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Jin C, Yan K, Wang M, Song W, Wang B, Men Y, Niu J, He Y, Zhang Q, Qi J. Dissecting the dynamic cellular transcriptional atlas of adult teleost testis development throughout the annual reproductive cycle. Development 2024; 151:dev202296. [PMID: 38477640 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202296] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Teleost testis development during the annual cycle involves dramatic changes in cellular compositions and molecular events. In this study, the testicular cells derived from adult black rockfish at distinct stages - regressed, regenerating and differentiating - were meticulously dissected via single-cell transcriptome sequencing. A continuous developmental trajectory of spermatogenic cells, from spermatogonia to spermatids, was delineated, elucidating the molecular events involved in spermatogenesis. Subsequently, the dynamic regulation of gene expression associated with spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation was observed across spermatogonia subgroups and developmental stages. A bioenergetic transition from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration of spermatogonia during the annual developmental cycle was demonstrated, and a deeper level of heterogeneity and molecular characteristics was revealed by re-clustering analysis. Additionally, the developmental trajectory of Sertoli cells was delineated, alongside the divergence of Leydig cells and macrophages. Moreover, the interaction network between testicular micro-environment somatic cells and spermatogenic cells was established. Overall, our study provides detailed information on both germ and somatic cells within teleost testes during the annual reproductive cycle, which lays the foundation for spermatogenesis regulation and germplasm preservation of endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Kai Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Mengya Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Weihao Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Bo Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Yu Men
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Jie Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, 572000, China
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Souza VVD, Moreira DP, Braz-Mota S, Valente W, Cotta GC, Rodrigues MDS, Nóbrega RH, Corrêa RDS, Hoyos DCDM, Sanches EA, Val AL, Lacerda SMDSN. Simulated climate change and atrazine contamination can synergistically impair zebrafish testicular function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174173. [PMID: 38925398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Elements that interfere with reproductive processes can have profound impacts on population and the equilibrium of ecosystems. Global warming represents the major environmental challenge of the 21st century, as it will affect all forms of life in the coming decades. Another coexisting concern is the persistent pollution by pesticides, particularly the herbicide Atrazine (ATZ), which is responsible for a significant number of contamination incidents in surface waters worldwide. While it is hypothesized that climate changes will significantly enhance the toxic effects of pesticides, the actual impact of these phenomena remain largely unexplored. Here, we conducted a climate-controlled room experiment to assess the interactive effects of the projected 2100 climate scenario and environmentally realistic ATZ exposures on the reproductive function of male zebrafish. The gonadosomatic index significantly decreased in fish kept in the extreme scenario. Cellular alterations across spermatogenesis phases led to synergic decreased sperm production and increased germ cell sloughing and death. ATZ exposure alone or combined with climate change effects, disrupted the transcription levels of key genes involved in steroidogenesis, hormone signaling and spermatogenesis regulation. An additive modulation with decreased 11-KT production and increased E2 levels was also evidenced, intensifying the effects of androgen/estrogen imbalance. Moreover, climate change and ATZ independently induced oxidative stress, upregulation of proapoptotic gene and DNA damage in post-meiotic germ cell, but the negative effects of ATZ were greater at extreme scenario. Ultimately, exposure to simulated climate changes severely impaired fertilization capacity, due to a drastic reduction in sperm motility and/or viability. These findings indicate that the future climate conditions have the potential to considerably enhance the toxicity of ATZ at low concentrations, leading to significant deleterious consequences for fish reproductive function and fertility. These may provide relevant information to supporting healthcare and environmental managers in decision-making related to climate changes and herbicide regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ventura de Souza
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Davidson Peruci Moreira
- Laboratory of Ichthiohistology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Susana Braz-Mota
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Molecular Evolution, Brazilian National Institute for Research in the Amazon, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Valente
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Caldeira Cotta
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Dias Serafim Corrêa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Antônio Sanches
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Adalberto Luís Val
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Molecular Evolution, Brazilian National Institute for Research in the Amazon, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
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Jeng SR, Wu GC, Yueh WS, Liu PH, Kuo SF, Dufour S, Chang CF. The expression profiles of cyp19a1, sf-1, esrs and gths in the brain-pituitary during gonadal sex differentiation in juvenile Japanese eels. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 353:114512. [PMID: 38582176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Eels are gonochoristic species whose gonadal differentiation initiates at the yellow eel stage and is influenced by environmental factors. We revealed some sex-related genes were sex dimorphically expressed in gonads during gonadal sex differentiation of Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica); however, the expression of sex-related genes in the brain-pituitary during gonadal sex differentiation in eels is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the sex-related gene expressions in the brain-pituitary and tried to clarify their roles in the brain and gonads during gonadal sex differentiation. Based on our previous histological study, the control eels developed as males, and estradiol-17β (E2) was used for feminization. Our results showed that during testicular differentiation, the brain cyp19a1 transcripts and aromatase proteins were increased significantly; moreover, the cyp19a1, sf-1, foxl2s, and esrs (except gperb) transcripts in the midbrain/pituitary also were increased significantly. Forebrain gnrh1 transcripts increased slightly during gonadal differentiation of both sexes, but the gnrhr1b and gnrhr2 transcripts in the midbrain/pituitary were stable during gonadal differentiation. The expression levels of gths and gh in the midbrain/pituitary were significantly increased during testicular differentiation and were much higher in males than in E2-feminized females. These results implied that endogenous estrogens might play essential roles in the brain/pituitary during testicular differentiation, sf-1, foxl2s, and esrs may have roles in cyp19a1 regulation in the midbrain/pituitary of Japanese eels. For the GnRH-GTH axis, gths, especially fshb, may be regulated by esrs and involved in regulating testicular differentiation and development in Japanese eels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ru Jeng
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan.
| | - Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Shiun Yueh
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hua Liu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Kuo
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, Paris, France; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
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Fernandes da Costa D, de Oliveira Ribeiro A, Morena Bonita Ricci J, da Silva Rodrigues M, Antonio de Oliveira M, Felipe da Rosa I, Benites Doretto L, Takahiro Nakajima R, Henrique Nóbrega R. A83-01 and DMH1 effects in the zebrafish spermatogonial niche: Unraveling the roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling in the Fsh-mediated spermatogonial fate. Gene 2024; 897:148082. [PMID: 38101710 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in the regulation of the stem cell niche for both embryonic and adult stem cells. In zebrafish, male germ stem cell niche is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) through different members of the TGF-β superfamily. On the other hand, the specific roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways are unknown in the zebrafish male germ stem cell niche. Considering this lack of information, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β (A83-01) and BMP (DMH1) signaling pathways in the presence of recombinant zebrafish Fsh using testicular explants. We also reanalyzed single cell-RNA sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) dataset from adult zebrafish testes to identify the testicular cellular sites of smad expression, and to understand the physiological significance of the changes in smad transcript levels after inhibition of TGF-β or BMP pathways. Our results showed that A83-01 potentiated the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh on spermatogonial differentiation leading to an increase in the proportion area occupied by differentiated spermatogonia with concomitant reduction of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia. In agreement, expression analysis showed lower mRNA levels for the pluripotency gene pou5f3, and increased expression of dazl (marker of type B spermatogonia and spermatocyte) and igf3 (pro-stimulatory growth factor) following the co-treatment with TGF-β inhibitor and Fsh. Contrariwise, the inhibition of BMP signaling nullified the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh, resulting in a reduction of differentiated spermatogonia and increased proportion area occupied by type Aund spermatogonia. Supporting this evidence, BMP signaling inhibition increased the mRNA levels of pluripotency genes nanog and pou5f3, and decreased dazl levels when compared to control. The sc-RNA-seq data unveiled a distinctive pattern of smad expression among testicular cells, primarily observed in spermatogonia (smad 2, 3a, 3b, 8), spermatocytes (smad 2, 3a, 8), Sertoli cells (smad 1, 3a, 3b), and Leydig cells (smad 1, 2). This finding supports the notion that inhibition of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways may predominantly impact cellular components within the spermatogonial niche, namely spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways exert antagonistic roles in the zebrafish germ stem cell niche. The members of the TGF-β subfamily are mainly involved in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, while the BMP subfamily promotes spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, in the complex regulation of the germ stem cell niche by Fsh, members of the BMP subfamily (pro-differentiation) should be more predominant in the niche than those belonging to the TGF-β (anti-differentiation). Overall, these findings are not only relevant for understanding the regulation of germ stem cell niche but may also be useful for expanding in vitro the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia more efficiently than using recombinant hormones or growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernandes da Costa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morena Bonita Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivana Felipe da Rosa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Benites Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Takahiro Nakajima
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
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5
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Jorban A, Lunenfeld E, Huleihel M. Effect of Temperature on the Development of Stages of Spermatogenesis and the Functionality of Sertoli Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2160. [PMID: 38396838 PMCID: PMC10889116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial cells to meiotic and post-meiotic stages and sperm generation. Normal spermatogenesis occurs in vivo at 34 °C to 35 °C, and high temperatures are known to cause male infertility. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of temperature (35 °C compared to 37 °C) on the viability/apoptosis of developed cells, on the development of different stages of spermatogenesis in 3D in vitro culture conditions, and the functionality of Sertoli cells under these conditions. We used isolated cells from seminiferous tubules of sexually immature mice. The cells were cultured in methylcellulose (as a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system) and incubated in a CO2 incubator at 35 °C or 37 °C. After two to six weeks, the developed cells and organoids were collected and examined for cell viability and apoptosis markers. The development of different stages of spermatogenesis was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining or qPCR analysis using specific antibodies or primers, respectively, for cells at each stage. Factors that indicate the functionality of Sertoli cells were assessed by qPCR analysis. The developed organoids were examined by a confocal microscope. Our results show that the percentages and/or the expression levels of the developed pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic cells were significantly higher at 35 °C compared to those at 37 °C, including the expression levels of the androgen receptor, the FSH receptor, transferrin, the androgen-binding protein (ABP), and the glial-derived nerve growth factor (GDNF) which were similarly significantly higher at 35 °C than at 37 °C. The percentages of apoptotic cells (according to acridine orange staining) and the expression levels of BAX, FAS, and CASPAS 3 were significantly higher in cultures incubated at 37 °C compared to those incubated at 35 °C. These findings support the in vivo results regarding the negative effect of high temperatures on the process of spermatogenesis and suggest a possible effect of high temperatures on the viability/apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. In addition, increasing the temperature in vitro also impaired the functionality of Sertoli cells. These findings may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind optimal conditions for normal spermatogenesis in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej Jorban
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4076414, Israel;
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Zupa R, Duncan N, Giménez I, Mylonas CC, Pousis C, Passantino L, Cuko R, Corriero A. Male germ cell proliferation and apoptosis in sexually immature meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) treated with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7013. [PMID: 37117257 PMCID: PMC10147655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) is a marine fish species that has an increasing aquaculture production in Europe. Lowering the age at maturity of hatchery-produced juveniles would support meagre aquaculture by reducing time between generations in selective breeding programs and reducing industrial costs for broodstock maintenance. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a treatment with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFsh), produced in ovarian cells of Chinese hamsters, on male germ cell proliferation and apoptosis in sexually immature meagre. The rFsh-treated fish had higher gonadosomatic index, larger seminiferous tubules, more abundant luminal spermatozoa, a lower density of anti-PCNA positive single A spermatogonia, a higher density of anti-PCNA positive spermatocysts and a lower incidence of germ cell apoptosis than control groups. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of the produced rFsh in stimulating testis development and spermatogenesis in pre-pubertal meagre. Moreover, the rFsh treatment proved to be highly efficient in removing the apoptotic block of spermatogenesis observed in juvenile meagre, allowing spermatogonial survival and progress towards meiosis. The administration of rFsh did not stimulate spermatogonial self-renewal, a process whose control still needs to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Zupa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km.3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Neil Duncan
- IRTA, Ctra. de Poble Nou km. 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Giménez
- Rara Avis Biotec, S. L., Calle Moratín 17, 46002, Valencia, Spain
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Chrysovalentinos Pousis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km.3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Passantino
- DiMePRe-J, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km.3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Rezart Cuko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km.3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Aldo Corriero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km.3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Ding J, Tang D, Zhang Y, Gao X, Du C, Shen W, Jin S, Zhu J. Transcriptomes of Testes at Different Developmental Stages in the Opsariichthys bidens Predict Key Genes for Testis Development and Spermatogenesis. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:123-139. [PMID: 36520355 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Testis development is a complex process involving multiple genes, and the molecular mechanisms underlying testis development in Opsariichthys bidens remain unclear. We performed transcriptome sequencing analysis on a total of 12 samples of testes from stages II, III, IV, and V of O. bidens and obtained a total of 79.52 Gb clean data, as well as 288,573 transcripts and 116,215 unigenes. Differential expression analysis showed that 22,857 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in six comparison groups (III vs. II, IV vs. II, V vs. II, IV vs. III, V vs. III, and V vs. IV). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that six comparison groups were significantly enriched for a total of 20 significantly up- or down-regulated pathways, including six pathways related to signal transduction, three pathways related to energy metabolism, five pathways related to disease, and two pathways related to ribosomes. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that DEGs were enriched in several important functional pathways, such as Huntington's disease signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and ribosome signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs identified 63 up-regulated hub genes, including 9 kinesin genes and 2 cytoplasmic dynein genes, and 39 down-regulated hub genes, including 13 ribosomal protein genes. This result contributes to the knowledge of spermatogenesis and testis development in O. bidens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ding
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Academy of Oceanology and Fishery, Ningbo, 315103, Zhejiang, China
| | - Daojun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Academy of Oceanology and Fishery, Ningbo, 315103, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiliang Shen
- Ningbo Academy of Oceanology and Fishery, Ningbo, 315103, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Priyam M, Gupta SK, Sarkar B, Naskar S, Kumar N, Foysal MJ, Sharma TR. Variation in immuno-reproductive milieu of testis in Clarias magur from pre-spawning to spawning phase: An indication towards non-canonical role of immune elements in testes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103757. [PMID: 36335659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Immune mechanisms are major players in ensuring the normal functioning of testicular functions. However, apart from their role in active defence against pathogens, prior studies have also suggested a possibility for reproduction-related (non-immune) functions of certain immune elements. This study employs a comparative transcriptomics approach followed by network analysis for tracking the variation in the immuno-reproductive milieu of Clarias magur testis in spawning versus pre-spawning phase. The results show a significant modulation of both reproduction and immune-relevant genes in spawning versus pre-spawning phase. The functional enrichment of the upregulated reproduction-relevant gene network also shows immune-related biological processes which indicates a probability of involvement of these candidates in spermatogenesis-related events for switching from pre-spawning to spawning phase. The upregulated immune network is highly dense with 40 hubs, 10 cluster sub-networks and 142 functionally enriched pathways in comparison to its downregulated counterpart with only 5 hubs, 1 cluster and 1 enriched pathway. These findings indicate that the synchronisation in modulation of both reproductive and immune-related factors is critical for progression of testicular events guiding the switch from pre-spawning to spawning phase. The reproductive phase-dependent variation in plasma sex steroid levels and the selected genes for quantitative PCR also corroborated this hypothesis. The study also serves as a preliminary screening step for probable immune candidates that may be involved in reproductive functions of testis in addition to defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Priyam
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Sanjay K Gupta
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India.
| | - Biplab Sarkar
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Soumen Naskar
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- ICAR, National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Malegaon, Baramati, Pune 413115, India
| | - Md Javed Foysal
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, WA 6845 Australia
| | - T R Sharma
- ICAR, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
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9
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Transcriptomes of testis and pituitary from male Nile tilapia (O. niloticus L.) in the context of social status. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268140. [PMID: 35544481 PMCID: PMC9094562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African cichlids are well established models for studying social hierarchies in teleosts and elucidating the effects social dominance has on gene expression. Ascension in the social hierarchy has been found to increase plasma levels of steroid hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI). Furthermore, the expression of genes related to gonadotropins and steroidogenesis and signaling along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis (BPG-axis) is affected by changes of an animal’s social status. In this study, we use RNA-sequencing to obtain an in-depth look at the transcriptomes of testes and pituitaries from dominant and subordinate male Nile tilapia living in long-term stable social hierarchies. This allows us to draw conclusions about factors along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis that are involved in maintaining dominance over weeks or even months. We identify a number of genes that are differentially regulated between dominant and subordinate males and show that in high-ranking fish this subset of genes is generally upregulated. Genes differentially expressed between the two social groups comprise growth factors, related binding proteins and receptors, components of Wnt-, Tgfβ- and retinoic acid-signaling pathway, gonadotropin signaling and steroidogenesis pathways. The latter is backed up by elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol in dominant males. Luteinizing hormone (Lh) is found in higher concentration in the plasma of long-term dominant males than in subordinate animals. Our results both strengthen the existing models and propose new candidates for functional studies to expand our understanding of social phenomena in teleost fish.
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10
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Gdnf Acts as a Germ Cell-Derived Growth Factor and Regulates the Zebrafish Germ Stem Cell Niche in Autocrine- and Paracrine-Dependent Manners. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081295. [PMID: 35455974 PMCID: PMC9030868 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor (GDNF Family Receptor α1-GFRα1) are well known to mediate spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation and survival in mammalian testes. In nonmammalian species, Gdnf and Gfrα1 orthologs have been found but their functions remain poorly investigated in the testes. Considering this background, this study aimed to understand the roles of the Gdnf-Gfrα1 signaling pathway in zebrafish testes by combining in vivo, in silico and ex vivo approaches. Our analysis showed that zebrafish exhibit two paralogs for Gndf (gdnfa and gdnfb) and its receptor, Gfrα1 (gfrα1a and gfrα1b), in accordance with a teleost-specific third round of whole genome duplication. Expression analysis further revealed that both ligands and receptors were expressed in zebrafish adult testes. Subsequently, we demonstrated that gdnfa is expressed in the germ cells, while Gfrα1a/Gfrα1b was detected in early spermatogonia (mainly in types Aund and Adiff) and Sertoli cells. Functional ex vivo analysis showed that Gdnf promoted the creation of new available niches by stimulating the proliferation of both type Aund spermatogonia and their surrounding Sertoli cells but without changing pou5f3 mRNA levels. Strikingly, Gdnf also inhibited late spermatogonial differentiation, as shown by the decrease in type B spermatogonia and down-regulation of dazl in a co-treatment with Fsh. Altogether, our data revealed that a germ cell-derived factor is involved in maintaining germ cell stemness through the creation of new available niches, supporting the development of spermatogonial cysts and inhibiting late spermatogonial differentiation in autocrine- and paracrine-dependent manners.
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11
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Delbes G, Blázquez M, Fernandino JI, Grigorova P, Hales BF, Metcalfe C, Navarro-Martín L, Parent L, Robaire B, Rwigemera A, Van Der Kraak G, Wade M, Marlatt V. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gonad development: Mechanistic insights from fish and mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112040. [PMID: 34509487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, evidence has emerged that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have an impact on reproductive health. An increased frequency of reproductive disorders has been observed worldwide in both wildlife and humans that is correlated with accidental exposures to EDCs and their increased production. Epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted the consequences of early exposures and the existence of key windows of sensitivity during development. Such early in life exposures can have an immediate impact on gonadal and reproductive tract development, as well as on long-term reproductive health in both males and females. Traditionally, EDCs were thought to exert their effects by modifying the endocrine pathways controlling reproduction. Advances in knowledge of the mechanisms regulating sex determination, differentiation and gonadal development in fish and rodents have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of early exposure to EDCs on reproduction. In this manuscript, we review the key developmental stages sensitive to EDCs and the state of knowledge on the mechanisms by which model EDCs affect these processes, based on the roadmap of gonad development specific to fish and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada.
| | - M Blázquez
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J I Fernandino
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | | | - B F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - C Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Parent
- Université TELUQ, Montréal, Canada
| | - B Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - M Wade
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - V Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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12
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Single-Cell Atlas of Adult Testis in Protogynous Hermaphroditic Orange-Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212607. [PMID: 34830486 PMCID: PMC8618070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a process of self-renewal and differentiation in spermatogonial stem cells. During this process, germ cells and somatic cells interact intricately to ensure long-term fertility and accurate genome propagation. Spermatogenesis has been intensely investigated in mammals but remains poorly understood with regard to teleosts. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ~9500 testicular cells from the male, orange-spotted grouper. In the adult testis, we divided the cells into nine clusters and defined ten cell types, as compared with human testis data, including cell populations with characteristics of male germ cells and somatic cells, each of which expressed specific marker genes. We also identified and profiled the expression patterns of four marker genes (calr, eef1a, s100a1, vasa) in both the ovary and adult testis. Our data provide a blueprint of male germ cells and supporting somatic cells. Moreover, the cell markers are candidates that could be used for further cell identification.
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13
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Li J, Liu Z, Kang T, Li M, Wang D, Cheng CHK. Igf3: a novel player in fish reproduction†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1194-1204. [PMID: 33693502 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, fish reproduction is tightly controlled by gonadotropin signaling. One of the most perplexing aspects of gonadotropin action on germ cell biology is the restricted expression of gonadotropin receptors in somatic cells of the gonads. Therefore, the identification of factors conveying the action of gonadotropins on germ cells is particularly important for understanding the mechanism of reproduction. Insulin-like growth factors (Igfs) are recognized as key factors in regulating reproduction by triggering a series of physiological processes in vertebrates. Recently, a novel member of Igfs called Igf3 has been identified in teleost. Different from the conventional Igf1 and Igf2 that are ubiquitously expressed in a majority of tissues, Igf3 is solely or highly expressed in the fish gonads. The role of Igf3 in mediating the action of gonadotropin through Igf type 1 receptor on several aspects of oogenesis and spermatogenesis have been demonstrated in several fish species. In this review, we will summarize existing data on Igf3. This new information obtained from Igf3 provides insight into elucidating the molecular mechanism of fish reproduction, and also highlights the importance of Igf system in mediating the action of gonadotropin signaling on animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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14
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Skaftnesmo KO, Crespo D, Kleppe L, Andersson E, Edvardsen RB, Norberg B, Fjelldal PG, Hansen TJ, Schulz RW, Wargelius A. Loss of stra8 Increases Germ Cell Apoptosis but Is Still Compatible With Sperm Production in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:657192. [PMID: 33942021 PMCID: PMC8087537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Entering meiosis strictly depends on stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8) gene function in mammals. This gene is missing in a number of fish species, including medaka and zebrafish, but is present in the majority of fishes, including Atlantic salmon. Here, we have examined the effects of removing stra8 on male fertility in Atlantic salmon. As in mammals, stra8 expression was restricted to germ cells in the testis, transcript levels increased during the start of puberty, and decreased when blocking the production of retinoic acid. We targeted the salmon stra8 gene with two gRNAs one of these were highly effective and produced numerous mutations in stra8, which led to a loss of wild-type (WT) stra8 expression in F0 salmon testis. In maturing stra8 crispants, the spermatogenetic tubuli were partially disorganized and displayed a sevenfold increase in germ cell apoptosis, in particular among type B spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The production of spermatogenic cysts, on the other hand, increased in maturing stra8 crispants. Gene expression analysis revealed unchanged (lin28a, ret) or reduced levels (egr1, dusp4) of transcripts associated with undifferentiated spermatogonia. Decreased expression was recorded for some genes expressed in differentiating spermatogonia including dmrt1 and ccnd2 or in spermatocytes, such as ccna1. Different from Stra8-deficient mammals, a large number of germ cells completed spermatogenesis, sperm was produced and fertilization rates were similar in WT and crispant males. While loss of stra8 increased germ cell apoptosis during salmon spermatogenesis, crispants compensated this cell loss by an elevated production of spermatogenic cysts, and were able to produce functional sperm. It appears that also in a fish species with a stra8 gene in the genome, the critical relevance this gene has attained for mammalian spermatogenesis is not yet given, although detrimental effects of the loss of stra8 were clearly visible during maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai O Skaftnesmo
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Diego Crespo
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Tom J Hansen
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway.,Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Institute of Marine Research, Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Bergen, Norway
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15
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Oliveira MA, Martinez ERM, Butzge AJ, Doretto LB, Ricci JMB, Rodrigues MS, Vigoya AAA, Gómez-González NE, Stewart AB, Nóbrega RH. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) adult testes. Gene Expr Patterns 2021; 40:119169. [PMID: 33667682 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2021.119169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (Tgf-β) superfamily required in the regression of Müllerian ducts during gonadal sex differentiation of higher vertebrates. Teleost fish lack Müllerian ducts, but identified Amh orthologs have been shown to exert crucial functions during sex determination and differentiation of several species of teleosts. However, the function of Amh during gametogenesis in adult fish remains poorly investigated. Therefore, to expand present knowledge on the role of Amh in teleosts, the present study aimed to isolate and clone full-length amh cDNA in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, and examine its expression levels throughout the male reproductive cycle and in response to different hormone treatments of testicular explants. Molecular cloning and characterization showed that the common carp Amh precursor amino acid sequence shared common features to other fish Amh precursors, including a conserved C-terminus (Tgf-β domain) and a double proteolytic cleavage site (R-X-X-R-X-X-R) upstream to the Tgf-β domain. Expression analysis showed amh dimorphic expression in the adult gonads with higher expression in the testes than ovaries. In testes, amh mRNA was detected in Sertoli cells contacting different types of germ cells, although the expression was greatest in Sertoli cells associated with type A undifferentiated spermatogonia. Expression analysis during the reproductive cycle showed that amh transcripts were down-regulated during the developing phase, which is characterized by an increased proliferation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells and appearance of spermatocytes (meiosis) in the testes. Furthermore, ex vivo experiments showed that a 7 day exposure to Fsh or estrogens was required to decrease amh mRNA levels in common carp testicular explants. In summary, this study provided information on the molecular characterization and transcript abundance of amh in common carp adult testes. Altogether, these data will be useful for further investigations on sex determination and differentiation in this species, and also to improved strategies for improved carp aquaculture, such as inhibiting precocious maturation of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A Oliveira
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanuel R M Martinez
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arno J Butzge
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M B Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira S Rodrigues
- Aquaculture Program (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angel A A Vigoya
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, San Martín University Foundation (FUSM), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Núria E Gómez-González
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Amanda B Stewart
- Department of Orthopaedics Muscle skeletal Research, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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16
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, Zhang YT, Safian D, Furmanek T, Skaftnesmo KO, Norberg B, Ge W, Choi YC, den Broeder MJ, Legler J, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Insulin-like 3 affects zebrafish spermatogenic cells directly and via Sertoli cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:204. [PMID: 33589679 PMCID: PMC7884674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary hormones can use local signaling molecules to regulate target tissue functions. In adult zebrafish testes, follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) strongly increases the production of insulin-like 3 (Insl3), a Leydig cell-derived growth factor found in all vertebrates. Little information is available regarding Insl3 function in adult spermatogenesis. The Insl3 receptors Rxfp2a and 2b were expressed by type A spermatogonia and Sertoli and myoid cells, respectively, in zebrafish testis tissue. Loss of insl3 increased germ cell apoptosis in males starting at 9 months of age, but spermatogenesis appeared normal in fully fertile, younger adults. Insl3 changed the expression of 409 testicular genes. Among others, retinoic acid (RA) signaling was up- and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) signaling was down-regulated. Follow-up studies showed that RA and Pparg signaling mediated Insl3 effects, resulting in the increased production of differentiating spermatogonia. This suggests that Insl3 recruits two locally active nuclear receptor pathways to implement pituitary (Fsh) stimulation of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Present Address: Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiz H. C. Assis
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Ting Zhang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, PR China ,grid.449133.80000 0004 1764 3555Present Address: Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Diego Safian
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Present Address: Experimental Zoology Group and Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Furmanek
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Wei Ge
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Yung-Ching Choi
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau China
| | - Marjo J. den Broeder
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juliette Legler
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10917.3e0000 0004 0427 3161Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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17
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Li M, Liu X, Dai S, Xiao H, Qi S, Li Y, Zheng Q, Jie M, Cheng CHK, Wang D. Regulation of spermatogenesis and reproductive capacity by Igf3 in tilapia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4921-4938. [PMID: 31955242 PMCID: PMC11104970 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A novel insulin-like growth factor (igf3), which is exclusively expressed in the gonads, has been widely identified in fish species. Recent studies have indicated that Igf3 regulates spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation in zebrafish; however, detailed information on the role of this Igf needs further in vivo investigation. Here, using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as an animal model, we report that igf3 is required for spermatogenesis and reproduction. Knockout of igf3 by CRISPR/Cas9 severely inhibited spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation at 90 days after hatching, the time critical for meiosis initiation, and resulted in less spermatocytes in the mutants. Although spermatogenesis continued to occur later, more spermatocytes and less spermatids were observed in the igf3-/- testes when compared with wild type of testes at adults, indicating that Igf3 regulates spermatocyte to spermatid transition. Importantly, a significantly increased occurrence of apoptosis in spermatids was observed after loss of Igf3. Therefore, igf3-/- males were subfertile with drastically reduced semen volume and sperm count. Conversely, the overexpression of Igf3 in XY tilapia enhanced spermatogenesis leading to more spermatids and sperm count. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the absence of Igf3 resulted in dysregulation of many genes involved in cell cycle, meiosis and pluripotency regulators that are critical for spermatogenesis. In addition, in vitro gonadal culture with 17α-methyltetosterone (MT) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) administration and in vivo knockout of cyp11c1 demonstrated that igf3 expression is regulated by androgens, suggesting that Igf3 acts downstream of androgens in fish spermatogenesis. Notably, the igf3 knockout did not affect body growth, indicating that this Igf specifically functions in reproduction. Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence for fish igf3 in the regulation of reproductive capacity by controlling spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xingyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shengfei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hesheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shuangshuang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mimi Jie
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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18
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Alix M, Kjesbu OS, Anderson KC. From gametogenesis to spawning: How climate-driven warming affects teleost reproductive biology. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:607-632. [PMID: 32564350 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ambient temperature modulates reproductive processes, especially in poikilotherms such as teleosts. Consequently, global warming is expected to impact the reproductive function of fish, which has implications for wild population dynamics, fisheries and aquaculture. In this extensive review spanning tropical and cold-water environments, we examine the impact of higher-than-optimal temperatures on teleost reproductive development and physiology across reproductive stages, species, generations and sexes. In doing so, we demonstrate that warmer-than-optimal temperatures can affect every stage of reproductive development from puberty through to the act of spawning, and these responses are mediated by age at spawning and are associated with changes in physiology at multiple levels of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis. Response to temperature is often species-specific and changes with environmental history/transgenerational conditioning, and the amplitude, timing and duration of thermal exposure within a generation. Thermally driven changes to physiology, gamete development and maturation typically culminate in poor sperm and oocyte quality, and/or advancement/delay/inhibition of ovulation/spermiation and spawning. Although the field of teleost reproduction and temperature is advanced in many respects, we identify areas where research is lacking, especially for males and egg quality from "omics" perspectives. Climate-driven warming will continue to disturb teleost reproductive performance and therefore guide future research, especially in the emerging areas of transgenerational acclimation and epigenetic studies, which will help to understand and project climate change impacts on wild populations and could also have implications for aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Alix
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Kelli C Anderson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania Newnham Campus, Newnham, Tasmania, Australia
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Pan P, Ma F, Wu K, Yu Y, Li Y, Li Z, Chen X, Huang T, Wang Y, Ge RS. Maternal exposure to zearalenone in masculinization window affects the fetal Leydig cell development in rat male fetus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114357. [PMID: 32229375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone is a phenolic Fusarium mycotoxin, which is ubiquitous in human and animal feedstuff and often co-occurs with other mycotoxins. ZEA has been reported to disturb Leydig cell function and even cause the apoptosis to the Leydig cells. However, the effects of gestational exposure to zearalenone on fetal Leydig cells and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. Sprague Dawley dams were daily gavaged with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weight ZEA from gestational day 14-21. On gestational day 21, rats were euthanized and serum testosterone levels were measured, and testes were collected for further evaluation of Leydig cell number, cell size, gene, and protein expression. Zearalenone significantly decreased anogenital distance and its index of male fetus, serum testosterone levels, Leydig cell proteins (SCARB1, STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and INSL3), and fetal Leydig cell number at 10 and/or 20 mg/kg by delaying the commitment of stem Leydig cells into the Leydig cell lineage and proliferation. Further study found that Notch signaling (RFNG, PSEN1, NOTCH1, and NOTCH3) was up-regulated by zearalenone. In conclusion, gestational exposure to high doses of zearalenone (10 and 20 mg/kg) blocks fetal Leydig cell development, thus possibly causing the anomalies of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zengqiang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Tongliang Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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Xie X, Nóbrega R, Pšenička M. Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Fish: Characterization, Isolation, Enrichment, and Recent Advances of In Vitro Culture Systems. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E644. [PMID: 32331205 PMCID: PMC7226347 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a continuous and dynamic developmental process, in which a single diploid spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferates and differentiates to form a mature spermatozoon. Herein, we summarize the accumulated knowledge of SSCs and their distribution in the testes of teleosts. We also reviewed the primary endocrine and paracrine influence on spermatogonium self-renewal vs. differentiation in fish. To provide insight into techniques and research related to SSCs, we review available protocols and advances in enriching undifferentiated spermatogonia based on their unique physiochemical and biochemical properties, such as size, density, and differential expression of specific surface markers. We summarize in vitro germ cell culture conditions developed to maintain proliferation and survival of spermatogonia in selected fish species. In traditional culture systems, sera and feeder cells were considered to be essential for SSC self-renewal, in contrast to recently developed systems with well-defined media and growth factors to induce either SSC self-renewal or differentiation in long-term cultures. The establishment of a germ cell culture contributes to efficient SSC propagation in rare, endangered, or commercially cultured fish species for use in biotechnological manipulation, such as cryopreservation and transplantation. Finally, we discuss organ culture and three-dimensional models for in vitro investigation of fish spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
| | - Rafael Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP 18618-970, Brazil;
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
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Thönnes M, Vogt M, Steinborn K, Hausken KN, Levavi-Sivan B, Froschauer A, Pfennig F. An ex vivo Approach to Study Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis in the Teleost Oreochromis niloticus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32793114 PMCID: PMC7366826 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the male reproductive organ, the main task of the testis is the production of fertile, haploid spermatozoa. This process, named spermatogenesis, starts with spermatogonial stem cells, which undergo a species-specific number of mitotic divisions until starting meiosis and further morphological maturation. The pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone, are indispensable for vertebrate spermatogenesis, but we are still far from fully understanding the complex regulatory networks involved in this process. Therefore, we developed an ex vivo testis cultivation system which allows evaluating the occurring changes in histology and gene expression. The experimental circulatory flow-through setup described in this work provides the possibility to study the function of the male tilapia gonads on a cellular and transcriptional level for at least 7 days. After 1 week of culture, tilapia testis slices kept their structure and all stages of spermatogenesis could be detected histologically. Without pituitary extract (tilPE) however, fibrotic structures appeared, whereas addition of tilPE preserved spermatogenic cysts and somatic interstitium completely. We could show that tilPE has a stimulatory effect on spermatogonia proliferation in our culture system. In the presence of tilPE or hCG, the gene expression of steroidogenesis related genes (cyp11b2 and stAR2) were notably increased. Other testicular genes like piwil1, amh, or dmrt1 were not expressed differentially in the presence or absence of gonadotropins or gonadotropin containing tilPE. We established a suitable system for studying tilapia spermatogenesis ex vivo with promise for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Thönnes
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marlen Vogt
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Steinborn
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Krist N. Hausken
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Froschauer
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Pfennig
- Faculty of Biology, School of Science, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Frank Pfennig
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22
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Safian D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Regulation of spermatogonial development by Fsh: The complementary roles of locally produced Igf and Wnt signaling molecules in adult zebrafish testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113244. [PMID: 31415728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a cellular developmental process characterized by the coordinated proliferation and differentiation activities of somatic and germ cells in order to produce a large number of spermatozoa, the cellular basis of male fertility. Somatic cells in the testis, such as Leydig, peritubular myoid and Sertoli cells, provide structural and metabolic support and contribute to the regulatory microenvironment required for proper germ cell survival and development. The pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) is a major endocrine regulator of vertebrate spermatogenesis, targeting somatic cell functions in the testes. In fish, Fsh regulates Leydig and Sertoli cell functions, such as sex steroid and growth factor production, processes that also control the development of spermatogonia, the germ cell stages at the basis of the spermatogenic process. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms used by Fsh to regulate the development of spermatogonia. This involves discussing the roles of insulin-like growth factor (Igf) 3 and canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. We will also discuss how these locally active regulatory systems interact to maintain testis tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Reproduction and Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, van de Kant HJG, de Waard S, Safian D, Lemos MS, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Endocrine and local signaling interact to regulate spermatogenesis in zebrafish: follicle-stimulating hormone, retinoic acid and androgens. Development 2019; 146:dev.178665. [PMID: 31597660 DOI: 10.1242/dev.178665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is crucial for mammalian spermatogonia differentiation, and stimulates Stra8 expression, a gene required for meiosis. Certain fish species, including zebrafish, have lost the stra8 gene. While RA still seems important for spermatogenesis in fish, it is not known which stage(s) respond to RA or whether its effects are integrated into the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis. In zebrafish, RA promoted spermatogonia differentiation, supported androgen-stimulated meiosis, and reduced spermatocyte and spermatid apoptosis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) stimulated RA production. Expressing a dominant-negative RA receptor variant in germ cells clearly disturbed spermatogenesis but meiosis and spermiogenesis still took place, although sperm quality was low in 6-month-old adults. This condition also activated Leydig cells. Three months later, spermatogenesis apparently had recovered, but doubling of testis weight demonstrated hypertrophy, apoptosis/DNA damage among spermatids was high and sperm quality remained low. We conclude that RA signaling is important for zebrafish spermatogenesis but is not of crucial relevance. As Fsh stimulates androgen and RA production, germ cell-mediated, RA-dependent reduction of Leydig cell activity may form a hitherto unknown intratesticular negative-feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Luiz H C Assis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Henk J G van de Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Sjors de Waard
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Moline S Lemos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands .,Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen NO-5817, Norway
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Schulz RW, Taranger GL, Bogerd J, Nijenhuis W, Norberg B, Male R, Andersson E. Entry into puberty is reflected in changes in hormone production but not in testicular receptor expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:48. [PMID: 31226998 PMCID: PMC6588918 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Puberty in male Atlantic salmon in aquaculture can start as early as after the first winter in seawater, stunts growth and entails welfare problems due to the maturation-associated loss of osmoregulation capacity in seawater. A better understanding of the regulation of puberty is the basis for developing improved cultivation approaches that avoid these problems. Our aim here was to identify morphological and molecular markers signaling the initiation of, and potential involvement in, testis maturation. METHODS In the first experiment, we monitored for the first time in large Atlantic salmon males several reproductive parameters during 17 months including the first reproductive cycle. Since testicular growth accelerated after the Winter solstice, we focused in the second experiment on the 5 months following the winter solstice, exposing fish from February 1 onwards to the natural photoperiod (NL) or to continuous additional light (LL). RESULTS In the first experiment, testis weight, plasma androgens and pituitary gonadotropin transcript levels increased with the appearance of type B spermatogonia in the testis, but testicular transcript levels for gonadotropin or androgen receptors did not change while being clearly detectable. In the second experiment, all males kept under NL had been recruited into puberty until June. However, recruitment into puberty was blocked in ~ 40% of the males exposed to LL. The first morphological sign of recruitment was an increased proliferation activity of single spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Irrespective of the photoperiod, this early sign of testis maturation was accompanied by elevated pituitary gnrhr4 and fshb and testicular igf3 transcript levels as well as increased plasma androgen levels. The transition into puberty occurred again with stable testicular gonadotropin and androgen receptor transcript levels. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity to reproductive hormones is already established before puberty starts and up-regulation of testicular hormone receptor expression is not required to facilitate entry into puberty. The increased availability of receptor ligands, on the other hand, may result from an up-regulation of pituitary Gnrh receptor expression, eventually activating testicular growth factor and sex steroid release and driving germ and Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger W Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geir Lasse Taranger
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Nijenhuis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Male
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.
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The initiation of puberty in Atlantic salmon brings about large changes in testicular gene expression that are modulated by the energy status. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:475. [PMID: 31185904 PMCID: PMC6558769 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When puberty starts before males reach harvest size, animal welfare and sustainability issues occur in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. Hallmarks of male puberty are an increased proliferation activity in the testis and elevated androgen production. Examining transcriptional changes in salmon testis during the transition from immature to maturing testes may help understanding the regulation of puberty, potentially leading to procedures to modulate its start. Since differences in body weight influence, via unknown mechanisms, the chances for entering puberty, we used two feed rations to create body weight differences. Results Maturing testes were characterized by an elevated proliferation activity of Sertoli cells and of single undifferentiated spermatogonia. Pituitary gene expression data suggest increased Gnrh receptor and gonadotropin gene expression, potentially responsible for the elevated circulating androgen levels in maturing fish. Transcriptional changes in maturing testes included a broad variety of signaling systems (e.g. Tgfβ, Wnt, insulin/Igf, nuclear receptors), but also, activation of metabolic pathways such as anaerobic metabolism and protection against ROS. Feed restriction lowered the incidence of puberty. In males maturing despite feed restriction, plasma androgen levels were higher than in maturing fish receiving the full ration. A group of 449 genes that were up-regulated in maturing fully fed fish, was up-regulated more prominently in testis from fish maturing under caloric restriction. Moreover, 421 genes were specifically up-regulated in testes from fish maturing under caloric restriction, including carbon metabolism genes, a pathway relevant for nucleotide biosynthesis and for placing epigenetic marks. Conclusions Undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cell populations increased at the beginning of puberty, which was associated with the up-regulation of metabolic pathways (e.g. anaerobic and ROS pathways) known from other stem cell systems. The higher androgen levels in males maturing under caloric restriction may be responsible for the stronger up-regulation of a common set of (449) maturation-associated genes, and the specific up-regulation of another set of (421) genes. The latter opened regulatory and/or metabolic options for initiating puberty despite feed restriction. As a means to reduce the incidence of male puberty in salmon, however, caloric restriction seems unsuitable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Safian D, Ryane N, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Fsh stimulates Leydig cell Wnt5a production, enriching zebrafish type A spermatogonia. J Endocrinol 2018; 239:351-363. [PMID: 30400013 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) modulates vertebrate spermatogenesis by regulating somatic cell functions in the testis. We have found previously that zebrafish Fsh stimulated the differentiating proliferation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) in an androgen-independent manner by regulating the production of growth factors and other signaling molecules in both Sertoli (SCs) and Leydig cells (LCs). For example, Fsh triggered the release of Igf3 that subsequently activated β-catenin signaling to promote the differentiating proliferation of Aund. In the present study, we report that Fsh moreover uses the non-canonical Wnt pathway to promote the proliferation and accumulation of Aund. Initially, we found that the stimulatory effect of Fsh on the proliferation activity of Aund was further strengthened when β-catenin signaling was inhibited, resulting in an accumulation of Aund. We then showed that this Fsh-induced accumulation of Aund was associated with increased transcript levels of the non-canonical Wnt ligand, wnt5a. In situ hybridization of insl3 mRNA, a gene expressed in LCs, combined with Wnt5a immunocytochemistry identified LCs as the cellular source of Wnt5a in the adult zebrafish testis. Addition of an antagonist of Wnt5a to incubations with Fsh decreased both the proliferation activity and the relative section area occupied by Aund, while an agonist of Wnt5a increased these same parameters for Aund. Taken together, our data suggest that Fsh triggered LCs to release Wnt5a, which then promoted the proliferation and accumulation of Aund. Hence, Fsh uses non-canonical Wnt signaling to ensure the production of Aund, while also triggering β-catenin signaling via Igf3 to ensure spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Najoua Ryane
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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Roy A, Basak R, Rai U. In silico analysis, seasonal variation and gonadotropic regulation of jag1 and its receptor notch1 in testis of spotted snakehead Channa punctatus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:166-177. [PMID: 29772210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study in seasonally breeding spotted snakehead Channa punctatus, for the first time in nonmammalian vertebrates, demonstrated correlation between reproductive phase-dependent testicular expression of ligand Jag1/receptor Notch1 and spermatogenic events. Testicular transcriptome sequencing data from our earlier study in C. punctatus was used in the present study to select the best transcript for jag1 (cpjag1) and notch1 (cpnotch1). The transcripts cpjag1 and cpnotch1 encoded full-length putative proteins of 1215 (cpJag1) and 2475 (cpNotch1) amino acids, respectively. A marked homology in the extracellular domains of Jag1 and Notch1 was observed following their alignment with respective proteins from different vertebrates, suggesting conservation in ligand-receptor interaction in C. punctatus. Both cpJag1 and cpNotch1 showed phylogenetic closeness with their teleostean counterparts, especially with that of Perciformes. Temporal expression of cpjag1 and cpnotch1 in testis depending on reproductive phases showed an appreciably high expression during spermatogenically inactive resting and postspawning phases when seminiferous lobules consisted of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia. Their expression sharply declined during spermatogenically active preparatory and spawning phases. It appears that involvement of cpjag1/cpnotch1 is restricted to inactive phases when spermatogonial stem cells renew themselves and replenish undifferentiated spermatogonia. This assumption is ascertained by an experimental study in which high level of testicular cpjag1/cpnotch1 expression in control fish of resting phase markedly decreased after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin that is known to induce proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia and spawning of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alivia Roy
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Reetuparna Basak
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
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Safian D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Igf3 activates β-catenin signaling to stimulate spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:245-257. [PMID: 29941503 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) is a major regulator of spermatogenesis, targeting somatic cell functions in the testes. We reported previously that zebrafish Fsh promoted the differentiation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) by stimulating the production of factors that advance germ cell differentiation, such as androgens, insulin-like peptide 3 (Insl3) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3). In addition, Fsh also modulated the transcript levels of several other genes, including some belonging to the Wnt signaling pathway. Here, we evaluated if and how Fsh utilizes part of the canonical Wnt pathway to regulate the development of spermatogonia. We quantified the proliferation activity and relative section areas occupied by Aund and type A differentiating (Adiff) spermatogonia and we analyzed the expression of selected genes in response to recombinant proteins and pharmacological inhibitors. We found that from the three downstream mediators of Fsh activity we examined, Igf3, but not 11-ketotestosterone or Insl3, modulated the transcript levels of two β-catenin sensitive genes (cyclinD1 and axin2). Using a zebrafish β-catenin signaling reporter line, we showed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in type A spermatogonia and that this activation did not depend on the release of Wnt ligands. Pharmacological inhibition of the β-catenin or of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways revealed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in a manner involving PI3K to promote the differentiation of Aund to Adiff spermatogonia. This mechanism represents an intriguing example for a pituitary hormone like Fsh using Igf signaling to recruit the evolutionary conserved, local β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology GroupInstitute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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de Castro Assis LH, de Nóbrega RH, Gómez-González NE, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Estrogen-induced inhibition of spermatogenesis in zebrafish is largely reversed by androgen. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:273-284. [PMID: 29476039 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis involves both gonadotropins and steroid hormones. Long-term in vivo exposure of adult zebrafish to estrogen impaired spermatogenesis associated with an androgen insufficiency, possibly induced by inhibiting gonadotropin release. Using this experimental model, we investigated if androgen treatment could enhance spermatogenesis, while maintaining the inhibition of gonadotropin release through continued estrogen exposure. Moreover, we also exposed animals to androgen alone, in order to examine androgen effects in the absence of estrogen-induced gonadotropin inhibition. Estrogen exposure depleted type B spermatogonia, meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells from the adult testis, but promoted the proliferation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia, which accumulated in the testis. This change in germ cell composition was accompanied by reduced mRNA levels of those growth factors (e.g. insl3 and igf3) expressed by testicular somatic cells and known to stimulate spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish. Additional androgen (11-ketoandrostenedione, which is converted to 11-ketotestosterone) treatment in vivo reversed most of the effects of estrogen exposure on spermatogenesis while insl3 and igf3 transcript levels remained suppressed. When androgen treatment was given alone, it promoted the production of haploid cells at the expense of spermatogonia, and increased transcript levels of some growth factor and hormone receptor genes, but not those of insl3 or igf3 We conclude that estrogen exposure efficiently inhibits spermatogenesis because it induces androgen insufficiency and suppresses gonadotropin-regulated growth factors known to stimulate germ cell differentiation. Moreover, our results suggest that androgens and the growth factors Insl3 and Igf3 stimulate spermatogenesis via independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Henrique de Castro Assis
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rafael Henrique de Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology GroupDepartment of Morphology, Institute of Bioscience of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nuria Esther Gómez-González
- Department of Cell Biology and HistologyFaculty of Biology, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger Winfried Schulz
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Castro AJG, Baptista IE, de Moura KRS, Padilha F, Tonietto J, de Souza AZP, Soares CHL, Silva FRMB, Van Der Kraak G. Exposure to a Brazilian pulp mill effluent impacts the testis and liver in the zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 206-207:41-47. [PMID: 29499384 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While many studies have shown that pulp mill effluents can affect ovarian physiology in fish, far fewer studies have considered the effects in males. We conducted a lab study to examine the effects of effluent from a Brazilian pulp and paper mill on hepatic and testicular morphology and various aspects of testicular physiology in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Males were exposed to lab water (control) or 4% effluent for 14 days. Effluent exposure did not affect testis size as measured by the gonadosomatic index, but contributed to morphological changes in the seminiferous tubules. The number of cysts with histopathological changes was elevated in effluent-exposed fish and the number of cysts containing spermatids was significantly reduced. The testis of effluent exposed fish had reduced levels of lactate, elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity, increased levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced levels of phosphorylated P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (pP38 MAPK). Separate studies showed that the addition of lactate to testicular tissue incubated in vitro increased the activation of P38 MAPK. Effluent exposure also increased vacuolization, necrosis, apoptosis, hyperemia, and fat infiltration of the hepatocytes. Collectively, we provide evidence of short term effects of pulp mill effluent on testicular and hepatic physiology and biochemistry in the zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Eunice Baptista
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Padilha
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliana Tonietto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Glen Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor: Advances and Remaining Challenges. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 338:1-58. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Divergence of insulin superfamily ligands, receptors and Igf binding proteins in marine versus freshwater stickleback: Evidence of selection in known and novel genes. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2017; 25:53-61. [PMID: 29149730 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a teleost model for understanding genetic, physiological and morphological changes accompanying freshwater (FW) adaptation. There is growing evidence that the insulin superfamily plays important roles in traits involved in marine and FW adaptation. We performed a candidate gene analysis to look for evidence of selection on 33 insulin superfamily ligand-receptor genes and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (Igfbp's) in stickleback. Using genotype data from 11 marine and 10 FW populations, we calculated the number of SNPs per site in regulatory and intronic regions, the number of synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations in coding regions, Wright's fixation index (Fst), and performed t-tests to identify SNPs with divergent genotype frequencies between marine/FW versus Atlantic/Pacific populations. Next, we analysed genome-wide transcriptome data from eight tissues to assess differential gene expression. Two Igfbp's (Igfbp2a and Igfbp5a) show evidence of divergent adaptation between life-history types, and a cluster of nonsynonymous mutations in Igfbp5a exhibit high Fst in exons apparently alternatively spliced in gill. We find evidence of selection on the relaxin family ligand-receptor gene pair, Insl3-Rxfp2, known to be involved in male spermatogenesis and bone metabolism, and in the 5' regulatory region of Igf2. We also confirmed the gene and coding sequence of two unannotated relaxin family ligands. These analyses underscore the utility of candidate gene studies and indicate directions for further exploration of the function of insulin superfamily genes in FW adaptation.
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Skaftnesmo KO, Edvardsen RB, Furmanek T, Crespo D, Andersson E, Kleppe L, Taranger GL, Bogerd J, Schulz RW, Wargelius A. Integrative testis transcriptome analysis reveals differentially expressed miRNAs and their mRNA targets during early puberty in Atlantic salmon. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:801. [PMID: 29047327 PMCID: PMC5648517 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms implementing pubertal maturation of the testis in vertebrates is incomplete. This topic is relevant in Atlantic salmon aquaculture, since precocious male puberty negatively impacts animal welfare and growth. We hypothesize that certain miRNAs modulate mRNAs relevant for the initiation of puberty. To explore which miRNAs regulate mRNAs during initiation of puberty in salmon, we performed an integrated transcriptome analysis (miRNA and mRNA-seq) of salmon testis at three stages of development: an immature, long-term quiescent stage, a prepubertal stage just before, and a pubertal stage just after the onset of single cell proliferation activity in the testis. RESULTS Differentially expressed miRNAs clustered into 5 distinct expression profiles related to the immature, prepubertal and pubertal salmon testis. Potential mRNA targets of these miRNAs were predicted with miRmap and filtered for mRNAs displaying negatively correlated expression patterns. In summary, this analysis revealed miRNAs previously known to be regulated in immature vertebrate testis (miR-101, miR-137, miR-92b, miR-18a, miR-20a), but also miRNAs first reported here as regulated in the testis (miR-new289, miR-30c, miR-724, miR-26b, miR-new271, miR-217, miR-216a, miR-135a, miR-new194 and the novel predicted n268). By KEGG enrichment analysis, progesterone signaling and cell cycle pathway genes were found regulated by these differentially expressed miRNAs. During the transition into puberty we found differential expression of miRNAs previously associated (let7a/b/c), or newly associated (miR-15c, miR-2184, miR-145 and the novel predicted n7a and b) with this stage. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that mRNAs of the Wnt, Hedgehog and Apelin signaling pathways were potential regulated targets during the transition into puberty. Likewise, several regulated miRNAs in the pubertal stage had earlier been associated (miR-20a, miR-25, miR-181a, miR-202, let7c/d/a, miR-125b, miR-222a/b, miR-190a) or have now been found connected (miR-2188, miR-144, miR-731, miR-8157 and the novel n2) to the initiation of puberty. CONCLUSIONS This study has - for the first time - linked testis maturation to specific miRNAs and their inversely correlated expressed targets in Atlantic salmon. The study indicates a broad functional conservation of already known miRNAs and associated pathways involved in the transition into puberty in vertebrates. The analysis also reveals miRNAs not previously associated with testis tissue or its maturation, which calls for further functional studies in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K O Skaftnesmo
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - R B Edvardsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - T Furmanek
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - D Crespo
- Reproductive Biology group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Andersson
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - L Kleppe
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - G L Taranger
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - J Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R W Schulz
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.,Reproductive Biology group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Wargelius
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
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Morais RDVS, Crespo D, Nóbrega RH, Lemos MS, van de Kant HJG, de França LR, Male R, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Antagonistic regulation of spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Igf3 and Amh. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017. [PMID: 28645700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fsh-mediated regulation of zebrafish spermatogenesis includes modulating the expression of testicular growth factors. Here, we study if and how two Sertoli cell-derived Fsh-responsive growth factors, anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh; inhibiting steroidogenesis and germ cell differentiation) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3; stimulating germ cell differentiation), cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development. In dose response and time course experiments with primary testis tissue cultures, Fsh up-regulated igf3 transcript levels and down-regulated amh transcript levels; igf3 transcript levels were more rapidly up-regulated and responded to lower Fsh concentrations than were required to decrease amh mRNA levels. Quantification of immunoreactive Amh and Igf3 on testis sections showed that Fsh increased slightly Igf3 staining but decreased clearly Amh staining. Studying the direct interaction of the two growth factors showed that Amh compromised Igf3-stimulated proliferation of type A (both undifferentiated [Aund] and differentiating [Adiff]) spermatogonia. Also the proliferation of those Sertoli cells associated with Aund spermatogonia was reduced by Amh. To gain more insight into how Amh inhibits germ cell development, we examined Amh-induced changes in testicular gene expression by RNA sequencing. The majority (69%) of the differentially expressed genes was down-regulated by Amh, including several stimulators of spermatogenesis, such as igf3 and steroidogenesis-related genes. At the same time, Amh increased the expression of inhibitory signals, such as inha and id3, or facilitated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling. Evaluating one of the potentially inhibitory signals, we indeed found in tissue culture experiments that PGE2 promoted the accumulation of Aund at the expense of Adiff and B spermatogonia. Our data suggest that an important aspect of Fsh bioactivity in stimulating spermatogenesis is implemented by restricting the different inhibitory effects of Amh and by counterbalancing them with stimulatory signals, such as Igf3.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D V S Morais
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - D Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R H Nóbrega
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Morphology (R.H.N.), Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, 18618-970 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - M S Lemos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - H J G van de Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L R de França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil; National Institute of Amazonian Research (L.R.F.), Manaus, Brazil
| | - R Male
- Department of Molecular Biology (R.M.), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - J Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - R W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology (R.W.S.), Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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Kleppe L, Andersson E, Skaftnesmo KO, Edvardsen RB, Fjelldal PG, Norberg B, Bogerd J, Schulz RW, Wargelius A. Sex steroid production associated with puberty is absent in germ cell-free salmon. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12584. [PMID: 28974703 PMCID: PMC5626747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12936-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In all vertebrates studied so far, germ cells are not required for pubertal maturation of the gonadal steroidogenic system, subsequent development of secondary sex characteristics and reproductive behavior. To explore if the absence of germ cells affects puberty or growth in Atlantic salmon, germ cell-free (GCF), dnd knockout and wild type (WT) postsmolts were stimulated to enter puberty. No GCF fish entered puberty, whereas 66.7% (males) and 30% (females) WT fish completed or entered puberty, respectively. Expression of genes related to steroidogenesis (star, cyp17a1, cyp11β, cyp19a1a), gonadal somatic cells (insl3, amh, igf3), oocytes (bmp15), gonadotropin receptors (fshr, lhcgr), and pituitary gonadotropic cells (fshb, lhb, gnrhr4) showed an immature status and failure to up-regulate gonadal sex steroid production in male and female GCF fish was also reflected in low or undetectable plasma sex steroids (11-ketotestosterone, estradiol-17β and testosterone). A gender difference (high in females, low in males) was found in the expression of star and cyp17a1 in GCF fish. No clear difference in growth was detected between GCF and immature WT fish, while growth was compromised in maturing WT males. We demonstrate for the first time in a vertebrate that germ cells are required for pubertal activation of the somatic steroidogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Kleppe
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eva Andersson
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf B Edvardsen
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Institute of Marine Research, Matre Aquaculture Research Station, 5984, Matredal, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, 5392, Storebø, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway.,Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, NO-5817, Bergen, Norway
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Crisóstomo L, Alves MG, Calamita G, Sousa M, Oliveira PF. Glycerol and testicular activity: the good, the bad and the ugly. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:725-737. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
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Blázquez M, Medina P, Crespo B, Gómez A, Zanuy S. Identification of conserved genes triggering puberty in European sea bass males (Dicentrarchus labrax) by microarray expression profiling. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:441. [PMID: 28583077 PMCID: PMC5460432 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a complex process characterized by the activation and/or repression of a number of genes in a spatio-temporal manner. Pubertal development in males starts with the onset of the first spermatogenesis and implies the division of primary spermatogonia and their subsequent entry into meiosis. This study is aimed at the characterization of genes involved in the onset of puberty in European sea bass, and constitutes the first transcriptomic approach focused on meiosis in this species. RESULTS European sea bass testes collected at the onset of puberty (first successful reproduction) were grouped in stage I (resting stage), and stage II (proliferative stage). Transition from stage I to stage II was marked by an increase of 11ketotestosterone (11KT), the main fish androgen, whereas the transcriptomic study resulted in 315 genes differentially expressed between the two stages. The onset of puberty induced 1) an up-regulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle and meiosis progression, 2) changes in genes related with reproduction and growth, and 3) a down-regulation of genes included in the retinoic acid (RA) signalling pathway. The analysis of GO-terms and biological pathways showed that cell cycle, cell division, cellular metabolic processes, and reproduction were affected, consistent with the early events that occur during the onset of puberty. Furthermore, changes in the expression of three RA nuclear receptors point at the importance of the RA-signalling pathway during this period, in agreement with its role in meiosis. CONCLUSION The results contribute to boost our knowledge of the early molecular and endocrine events that trigger pubertal development and the onset of spermatogenesis in fish. These include an increase in 11KT plasma levels and changes in the expression of several genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, meiosis or RA-signalling pathway. Moreover, the results can be applied to study meiosis in this economically important fish species for Mediterranean countries, and may help to develop tools for its sustainable aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Blázquez
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Castellón, Spain. .,Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Maritim 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paula Medina
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Castellón, Spain.,Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Maritim 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Present address: Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Berta Crespo
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Castellón, Spain.,Present address: UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ana Gómez
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Castellón, Spain
| | - Silvia Zanuy
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Castellón, Spain.
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Safian D, van der Kant HJG, Crespo D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Regulates igfbp Gene Expression Directly or via Downstream Effectors to Modulate Igf3 Effects on Zebrafish Spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:328. [PMID: 29209278 PMCID: PMC5702253 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous work showed that pharmacological inactivation of Igf-binding proteins (Igfbps), modulators of Igf activity, resulted in an excessive differentiation of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia in zebrafish testis in tissue culture when Fsh was present in the incubation medium. Using this testis tissue culture system, we studied here the regulation of igfbp transcript levels by Fsh and two of its downstream effectors, Igf3 and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). We also explored how Fsh-modulated igfbp expression affected spermatogonial proliferation by adding or removing the Igfbp inhibitor NBI-31772 at different times. Fsh (100 ng/mL) decreased the transcript levels of igfbp1a, -3, and -6a after 1 or 3 days, while increasing igfbp2a and -5b expression, but only after 5 days of incubation. Igf3 down-regulated the same igfbp transcripts as Fsh but with a delay of at least 4 days. 11-KT increased the transcripts (igfbp2a and 5b) that were elevated by Fsh and decreased those of igfbp6a, as did Fsh, while 11-KT did not change igfbp1a or -3 transcript levels. To evaluate Igfbps effects on spermatogenesis, we quantified under different conditions the mitotic indices and relative section areas occupied by the different spermatogonial generations (type Aund, type A differentiating (Adiff), or type B (B) spermatogonia). Igf3 (100 ng/mL) increased the area occupied by Adiff and B while decreasing the one for Aund. Interestingly, a concentration of Igf3 that was inactive by itself (25 ng/mL) became active in the presence of the Igfbp inhibitor NBI-31772 and mimicked the effect of 100 ng/mL Igf3 on spermatogonia. Studies exploiting the different dynamics of igfbp expression in response to Fsh and adding or removing NBI-31772 at different times showed that the quick downregulation of three igfbp as well as the delayed upregulated of two igfbps all support Igf3 bioactivity, namely the stimulation of spermatogonial differentiation. We conclude that Fsh modulates, directly or via androgens and Igf3, igfbp gene expression, supporting Igf3 bioactivity either by decreasing igfbp1a, -3, -6a or by increasing igfbp2a and -5b gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Henk J. G. van der Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Diego Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Rüdiger W. Schulz,
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Verderame M, Scudiero R, Limatola E. Exploring the Role of Estrogens in Lizard Spermatogenesis through the Study of Clomiphene and FSH Effects. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017:4760638. [PMID: 29463981 PMCID: PMC5804365 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4760638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a fascinating biological process aiming to generate haploid spermatozoa from diploid spermatogonia through a specific hormonal network between gonadotropins and steroids. Increasing evidence suggests that the primary female sex hormone estrogen plays an active role in this process. This research points out on the role of estrogen during lizard spermatogenesis by using three experimental approaches: (1) exposure to an analogue of nonsteroidal estrogen as Clomiphene citrate that acts both as estrogen agonist and antagonist; (2) exposure to the gonadotropin FSH; and (3) exposures to FSH followed by Clomiphene. Histological and immunohistochemical results demonstrate that in the lizard Podarcis sicula during the mating period, Clomiphene as well as FSH determines the breakdown of spermatogenesis and the epididymal regression, presumably through estrogens input as indirectly demonstrated by the appearance of ERα and vitellogenin in the liver. The ability of Clomiphene to restore the gonadal natural condition after FSH treatment is also demonstrated. Finally, data indicate that lizard testis and epididymis control their morphophysiology regulating the intracellular presence of ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Ermelinda Limatola
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Safian D, Morais RDVS, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Igf Binding Proteins Protect Undifferentiated Spermatogonia in the Zebrafish Testis Against Excessive Differentiation. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4423-4433. [PMID: 27689414 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate the availability of IGFs for their cognate receptors. In zebrafish testes, IGF3 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia, and igf3 expression is strongly elevated by FSH but also responds to T3. Here we report the effects of FSH and T3 on igfbp transcript levels in adult zebrafish testis. We then examined T3 and FSH effects on zebrafish spermatogenesis and explored the relevance of IGFBPs in modulating these T3 or FSH effects, using a primary tissue culture system for adult zebrafish testis. T3 up-regulated igfbp1a and igfbp3 expression, whereas FSH reduced igfbp1a transcript levels. To quantify effects on spermatogenesis, we determined the mitotic index and relative section areas occupied by Aund, type A differentiating, or type B spermatogonia. In general, T3 and FSH stimulated spermatogonial proliferation and increased the areas occupied by spermatogonia, suggesting that both self-renewal and differentiating divisions were stimulated. Preventing IGF/IGFBP interaction by NBI-31772 further increased T3- or FSH-induced spermatogonial proliferation. However, under these conditions the more differentiated type A differentiating and B spermatogonia occupied larger surface areas at the expense of the area held by Aund spermatogonia. Clearly decreased nanos2 transcript levels are in agreement with this finding, and reduced amh expression may have facilitated spermatogonial differentiation. We conclude that elevating IGF3 bioactivity by blocking IGFBPs shifted T3- or FSH-induced signaling from stimulating spermatogonial self-renewal as well as differentiation toward predominantly stimulating spermatogonial differentiation, which leads to a depletion of type Aund spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group (D.S., R.D.V.S.M., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Institute of Marine Research (R.W.S.), Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Roberto D V S Morais
- Reproductive Biology Group (D.S., R.D.V.S.M., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Institute of Marine Research (R.W.S.), Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group (D.S., R.D.V.S.M., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Institute of Marine Research (R.W.S.), Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group (D.S., R.D.V.S.M., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Institute of Marine Research (R.W.S.), Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
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