicular PDGFRα+ cells are multipotent and are capable of differentiating into steroidogenic cells with Leydig cell characteristics, they are not able to produce testosterone after differentiation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In rodents, stem Leydig cells (SLCs) that have been identified and isolated using the marker PDGFRα can give rise to adult testosterone-producing Leydig cells after appropriate differentiation in vitro. Although PDGFRα+ cells have also been identified in human testicular tissue, so far there is no evidence that these cells are true human SLCs that can differentiate into functional Leydig cells in vitro or in vivo. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We isolated testicular cells enriched for interstitial cells from frozen–thawed fragments of testicular tissue from four human donors. Depending on the obtained cell number, PDGFRα+-sorted cells of three to four donors were exposed to differentiation conditions in vitro to stimulate development into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes or into Leydig cells. We compared their cell characteristics with cells directly after sorting and cells in propagation conditions. To investigate their differentiation potential in vivo, PDGFRα+-sorted cells were transplanted in the testis of 12 luteinizing hormone receptor-knockout (LuRKO) mice of which 6 mice received immunosuppression treatment. An additional six mice did not receive cell transplantation and were used as a control. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human testicular interstitial cells were cultured to Passage 3 and FACS sorted for HLA-A,B,C+/CD34−/PDGFRα+. We examined their mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) membrane protein expression by FACS analyses. Furthermore, we investigated lineage-specific staining and gene expression after MSC trilineage differentiation. For the differentiation into Leydig cells, PDGFRα+-sorted cells were cultured in either proliferation or differentiation medium for 28 days, after which they were stimulated either with or without hCG, forskolin or dbcAMP for 24 h to examine the increase in gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes using qPCR. In addition, testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone levels were measured in the culture medium. We also transplanted human PDGFRα+-sorted testicular interstitial cells into the testis of LuRKO mice. Serum was collected at several time points after transplantation, and testosterone was measured. Twenty weeks after transplantation testes were collected for histological examination. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From primary cultured human testicular interstitial cells at Passage 3, we could obtain a population of HLA-A,B,C+/CD34−/PDGFRα+ cells by FACS. The sorted cells showed characteristics of MSC and were able to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes. Upon directed differentiation into Leydig cells in vitro, we observed a significant increase in the expression of HSD3B2 and INSL3. After 24 h stimulation with forskolin or dbcAMP, a significantly increased expression of STAR and CYP11A1 was observed. The cells already expressed HSD17B3 and CYP17A1 before differentiation but the expression of these genes were not significantly increased after differentiation and stimulation. Testosterone levels could not be detected in the medium in any of the stimulation conditions, but after stimulation with forskolin or dbcAMP, androstenedione and progesterone were detected in culture medium. After transplantation of the human cells into the testes of LuRKO mice, no significant increase in serum testosterone levels was found compared to the controls. Also, no human cells were identified in the interstitium of mice testes 20 weeks after transplantation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was performed using tissue from only four donors because of limitations in donor material. Because of the need of sufficient cell numbers, we first propagated cells to passage 3 before FACS of the desired cell population was performed. We cannot rule out this propagation of the cells resulted in loss of stem cell properties. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A lot of information on Leydig cell development is obtained from rodent studies, while the knowledge on human Leydig cell development is very limited. Our study shows that human testicular interstitial PDGFRα+ cells have different characteristics compared to rodent testicular PDGFRα+ cells in gene expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes and potential to differentiate in adult Leydig cells under comparable culture conditions. This emphasizes the need for confirming results from rodent studies in the human situation to be able to translate this knowledge to the human conditions, to eventually contribute to improvements of testosterone replacement therapies or establishing alternative cell therapies in the future, potentially based on SLCs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. All authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eliveld
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E A van den Berg
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J V Chikhovskaya
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C M de Winter-Korver
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F van der Veen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K Teerds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, WD Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - A M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Eliveld J, van Daalen SKM, de Winter-Korver CM, van der Veen F, Repping S, Teerds K, van Pelt AMM. A comparative analysis of human adult testicular cells expressing stem Leydig cell markers in the interstitium, vasculature, and peritubular layer. Andrology 2020; 8:1265-1276. [PMID: 32416031 PMCID: PMC7496384 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Origin of human adult Leydig cells (ALCs) is not well understood. This might be partly due to limited data available on the identification and location of human precursor and stem Leydig cells (SLCs) which hampers the study on the development of ALCs. Objectives The aim of the present study was to investigate whether described human (PDGFRα, NGFR) and rodent (NES, PDGFRα, THY1, NR2F2) SLC markers are expressed by a common cell population within human adult testicular interstitial cells in vivo and before and after in vitro propagation. Materials and methods Immunohistochemical analyses were used to identify localization of human adult testicular interstitial cells expressing described SLC markers. Next, interstitial cells were isolated and cultured. The percentage of cells expressing one or more SLC markers was determined before and after culture using flow cytometry. Results NR2F2 and PDGFRα were present in peritubular, perivascular, and Leydig cells, while THY1 was expressed in peritubular and perivascular cells. Although NES and NGFR were expressed in endothelial cells, co‐localization with PDGFRα was found for both in vitro, although for NGFR only after culture. All marker positive cells were able to undergo propagation in vitro. Discussion The partly overlap in localization and overlap in expression in human testicular cells indicate that PDGFRα, NR2F2, and THY1 are expressed within the same ALC developmental lineage from SLCs. Based on the in vitro results, this is also true for NES and after in vitro propagation for NGFR. Conclusion Our results that earlier described SLC markers are expressed in overlapping human interstitial cell population opens up further research strategies aiming for a better insight in the Leydig cell lineage and will be helpful for development of strategies to cure ALC dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitske Eliveld
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy M de Winter-Korver
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fulco van der Veen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Teerds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Expression and localization of MYH11 in mouse tissues, oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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Guan X, Chen P, Zhao X, Hao X, Chen F, Ji M, Wen X, Lin H, Ye L, Chen H. Characterization of stem cells associated with seminiferous tubule of adult rat testis for their potential to form Leydig cells. Stem Cell Res 2019; 41:101593. [PMID: 31704538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult testicular Leydig cells arise from stem cells in the neonatal and adult testis. The nature of these stem Leydig cells (SLCs) have not been well characterized. We have found previously that a group cells expressing CD90, a cell surface glycoprotein that may play roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and associated with the seminiferous tubule surface, have the ability to form Leydig cells. As yet, the relationship between this CD90+ cell population and SLCs reported previously by other groups is still unknown. In the present study, we systematically characterized these CD90+ cells by their ability to express multiple potential SLC markers and to proliferate and differentiate into Leydig cells in vitro. First, we have found by qPCR and immunohistochemical staining that the CD90+ cells do not express any of the markers of the common seminiferous tubular cells, including myoid, Sertoli, germ and Leydig cells, as well as macrophages. Moreover, when the CD90+ cells were isolated by fluorescent-sorting, the cells expressed high levels of all the potential SLC marker genes, including Nestin, Cd51, Coup-tf2, Arx, Pdgfra and Tcf21. Also, CD90-positive, but not -negative, cells were able to form Leydig cells in vitro with the proper inducing medium. Overall, the results indicated that the tubule-associated CD90+ cells represent a population of SLC in adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Guan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xingxing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xinrui Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Leping Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No.1 Xi'an Men Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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10
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Chen P, Guan X, Zhao X, Chen F, Yang J, Wang Y, Hu Y, Lian Q, Chen H. Characterization and differentiation of CD51 + Stem Leydig cells in adult mouse testes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 493:110449. [PMID: 31102608 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It was reported previously that adult mouse stem Leydig cells (SLCs) express CD51 (integrin α-chain V). However, it is still unclear whether all CD51+ cells are SLCs. In the present study, we found that CD51+ cells can be classified into two sub-groups, a weakly-staining group (CD51+) and a strongly-staining group (CD51++). The CD51+ cells expressed common SLC marker genes, including Nestin, Pdgfra and Coup-tf2, while CD51++ cells did not express these genes. Instead, they expressed macrophage markers, such as F4/80, Cd115 and Tnfa. When these cells were induced to differentiate in vitro, the CD51+ cells, but not CD51++ cells, formed Leydig cells. Overall, our results showed that although SLCs expressed CD51, not all CD51-expressing cells are SLCs. The cells that expressed high levels of CD51 are actually macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoju Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xingxing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jianying Yang
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, 471023, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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11
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Mitchell RT, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Cruickshanks L, der Grinten HCV, Brown P, Abel M, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression is required to ensure development of adult Leydig cells and to prevent development of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics in the mouse testis. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30995907 PMCID: PMC6472051 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The interstitium of the mouse testis contains Leydig cells and a small number of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics which may be derived from the fetal adrenal during development or may be a normal subset of the developing fetal Leydig cells. Currently it is not known what regulates development and/or proliferation of this sub-population of steroidogenic cells in the mouse testis. Androgen receptors (AR) are essential for normal testicular function and in this study we have examined the role of the AR in regulating interstitial cell development. Results Using a mouse model which lacks gonadotropins and AR (hpg.ARKO), stimulation of luteinising hormone receptors in vivo with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) caused a marked increase in adrenal cell transcripts/protein in a group of testicular interstitial cells. hCG also induced testicular transcripts associated with basic steroidogenic function in these mice but had no effect on adult Leydig cell-specific transcript levels. In hpg mice with functional AR, treatment with hCG induced Leydig cell-specific function and had no effect on adrenal transcript levels. Examination of mice with cell-specific AR deletion and knockdown of AR in a mouse Leydig cell line suggests that AR in the Leydig cells are likely to regulate these effects. Conclusions This study shows that in the mouse the androgen receptor is required both to prevent development of testicular cells with adrenal characteristics and to ensure development of an adult Leydig cell phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Monteiro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Margaret Abel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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12
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Davidoff MS. The Pluripotent Microvascular Pericytes Are the Adult Stem Cells Even in the Testis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1122:235-267. [PMID: 30937872 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11093-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pericytes of the testis are part of the omnipresent population of pericytes in the vertebrate body and are the only true pluripotent adult stem cells able to produce structures typical for the tree primitive germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. They originate very early in the embryogenesis from the pluripotent epiblast. The pericytes become disseminated through the whole vertebrate organism by the growing and differentiating blood vessels where they remain in specialized periendothelial vascular niches as resting pluripotent adult stem cells for tissue generation, maintenance, repair, and regeneration. The pericytes are also the ancestors of the perivascular multipotent stromal cells (MSCs). The variable appearance of the pericytes and their progeny reflects the plasticity under the influence of their own epigenetic and the local environmental factors of the host organ. In the testis the pericytes are the ancestors of the neuroendocrine Leydig cells. After activation the pericytes start to proliferate, migrate, and build transit-amplifying cells that transdifferentiate into multipotent stromal cells. These represent progenitors for a number of different cell types in an organ. Finally, it becomes evident that the pericytes are a brilliant achievement of the biological nature aiming to supply every organ with an omnipresent population of pluripotent adult stem cells. Their fascinating features are prerequisites for future therapy concepts supporting cell systems of organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail S Davidoff
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Museum of Medical History, Hamburg, Germany.
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13
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Chen H, Wang Y, Ge R, Zirkin BR. Leydig cell stem cells: Identification, proliferation and differentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 445:65-73. [PMID: 27743991 PMCID: PMC5346484 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Adult Leydig cells develop from undifferentiated mesenchymal-like stem cells (stem Leydig cells, SLCs) present in the interstitial compartment of the early postnatal testis. Putative SLCs also have been identified in peritubular and perivascular locations of the adult testis. The latter cells, which normally are quiescent, are capable of regenerating new Leydig cells upon the loss of the adult cells. Recent studies have identified several protein markers to identify these cells, including nestin, PDGFRα, COUP-TFII, CD51 and CD90. We have shown that the proliferation of the SLCs is stimulated by DHH, FGF2, PDGFBB, activin and PDGFAA. Suppression of proliferation occurred with TGFβ, androgen and PKA signaling. The differentiation of the SLCs into testosterone-producing Leydig cells was found to be regulated positively by DHH (Desert hedgehog), lithium-induced signaling and activin; and negatively by TGFβ, PDGFBB, FGF2, Notch and Wnt signaling. DHH, by itself, was found to induce SLC differentiation into LH-responsive steroidogenic cells, suggesting that DHH plays a critical role in the commitment of SLC into the Leydig lineage. These studies, taken together, address the function and regulation of low turnover stem cells in a complex, adult organ, and also have potential application to the treatment of androgen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- Center for Scientific Research, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Center for Scientific Research, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- Center for Scientific Research, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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14
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Dörner J, Martinez Rodriguez V, Ziegler R, Röhrig T, Cochran RS, Götz RM, Levin MD, Pihlajoki M, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GLI1 + progenitor cells in the adrenal capsule of the adult mouse give rise to heterotopic gonadal-like tissue. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:164-175. [PMID: 27585489 PMCID: PMC5235954 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
As certain strains of mice age, hyperplastic lesions resembling gonadal tissue accumulate beneath the adrenal capsule. Gonadectomy (GDX) accelerates this heterotopic differentiation, resulting in the formation of wedge-shaped adrenocortical neoplasms that produce sex steroids. Stem/progenitor cells that reside in the adrenal capsule and retain properties of the adrenogonadal primordium are thought to be the source of this heterotopic tissue. Here, we demonstrate that GLI1+ progenitors in the adrenal capsule give rise to gonadal-like cells that accumulate in the subcapsular region. A tamoxifen-inducible Cre driver (Gli1-creERT2) and two reporters (R26R-lacZ, R26R-confetti) were used to track the fate of GLI1+ cells in the adrenal glands of B6D2F2 mice, a strain that develops both GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasms and age-dependent subcapsular cell hyperplasia. In gonadectomized B6D2F2 mice GLI1+ progenitors contributed to long-lived adrenal capsule cells and to adrenocortical neoplasms that expressed Gata4 and Foxl2, two prototypical gonadal markers. Pdgfra, a gene expressed in adrenocortical stromal cells, was upregulated in the GDX-induced neoplasms. In aged non-gonadectomized B6D2F2 mice GLI1+ progenitors gave rise to patches of subcapsular cell hyperplasia. Treatment with GANT61, a small-molecule GLI antagonist, attenuated the upregulation of gonadal-like markers (Gata4, Amhr2, Foxl2) in response to GDX. These findings support the premise that GLI1+ progenitor cells in the adrenal capsule of the adult mouse give rise to heterotopic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dörner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Verena Martinez Rodriguez
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ricarda Ziegler
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rebecca S Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Ronni M Götz
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mark D Levin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Children's Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Children's Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA.
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15
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Sukhorum W, Iamsaard S. Changes in testicular function proteins and sperm acrosome status in rats treated with valproic acid. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1585-1592. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), an anti-epileptic drug, reduces testosterone levels and sperm quality. However, the degree to which testosterone levels and sperm quality are decreased under VPA treatment needs to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the testicular proteins involved in testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis, histopathology and sperm acrosome status in VPA-treated rats. Adult rats were divided into control and experimental groups (n = 8 in each). Rats in the experimental group were treated with 500 mg kg–1, i.p., VPA for 10 consecutive days. Expression of Ki-67, tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and testicular steroidogenic proteins was examined. As expected, VPA-treated rats exhibited adverse changes in almost all reproductive parameters, particularly an increase in precocious acrosome reactions, compared with the control group. In addition, fibrosis of the tunica albuginea and tubule basement membrane was observed in testes from VPA-treated rats. Moreover, the expression of testicular Ki-67, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and phosphorylated proteins (41, 51 and 83 kDa) was decreased significantly in VPA-treated rats compared with control. In contrast, the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory proteins in the VPA-treated group was significantly higher than in the control group. In conclusion, VPA treatment changes the expression of testicular proteins responsible for spermatogenesis and testosterone production, resulting in male infertility.
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16
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Chen H, Jin S, Huang S, Folmer J, Liu J, Ge R, Zirkin BR. Transplantation of alginate-encapsulated seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue into adult rats: Leydig stem cell differentiation in vivo? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 436:250-8. [PMID: 27591121 PMCID: PMC5050555 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to determine whether testosterone-producing Leydig cells are able to develop from cells associated with rat seminiferous tubules, interstitium, or both. Adult rat seminiferous tubules and interstitium were isolated, encapsulated separately in alginate, and implanted subcutaneously into castrated rats. With implanted tubules, serum testosterone increased through two months. Tubules removed from the implanted rats and incubated with LH produced testosterone, and cells on the tubule surfaces expressed steroidogenic enzymes. With implanted interstitial tissue, serum levels of testosterone remained undetectable. However, co-culture of interstitium plus tubules in vitro resulted in the formation of Leydig cells by both compartments. These results indicate that seminiferous tubules contain both cellular and paracrine factors necessary for the differentiation of Leydig cells, and that the interstitial compartment contains precursor cells capable of forming testosterone-producing Leydig cells but requires stimulation by paracrine factors from the seminiferous tubules to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- Center for Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shiying Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shengsong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Putuo, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Janet Folmer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - June Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renshan Ge
- Center for Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Peak TC, Haney NM, Wang W, DeLay KJ, Hellstrom WJ. Stem cell therapy for the treatment of Leydig cell dysfunction in primary hypogonadism. World J Stem Cells 2016; 8:306-315. [PMID: 27822338 PMCID: PMC5080638 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i10.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of testosterone occurs within the Leydig cells of the testes. When production fails at this level from either congenital, acquired, or systemic disorders, the result is primary hypogonadism. While numerous testosterone formulations have been developed, none are yet fully capable of replicating the physiological patterns of testosterone secretion. Multiple stem cell therapies to restore androgenic function of the testes are under investigation. Leydig cells derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and the testes have shown promise for future therapy for primary hypogonadism. In particular, the discovery and utilization of a group of progenitor stem cells within the testes, known as stem Leydig cells (SLCs), has led not only to a better understanding of testicular development, but of treatment as well. When combining this with an understanding of the mechanisms that lead to Leydig cell dysfunction, researchers and physicians will be able to develop stem cell therapies that target the specific step in the steroidogenic process that is deficient. The current preclinical studies highlight the complex nature of regenerating this steroidogenic process and the problems remain unresolved. In summary, there appears to be two current directions for stem cell therapy in male primary hypogonadism. The first method involves differentiating adult Leydig cells from stem cells of various origins from bone marrow, adipose, or embryonic sources. The second method involves isolating, identifying, and transplanting stem Leydig cells into testicular tissue. Theoretically, in-vivo re-activation of SLCs in men with primary hypogonadism due to age would be another alternative method to treat hypogonadism while eliminating the need for transplantation.
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Regulation of seminiferous tubule-associated stem Leydig cells in adult rat testes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:2666-71. [PMID: 26929346 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1519395113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone in males. Adult Leydig cells have been shown to arise from stem cells present in the neonatal testis. Once established, adult Leydig cells turn over only slowly during adult life, but when these cells are eliminated experimentally from the adult testis, new Leydig cells rapidly reappear. As in the neonatal testis, stem cells in the adult testis are presumed to be the source of the new Leydig cells. As yet, the mechanisms involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of these stem cells remain unknown. We developed a unique in vitro system of cultured seminiferous tubules to assess the ability of factors from the seminiferous tubules to regulate the proliferation of the tubule-associated stem cells, and their subsequent entry into the Leydig cell lineage. The proliferation of the stem Leydig cells was stimulated by paracrine factors including Desert hedgehog (DHH), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and activin. Suppression of proliferation occurred with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). The differentiation of the stem cells was regulated positively by DHH, lithium- induced signaling, and activin, and negatively by TGF-β, PDGFBB, and FGF2. DHH functioned as a commitment factor, inducing the transition of stem cells to the progenitor stage and thus into the Leydig cell lineage. Additionally, CD90 (Thy1) was found to be a unique stem cell surface marker that was used to obtain purified stem cells by flow cytometry.
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Chen H, Guo J, Ge R, Lian Q, Papadopoulos V, Zirkin BR. Steroidogenic fate of the Leydig cells that repopulate the testes of young and aged Brown Norway rats after elimination of the preexisting Leydig cells. Exp Gerontol 2015; 72:8-15. [PMID: 26335619 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of Brown Norway rat Leydig cells to produce testosterone (T) decreases with aging. In a previous study, we reported that a new generation of Leydig cells can be restored in both young and old rat testes after a single injection of ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS), and that the abilities of the new Leydig cells in young and old rats to produce T were equivalent. Our objective herein was to compare the steroidogenic fate of the new Leydig cells over time. Young (3 month-old) and old (18 month-old) rats were injected with EDS to eliminate the existing Leydig cells. Ten weeks after EDS, Leydig cells had been restored and T production by the new Leydig cells isolated from young and old rat testes was equivalent. Thirty weeks after EDS treatment of young rats, the ability of the new Leydig cells to produce T had not diminished from 10 weeks post-EDS. In contrast, at 30 weeks post-EDS, T production by new cells in old rat testes was reduced significantly from the 10-week level. Serum T levels at 10 and 30 weeks were consistent with Leydig cell T production. Serum LH levels did not differ in any group. Thus, although the Leydig cells restored to both young and old rats after EDS initially produced T at high, equivalent levels, the cells in the old testes did not maintain this ability. These results suggest that: 1) the cells from which new populations of Leydig cells are derived may differ depending upon the age of the rat; and/or 2) factors extrinsic to the new Leydig cells in young and old testes differ, and it is these differences that are responsible for reductions in T by the newly formed Leydig cells in the testes of old rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jingjing Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Sun H, Jiang R, Xu S, Zhang Z, Xu G, Zheng J, Qu L. Transcriptome responses to heat stress in hypothalamus of a meat-type chicken. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2015; 6:6. [PMID: 25774290 PMCID: PMC4359534 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-015-0003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heat stress has resulted in great losses in poultry production. To address this issue, we systematically analyzed chicken hypothalamus transcriptome responses to thermal stress using a 44 k chicken Agilent microarray, Methods Hypothalamus samples were collected from a control group reared at 25°C, a heat-stress group treated at 34°C for 24 h, and a temperature-recovery group reared at 25°C for 24 h following a heat-stress treatment. We compared the expression profiles between each pair of the three groups using microarray data. Results A total of 1,967 probe sets were found to be differentially expressed in the three comparisons with P < 0.05 and a fold change (FC) higher than 1.5, and the genes were mainly involved in self-regulation and compensation required to maintain homeostasis. Consistent expression results were found for 11 selected genes by quantitative real-time PCR. Thirty-eight interesting differential expression genes were found from GO term annotation and those genes were related to meat quality, growth, and crucial enzymes. Using these genes for genetic network analysis, we obtained three genetic networks. Moreover, the transcripts of heat-shock protein, including Hsp 40 and Hsp 90, were significantly altered in response to thermal stress. Conclusions This study provides a broader understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying stress response in chickens and discovery of novel genes that are regulated in a specific thermal-stress manner. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-015-0003-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Runshen Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
| | - Shengyou Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 China
| | - Zebin Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Guiyun Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Lujiang Qu
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
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O'Hara L, McInnes K, Simitsidellis I, Morgan S, Atanassova N, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Kula K, Szarras-Czapnik M, Milne L, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men. FASEB J 2014; 29:894-910. [PMID: 25404712 PMCID: PMC4422361 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-255729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cell number and function decline as men age, and low testosterone is associated with all “Western” cardio-metabolic disorders. However, whether perturbed androgen action within the adult Leydig cell lineage predisposes individuals to this late-onset degeneration remains unknown. To address this, we generated a novel mouse model in which androgen receptor (AR) is ablated from ∼75% of adult Leydig stem cell/cell progenitors, from fetal life onward (Leydig cell AR knockout mice), permitting interrogation of the specific roles of autocrine Leydig cell AR signaling through comparison to adjacent AR-retaining Leydig cells, testes from littermate controls, and to human testes, including from patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). This revealed that autocrine AR signaling is dispensable for the attainment of final Leydig cell number but is essential for Leydig cell maturation and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes in adulthood. Furthermore, these studies reveal that autocrine AR signaling in Leydig cells protects against late-onset degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium in mice and inhibits Leydig cell apoptosis in both adult mice and patients with CAIS, possibly via opposing aberrant estrogen signaling. We conclude that autocrine androgen action within Leydig cells is essential for the lifelong support of spermatogenesis and the development and lifelong health of Leydig cells.—O’Hara, L., McInnes, K., Simitsidellis, I., Morgan, S., Atanassova, N., Slowikowska-Hilczer, J., Kula, K., Szarras-Czapnik, M., Milne, L., Mitchell, R. T., Smith, L. B. Autocrine androgen action is essential for Leydig cell maturation and function, and protects against late-onset Leydig cell apoptosis in both mice and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Hara
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kerry McInnes
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stephanie Morgan
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nina Atanassova
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Slowikowska-Hilczer
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kula
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Szarras-Czapnik
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laura Milne
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lee B Smith
- *MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Experimental Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; and Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Rebourcet D, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Pitetti JL, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Milne L, Tsai YT, Cruickshanks L, Riethmacher D, Guillou F, Mitchell RT, van't Hof R, Freeman TC, Nef S, Smith LB. Sertoli cells control peritubular myoid cell fate and support adult Leydig cell development in the prepubertal testis. Development 2014; 141:2139-49. [PMID: 24803659 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) regulate testicular fate in the differentiating gonad and are the main regulators of spermatogenesis in the adult testis; however, their role during the intervening period of testis development, in particular during adult Leydig cell (ALC) differentiation and function, remains largely unknown. To examine SC function during fetal and prepubertal development we generated two transgenic mouse models that permit controlled, cell-specific ablation of SCs in pre- and postnatal life. Results show that SCs are required: (1) to maintain the differentiated phenotype of peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) in prepubertal life; (2) to maintain the ALC progenitor population in the postnatal testis; and (3) for development of normal ALC numbers. Furthermore, our data show that fetal LCs function independently from SC, germ cell or PTMC support in the prepubertal testis. Together, these findings reveal that SCs remain essential regulators of testis development long after the period of sex determination. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of male reproductive disorders and wider androgen-related conditions affecting male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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23
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Landreh L, Spinnler K, Schubert K, Häkkinen MR, Auriola S, Poutanen M, Söder O, Svechnikov K, Mayerhofer A. Human testicular peritubular cells host putative stem Leydig cells with steroidogenic capacity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E1227-35. [PMID: 24684461 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-4199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aim to examine the steroidogenic phenotype and the differentiation potential of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) and to explore their possible relationship to the adult Leydig cell lineage. BACKGROUND The cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage may reside in the peritubular compartment of the testis. This suggestion is supported by the facts that the rodent peritubular cells can be differentiated toward this lineage and that cAMP enhances their steroidogenic potential. METHODS Human testicular biopsies, and derived HTPCs, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. After stimulation by forskolin or platelet-derived growth factor-BB, quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare the levels of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in steroidogenesis and steroid production was analyzed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the peritubular cells that form the outer part of the tubular wall express platelet derived growth factor receptor-α. Furthermore, the pluripotency markers (POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1, GATA-binding protein 4), stem Leydig cell markers (platelet derived growth factor receptor-A, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor), and mRNAs encoding proteins involved in steroidogenesis (nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 1; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; CYP11A1; CYP17A1; 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) were expressed by the HTPCs. Stimulation with forskolin increased the expression of the steroidogenic markers, which was accompanied by the production of pregnenolone and progesterone by HTPCs in vitro. Treatment with platelet-derived growth factor-BB induced expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the tubular wall of the human testis is a reservoir for cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage and that the steroidogenic potential of these cells can be activated in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Landreh
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.L., O.S., K.Sv.), Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Anatomy III-Cell Biology (K.Sp., K.Sc., A.M.), Ludwig Maximilian University, 80336 Munich, Germany; School of Pharmacy (M.R.H., S.A.), University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; and Turku Center for Disease Modeling (M.P.), Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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24
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Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Robert NM, Martin LJ, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. The nuclear receptor NR2F2 activates star expression and steroidogenesis in mouse MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:26. [PMID: 24899578 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone production is dependent on cholesterol transport within the mitochondrial matrix, an essential step mediated by a protein complex containing the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein. In steroidogenic Leydig cells, Star expression is hormonally regulated and involves several transcription factors. NR2F2 (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear receptor that plays critical roles in cell differentiation and lineage determination. Conditional NR2F2 knockout prior to puberty leads to male infertility due to insufficient testosterone production, suggesting that NR2F2 could positively regulate steroidogenesis and Star expression. In this study we found that NR2F2 is expressed in the nucleus of some peritubular myoid cells and in interstitial cells, mainly in steroidogenically active adult Leydig cells. In MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated NR2F2 knockdown reduces basal steroid production without affecting hormone responsiveness. Consistent with this, we found that STAR mRNA and protein levels were reduced in NR2F2-depleted MA-10 and MLTC-1 cells. Transient transfections of Leydig cells revealed that a -986 bp mouse Star promoter construct was activated 3-fold by NR2F2. Using 5' progressive deletion constructs, we mapped the NR2F2-responsive element between -131 and -95 bp. This proximal promoter region contains a previously uncharacterized direct repeat 1 (DR1)-like element to which NR2F2 is recruited and directly binds. Mutations in the DR1-like element that prevent NR2F2 binding severely blunted NR2F2-mediated Star promoter activation. These data identify an essential role for the nuclear receptor NR2F2 as a direct activator of Star gene expression in Leydig cells, and thus in the control of steroid hormone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Kilcoyne KR, Smith LB, Atanassova N, Macpherson S, McKinnell C, van den Driesche S, Jobling MS, Chambers TJG, De Gendt K, Verhoeven G, O’Hara L, Platts S, Renato de Franca L, Lara NLM, Anderson RA, Sharpe RM. Fetal programming of adult Leydig cell function by androgenic effects on stem/progenitor cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E1924-32. [PMID: 24753613 PMCID: PMC4020050 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1320735111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth plays a role in programming of adult cardiometabolic disorders, which in men, are associated with lowered testosterone levels. Fetal growth and fetal androgen exposure can also predetermine testosterone levels in men, although how is unknown, because the adult Leydig cells (ALCs) that produce testosterone do not differentiate until puberty. To explain this conundrum, we hypothesized that stem cells for ALCs must be present in the fetal testis and might be susceptible to programming by fetal androgen exposure during masculinization. To address this hypothesis, we used ALC ablation/regeneration to identify that, in rats, ALCs derive from stem/progenitor cells that express chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II. These stem cells are abundant in the fetal testis of humans and rodents, and lineage tracing in mice shows that they develop into ALCs. The stem cells also express androgen receptors (ARs). Reduction in fetal androgen action through AR KO in mice or dibutyl phthalate (DBP) -induced reduction in intratesticular testosterone in rats reduced ALC stem cell number by ∼40% at birth to adulthood and induced compensated ALC failure (low/normal testosterone and elevated luteinizing hormone). In DBP-exposed males, this failure was probably explained by reduced testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression, which is associated with increased histone methylation (H3K27me3) in the proximal promoter. Accordingly, ALCs and ALC stem cells immunoexpressed increased H3K27me3, a change that was also evident in ALC stem cells in fetal testes. These studies highlight how a key component of male reproductive development can fundamentally reprogram adult hormone production (through an epigenetic change), which might affect lifetime disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R. Kilcoyne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Sheila Macpherson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chris McKinnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sander van den Driesche
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew S. Jobling
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. G. Chambers
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Karel De Gendt
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, B-300 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Guido Verhoeven
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, B-300 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Laura O’Hara
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Platts
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Renato de Franca
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nathália L. M. Lara
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Sharpe
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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26
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Odeh HM, Kleinguetl C, Ge R, Zirkin BR, Chen H. Regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of Leydig stem cells in the adult testis. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:123. [PMID: 24740597 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.117473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported previously that stem cells associated with adult rat testis seminiferous tubules are able to give rise to differentiated Leydig cells in vitro. The regulatory mechanisms by which they do so, however, are uncertain. Herein, we hypothesized that the proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cell stem cells (stem Leydig cells, SLCs) depend upon locally produced factors from the seminiferous tubules. Microarray analysis revealed that platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) is up-regulated and PDGFRbeta is down-regulated with postnatal differentiation of SLCs. This suggested that their ligands, PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB, respectively, might have important roles in SLC proliferation and differentiation. To test this, we developed a unique in vitro culture system in which SLCs proliferate on the surfaces of cultured seminiferous tubules largely during Week 1 of culture and their progeny subsequently differentiate to testosterone-forming Leydig cells during Weeks 2 through 4. Using this system, seminiferous tubules from adult rat testes were cultured with PDGF-AA or PDGF-BB for up to 4 wk. Both ligands stimulated SLC proliferation during the first week of culture, with PDGF-BB significantly more potent than PDGF-AA. Furthermore, PDGF-AA had a stimulatory effect on SLC differentiation from Weeks 2 through 4 of culture. In contrast, PDGF-BB, which stimulated cell proliferation during Week 1, had a significant inhibitory effect on differentiation during Weeks 2 through 4. These findings, made possible by the development of the seminiferous tubule culture system, reveal distinct roles by locally produced PDGFs in SLC regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana M Odeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Colin Kleinguetl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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