1
|
Castille J, Thépot D, Fouchécourt S, Dalbies-Tran R, Passet B, Daniel-Carlier N, Vilotte JL, Monget P. The paralogs' enigma of germ-cell specific genes dispensable for fertility: the case of 19 oogenesin genes†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:408-414. [PMID: 37561421 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene knockout experiments have shown that many genes are dispensable for a given biological function. In this review, we make an assessment of male and female germ cell-specific genes dispensable for the function of reproduction in mice, the inactivation of which does not affect fertility. In particular, we describe the deletion of a 1 Mb block containing nineteen paralogous genes of the oogenesin/Pramel family specifically expressed in female and/or male germ cells, which has no consequences in both sexes. We discuss this notion of dispensability and the experiments that need to be carried out to definitively conclude that a gene is dispensable for a function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Castille
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Passet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- PRC INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiong X, Huang X, Zhu Y, Hai Z, Fei X, Pan B, Yang Q, Xiong Y, Fu W, Lan D, Zhang X, Li J. Testis-specific knockout of Kdm2a reveals nonessential roles in male fertility but partially compromises spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2023; 209:9-20. [PMID: 37354760 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Lysine-specific histone demethylase 2 (Kdm2a) is a regulatory factor of histone modifications that participates in gametogenesis and embryonic development. The mis-regulation of Kdm2a can lead to aberrant gene expression, thereby contributing to abnormal cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. However, due to the potential confounding effects that are secondary to the loss of Kdm2a function from the soma in existing whole-animal mutants, the in vivo function of Kdm2a in spermatogenesis for male fertility remains unknown. Herein, we focus on exploring the spatiotemporal expression profile and biological functions of Kdm2a in the spermatogenesis and fertility of male mice. A testis-specific knockout Kdm2a model (Kdm2a cKO) was established by using the Stra8-Cre/loxP recombinase system to explore the roles of Kdm2a in male fertility. Our results showed that Kdm2a was ubiquitously expressed and dynamically distributed in multiple tissues and cell types in the testis of mice. Surprisingly, Kdm2a-deficient adult males were completely fertile and comparable with their control (Kdm2aflox/flox) counterparts. Despite the significantly reduced total number of sperm and density of seminiferous tubules in Kdm2a cKO testis accompanied by the degeneration of spermatogenesis, the fertilization ability and embryonic developmental competence of the Kdm2a cKO were comparable with those of their control littermates, suggesting that Kdm2a disruption did not markedly affect male fertility, at least during younger ages. Furthermore, Kdm2a homozygous mutants exhibited a lower total number and motility of sperm than the control group and showed notably affected serum 17β-estradiol concentration. Interestingly, the transcriptome sequencing revealed that the loss of Kdm2a remarkably upregulated the expression level of Kdm2b. This effect, in turn, may induce compensative effects in the case of Kdm2a deficiency to maintain normal male reproduction. Together, our results reveal that Kdm2a shows spatiotemporal expression during testicular development and that its loss is insufficient to compromise the production of spermatozoa completely. The homologous Kdm2b gene might compensate for the loss of Kdm2a. Our work provides a novel Kdm2a cKO mouse allowing for the efficient deletion of Kdm2a in a testis-specific manner, and further investigated the biological function of Kdm2a and the compensatory effects of Kdm2b. Our study will advance our understanding of underlying mechanisms in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiangyue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Zhang
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Badawi S, Mohamed FE, Varghese DS, Ali BR. Genetic disruption of mammalian endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation: Human phenotypes and animal and cellular disease models. Traffic 2023. [PMID: 37188482 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) is a stringent quality control mechanism through which misfolded, unassembled and some native proteins are targeted for degradation to maintain appropriate cellular and organelle homeostasis. Several in vitro and in vivo ERAD-related studies have provided mechanistic insights into ERAD pathway activation and its consequent events; however, a majority of these have investigated the effect of ERAD substrates and their consequent diseases affecting the degradation process. In this review, we present all reported human single-gene disorders caused by genetic variation in genes that encode ERAD components rather than their substrates. Additionally, after extensive literature survey, we present various genetically manipulated higher cellular and mammalian animal models that lack specific components involved in various stages of the ERAD pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Badawi
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Feda E Mohamed
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Divya Saro Varghese
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu H, Ding H, Zheng H. Murine fertility and spermatogenesis are independent of the testis-specific Spdye4a gene. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114148. [PMID: 36272447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114148] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many testis-enriched genes have been identified as important regulators of the spermatogenic process, the specific roles played by several of these genes and their functional importance has yet to be fully clarified. METHODS We employed a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to introduce a 5 bp in-frame deletion within the Spdye4a gene (Exon 2) of C57BL/6 mice (Spdye4a-/-). Fertility and sperm counts were evaluated. Testes tissues and cell suspensions were analyzed via histological and immunofluorescence staining. mRNA and protein levels of candidate genes were assessed through qPCR and Western blotting. In vitro fertilization was used to assess the ability of sperm cells to bind to egg cells. RESULTS Spdye4a-/- mice did not exhibit any reduction in fertility, and exhibited comparable sperm counts, morphology and motility to those of wildtype littermates. Functionally, Spdye4a-/- sperm exhibited normal sperm-egg binding activity in vitro. Furthermore, the testes of Spdye4a-/- mice exhibited a full range of germ cells from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa. No differences in the progression of meiotic prophase I were observed when comparing Spdye4a-/- and wildtype mice, indicating that the loss of Spdye4a had no adverse effect on spermatogenesis. DISCUSSION Spdye4a is dispensable in the context of mice fertility and spermatogenesis. This study will prevent other laboratories from expending repeated efforts to generate similar knockout mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Hongyan Ding
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yao Y, Wan Y, Shi X, Guo L, Jiang H, Zhang X, Xu B, Hua J. Letrozole protects against cadmium-induced inhibition of spermatogenesis via LHCGR and Hsd3b6 to activate testosterone synthesis in mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:43. [PMID: 35236366 PMCID: PMC8889770 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00915-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The heavy metal cadmium is proposed to be one of the environmental endocrine disruptors of spermatogenesis. Cadmium-induced inhibition of spermatogenesis is associated with a hormone secretion disorder. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that increases peripheral androgen levels and stimulates spermatogenesis. However, the potential protective effects of letrozole on cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity remain to be elucidated. In this study, male mice were administered CdCl2 (4 mg/kg BW) orally by gavage alone or in combination with letrozole (0.25 mg/kg BW) for 30 days. Cd exposure caused a significant decreases in body weight, sperm count, motility, vitality, and plasma testosterone levels. Histopathological changes revealed extensive vacuolization and decreased spermatozoa in the lumen. However, in the Cd + letrozole group, letrozole treatment compensated for deficits in sperm parameters (count, motility, and vitality) induced by Cd. Letrozole treatment significantly increased serum testosterone levels, which were reduced by Cd. Histopathological studies revealed a systematic array of all germ cells, a preserved basement membrane and relatively less vacuolization. For a mechanistic examination, RNA-seq was used to profile alterations in gene expression in response to letrozole. Compared with that in the Cd-treated group, RNA-Seq analysis showed that 214 genes were differentially expressed in the presence of letrozole. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis showed that steroid biosynthetic processes were the processes most affected by letrozole treatment. Furthermore, we found that the expression of the testosterone synthesis-related genes LHCGR (luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor) and Hsd3b6 (3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 6) was significantly downregulated in Cd-treated testes, but these genes maintained similar expression levels in letrozole-treated testes as those in the control group. However, the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-6, and oxidative stress-related genes (Nrf2, Nqo1, and Ho-1) showed no changes. The present study suggests that the potential protective effect of letrozole on Cd-induced reproductive toxicity might be mediated by the upregulation of LHCGR and Hsd3b6, which would beneficially increase testosterone synthesis to achieve optimum protection of sperm quality and spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yangyang Wan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaoyun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- The Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Andrology, Peking, 100191, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Juan Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiang X, Zhao D, Ali A, Xu B, Liu W, Wen J, Zhang H, Shi Q, Zhang Y. MeiosisOnline: A Manually Curated Database for Tracking and Predicting Genes Associated With Meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673073. [PMID: 34485275 PMCID: PMC8415030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673073] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis, an essential step in gametogenesis, is the key event in sexually reproducing organisms. Thousands of genes have been reported to be involved in meiosis. Therefore, a specialist database is much needed for scientists to know about the function of these genes quickly and to search for genes with potential roles in meiosis. Here, we developed "MeiosisOnline," a publicly accessible, comprehensive database of known functional genes and potential candidates in meiosis (https://mcg.ustc.edu.cn/bsc/meiosis/index.html). A total of 2,052 meiotic genes were manually curated from literature resource and were classified into different categories. Annotation information was provided for both meiotic genes and predicted candidates, including basic information, function, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and expression data. On the other hand, 165 mouse genes were predicted as potential candidates in meiosis using the "Greed AUC Stepwise" algorithm. Thus, MeiosisOnline provides the most updated and detailed information of experimental verified and predicted genes in meiosis. Furthermore, the searching tools and friendly interface of MeiosisOnline will greatly help researchers in studying meiosis in an easy and efficient way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Huan Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The evolutionarily conserved gene, Fam114a2, is dispensable for fertility in mouse. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100531. [PMID: 34315090 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 114 member A2 (Fam114a2) is sperm binding protein that is highly conserved in mammals with homologs both in fungi and plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-762 and P63 are two crucial players of spermatogenesis, and CricFM114A2 regulates their expression. Thus, the current study was focused on describing the role of Fam114a2 in spermatogenesis by generating Fam114a2 knockout (Fam114a2-/-) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques. We identified that Fam114a2-/- mouse has normal fertility and normal morphology of sperm. Furthermore, histological investigation of testicular and epididymis tissues showed no subtle difference, and seminiferous tubules comprised of all stages of germ cells, including mature spermatozoa in Fam114a2-/- mice. Moreover, cytological investigation of spermatocytes in the progression of prophase I also did not display any notable difference in Fam114a2-/- mice. Additionally, normal expression of p63 and miR-762 was observed in Fam114a2+/+ and Fam114a2-/- testis indicating that Fam114a2 is not involved in the direct regulation of in mice spermatogenesis. Moreover, the removal of Fam114a2 in mouse did not affect the expression of its paralogue Fam114a1 in multiple tissues. Taken together our data determined that Fam114a2 is not essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mice.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shah W, Khan R, Shah B, Dil S, Shi Q. Knockout of the family with sequence similarity 181, member A ( Fam181a) gene does not impair spermatogenesis or male fertility in the mouse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:674-681. [PMID: 34253288 DOI: 10.1071/rd21150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 181 (Fam181 ) is a gene family with two paralogues (Fam181a and Fam181b ) found among vertebrates. Fam181a exhibits dynamic and stage-specific expression during murine embryo development. Furthermore, searching in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database revealed predominant expression of Fam181a in mouse and human testes, implying that it may have essential roles in spermatogenesis. In this study we investigated the invivo function of Fam181a in mouse spermatogenesis and fertility by generating Fam181a -/- mice using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 genome editing technology. The resulting Fam181a -/- mice exhibited normal growth and development. In addition, the mice were completely fertile, with no obvious differences in the testis-to-bodyweight ratio, epididymal sperm count or sperm motility compared with wild-type mice. Further examination of testicular and epididymal histology of Fam181a -/- mice found an intact seminiferous tubule structure and the presence of all types of germ cells, from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa, similar to wild-type littermates. Similarly, analysis of meiotic prophase I progression revealed normal populations of each substage of prophase I in Fam181a +/+ and Fam181a -/- testes, suggesting that this gene is dispensable for male fertility. These negative findings will help avoid research overlap, save time and resources and allow researchers to concentrate on genes that are critical for male fertility and spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; and Corresponding authors
| | - Basit Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; and Corresponding authors
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shah B, Khan R, Shah W, Aftab A, Khan M, Dil S, Shi Q. Inactivation of testis-specific gene C4orf46 is dispensable for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:364-370. [PMID: 34076717 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09879-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several genes have been reported to be involved in spermatogenesis but their functional importance in male fertility is yet needed to be elucidated. Therefore, in current research, we focused to explore the in vivo role of evolutionary conserved and testis-specifically expressed, C4orf46, gene in male mouse fertility and spermatogenesis. The expression profile of C4orf46 is specific to testes and expressed in testes from 7 days of postpartum to onward. Thus, we generated the C4orf46 knockout mice by utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and examined gene function in spermatogenesis and fertility. Surprisingly, C4orf46 knockout mice were completely fertile, displayed normal testes morphology, however, higher sperm contents were observed in knockout mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Subsequently, intact testis histology and architecture of seminiferous tubules were observed in C4orf46 knockout and WT mice. Similarly, sperm morphology and swimming velocity of C4orf46 knockout mice were comparable with the WT littermates. Furthermore, all type of germ cells ranging from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa were observed in the testes and epididymis sections of C4orf46 knockout mice suggesting that disruption of C4orf46 did not impact spermatogenesis. Moreover, meiotic prophase I progression was normal, and each type of cell population was comparable between knockout and WT mice. Overall, finding from this research indicates that C4orf46 is not an essential gene for fertility in mice. This study will help researchers to avoid the repetition and duplication of efforts, and to explore the genes that are indispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basit Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Aftab
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Sector H10, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Manan Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Dhodial, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| |
Collapse
|