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Fernandes da Costa D, de Oliveira Ribeiro A, Morena Bonita Ricci J, da Silva Rodrigues M, Antonio de Oliveira M, Felipe da Rosa I, Benites Doretto L, Takahiro Nakajima R, Henrique Nóbrega R. A83-01 and DMH1 effects in the zebrafish spermatogonial niche: Unraveling the roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling in the Fsh-mediated spermatogonial fate. Gene 2024; 897:148082. [PMID: 38101710 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in the regulation of the stem cell niche for both embryonic and adult stem cells. In zebrafish, male germ stem cell niche is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) through different members of the TGF-β superfamily. On the other hand, the specific roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways are unknown in the zebrafish male germ stem cell niche. Considering this lack of information, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β (A83-01) and BMP (DMH1) signaling pathways in the presence of recombinant zebrafish Fsh using testicular explants. We also reanalyzed single cell-RNA sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) dataset from adult zebrafish testes to identify the testicular cellular sites of smad expression, and to understand the physiological significance of the changes in smad transcript levels after inhibition of TGF-β or BMP pathways. Our results showed that A83-01 potentiated the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh on spermatogonial differentiation leading to an increase in the proportion area occupied by differentiated spermatogonia with concomitant reduction of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia. In agreement, expression analysis showed lower mRNA levels for the pluripotency gene pou5f3, and increased expression of dazl (marker of type B spermatogonia and spermatocyte) and igf3 (pro-stimulatory growth factor) following the co-treatment with TGF-β inhibitor and Fsh. Contrariwise, the inhibition of BMP signaling nullified the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh, resulting in a reduction of differentiated spermatogonia and increased proportion area occupied by type Aund spermatogonia. Supporting this evidence, BMP signaling inhibition increased the mRNA levels of pluripotency genes nanog and pou5f3, and decreased dazl levels when compared to control. The sc-RNA-seq data unveiled a distinctive pattern of smad expression among testicular cells, primarily observed in spermatogonia (smad 2, 3a, 3b, 8), spermatocytes (smad 2, 3a, 8), Sertoli cells (smad 1, 3a, 3b), and Leydig cells (smad 1, 2). This finding supports the notion that inhibition of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways may predominantly impact cellular components within the spermatogonial niche, namely spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways exert antagonistic roles in the zebrafish germ stem cell niche. The members of the TGF-β subfamily are mainly involved in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, while the BMP subfamily promotes spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, in the complex regulation of the germ stem cell niche by Fsh, members of the BMP subfamily (pro-differentiation) should be more predominant in the niche than those belonging to the TGF-β (anti-differentiation). Overall, these findings are not only relevant for understanding the regulation of germ stem cell niche but may also be useful for expanding in vitro the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia more efficiently than using recombinant hormones or growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernandes da Costa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morena Bonita Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivana Felipe da Rosa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Benites Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Takahiro Nakajima
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
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2
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Capel B. Oxygen availability influences the incidence of testicular teratoma in Dnd1Ter/+ mice. Front Genet 2023; 14:1179256. [PMID: 37180974 PMCID: PMC10169730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1179256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas and teratocarcinomas are the most common testicular germ cell tumors in early childhood and young men, and they are frequently found unilaterally in the left testis. In 129/SvJ mice carrying a heterozygous copy of the potent modifier of tumor incidence Ter, a point mutation in the dead-end homolog one gene (Dnd1 Ter/+), ∼70% of the unilateral teratomas arise in the left testis. We previously showed that in mice, left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with reduced hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the left compared to the right testis. To test the hypothesis that systemic reduction of oxygen availability in Dnd1 Ter/+ mice would lead to an increased incidence of bilateral tumors, we placed pregnant females from 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ intercross matings in a hypobaric chamber for 12-h intervals. Our results show that in 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ male gonads, the incidence of bilateral teratoma increased from 3.3% to 64% when fetuses were exposed to acute low oxygen conditions for 12-h between E13.8 and E14.3. The increase in tumor incidence correlated with the maintenance of high expression of pluripotency genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, elevated activity of the Nodal signaling pathway, and suppression of germ cell mitotic arrest. We propose that the combination of heterozygosity for the Ter mutation and hypoxia causes a delay in male germ cell differentiation that promotes teratoma initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M. Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias De La Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Hasani Fard AH, Valizadeh M, Mazaheri Z, Hosseini SJ. miR-106b-5p Intensifies the Proliferative Potential of Spermatogonial Stem Cells as a Prerequisite for Male Infertility Treatment. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3394-3403. [PMID: 35320579 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00884-4] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated the molecular basis of male infertility, various aspects of this area have remained uncovered. Over the past years, researchers have reported the significant potential of miRNAs in posttranscriptional regulatory roles. By targeting mRNAs, these notable molecules can modulate the processes related to male infertility. On the other side, the outstanding potential of male germline stem cells, SSCs, includes their application in infertility treatment. SSCs retain normal spermatogenesis and fertility by adjusting both SSC self-renewal and differentiation. Therefore, for the characterization and manipulation of SSCs, effective and efficient in vitro culture methods are essential in supporting their maintenance and development. In this regard, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the impact of one of the recently conspicuous miRNAs, miR-106b, in SSCs enrichment. As a result, we first found that the SSCs induced with miR-106b-5p highly express TGF-β1, which is known as a regulator of epigenetic modifiers and downstream genes. We next sought to show that self-renewal markers, including c-Myc, Oct-4, and Sox2, are increased in the induced SSC group. The intended miRNA also induced the inhibitor of differentiation 4 (ID4) and aided to remain unmethylated in SSCs. Additionally, for the tumorigenicity possibility of the manipulation, we indicated that PTEN, a tumor-suppressor gene, expressed remarkably in the induced SSCs. In conclusion, our findings showed that miR-106b-5p enhances the proliferative potential of SSCs, making it a substantial factor for therapeutic strategies of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Hasani Fard
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Valizadeh
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalil Hosseini
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang L, Li Y, Hu Y, Chen M, Cen C, Chen M, Lin L, Zhou J, Wang M, Cui X, Tang F, Gao F. Somatic cell-derived BMPs induce premature meiosis in male germ cells during the embryonic stage by upregulating Dazl expression. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22131. [PMID: 34985827 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101585r] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although germ cell fate is believed to be determined by signaling factors from differentiated somatic cells, the molecular mechanism behind this process remains obscure. In this study, premature meiosis in male germ cells was observed during the embryonic stage by conditional activation of β-catenin in Sertoli cells. Somatic and germ cell transcriptome results indicated that the BMP signaling pathway was enriched after β-catenin activation. In addition, we observed a decreased DNA methylation within a reduction of DNMT3A in germ cells of β-catenin activated testes and reversed increase after inhibiting BMP signaling pathway with LDN-193189. We also found that Dazl expression was increased in β-catenin activated testes and decreased after LDN treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrates that male germ cells entered meiosis prematurely during the embryonic stage after β-catenin activated in Sertoli cells. BMP signaling pathway involved in germ cell meiosis initiation by mediating DNA methylation to induce meiotic genes expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Changhuo Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Limei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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5
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Pedrosa AC, Andrade Torres M, Vilela Alkmin D, Pinzon JEP, Kitamura Martins SMM, Coelho da Silveira J, Furugen Cesar de Andrade A. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma small extracellular vesicles miRNAs as biomarkers of boar semen cryotolerance. Theriogenology 2021; 174:60-72. [PMID: 34419697 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Freeze boar semen is still the biggest challenge for the swine industry due to the high cold shock sensitivity of boar sperm cells and the variance of post-thaw results among individuals and ejaculates from the same boar. To solve this problem, we investigate if miRNAs present in sperm cells and small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from seminal plasma of raw boar ejaculates can predict high-quality ejaculates after underwent the freeze-thaw process. For this, we obtained miRNAs samples of sperm cells and EVs from raw seminal plasma from 27 ejaculates before the cryopreservation process. Two groups with different freezability considering the analysis post-thaw of structure and sperm functionality were formed: High freezability (HF; n = 04) and low freezability (LF; n = 04). That done, we investigated the miRNAs profile of sperm cells and EVs from seminal plasma in both groups. Three miRNAs were differently abundant in LF ejaculates, being the ssc-miR-503 found in higher levels in sperm cells (P < 0.10). The ssc-miR-130a and ssc-miR-9 most abundant in EVs from seminal plasma (P < 0.10), in LF ejaculates. Through enrichment analysis, it was possible to verify that these miRNAs could be performing modifications in the development of male germ cells and in the production of energy to spermatozoa to maintain their viability and functionality. Therefore, we can demonstrate that ssc-miR-503, ssc-miR-130a, and ssc-miR-9 are related to low sperm cryotolerance in boars semen. So those miRNAs can be used as a biomarker to predict their low ability to tolerate the cryopreservation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Andrade Torres
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge E P Pinzon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
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6
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Spinal muscular atrophy: Broad disease spectrum and sex-specific phenotypes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166063. [PMID: 33412266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the major genetic disorders associated with infant mortality. More than 90% of cases of SMA result from deletions of or mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN2, a nearly identical copy of SMN1, does not compensate for the loss of SMN1 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. The spectrum of SMA is broad, ranging from prenatal death to infant mortality to survival into adulthood. All tissues, including brain, spinal cord, bone, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, spleen, ovary and testis, are directly and/or indirectly affected in SMA. Accumulating evidence on impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and defects in X chromosome-linked modifying factors, coupled with the sexual dimorphic nature of many tissues, point to sex-specific vulnerabilities in SMA. Here we review the role of sex in the pathogenesis of SMA.
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Whiley PAF, O'Donnell L, Moody SC, Handelsman DJ, Young JC, Richards EA, Almstrup K, Western PS, Loveland KL. Activin A Determines Steroid Levels and Composition in the Fetal Testis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5818588. [PMID: 32274496 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin A promotes fetal mouse testis development, including driving Sertoli cell proliferation and cord morphogenesis, but its mechanisms of action are undefined. We performed ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) on testicular somatic cells from fetal activin A-deficient mice (Inhba KO) and wildtype littermates at embryonic day (E) E13.5 and E15.5. Analysis of whole gonads provided validation, and cultures with a pathway inhibitor discerned acute from chronic effects of altered activin A bioactivity. Activin A deficiency predominantly affects the Sertoli cell transcriptome. New candidate targets include Minar1, Sel1l3, Vnn1, Sfrp4, Masp1, Nell1, Tthy1 and Prss12. Importantly, the testosterone (T) biosynthetic enzymes present in fetal Sertoli cells, Hsd17b1 and Hsd17b3, were identified as activin-responsive. Activin-deficient testes contained elevated androstenedione (A4), displayed an Inhba gene dose-dependent A4/T ratio, and contained 11-keto androgens. The remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in both Sertoli and germ cells at E15.5 indicated impaired lipid metabolism in the absence of activin A. This demonstrated for the first time that activin A acts on Sertoli cells to determine local steroid production during fetal testis development. These outcomes reveal how compounds that perturb fetal steroidogenesis can function through cell-specific mechanisms and can indicate how altered activin levels in utero may impact testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A F Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julia C Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Richards
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Zhang X, Zhou J, Li L, Huang W, Ahmad HI, Li H, Jiang H, Chen J. Full-length transcriptome sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis to uncover genes involved in early gametogenesis in the gonads of Amur sturgeon ( Acipenser schrenckii). Front Zool 2020; 17:11. [PMID: 32308726 PMCID: PMC7147073 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-020-00355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sturgeons (Acipenseriformes) are polyploid chondrostean fish that constitute an important model species for studying development and evolution in vertebrates. To better understand the mechanisms of reproduction regulation in sturgeon, this study combined PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) with Illumina short-read RNA-seq methods to discover full-length genes involved in early gametogenesis of the Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii. RESULTS A total of 50.04 G subread bases were generated from two SMRT cells, and herein 164,618 nonredundant full-length transcripts (unigenes) were produced with an average length of 2782 bp from gonad tissues (three testes and four ovaries) from seven 3-year-old A. schrenckii individuals. The number of ovary-specific expressed unigenes was greater than those of testis (19,716 vs. 3028), and completely different KEGG pathways were significantly enriched between the ovary-biased and testis-biased DEUs. Importantly, 60 early gametogenesis-related genes (involving 755 unigenes) were successfully identified, and exactly 50% (30/60) genes of those showed significantly differential expression in testes and ovaries. Among these, the Amh and Gsdf with testis-biased expression, and the Foxl2 and Cyp19a with ovary-biased expression strongly suggested the important regulatory roles in spermatogenesis and oogenesis of A. schrenckii, respectively. We also found the four novel Sox9 transcript variants, which increase the numbers of regulatory genes and imply function complexity in early gametogenesis. Finally, a total of 236,672 AS events (involving 36,522 unigenes) were detected, and 10,556 putative long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 4339 predicted transcript factors (TFs) were also respectively identified, which were all significantly associated with the early gametogenesis of A. schrenckii. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide new genetic resources of full-length transcription data and information as a genomic-level reference for sturgeon. Crucially, we explored the comprehensive genetic characteristics that differ between the testes and ovaries of A. schrenckii in the early gametogenesis stage, which could provide candidate genes and theoretical basis for further the mechanisms of reproduction regulation of sturgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Jiabin Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Wenzhong Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Huiming Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Haiying Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260 Guangdong China
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CRIPTO and miR-371a-3p Are Serum Biomarkers of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors and Are Detected in Seminal Plasma from Azoospermic Males. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030760. [PMID: 32210110 PMCID: PMC7140045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-371a-3p is currently the most informative reported biomarker for germ cell tumors (GCTs). Another developmental-related biomarker, CRIPTO, is involved in the regulation of pluripotency and germ cell fate commitment. We aimed to assess the value of CRIPTO as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of testicular GCTs (TGCTs) and also to assess its presence in seminal plasma samples, compared with miR-371a-3p. In total, 217 and 94 serum/seminal plasma samples were analyzed. CRIPTO was quantified using ELISA and miR-371a-3p using bead-based isolation followed by RT-qPCR. Methylation profiling (EPIC array) for the CRIPTO promoter region was undertaken in 35 TGCT tissues plus four (T)GCT cell lines. Significantly higher CRIPTO concentration was found in sera of non-seminomas compared to controls (p = 0.0297), and in stage II/III disease compared to stage I (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0097). CRIPTO concentration was significantly positively correlated with miR-371a-3p levels in serum (r = 0.16) and seminal plasma (r = 0.40). CRIPTO/miR-371a-3p levels were significantly higher in seminal plasma controls when compared to serum controls (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001). CRIPTO/miR-371a-3p were detected both in normospermic and azoospermic males, and levels were higher in TGCTs compared to GCNIS-only. We have provided the largest dataset of evaluation of CRIPTO in serum and seminal plasma of GCTs, showing its potential value as a biomarker of the disease.
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10
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Boguslawska J, Kryst P, Poletajew S, Piekielko-Witkowska A. TGF-β and microRNA Interplay in Genitourinary Cancers. Cells 2019; 8:E1619. [PMID: 31842336 PMCID: PMC6952810 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genitourinary cancers (GCs) include a large group of different types of tumors localizing to the kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, and penis. Despite highly divergent molecular patterns, most GCs share commonly disturbed signaling pathways that involve the activity of TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta). TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates key cancer-related molecular and cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. The understanding of the mechanisms of TGF-β actions in cancer is hindered by the "TGF-β paradox" in which early stages of cancerogenic process are suppressed by TGF-β while advanced stages are stimulated by its activity. A growing body of evidence suggests that these paradoxical TGF-β actions could result from the interplay with microRNAs: Short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to target transcripts and inducing mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of TGF-β signaling in GCs. Importantly, TGF-β signaling and microRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression often act in complicated feedback circuits that involve other crucial regulators of cancer progression (e.g., androgen receptor). Furthermore, recently published in vitro and in vivo studies clearly indicate that the interplay between microRNAs and the TGF-β signaling pathway offers new potential treatment options for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Boguslawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education; 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Kryst
- II Department of Urology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (S.P.)
| | - Slawomir Poletajew
- II Department of Urology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (S.P.)
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11
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Ruthig VA, Friedersdorf MB, Garness JA, Munger SC, Bunce C, Keene JD, Capel B. The RNA-binding protein DND1 acts sequentially as a negative regulator of pluripotency and a positive regulator of epigenetic modifiers required for germ cell reprogramming. Development 2019; 146:dev175950. [PMID: 31253634 PMCID: PMC6803376 DOI: 10.1242/dev.175950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The adult spermatogonial stem cell population arises from pluripotent primordial germ cells (PGCs) that enter the fetal testis around embryonic day (E)10.5. PGCs undergo rapid mitotic proliferation, then enter prolonged cell cycle arrest (G1/G0), during which they transition to pro-spermatogonia. In mice homozygous for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dnd1 (Dnd1Ter/Ter ), many male germ cells (MGCs) fail to enter G1/G0 and instead form teratomas: tumors containing many embryonic cell types. To investigate the origin of these tumors, we sequenced the MGC transcriptome in Dnd1Ter/Ter mutants at E12.5, E13.5 and E14.5, immediately prior to teratoma formation, and correlated this information with DO-RIP-Seq-identified DND1 direct targets. Consistent with previous results, we found DND1 controls downregulation of many genes associated with pluripotency and active cell cycle, including mTor, Hippo and Bmp/Nodal signaling pathway elements. However, DND1 targets also include genes associated with male differentiation, including a large group of chromatin regulators activated in wild-type but not mutant MGCs during the E13.5 and E14.5 transition. Results suggest multiple DND1 functions and link DND1 to initiation of epigenetic modifications in MGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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12
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Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) must complete a complex and dynamic developmental program during embryogenesis to establish the germline. This process is highly conserved and involves a diverse array of tasks required of PGCs, including migration, survival, sex differentiation, and extensive epigenetic reprogramming. A common theme across many organisms is that PGC success is heterogeneous: only a portion of all PGCs complete all these steps while many other PGCs are eliminated from further germline contribution. The differences that distinguish successful PGCs as a population are not well understood. Here, we examine variation that exists in PGCs as they navigate the many stages of this developmental journey. We explore potential sources of PGC heterogeneity and their potential implications in affecting germ cell behaviors. Lastly, we discuss the potential for PGC development to function as a multistage selection process that assesses heterogeneity in PGCs to refine germline quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca G Jaszczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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13
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Abstract
Germ cells are the stem cells of the species. Thus, it is critical that we have a good understanding of how they are specified, how the somatic cells instruct and support them, how they commit to one or other sex, and how they ultimately develop into functional gametes. Here, we focus on specifics of how sexual fate is determined during fetal life. Because the majority of relevant experimental work has been done using the mouse model, we focus on that species. We review evidence regarding the identity of instructive signals from the somatic cells, and the molecular responses that occur in germ cells in response to those extrinsic signals. In this way we aim to clarify progress to date regarding the mechanisms underlying the mitotic to meiosis switch in germ cells of the fetal ovary, and those involved in adopting and securing male fate in germ cells of the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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14
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Jørgensen A, Macdonald J, Nielsen JE, Kilcoyne KR, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Frederiksen H, Andersson AM, Skakkebæk NE, Juul A, Sharpe RM, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Mitchell RT. Nodal Signaling Regulates Germ Cell Development and Establishment of Seminiferous Cords in the Human Fetal Testis. Cell Rep 2018; 25:1924-1937.e4. [PMID: 30428358 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of human fetal testis development is widely accepted to underlie testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) origin and additional disorders within testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). However, the mechanisms for the development of testicular dysgenesis in humans are unclear. We used ex vivo culture and xenograft approaches to investigate the importance of Nodal and Activin signaling in human fetal testis development. Inhibition of Nodal, and to some extent Activin, signaling disrupted seminiferous cord formation, abolished AMH expression, reduced androgen secretion, and decreased gonocyte numbers. Subsequent xenografting of testicular tissue rescued the disruptive effects on seminiferous cords and somatic cells but not germ cell effects. Stimulation of Nodal signaling increased the number of germ cells expressing pluripotency factors, and these persisted after xenografting. Our findings suggest a key role for Nodal signaling in the regulation of gonocyte differentiation and early human testis development with implications for the understanding of TGCC and TDS origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Joni Macdonald
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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