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Zhao X, Huang Z, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Zhu F, Zhang H, Zhou D. MAGEB2-Mediated Degradation of EGR1 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Lines. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:3610466. [PMID: 37304127 PMCID: PMC10256451 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3610466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are committed to initiating and maintaining male spermatogenesis, which is the foundation of male fertility. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SSC fate decisions is critical for controlling spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the key molecules and mechanisms responsible for regulating human SSC development are not clearly understood. Here, we analyzed normal human testis single-cell sequencing data from the GEO dataset (GSE149512 and GSE112013). Melanoma antigen gene B2 (MAGEB2) was found to be predominantly expressed in human SSCs and further validated by immunohistology. Overexpression of MAGEB2 in SSC lines severely weakened cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Further, using protein interaction prediction, molecular docking, and immunoprecipitation, we found that MAGEB2 interacted with early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in SSC lines. Reexpression of EGR1 in MAGEB2 overexpression cells partially rescued decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, MAGEB2 was shown to be downregulated in specific NOA patients, implying that abnormal expression of MAGEB2 may impair spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our results offer new insights into the functional and regulatory mechanisms in MAGEB2-mediated human SSC line proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueheng Zhao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yongzhe Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421000, China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
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Saito H, Yokota S, Kitajima S. Immunohistochemical analysis of the vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells is a powerful tool for the prediction of spermatogenic dysfunction. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152046. [PMID: 37224719 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152046] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The close interaction between male germ cells and Sertoli cells, a type of somatic cell found in the seminiferous tubules of mammalian testis, is essential for the normal progression of spermatogenesis in mammals. Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that primarily provides mechanical support, preserves cell shape, and maintains the nuclear position, and it is often used as a marker to identify Sertoli cells. Vimentin is known to be involved in many diseases and aging processes; however, how vimentin is related to spermatogenic dysfunction and the associated functional changes is still unclear. In a previous study, we reported that vitamin E deficiency affected the testes, epididymis, and spermatozoa of mice, accelerating the progression of senescence. In this study, we focused on the Sertoli cell marker vimentin and explored the relationship between the cytoskeletal system of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic dysfunction using testis tissue sections that caused male reproductive dysfunction with vitamin E deficiency. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the proportion of the vimentin-positive area in seminiferous tubule cross-sections was significantly increased in testis tissue sections of the vitamin E-deficient group compared with the proportion in the control group. The histological analysis of testis tissue sections from the vitamin E-deficient group showed that vimentin-positive Sertoli cells were greatly extended from the basement membrane, along with an increased abundance of vimentin. These findings suggest that vimentin may be a potential indicator for detecting spermatogenic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokatsu Saito
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kitajima
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tono-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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Yadav K, Yadav A, Rajpoot A, Mishra RK. Postnatal ontogeny of Neuromedin S and its receptors NMUR1 and NMUR2 expression in mouse testis. Peptides 2023; 159:170899. [PMID: 36336170 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170899] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin S (NMS) is a well-known anorexigenic neuropeptide. Despite some reports of the presence of its transcript and precursor protein in testis, the expression and localization of NMS and its receptors during the postnatal development of mammalian testis remains elusive. We investigated the expression patterns and testicular localization of NMS and its receptors NMUR1 and NMUR2, during 5, 10, 20, 30, and 90 days of postnatal development, using real time PCR, immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry in mice. NMS and its receptors are present at all age groups at transcript level in mouse testis. At the protein level, NMS and NMUR2 are present in all age groups, whereas NMUR1 is present primarily in 30- and 90-day testis. Immunolocalization study showed that NMS and NMUR2 are expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, in contrast to NMUR1 which is expressed exclusively in the Leydig cells of 30- and 90-day testis. The results also confirm the intranuclear localization of NMS in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Although NMS-NMUR2 is expressed in Sertoli cells at all stages of the spermatogenic cycle, they showed a stage-specific expression pattern in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. In conclusion, NMS and its receptors NMUR1 and NMUR2 are expressed in the testis and may regulate spermatogenesis, possibly by modulating steroidogenesis and Sertoli cell function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Yadav
- Male Reproductive Physiology lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anupam Yadav
- Male Reproductive Physiology lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arti Rajpoot
- Male Reproductive Physiology lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Raghav Kumar Mishra
- Male Reproductive Physiology lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Pasquariello R, Anipchenko P, Pennarossa G, Crociati M, Zerani M, Brevini TA, Gandolfi F, Maranesi M. Carotenoids in female and male reproduction. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 204:113459. [PMID: 36183866 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are among the best-known pigments in nature, confer color to plants and animals, and are mainly derived from photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, algae, plants. Mammals cannot synthesize carotenoids. Carotenoids' source is only alimentary and after their assumption, they are mainly converted in retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, collectively known also as pro-vitamins and vitamin A, which play an essential role in tissue growth and regulate different aspects of the reproductive functions. However, their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of carotenoids in the male and female reproductive functions in species of veterinary interest. In female, carotenoids and their derivatives regulate not only folliculogenesis and oogenesis but also steroidogenesis. Moreover, they improve fertility by decreasing the risk of embryonic mortality. In male, retinol and retinoic acids activate molecular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been correlated with degeneration of testis parenchyma with consequent absence of the mature sperm. Carotenoids have also been considered anti-antioxidants as they ameliorate the effect of free radicals. The mechanisms of action seem to be exerted by activating Kit and Stra8 pathways in both female and male. In conclusion, carotenoids have potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pasquariello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Polina Anipchenko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy; Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Zerani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Al Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Maranesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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Temperature sensitivity of DNA double-strand break repair underpins heat-induced meiotic failure in mouse spermatogenesis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:504. [PMID: 35618762 PMCID: PMC9135715 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a heat-vulnerable process that occurs at low temperatures, and elevated testicular temperatures cause male infertility. However, the current reliance on in vivo assays limits their potential to detail temperature dependence and destructive processes. Using ex vivo cultures of mouse testis explants at different controlled temperatures, we found that spermatogenesis failed at multiple steps, showing sharp temperature dependencies. At 38 °C (body core temperature), meiotic prophase I is damaged, showing increased DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and compromised DSB repair. Such damaged spermatocytes cause asynapsis between homologous chromosomes and are eliminated by apoptosis at the meiotic checkpoint. At 37 °C, some spermatocytes survive to the late pachytene stage, retaining high levels of unrepaired DSBs but do not complete meiosis with compromised crossover formation. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms and significance of heat vulnerability in mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha Is Essential in Postnatal Sertoli Cells but Not in Germ Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050891. [PMID: 35269513 PMCID: PMC8909012 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050891] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid signaling is indispensable for the completion of spermatogenesis. It is known that loss of retinoic acid nuclear receptor alpha (RARA) induces male sterility due to seminiferous epithelium degeneration. Initial genetic studies established that RARA acts in Sertoli cells, but a recent paper proposed that RARA is also instrumental in germ cells. In the present study, we have re-assessed the function of RARA in germ cells by genetically ablating the Rara gene in spermatogonia and their progenies using a cell-specific conditional mutagenesis approach. We show that loss of Rara in postnatal male germ cells does not alter the histology of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, RARA-deficient germ cells differentiate normally and give rise to normal, living pups. This establishes that RARA plays no crucial role in germ cells. We also tested whether RARA is required in Sertoli cells during the fetal period or after birth. For this purpose, we deleted the Rara gene in Sertoli cells at postnatal day 15 (PN15), i.e., after the onset of the first spermatogenic wave. To do so, we used temporally controlled cell-specific mutagenesis. By comparing the testis phenotypes generated when Rara is lost either at PN15 or at embryonic day 13, we show that RARA exerts all of its functions in Sertoli cells not at the fetal stage but from puberty.
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The netrin-1 receptor UNC5C contributes to the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult mice. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102723. [PMID: 35247845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult testis, the cell mobility is essential for spermatogonia differentiation and is suspected to regulate spermatogonial stem cell fate. Netrin-1 controls cell migration and/or survival according to the cellular context. Its involvement in some self-renewing lineages raises the possibility that Netrin-1 could have a role in spermatogenesis. We show that in addition to Sertoli cells, a fraction of murine undifferentiated spermatogonia express the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5c and that UNC5c contributes to spermatogonia differentiation. Receptor loss in Unc5crcm males leads to the concomitant accumulation of transit-amplifying progenitors and short syncytia of spermatogonia. Without altering cell death rates, the consequences of Unc5c loss worsen with age: the increase in quiescent undifferentiated progenitors associated with a higher spermatogonial stem cell enriched subset leads to the spermatocyte I decline. We demonstrate in vitro that Netrin-1 promotes a guidance effect as it repulses both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia. Finally, we propose that UNC5c triggers undifferentiated spermatogonia adhesion/ migration and that the repulsive activity of Netrin-1 receptors could regulate spermatogonia differentiation, and maintain germ cell homeostasis.
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Action and Interaction between Retinoic Acid Signaling and Blood–Testis Barrier Function in the Spermatogenesis Cycle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030352. [PMID: 35159162 PMCID: PMC8834282 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process occurring in mammalian testes, and constant sperm production depends on the exact regulation of the microenvironment in the testes. Many studies have indicated the crucial role of blood–testis barrier (BTB) junctions and retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the spermatogenesis process. The BTB consists of junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells, comprised mainly of tight junctions and gap junctions. In vitamin A-deficient mice, halted spermatogenesis could be rebooted by RA or vitamin A administration, indicating that RA is absolutely required for spermatogenesis. Accordingly, this manuscript will review and discuss how RA and the BTB regulate spermatogenesis and the interaction between RA signaling and BTB function.
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10
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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11
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Bhardwaj A, Sohni A, Lou CH, De Gendt K, Zhang F, Kim E, Subbarayalu P, Chan W, Kerkhofs S, Claessens F, Kimmins S, Rao MK, Meistrich M, Wilkinson MF. Concordant Androgen-Regulated Expression of Divergent Rhox5 Promoters in Sertoli Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6432187. [PMID: 34902009 PMCID: PMC8667857 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Concordant transcriptional regulation can generate multiple gene products that collaborate to achieve a common goal. Here we report a case of concordant transcriptional regulation that instead drives a single protein to be produced in the same cell type from divergent promoters. This gene product-the RHOX5 homeobox transcription factor-is translated from 2 different mRNAs with different 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) transcribed from alternative promoters. Despite the fact that these 2 promoters-the proximal promoter (Pp) and the distal promoter (Pd)-exhibit different patterns of tissue-specific activity, share no obvious sequence identity, and depend on distinct transcription factors for expression, they exhibit a remarkably similar expression pattern in the testes. In particular, both depend on androgen signaling for expression in the testes, where they are specifically expressed in Sertoli cells and have a similar stage-specific expression pattern during the seminiferous epithelial cycle. We report evidence for 3 mechanisms that collaborate to drive concordant Pp/Pd expression. First, both promoters have an intrinsic ability to respond to androgen receptor and androgen. Second, the Pp acts as an enhancer to promote androgen-dependent transcription from the Pd. Third, Pd transcription is positively autoregulated by the RHOX5 protein, which is first produced developmentally from the Pp. Together, our data support a model in which the Rhox5 homeobox gene evolved multiple mechanisms to activate both of its promoters in Sertoli cells to produce Rhox5 in an androgen-dependent manner during different phases of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Bhardwaj
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Abhishek Sohni
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695, USA
| | - Chih-Hong Lou
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695, USA
| | - Karel De Gendt
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695, USA
- KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O/N1, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fanmao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eunah Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Panneerdoss Subbarayalu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas HealthSan Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Waikin Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Frank Claessens
- KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O/N1, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Animal Sciences, McGill UniversityMontreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Manjeet K Rao
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas HealthSan Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Marvin Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Correspondence: M. F. Wilkinson, PhD, University of California San Diego, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive # 0695, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695, USA. . Previous Affiliation: Miles F. Wilkinson’s previous affiliation is Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Chen H, Murray E, Sinha A, Laumas A, Li J, Lesman D, Nie X, Hotaling J, Guo J, Cairns BR, Macosko EZ, Cheng CY, Chen F. Dissecting mammalian spermatogenesis using spatial transcriptomics. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109915. [PMID: 34731600 PMCID: PMC8606188 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed extensive molecular diversity in gene programs governing mammalian spermatogenesis but fails to delineate their dynamics in the native context of seminiferous tubules, the spatially confined functional units of spermatogenesis. Here, we use Slide-seq, a spatial transcriptomics technology, to generate an atlas that captures the spatial gene expression patterns at near-single-cell resolution in the mouse and human testis. Using Slide-seq data, we devise a computational framework that accurately localizes testicular cell types in individual seminiferous tubules. Unbiased analysis systematically identifies spatially patterned genes and gene programs. Combining Slide-seq with targeted in situ RNA sequencing, we demonstrate significant differences in the cellular compositions of spermatogonial microenvironment between mouse and human testes. Finally, a comparison of the spatial atlas generated from the wild-type and diabetic mouse testis reveals a disruption in the spatial cellular organization of seminiferous tubules as a potential mechanism of diabetes-induced male infertility. Chen et al. generate a spatial transcriptome atlas of the mammalian testis at near-single-cell resolution that recapitulates spermatogenesis by accurately localizing testicular cell types and reconstructing tissue structures. The atlas is used to reveal the spatial organization of testicular microenvironment and profile its changes under diabetic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Chen
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Evan Murray
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anubhav Sinha
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Jilong Li
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel Lesman
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Xichen Nie
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jim Hotaling
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Evan Z Macosko
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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13
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Gewiss RL, Law NC, Helsel AR, Shelden EA, Griswold MD. Two distinct Sertoli cell states are regulated via germ cell crosstalk. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1591-1602. [PMID: 34494084 PMCID: PMC8689118 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab160] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are a critical component of the testis environment for their role in maintaining seminiferous tubule structure, establishing the blood-testis barrier, and nourishing maturing germ cells in a specialized niche. This study sought to uncover how Sertoli cells are regulated in the testis environment via germ cell crosstalk in the mouse. We found two major clusters of Sertoli cells as defined by their transcriptomes in Stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium and a cluster for all other stages. Additionally, we examined transcriptomes of germ cell-deficient testes and found that these existed in a state independent of either of the germ cell-sufficient clusters. Together, we highlight two main transcriptional states of Sertoli cells in an unperturbed testis environment, and a germ cell-deficient environment does not allow normal Sertoli cell transcriptome cycling and results in a state unique from either of those seen in Sertoli cells from a germ cell-sufficient environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gewiss
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Aileen R Helsel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Eric A Shelden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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14
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Zhou D, Fan J, Liu Z, Tang R, Wang X, Bo H, Zhu F, Zhao X, Huang Z, Xing L, Tao K, Zhang H, Nie H, Zhang H, Zhu W, He Z, Fan L. TCF3 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Targeting PODXL. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695545. [PMID: 34422820 PMCID: PMC8377737 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695545] [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: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the initial cells for the spermatogenesis. Although much progress has been made on uncovering a number of modulators for the SSC fate decisions in rodents, the genes mediating human SSCs remain largely unclear. Here we report, for the first time, that TCF3, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcriptional modulator proteins, can stimulate proliferation and suppress the apoptosis of human SSCs through targeting podocalyxin-like protein (PODXL). TCF3 was expressed primarily in GFRA1-positive spermatogonia, and EGF (epidermal growth factor) elevated TCF3 expression level. Notably, TCF3 enhanced the growth and DNA synthesis of human SSCs, whereas it repressed the apoptosis of human SSCs. RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that TCF3 protein regulated the transcription of several genes, including WNT2B, TGFB3, CCN4, MEGF6, and PODXL, while PODXL silencing compromised the stem cell activity of SSCs. Moreover, the level of TCF3 protein was remarkably lower in patients with spermatogenesis failure when compared to individuals with obstructive azoospermia with normal spermatogenesis. Collectively, these results implicate that TCF3 modulates human SSC proliferation and apoptosis through PODXL. This study is of great significance since it would provide a novel molecular mechanism underlying the fate determinations of human SSCs and it could offer new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyu Fan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ruiling Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xingming Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Bo
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xueheng Zhao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liu Xing
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Tao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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15
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cells as key drivers of testis function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:2-9. [PMID: 34229950 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the orchestrators of spermatogenesis; they support fetal germ cell commitment to the male pathway and are essential for germ cell development, from maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and spermatogonial populations, through meiosis and spermiogeneis and to the final release of mature spermatids during spermiation. However, Sertoli cells are also emerging as key regulators of other testis somatic cells, including supporting peritubular myoid cell development in the pre-pubertal testis and supporting the function of the testicular vasculature and in contributing to testicular immune privilege. Sertoli cells also have a major role in regulating androgen production within the testis, by specifying interstitial cells to a steroidogenic fate, contributing to androgen production in the fetal testis, and supporting fetal and adult Leydig cell development and function. Here, we provide an overview of the specific roles for Sertoli cells in the testis and highlight how these cells are key drivers of testicular sperm output, and of adult testis size and optimal function of other testicular somatic cells, including the steroidogenic Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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16
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Nakamura Y, Jörg DJ, Kon Y, Simons BD, Yoshida S. Transient suppression of transplanted spermatogonial stem cell differentiation restores fertility in mice. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1443-1456.e7. [PMID: 33848470 PMCID: PMC8351876 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A remarkable feature of tissue stem cells is their ability to regenerate the structure and function of host tissue following transplantation. However, the dynamics of donor stem cells during regeneration remains largely unknown. Here we conducted quantitative clonal fate studies of transplanted mouse spermatogonial stem cells in host seminiferous tubules. We found that, after a large population of donor spermatogonia settle in host testes, through stochastic fate choice, only a small fraction persist and regenerate over the long term, and the rest are lost through differentiation and cell death. Further, based on these insights, we showed how repopulation efficiency can be increased to a level where the fertility of infertile hosts is restored by transiently suppressing differentiation using a chemical inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis. These findings unlock a range of potential applications of spermatogonial transplantation, from fertility restoration in individuals with cancer to conservation of biological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - David J Jörg
- Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Yayoi Kon
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
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17
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Yokota S, Sekine N, Wakayama T, Oshio S. Impact of chronic vitamin A excess on sperm morphogenesis in mice. Andrology 2021; 9:1579-1592. [PMID: 33818007 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing availability of fortified foods and supplements has caused an overconsumption of vitamin A (VA), above the recommended level. To date, the effects of chronic VA excess (VAE) on spermatogenesis remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the long-term excessive intake of VA effects on spermatogenesis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dams were initially fed a control diet (4 IU/g) or a VAE diet (250 IU/g), 4 weeks prior to mating and during pregnancy. Dams and their male pups continued this diet regimen until the offspring reached 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks of age, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. For histological analysis, sections were stained with periodic acid-Schiff-hematoxylin, and quantitative PCR was used to detect changes in gene expression in the testes of the VAE mice. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated to detect the endpoint of VAE toxicity. RESULTS Body weights were not significantly different between the control and VAE groups. Testicular cross-sections from the control and VAE mice contained a normal array of germ cells, and the daily sperm production was similar between the two groups. However, the percentage of seminiferous tubules in stages VII and VIII was significantly lower in the VAE mice than in the control. In addition, significant changes in the expression of genes involved in retinoid metabolism, spermatogenesis, and spermiogenesis were detected in the testes of the VAE mice. Consistently, sperm motility and head morphology were significantly impaired in the VAE mice. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that long-term dietary intake of VAE was able to influence both pre- and post-meiotic spermatogenesis. As a result of testicular toxicity, we demonstrated, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time that long-term VAE caused sperm-head abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan.,Department of Hygiene Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohu University, Koriyama, Japan
| | - Nao Sekine
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Wakayama
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeru Oshio
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
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18
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Long C, Zhou Y, Shen L, Yu Y, Hu D, Liu X, Lin T, He D, Xu T, Zhang D, Zhu J, Wei G. Retinoic acid can improve autophagy through depression of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway via RARα to restore spermatogenesis in cryptorchid infertile rats. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1368-1377. [PMID: 35873030 PMCID: PMC9293722 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism-caused adult infertility is a common component of idiopathic reasons for male infertility. Retinoic acid (RA) has a vital effect on the spermatogenesis process. Here, we found that the expression of c-Kit, Stra8, and Sycp3 could be up-regulated via the activation of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) after RA supplementation in neonatal cryptorchid infertile rats. We also demonstrated that the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt/pan-Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR was higher in cryptorchid than in normal testes, and could be suppressed with RA in vivo. After RA treatment in infertile cryptorchid testis in vivo, the levels of the autophagy proteins LC3 and Beclin1 increased and those of P62 decreased. Biotin tracer indicated that the permeability of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in cryptorchid rats decreased after RA administration. Additionally, after blocking the RARα with AR7 (an RARα antagonist) in testicle culture in vitro, we observed that compared with normal testes, the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and the autophagy pathway was increased and decreased, respectively, which were coincident with cryptorchisd testes in vivo. Additionally, the appropriate concentrations of RA treatment could depress the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and improve the autophagy pathway. The results confirmed that RA can rehabilitate BTB function and drive key protein levels in spermatogonial differentiation through depressing the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway via RARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yihang Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Dong Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Xing Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tao Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Dawei He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tao Xu
- Bio-manufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Deying Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
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19
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Abstract
Organoids are 3-dimensional (3D) structures grown in vitro that emulate the cytoarchitecture and functions of true organs. Therefore, testicular organoids arise as an important model for research on male reproductive biology. These organoids can be generated from different sources of testicular cells, but most studies to date have used immature primary cells for this purpose. The complexity of the mammalian testicular cytoarchitecture and regulation poses a challenge for working with testicular organoids, because, ideally, these 3D models should mimic the organization observed in vivo. In this review, we explore the characteristics of the most important cell types present in the testicular organoid models reported to date and discuss how different factors influence the regulation of these cells inside the organoids and their outcomes. Factors such as the developmental or maturational stage of the Sertoli cells, for example, influence organoid generation and structure, which affect the use of these 3D models for research. Spermatogonial stem cells have been a focus recently, especially in regard to male fertility preservation. The regulation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche inside testicular organoids is discussed in the present review, as this research area may be positively affected by recent progress in organoid generation and tissue engineering. Therefore, the testicular organoid approach is a very promising model for male reproductive biology research, but more studies and improvements are necessary to achieve its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sadman Sakib
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Correspondence: Ina Dobrinski, DrMedVet, MVSc, PhD, Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 404 HMRB, 3300 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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20
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Kawamura M, Sugihara K, Takigawa-Imamura H, Ogawa T, Miura T. Mathematical Modeling of Dynamic Cellular Association Patterns in Seminiferous Tubules. Bull Math Biol 2021; 83:33. [PMID: 33594605 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-021-00863-x] [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: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, sperm is generated in testicular tube-like structures called seminiferous tubules. The differentiation stages of spermatogenesis exhibit a dynamic spatiotemporal wavetrain pattern. There are two types of pattern-the vertical type, which is observed in mice, and the helical type, which is observed in humans. The mechanisms of this pattern difference remain little understood. In the present study, we used a three-species reaction-diffusion model to reproduce the wavetrain pattern observed in vivo. We hypothesized that the wavelength of the pattern in mice was larger than that in humans and undertook numerical simulations. We found complex patterns of helical and vertical pattern frequency, which can be understood by pattern selection using boundary conditions. From these theoretical results, we predicted that a small number of vertical patterns should be present in human seminiferous tubules. We then found vertical patterns in histological sections of human tubules, consistent with the theoretical prediction. Finally, we showed that the previously reported irregularity of the human pattern could be reproduced using two factors: a wider unstable wavenumber range and the irregular geometry of human compared with mouse seminiferous tubules. These results show that mathematical modeling is useful for understanding the pattern dynamics of seminiferous tubules in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kawamura
- Academic Society of Mathematical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kei Sugihara
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hisako Takigawa-Imamura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ogawa
- Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Miura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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21
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Low retinoic acid levels mediate regionalization of the Sertoli valve in the terminal segment of mouse seminiferous tubules. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1110. [PMID: 33441739 PMCID: PMC7806815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian testes, undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff) undergo differentiation in response to retinoic acid (RA), while their progenitor states are partially maintained by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Sertoli valve (SV) is a region located at the terminal end of seminiferous tubule (ST) adjacent to the rete testis (RT), where the high density of Aundiff is constitutively maintained with the absence of active spermatogenesis. However, the molecular and cellular characteristics of SV epithelia still remain unclear. In this study, we first identified the region-specific AKT phosphorylation in the SV Sertoli cells and demonstrated non-cell autonomous specialization of Sertoli cells in the SV region by performing a Sertoli cell ablation/replacement experiment. The expression of Fgf9 was detected in the RT epithelia, while the exogenous administration of FGF9 caused ectopic AKT phosphorylation in the Sertoli cells of convoluted ST. Furthermore, we revealed the SV region-specific expression of Cyp26a1, which encodes an RA-degrading enzyme, and demonstrated that the increased RA levels in the SV region disrupt its pool of Aundiff by inducing their differentiation. Taken together, RT-derived FGFs and low levels of RA signaling contribute to the non-cell-autonomous regionalization of the SV epithelia and its local maintenance of Aundiff in the SV region.
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22
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Gewiss RL, Shelden EA, Griswold MD. STRA8 induces transcriptional changes in germ cells during spermatogonial development. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:128-140. [PMID: 33400349 PMCID: PMC7920925 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial development is a key process during spermatogenesis to prepare germ cells to enter meiosis. While the initial point of spermatogonial differentiation is well‐characterized, the development of spermatogonia from the onset of differentiation to the point of meiotic entry has not been well defined. Further, STRA8 is highly induced at the onset of spermatogonial development but its function in spermatogonia has not been defined. To better understand how STRA8 impacts spermatogonia, we performed RNA‐sequencing in both wild‐type and STRA8 knockout mice at multiple timepoints during retinoic acid (RA)‐stimulated spermatogonial development. As expected, in spermatogonia from wild‐type mice we found that steady‐state levels of many transcripts that define undifferentiated progenitor cells were decreased while transcripts that define the differentiating spermatogonia were increased as a result of the actions of RA. However, the spermatogonia from STRA8 knockout mice displayed a muted RA response such that there were more transcripts typical of undifferentiated cells and fewer transcripts typical of differentiating cells following RA action. While spermatogonia from STRA8 knockout mice can ultimately form spermatocytes that fail to complete meiosis, it appears that the defect likely begins as a result of altered messenger RNA levels during spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gewiss
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Eric A Shelden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
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23
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Xie Y, Wei BH, Ni FD, Yang WX. Conversion from spermatogonia to spermatocytes: Extracellular cues and downstream transcription network. Gene 2020; 764:145080. [PMID: 32858178 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatocyte (spc) formation from spermatogonia (spg) differentiation is the first step of spermatogenesis which produces prodigious spermatozoa for a lifetime. After decades of studies, several factors involved in the functioning of a mouse were discovered both inside and outside spg. Considering the peculiar expression and working pattern of each factor, this review divides the whole conversion of spg to spc into four consecutive development processes with a focus on extracellular cues and downstream transcription network in each one. Potential coordination among Dmrt1, Sohlh1/2 and BMP families mediates Ngn3 upregulation, which marks progenitor spg, with other changes. After that, retinoic acid (RA), as a master regulator, promotes A1 spg formation with its helpers and Sall4. A1-to-B spg transition is under the control of Kitl and impulsive RA signaling together with early and late transcription factors Stra8 and Dmrt6. Finally, RA and its responsive effectors conduct the entry into meiosis. The systematic transcription network from outside to inside still needs research to supplement or settle the controversials in each process. As a step further ahead, this review provides possible drug targets for infertility therapy by cross-linking humans and mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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24
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Beedle MT, Stevison F, Zhong G, Topping T, Hogarth C, Isoherranen N, Griswold MD. Sources of all-trans retinal oxidation independent of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A isozymes exist in the postnatal testis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:547-560. [PMID: 30247516 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the essential role of the active metabolite of vitamin A, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) in spermatogenesis, the enzymes, and cellular populations responsible for its synthesis in the postnatal testis remain largely unknown. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A (ALDH1A) family of enzymes residing within Sertoli cells is responsible for the synthesis of atRA, driving the first round of spermatogenesis. Those studies also revealed that the atRA required to drive subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis is possibly derived from the ALDH1A enzymes residing within the meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells. Three ALDH1A isozymes (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3) are present in the testis. Although, ALDH1A1 is expressed in adult Sertoli cells and is suggested to contribute to the atRA required for the pre-meiotic transitions, ALDH1A2 is proposed to be the essential isomer involved in testicular atRA biosynthesis. In this report, we first examine the requirement for ALDH1A2 via the generation and analysis of a conditional Aldh1a2 germ cell knockout and a tamoxifen-induced Aldh1a2 knockout model. We then utilized the pan-ALDH1A inhibitor (WIN 18446) to test the collective contribution of the ALDH1A enzymes to atRA biosynthesis following the first round of spermatogenesis. Collectively, our data provide the first in vivo evidence demonstrating that animals severely deficient in ALDH1A2 postnatally proceed normally through spermatogenesis. Our studies with a pan-ALDH1A inhibitor (WIN 18446) also suggest that an alternative source of atRA biosynthesis independent of the ALDH1A enzymes becomes available to maintain atRA levels for several spermatogenic cycles following an initial atRA injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- My-Thanh Beedle
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Faith Stevison
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Traci Topping
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Cathryn Hogarth
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nina Isoherranen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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25
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do Nascimento MAW, Cavalari FC, Staldoni de Oliveria V, Gonçalves R, Menegaz D, da Silveira Loss E, Silva FRMB. Crosstalk in the non-classical signal transduction of testosterone and retinol in immature rat testes. Steroids 2020; 153:108522. [PMID: 31622614 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of the interaction between testosterone and retinol on the rapid responses of cultured Sertoli cells obtained from 10-day-old immature rat testes. Non-classical actions of testosterone and retinol were investigated, and the activities of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC) and voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) were determined by measuring 45Ca2+ influx in whole testis. Additionally, the effects of testosterone and retinol on these channels were studied in primary culture of Sertoli cells using the patch-clamp technique. 45Ca2+ influx was used to observe a dose-response curve on tissues treated with retinol and/or testosterone for 2 min (10-12, 10-9 and 10-6 M and 10-9 and 10-6 M), and a concentration of 10-6 M was selected to investigate the mechanism of action of testosterone and retinol on rapid responses. Participation of the L-VDCC and Kv channels was investigated using nifedipine and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) inhibitors, respectively. Both, testosterone and retinol act through non-classical mechanisms, stimulating 45Ca2+ influx in immature rat testes. The response to testosterone was abolished by nifedipine and TEA, whereas the effects of retinol were partially blocked by nifedipine and completely inhibited by TEA. Retinol amplified the testosterone-induced effect on 45Ca2+ influx in the testes, suggesting a crosstalk between rapid responses (calcium influx) and cell repolarization via activation of Kv channels. Whole-cell electrophysiology data demonstrated that testosterone and retinol increased voltage-dependent potassium currents (Kv) in Sertoli cells; inhibition of these responses by TEA confirmed the involvement of TEA-sensitive K+ channels in these effects. Taken together, we demonstrate, for the first time, crosstalk between testosterone and retinol that is mediated by a non-classical mechanism involving the L-VDCC-triggered cell depolarization and activation of repolarization by Kv currents in Sertoli cells. These ionic modulations play a physiological role in Sertoli cells and male fertility via stimulation of secretory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Andressa Wessner do Nascimento
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioeletricidade Celular (NUBIOCEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carvalho Cavalari
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioeletricidade Celular (NUBIOCEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Staldoni de Oliveria
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Renata Gonçalves
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Danusa Menegaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioeletricidade Celular (NUBIOCEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Eloisa da Silveira Loss
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fátima Regina Mena Barreto Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioeletricidade Celular (NUBIOCEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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26
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Retinoic Acid and Germ Cell Development in the Ovary and Testis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120775. [PMID: 31771306 PMCID: PMC6995559 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, is critical for the production of oocytes and sperm in mammals. These gametes derive from primordial germ cells, which colonize the nascent gonad, and later undertake sexual differentiation to produce oocytes or sperm. During fetal development, germ cells in the ovary initiate meiosis in response to RA, whereas those in the testis do not yet initiate meiosis, as they are insulated from RA, and undergo cell cycle arrest. After birth, male germ cells resume proliferation and undergo a transition to spermatogonia, which are destined to develop into haploid spermatozoa via spermatogenesis. Recent findings indicate that RA levels change periodically in adult testes to direct not only meiotic initiation, but also other key developmental transitions to ensure that spermatogenesis is precisely organized for the prodigious output of sperm. This review focuses on how female and male germ cells develop in the ovary and testis, respectively, and the role of RA in this process.
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27
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Mariniello K, Ruiz-Babot G, McGaugh EC, Nicholson JG, Gualtieri A, Gaston-Massuet C, Nostro MC, Guasti L. Stem Cells, Self-Renewal, and Lineage Commitment in the Endocrine System. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:772. [PMID: 31781041 PMCID: PMC6856655 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine system coordinates a wide array of body functions mainly through secretion of hormones and their actions on target tissues. Over the last decades, a collective effort between developmental biologists, geneticists, and stem cell biologists has generated a wealth of knowledge related to the contribution of stem/progenitor cells to both organogenesis and self-renewal of endocrine organs. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the role of tissue stem cells in the development and self-renewal of endocrine organs. Pathways governing crucial steps in both development and stemness maintenance, and that are known to be frequently altered in a wide array of endocrine disorders, including cancer, are also described. Crucially, this plethora of information is being channeled into the development of potential new cell-based treatment modalities for endocrine-related illnesses, some of which have made it through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Mariniello
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Emily C. McGaugh
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James G. Nicholson
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelica Gualtieri
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Nostro
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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28
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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29
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Jauregui EJ, Mitchell D, Garza SM, Topping T, Hogarth CA, Griswold MD. Leydig cell genes change their expression and association with polysomes in a stage-specific manner in the adult mouse testis. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:722-738. [PMID: 29408990 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in mammals occurs in a very highly organized manner within the seminiferous epithelium regulated by different cell types in the testis. Testosterone produced by Leydig cells regulates blood-testis barrier formation, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and spermiation. However, it is unknown whether Leydig cell function changes with the different stages of the seminiferous epithelium. This study utilized the WIN 18,446 and retinoic acid (RA) treatment regime combined with the RiboTag mouse methodology to synchronize male germ cell development and allow for the in vivo mapping of the Leydig cell translatome across the different stages of one cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Using microarrays analysis, we identified 11 Leydig cell-enriched genes that were expressed in stage-specific manner such as the glucocorticoid synthesis and transport genes, Cyp21a1 and Serpina6. In addition, there were nine Leydig cell transcripts that change their association with polysomes in correlation with the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle including Egr1. Interestingly, the signal intensity of EGR1 and CYP21 varied among Leydig cells in the adult asynchronous testis. However, testosterone levels across the different stages of germ cell development did not cycle. These data show, for the first time, that Leydig cell gene expression changes in a stage-specific manner during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and indicate that a heterogeneous Leydig cell population exists in the adult mouse testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela J Jauregui
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Debra Mitchell
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Savanna M Garza
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Traci Topping
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Cathryn A Hogarth
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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30
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Yokota S, Shirahata T, Yusa J, Sakurai Y, Ito H, Oshio S. Long-term dietary intake of excessive vitamin A impairs spermatogenesis in mice. J Toxicol Sci 2019; 44:257-271. [PMID: 30944279 DOI: 10.2131/jts.44.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin A and its derivatives contribute to many physiological processes, including vision, neural differentiation, and reproduction. Vitamin A deficiency causes early cessation of spermatogenesis, characterized by a marked depletion of germ cells. However, there has been no clear understanding about the role of chronic intake of vitamin A excess (VAE) in spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether chronic intake of VAE diet causes arrest of spermatogenesis. To examine the effects of VAE on spermatogenesis, we used ICR male mice fed with control (AIN-93G purified diet: 4 IU/g) diet or VAE (modified AIN-93G diet with VAE: 1,000 IU/g) diet for 7 weeks (from 3 to 10 weeks of age). At 10 weeks of age, the retinol concentration in the testes of VAE mice was significantly higher than that of control mice. Testicular cross sections from control mice contained a normal array of germ cells, while the seminiferous tubules from VAE mice exhibited varying degrees of testicular degeneration. Daily sperm production in VAE testes was dramatically decreased compared to that in control testes. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also impaired in VAE mice. Furthermore, we examined the effects of VAE on the expression of genes involved in retinoid signaling and spermatogenesis to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Therefore, we are the first to present results describing the long-term dietary intake of VAE impairs spermatogenesis using a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yokota
- Department of Hygiene Chemistry, Ohu University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Takuya Shirahata
- Department of Hygiene Chemistry, Ohu University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Junko Yusa
- Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Oral Medical Sciences, Ohu University School of Dentistry
| | - Yuko Sakurai
- Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Oral Medical Sciences, Ohu University School of Dentistry
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Oral Medical Sciences, Ohu University School of Dentistry
| | - Shigeru Oshio
- Department of Hygiene Chemistry, Ohu University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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31
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Li X, Long XY, Xie YJ, Zeng X, Chen X, Mo ZC. The roles of retinoic acid in the differentiation of spermatogonia and spermatogenic disorders. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 497:54-60. [PMID: 31302099 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility depends on the regulatory balance between germ cell self-renewal and differentiation, and the spatial and temporal patterns of this balance must be maintained throughout the life cycle. Retinoic acid and its receptors are important factors in spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia cells can self-proliferate and differentiate and have unique meiotic capabilities; they halve their genetic material and produce monomorphic sperm to pass genetic material to the next generation. A number of studies have found that the spermatogenesis process is halted in animals with vitamin A deficiency and that most germ cells are degraded, but they tend to recover after treatment with RA or vitamin A. This literature review discusses our understanding of how RA regulates sperm cell differentiation and meiosis and also reviews the functional information and details of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Long
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Xie
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Zhong-Cheng Mo
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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32
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Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of retinol (vitamin A), functions as a ligand for nuclear RA receptors (RARs) that regulate development of chordate animals. RA-RARs can activate or repress transcription of key developmental genes. Genetic studies in mouse and zebrafish embryos that are deficient in RA-generating enzymes or RARs have been instrumental in identifying RA functions, revealing that RA signaling regulates development of many organs and tissues, including the body axis, spinal cord, forelimbs, heart, eye and reproductive tract. An understanding of the normal functions of RA signaling during development will guide efforts for use of RA as a therapeutic agent to improve human health. Here, we provide an overview of RA signaling and highlight its key functions during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert B Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Gregg Duester
- Development, Aging, and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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33
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Helsel A, Griswold MD. Retinoic acid signaling and the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2019; 6:1-6. [PMID: 32832726 PMCID: PMC7442248 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Helsel
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-7520, United States
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-7520, United States
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34
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Teletin M, Vernet N, Yu J, Klopfenstein M, Jones JW, Féret B, Kane MA, Ghyselinck NB, Mark M. Two functionally redundant sources of retinoic acid secure spermatogonia differentiation in the seminiferous epithelium. Development 2019; 146:dev.170225. [PMID: 30487180 PMCID: PMC6340151 DOI: 10.1242/dev.170225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is instrumental to spermatogenesis. It is synthesized by two retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (RALDH) present in both Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs). In order to determine the relative contributions of each source of ATRA, we have generated mice lacking all RALDH activities in the seminiferous epithelium (SE). We show that both the SC- and GC-derived sources of ATRA cooperate to initiate and propagate spermatogenetic waves at puberty. In adults, they exert redundant functions and, against all expectations, the GC-derived source does not perform any specific roles despite contributing to two-thirds of the total amount of ATRA present in the testis. The production from SCs is sufficient to maintain the periodic expression of genes in SCs, as well and the cycle and wave of the SE, which account for the steady production of spermatozoa. The production from SCs is also specifically required for spermiation. Importantly, our study shows that spermatogonia differentiation depends upon the ATRA synthesized by RALDH inside the SE, whereas initiation of meiosis and expression of STRA8 by spermatocytes can occur without ATRA. Summary: All-trans retinoic acid made by Sertoli cells is instrumental to spermatogenesis and is specifically required for spermatid release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Teletin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France.,Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), France
| | - Nadège Vernet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Jianshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Muriel Klopfenstein
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Jace W Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Betty Féret
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Norbert B Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Manuel Mark
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France .,Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), France
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35
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Yoshida S. Heterogeneous, dynamic, and stochastic nature of mammalian spermatogenic stem cells. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:245-285. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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Yoshida S. Open niche regulation of mouse spermatogenic stem cells. Dev Growth Differ 2018; 60:542-552. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell BiologyNational Institute for Basic BiologyNational Institutes of Natural Sciences Okazaki Japan
- Department of Basic BiologySchool of Life ScienceSOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies) Okazaki Japan
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Masaki K, Sakai M, Kuroki S, Jo JI, Hoshina K, Fujimori Y, Oka K, Amano T, Yamanaka T, Tachibana M, Tabata Y, Shiozawa T, Ishizuka O, Hochi S, Takashima S. FGF2 Has Distinct Molecular Functions from GDNF in the Mouse Germline Niche. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1782-1792. [PMID: 29681540 PMCID: PMC5989648 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells, whereas retinoic acid (RA) induces spermatogonial differentiation. In this study, we investigated the functional differences between FGF2 and GDNF in the germline niche by providing these factors using a drug delivery system in vivo. Although both factors expanded the GFRA1+ subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, the FGF2-expanded subset expressed RARG, which is indispensable for proper differentiation, 1.9-fold more frequently than the GDNF-expanded subset, demonstrating that FGF2 expands a differentiation-prone subset in the testis. Moreover, FGF2 acted on the germline niche to suppress RA metabolism and GDNF production, suggesting that FGF2 modifies germline niche functions to be more appropriate for spermatogonial differentiation. These results suggest that FGF2 contributes to induction of differentiation rather than maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, indicating reconsideration of the role of FGF2 in the germline niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Masaki
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Mizuki Sakai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Jo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Hoshina
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimori
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Kenji Oka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano 380-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamanaka
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tanri Shiozawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishizuka
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hochi
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan.
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38
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Sakai M, Masaki K, Aiba S, Tone M, Takashima S. Expression dynamics of self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells in the mouse testis. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:267-275. [PMID: 29657241 PMCID: PMC6021615 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although GDNF is indispensable for the maintenance of SSCs, the role of FGF2 in the testis remains to be elucidated. To clarify this, the expression dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the mouse testes were analyzed. It is well known that Sertoli cells express Gdnf, and its receptor is expressed in a subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, including SSCs. However, we found that Fgf2 was mainly expressed in the germ cells and its receptors were expressed not only in the cultured spermatogonial cell line, but also in testicular somatic cells. Aging, hypophysectomy, retinoic acid treatment, and testicular injury induced distinct Fgf2 and Gdnf expression dynamics, suggesting a difference in the expression mechanism of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the testis. Such differences might cause a dynamic fluctuation of Gdnf/Fgf2 ratio depending on the intrinsic/extrinsic cues. Considering that FGF2-cultured spermatogonia exhibit more differentiated phenotype than those cultured with GDNF, FGF2 might play a role distinct from that of GDNF in the testis, despite the fact that both factors are self-renewal factor for SSC in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Sakai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kaito Masaki
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Shota Aiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masaaki Tone
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan.,Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
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Beyond stem cells: Commitment of progenitor cells to meiosis. Stem Cell Res 2018; 27:169-171. [PMID: 29415862 PMCID: PMC5860671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The first step in established spermatogenesis is the production of progenitor cells by the stem cell population. The progenitor cells (undifferentiated A spermatogonia) expand in number via the formation of syncytial chains by mitosis. The mechanism by which these progenitor cells commit to meiosis and spermatogenesis is tightly controlled and results in complex morphological organization all of which is designed to efficiently achieve large numbers of spermatozoa. The major extrinsic factor that triggers the commitment to meiosis and establishes the structural complexity is retinoic acid (RA). Retinoic acid is produced from retinol via two oxidation steps in low abundance near its site of action. The action of RA on undifferentiated A spermatogonia results in the timed progression of these progenitor cells into the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. We have utilized a drug WIN 18,446 that inhibits the second oxidation step in RA biosynthesis to block the progression of undifferentiated A spermatogonia in the mouse testis. As a result of this block the undifferentiated progenitor cells accumulate but do not differentiate into A1 spermatogonia. When the block is released and a bolus of RA is simultaneously administered the accumulated spermatogonia progress through the differentiation pathway in complete synchrony and maintain that synchrony with regard to stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium for several months. This procedure allowed us to accumulate sufficient material to measure retinoic acid levels across the cycle and will allow us to isolate and analyze large number of progenitor cells proceeding synchronously down the pathway to meiosis. We have been able to show that the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium is established and maintained by pulses of RA that appear at stages VIII and IX of the cycle.
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40
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MAFB is dispensable for the fetal testis morphogenesis and the maintenance of spermatogenesis in adult mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190800. [PMID: 29324782 PMCID: PMC5764304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MAFB is an important regulator of the development and differentiation of various organs and tissues. Previous studies have shown that MAFB is expressed in embryonic and adult mouse testes and is expected to act as the downstream target of retinoic acid (RA) to initiate spermatogenesis. However, its exact localization and function remain unclear. Here, we localized MAFB expression in embryonic and adult testes and analyzed its gene function using Mafb-deficient mice. We found that MAFB and c-MAF are the only large MAF transcription factors expressed in testes, while MAFA and NRL are not. MAFB was localized in Leydig and Sertoli cells at embryonic day (E) 18.5 but in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and pachytene spermatocytes in adults. Mafb-deficient testes at E18.5 showed fully formed seminiferous tubules with no abnormal structure or differences in testicular somatic cell numbers compared with those of control wild-type mice. Additionally, the expression levels of genes related to development and function of testicular cells were unchanged between genotypes. In adults, the expression of MAFB in Sertoli cells was shown to be stage specific and induced by RA. By generating Mafbfl/fl CAG-CreER™ (Mafb-cKO) mice, in which Cre recombinase was activated upon tamoxifen treatment, we found that the neonatal cKO mice died shortly upon Mafb deletion, but adult cKO mice were alive upon deletion. Adult cKO mice were fertile, and spermatogenesis maintenance was normal, as indicated by histological analysis, hormone levels, and germ cell stage-specific markers. Moreover, there were no differences in the proportion of seminiferous stages between cKO mice and controls. However, RNA-Seq analysis of cKO Sertoli cells revealed that the down-regulated genes were related to immune function and phagocytosis activity but not spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we found that MAFB is dispensable for fetal testis morphogenesis and spermatogenesis maintenance in adult mice, despite the significant gene expression in different cell types, but MAFB might be critical for phagocytosis activity of Sertoli cells.
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41
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Regulatory Mechanism of Spermatogenic Stem Cells in Mice: Their Dynamic and Context-Dependent Behavior. DIVERSITY AND COMMONALITY IN ANIMALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-56609-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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42
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Periodic production of retinoic acid by meiotic and somatic cells coordinates four transitions in mouse spermatogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10132-E10141. [PMID: 29109271 PMCID: PMC5703301 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710837114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is an elaborately organized differentiation process, starting with diploid spermatogonia, which include germ-line stem cells, and ending with haploid spermatozoa. The process involves four pivotal transitions occurring in physical proximity: spermatogonial differentiation, meiotic initiation, initiation of spermatid elongation, and release of spermatozoa. We report how the four transitions are coordinated in mice. Two premeiotic transitions, spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation, were known to be coregulated by an extrinsic signal, retinoic acid (RA). Our chemical manipulations of RA levels in mouse testes now reveal that RA also regulates the two postmeiotic transitions: initiation of spermatid elongation and spermatozoa release. We measured RA concentrations and found that they changed periodically, as also reflected in the expression patterns of an RA-responsive gene, STRA8; RA levels were low before the four transitions, increased when the transitions occurred, and remained elevated thereafter. We found that pachytene spermatocytes, which express an RA-synthesizing enzyme, Aldh1a2, contribute directly and significantly to RA production in testes. Indeed, chemical and genetic depletion of pachytene spermatocytes revealed that RA from pachytene spermatocytes was required for the two postmeiotic transitions, but not for the two premeiotic transitions. We conclude that the premeiotic transitions are coordinated by RA from Sertoli (somatic) cells. Once germ cells enter meiosis, pachytene spermatocytes produce RA to coordinate the two postmeiotic transitions. In combination, these elements underpin the spatiotemporal coordination of spermatogenesis and ensure its prodigious output in adult males.
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43
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Cheng PL, Wu HR, Li CY, Chen CF, Cheng HC. Characterization of the testicular regeneration potential in premature cockerels. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:563-570. [PMID: 28890522 PMCID: PMC5735267 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that grafted neonatal chicken testicular tissue can develop and produce functional sperm; however, it was unclear whether regenerative processes or proportional growth caused the re-appearance of
spermatogenic tissue. We dissociated testicular tissues, performed subcutaneous auto-transplantation of the re-aggregated cells to castrated cockerels, and monitored the post-surgery development of these transplanted aggregates.
We found that these transplanted cell aggregates experienced compensatory growth in the form of a 300-fold increase in size, rather than the 30-fold increase observed in normal testis development. Further, these dissociated
testicular cell aggregates restored seminiferous tubule structure and were able to produce testosterone and motile sperm. Therefore, we concluded that the dissociated testicular cells from 11-week-old cockerels retained a strong
regenerative potential, as they exhibited compensatory growth, restored destroyed structure, and sustained spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Liang Cheng
- Center for integrative Evolutionary Galliform Genomics Research (iEGG Center), National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ru Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.,Present: Taiwan International Patent & Law Office, Taipei City 104, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yan Li
- Center for integrative Evolutionary Galliform Genomics Research (iEGG Center), National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chen
- Center for integrative Evolutionary Galliform Genomics Research (iEGG Center), National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.,Department of Animal Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Chen Cheng
- Center for integrative Evolutionary Galliform Genomics Research (iEGG Center), National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
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44
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Jörg DJ. Stochastic Kuramoto oscillators with discrete phase states. Phys Rev E 2017; 96:032201. [PMID: 29346898 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.96.032201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We present a generalization of the Kuramoto phase oscillator model in which phases advance in discrete phase increments through Poisson processes, rendering both intrinsic oscillations and coupling inherently stochastic. We study the effects of phase discretization on the synchronization and precision properties of the coupled system both analytically and numerically. Remarkably, many key observables such as the steady-state synchrony and the quality of oscillations show distinct extrema while converging to the classical Kuramoto model in the limit of a continuous phase. The phase-discretized model provides a general framework for coupled oscillations in a Markov chain setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Jörg
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom and Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom
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45
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46
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Glycerol kinase-like proteins cooperate with Pld6 in regulating sperm mitochondrial sheath formation and male fertility. Cell Discov 2017; 3:17030. [PMID: 28852571 PMCID: PMC5566117 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2017.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatids undergo the final steps of maturation during spermiogenesis, a process that necessitates extensive rearrangement of organelles such as the mitochondria. Male infertility has been linked to mitochondrial disorder, for example, hypospermatogenesis and asthenozoospermia. However, the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial dynamics during spermiogenesis remain largely unknown. We found the glycerol kinase (Gyk)-like proteins glycerol kinase-like 1 (Gykl1) and glycerol kinase 2 (Gk2) were specifically localized to the mitochondria in spermatids. Male mice deficient in either Gykl1 or Gk2 were infertile due to dysfunctional spermatozoa, which exhibited unregulated ATP production, disordered mitochondrial sheath formation, abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and defective sperm tail. We demonstrated that the unique C-terminal sequences found in Gykl1 and Gk2 mediated their targeting to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Furthermore, both Gykl1 and Gk2 could interact with Pld6 (MitoPLD) and induce Pld6 and phosphatidic acid (PA)-dependent mitochondrial clustering in cells. Taken together, our study has revealed previously unsuspected functions of Gyk-like proteins in spermiogenesis, providing new insight into the potential mechanisms that lead to spermatozoa dysfunction and male infertility.
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47
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Hickford DE, Wong SFL, Frankenberg SR, Shaw G, Yu H, Chew KY, Renfree MB. Expression of STRA8 is conserved in therian mammals but expression of CYP26B1 differs between marsupials and mice. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:217-229. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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48
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Figueiredo AFA, Cordeiro DA, Nogueira JC, Talamoni SA, França LR, Costa GMJ. Spermatogenesis in a neotropical marsupial species, Philander frenatus (Olfers, 1818). Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:102-109. [PMID: 28732668 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the singular morphology of the male genital system and the different reproductive strategies of marsupials, little emphasis has been given to the testis morphology and spermatogenic kinetics in this mammalian order. The present study aimed to investigate the testis function and the duration of spermatogenesis in the southeastern four-eyed opossum, Philander frenatus. Testes of six adult males were routinely processed for histological and stereological analyses. In order to determine the duration of spermatogenesis, intratesticular injections of tritiated thymidine were performed 1h, 13days and 21days before the sacrifice. Based on the development of the acrosomic system, ten stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle were characterized. The mean body and testis weights for the P. frenatus were respectively 326±20g and 0.4±0.05g, providing a gonadosomatic index of 0.3±0.02%. The most advanced germ cell types labeled at 1h, 13days and 21days after thymidine injections were, respectively, preleptotene spermatocytes at stage IV, pachytene spermatocytes at stage IV and diplotene spermatocytes at stage IX. Based on the stages frequencies and the most advanced labeled germ cells, each spermatogenic cycle and the entire spermatogenic process lasted respectively 13.5±0.5 and 60.9±2.4days. When compared to the vast majority of eutherian mammals already investigated, these data indicate that the Philander frenatus presents a relatively long duration of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - D A Cordeiro
- Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J C Nogueira
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - S A Talamoni
- Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil; National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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49
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Shlush E, Maghen L, Swanson S, Kenigsberg S, Moskovtsev S, Barretto T, Gauthier-Fisher A, Librach CL. In vitro generation of Sertoli-like and haploid spermatid-like cells from human umbilical cord perivascular cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:37. [PMID: 28202061 PMCID: PMC5312448 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND First trimester (FTM) and term human umbilical cord-derived perivascular cells (HUCPVCs), which are rich sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can give rise to Sertoli cell (SC)-like as well as haploid germ cell (GC)-like cells in vitro using culture conditions that recapitulate the testicular niche. Gamete-like cells have been produced ex vivo using pluripotent stem cells as well as MSCs. However, the production of functional gametes from human stem cells has yet to be achieved. METHODS Three independent lines of FTM and term HUCPVCs were cultured using a novel 5-week step-wise in vitro differentiation protocol recapitulating key physiological signals involved in testicular development. SC- and GC-associated phenotypical properties were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative PCR immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Functional spermatogonial stem cell-like properties were assessed using a xenotranplantation assay. RESULTS Within 3 weeks of differentiation, two morphologically distinct cell types emerged including large adherent cells and semi-attached round cells. Both early GC-associated markers (VASA, DAZL, GPR125, GFR1α) and SC-associated markers (FSHR, SOX9, AMH) were upregulated, and 5.7 ± 1.2% of these cells engrafted near the inner basal membrane in a xenograft assay. After 5 weeks in culture, 10-30% of the cells were haploid, had adopted a spermatid-like morphology, and expressed PRM1, Acrosin, and ODF2. Undifferentiated HUCPVCs secreted key factors known to regulate spermatogenesis (LIF, GDNF, BMP4, bFGF) and 10-20% of HUCPVCs co-expressed SSEA4, CD9, CD90, and CD49f. We hypothesize that the paracrine properties and cellular heterogeneity of HUCPVCs may explain their dual capacity to differentiate to both SC- and GC-like cells. CONCLUSIONS HUCPVCs recapitulate elements of the testicular niche including their ability to differentiate into cells with Sertoli-like and haploid spermatid-like properties in vitro. Our study supports the importance of generating a niche-like environment under ex vivo conditions aiming at creating mature GC, and highlights the plasticity of HUCPVCs. This could have future applications for the treatment of some cases of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Shlush
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada.
| | - Leila Maghen
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada
| | - Sonja Swanson
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada
| | - Shlomit Kenigsberg
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada
| | - Sergey Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tanya Barretto
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 1G8, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Tokue M, Ikami K, Mizuno S, Takagi C, Miyagi A, Takada R, Noda C, Kitadate Y, Hara K, Mizuguchi H, Sato T, Taketo MM, Sugiyama F, Ogawa T, Kobayashi S, Ueno N, Takahashi S, Takada S, Yoshida S. SHISA6 Confers Resistance to Differentiation-Promoting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Mouse Spermatogenic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:561-575. [PMID: 28196692 PMCID: PMC5355566 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the seminiferous tubules of mouse testes, a population of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1)-positive spermatogonia harbors the stem cell functionality and supports continual spermatogenesis, likely independent of asymmetric division or definitive niche control. Here, we show that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes spermatogonial differentiation and reduces the GFRα1+ cell pool. We further discovered that SHISA6 is a cell-autonomous Wnt inhibitor that is expressed in a restricted subset of GFRα1+ cells and confers resistance to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Shisa6+ cells appear to show stem cell-related characteristics, conjectured from the morphology and long-term fates of T (Brachyury)+ cells that are found largely overlapped with Shisa6+ cells. This study proposes a generic mechanism of stem cell regulation in a facultative (or open) niche environment, with which different levels of a cell-autonomous inhibitor (SHISA6, in this case) generates heterogeneous resistance to widely distributed differentiation-promoting extracellular signaling, such as WNTs. Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes the differentiation of GFRα1+ spermatogonia SHISA6 is a cell-autonomous Wnt inhibitor expressed in subset GFRα1+ cells SHISA6 confers resistance to differentiation induction by Wnt/β-catenin signaling SHISA6+ spermatogonia show stem cell-related properties
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Tokue
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kanako Ikami
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Chiyo Takagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Asuka Miyagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Takada
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Chiyo Noda
- Division of Developmental Genetics, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 981-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroko Mizuguchi
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Sugiyama
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Satoru Kobayashi
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Division of Developmental Genetics, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Division of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laborarory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shinji Takada
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.
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