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Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
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2
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Yu DCW, Wu FC, Wu CE, Chow LP, Ho HN, Chen HF. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived DDX4 and KRT-8 positive cells participate in ovarian follicle-like structure formation. iScience 2020; 24:102003. [PMID: 33490911 PMCID: PMC7811146 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) specification, development and differentiation to gametes are useful for elucidating the causes of infertility and potential treatment. This study aims to examine whether hPSCs can be induced to DDX4 extracellularly expressing primordial germ cell-like cells (DDX4ec PGCLCs) and further into ovarian follicle stage in a combined in vitro and in vivo model. The transcriptional signatures show that these DDX4ec PGCLCs are characteristic of PGCs and express ovarian folliculogenesis markers. We also verify that keratin (KRT)-8 is highly expressed in the DDX4ec PGCLCs and plays a crucial role in germ cell migration. By co-culturing DDX4ec PGCLCs with human granulosa cells (GCs), these cells are further induced into ovarian follicle-like structures in a xenograft mice model. This approach can in the future design practical strategies for treating germ cell-associated issues of infertility. hPSC-derived DDX4 PGCLCs participate ovarian follicle-like structure formation Human granulosa cells as a niche environment are participating folliculogenesis Keratin 8 plays an essential role in primordial germ cell migration
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny C W Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and the Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China.,Aging and Disease Prevention Research Center, and Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Chun Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and the Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Eng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Ping Chow
- Graduate Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Nerng Ho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and the Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Fu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and the Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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3
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Müller MR, Skowron MA, Albers P, Nettersheim D. Molecular and epigenetic pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. Asian J Urol 2020; 8:144-154. [PMID: 33996469 PMCID: PMC8099689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of germ cell tumors (GCTs) is a unique pathogenesis occurring at an early developmental stage during specification, migration or colonization of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the genital ridge. Since driver mutations could not be identified so far, the involvement of the epigenetic machinery during the pathogenesis seems to play a crucial role. Currently, it is investigated whether epigenetic modifications occurring between the omnipotent two-cell stage and the pluripotent implanting PGCs might result in disturbances eventually leading to GCTs. Although progress in understanding epigenetic mechanisms during PGC development is ongoing, little is known about the complete picture of its involvement during GCT development and eventual classification into clinical subtypes. This review will shed light into the current knowledge of the complex epigenetic and molecular contribution during pathogenesis of GCTs by emphasizing on early developmental stages until arrival of late PGCs in the gonads. We questioned how misguided migrating and/or colonizing PGCs develop to either type I or type II GCTs. Additionally, we asked how pluripotency can be regulated during PGC development and which epigenetic changes contribute to GCT pathogenesis. We propose that SOX2 and SOX17 determine either embryonic stem cell-like (embryonal carcinoma) or PGC-like cell fate (seminoma). Finally, we suggest that factors secreted by the microenvironment, i.e. BMPs and BMP inhibiting molecules, dictate the fate decision of germ cell neoplasia in situ (into seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and seminomas (into embryonal carcinoma or extraembryonic lineage), indicating an important role of the microenvironment on GCT plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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4
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Gell JJ, Liu W, Sosa E, Chialastri A, Hancock G, Tao Y, Wamaitha SE, Bower G, Dey SS, Clark AT. An Extended Culture System that Supports Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cell Survival and Initiation of DNA Methylation Erasure. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:433-446. [PMID: 32059791 PMCID: PMC7066331 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an in vitro system in which human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) are generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has been invaluable to further our understanding of human primordial germ cell (hPGC) specification. However, the means to evaluate the next fundamental steps in germ cell development have not been well established. In this study we describe a two dimensional extended culture system that promotes proliferation of specified hPGCLCs, without reversion to a pluripotent state. We demonstrate that hPGCLCs in extended culture undergo partial epigenetic reprogramming, mirroring events described in hPGCs in vivo, including a genome-wide reduction in DNA methylation and maintenance of depleted H3K9me2. This extended culture system provides a new approach for expanding the number of hPGCLCs for downstream technologies, including transplantation, molecular screening, or possibly the differentiation of hPGCLCs into gametes by in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Gell
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Enrique Sosa
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alex Chialastri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Center for Bioengineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Grace Hancock
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sissy E Wamaitha
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Grace Bower
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Siddharth S Dey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Center for Bioengineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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5
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Lobo J, Gillis AJM, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Looijenga LHJ. Human Germ Cell Tumors are Developmental Cancers: Impact of Epigenetics on Pathobiology and Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E258. [PMID: 30634670 PMCID: PMC6359418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current (high throughput omics-based) data support the model that human (malignant) germ cell tumors are not initiated by somatic mutations, but, instead through a defined locked epigenetic status, representative of their cell of origin. This elegantly explains the role of both genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis, referred to as 'genvironment'. Moreover, it could also explain various epidemiological findings, including the rising incidence of this type of cancer in Western societies. In addition, it allows for identification of clinically relevant and informative biomarkers both for diagnosis and follow-up of individual patients. The current status of these findings will be discussed, including the use of high throughput DNA methylation profiling for determination of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as chromosomal copy number variation (CNV). Finally, the potential value of methylation-specific tumor DNA fragments (i.e., XIST promotor) as well as embryonic microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for cancer detection in liquid biopsies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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6
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Sosa E, Chen D, Rojas EJ, Hennebold JD, Peters KA, Wu Z, Lam TN, Mitchell JM, Sukhwani M, Tailor RC, Meistrich ML, Orwig KE, Shetty G, Clark AT. Differentiation of primate primordial germ cell-like cells following transplantation into the adult gonadal niche. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5339. [PMID: 30559363 PMCID: PMC6297357 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in stem cell differentiation is the availability of bioassays to prove cell types generated in vitro are equivalent to cells in vivo. In the mouse, differentiation of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent cells was validated by transplantation, leading to the generation of spermatogenesis and to the birth of offspring. Here we report the use of xenotransplantation (monkey to mouse) and homologous transplantation (monkey to monkey) to validate our in vitro protocol for differentiating male rhesus (r) macaque PGCLCs (rPGCLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (riPSCs). Specifically, transplantation of aggregates containing rPGCLCs into mouse and nonhuman primate testicles overcomes a major bottleneck in rPGCLC differentiation. These findings suggest that immature rPGCLCs once transplanted into an adult gonadal niche commit to differentiate towards late rPGCs that initiate epigenetic reprogramming but do not complete the conversion into ENO2-positive spermatogonia. Human embryonic stem cells can be differentiated in vitro into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) that resemble early primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here the authors transplant PGCLCs generated from rhesus macaque iPSCs into mouse and rhesus macaque seminiferous tubules, which matures these into late PGCs and spermatogonia-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sosa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ernesto J Rojas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Karen A Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Zhuang Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Truong N Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ramesh C Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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7
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Do Gametes Woo? Evidence for Their Nonrandom Union at Fertilization. Genetics 2018; 207:369-387. [PMID: 28978771 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental tenet of inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms such as humans and laboratory mice is that gametes combine randomly at fertilization, thereby ensuring a balanced and statistically predictable representation of inherited variants in each generation. This principle is encapsulated in Mendel's First Law. But exceptions are known. With transmission ratio distortion, particular alleles are preferentially transmitted to offspring. Preferential transmission usually occurs in one sex but not both, and is not known to require interactions between gametes at fertilization. A reanalysis of our published work in mice and of data in other published reports revealed instances where any of 12 mutant genes biases fertilization, with either too many or too few heterozygotes and homozygotes, depending on the mutant gene and on dietary conditions. Although such deviations are usually attributed to embryonic lethality of the underrepresented genotypes, the evidence is more consistent with genetically-determined preferences for specific combinations of egg and sperm at fertilization that result in genotype bias without embryo loss. This unexpected discovery of genetically-biased fertilization could yield insights about the molecular and cellular interactions between sperm and egg at fertilization, with implications for our understanding of inheritance, reproduction, population genetics, and medical genetics.
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8
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PRDM14 is expressed in germ cell tumors with constitutive overexpression altering human germline differentiation and proliferation. Stem Cell Res 2018; 27:46-56. [PMID: 29324254 PMCID: PMC5858915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors occurring in gonadal and extragonadal locations. GCTs are hypothesized to arise from primordial germ cells (PGCs), which fail to differentiate. One recently identified susceptibility loci for human GCT is PR (PRDI-BF1 and RIZ) domain proteins 14 (PRDM14). PRDM14 is expressed in early primate PGCs and is repressed as PGCs differentiate. To examine PRDM14 in human GCTs we profiled human GCT cell lines and patient samples and discovered that PRDM14 is expressed in embryonal carcinoma cell lines, embryonal carcinomas, seminomas, intracranial germinomas and yolk sac tumors, but is not expressed in teratomas. To model constitutive overexpression in human PGCs, we generated PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and discovered that elevated expression of PRDM14 does not block early PGC formation. Instead, we show that elevated PRDM14 in PGCLCs causes proliferation and differentiation defects in the germline.
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9
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Tumorigenic and Differentiation Potentials of Embryonic Stem Cells Depend on TGF β Family Signaling: Lessons from Teratocarcinoma Cells Stimulated to Differentiate with Retinoic Acid. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:7284872. [PMID: 28798778 PMCID: PMC5534322 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7284872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant challenge for the development of safe pluripotent stem cell-based therapies is the incomplete in vitro differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells and the presence of residual undifferentiated cells initiating teratoma development after transplantation in recipients. To understand the mechanisms of incomplete differentiation, a comparative study of retinoic acid-induced differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) and teratocarcinoma (EC) cells was conducted. The present study identified differences in proliferative activity, differentiation, and tumorigenic potentials between ES and EC cells. Higher expression of Nanog and Mvh, as well as Activin A and BMP4, was found in undifferentiated ES cells than in EC cells. However, the expression levels of Activin A and BMP4 increased more sharply in the EC cells during retinoic acid-induced differentiation. Stimulation of the Activin/Nodal and BMP signaling cascades and inhibition of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Act signaling pathways resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Oct4-expressing ES cells and a loss of tumorigenicity, similar to retinoic acid-stimulated EC cells. Thus, this study demonstrates that a differentiation strategy that modulates prodifferentiation and antiproliferative signaling in ES cells may be effective for eliminating tumorigenic cells and may represent a valuable tool for the development of safe stem cell therapeutics.
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10
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DUSP9 Modulates DNA Hypomethylation in Female Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2017; 20:706-719.e7. [PMID: 28366588 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Blastocyst-derived embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and gonad-derived embryonic germ cells (EGCs) represent two classic types of pluripotent cell lines, yet their molecular equivalence remains incompletely understood. Here, we compare genome-wide methylation patterns between isogenic ESC and EGC lines to define epigenetic similarities and differences. Surprisingly, we find that sex rather than cell type drives methylation patterns in ESCs and EGCs. Cell fusion experiments further reveal that the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes dictates methylation levels, with female hybrids being hypomethylated and male hybrids being hypermethylated. We show that the X-linked MAPK phosphatase DUSP9 is upregulated in female compared to male ESCs, and its heterozygous loss in female ESCs leads to male-like methylation levels. However, male and female blastocysts are similarly hypomethylated, indicating that sex-specific methylation differences arise in culture. Collectively, our data demonstrate the epigenetic similarity of sex-matched ESCs and EGCs and identify DUSP9 as a regulator of female-specific hypomethylation.
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11
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Killian JK, Dorssers LCJ, Trabert B, Gillis AJM, Cook MB, Wang Y, Waterfall JJ, Stevenson H, Smith WI, Noyes N, Retnakumar P, Stoop JH, Oosterhuis JW, Meltzer PS, McGlynn KA, Looijenga LHJ. Imprints and DPPA3 are bypassed during pluripotency- and differentiation-coupled methylation reprogramming in testicular germ cell tumors. Genome Res 2016; 26:1490-1504. [PMID: 27803193 PMCID: PMC5088592 DOI: 10.1101/gr.201293.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) share germline ancestry but diverge phenotypically and clinically as seminoma (SE) and nonseminoma (NSE), the latter including the pluripotent embryonal carcinoma (EC) and its differentiated derivatives, teratoma (TE), yolk sac tumor (YST), and choriocarcinoma. Epigenomes from TGCTs may illuminate reprogramming in both normal development and testicular tumorigenesis. Herein we investigate pure-histological forms of 130 TGCTs for conserved and subtype-specific DNA methylation, including analysis of relatedness to pluripotent stem cell (ESC, iPSC), primordial germ cell (PGC), and differentiated somatic references. Most generally, TGCTs conserve PGC-lineage erasure of maternal and paternal genomic imprints and DPPA3 (also known as STELLA); however, like ESCs, TGCTs show focal recurrent imprinted domain hypermethylation. In this setting of shared physiologic erasure, NSEs harbor a malignancy-associated hypermethylation core, akin to that of a diverse cancer compendium. Beyond these concordances, we found subtype epigenetic homology with pluripotent versus differentiated states. ECs demonstrate a striking convergence of both CpG and CpH (non-CpG) methylation with pluripotent states; the pluripotential methyl-CpH signature crosses species boundaries and is distinct from neuronal methyl-CpH. EC differentiation to TE and YST entails reprogramming toward the somatic state, with loss of methyl-CpH but de novo methylation of pluripotency loci such as NANOG. Extreme methyl-depletion among SE reflects the PGC methylation nadir. Adjacent to TGCTs, benign testis methylation profiles are determined by spermatogenetic proficiency measured by Johnsen score. In sum, TGCTs share collective entrapment in a PGC-like state of genomic-imprint and DPPA3 erasure, recurrent hypermethylation of cancer-associated targets, and subtype-dependent pluripotent, germline, or somatic methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Keith Killian
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Lambert C J Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Britton Trabert
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Michael B Cook
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Yonghong Wang
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Joshua J Waterfall
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Holly Stevenson
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - William I Smith
- Suburban Hospital Department of Pathology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Natalia Noyes
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Parvathy Retnakumar
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - J Hans Stoop
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Paul S Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
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12
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Laurentino S, Borgmann J, Gromoll J. On the origin of sperm epigenetic heterogeneity. Reproduction 2016; 151:R71-8. [PMID: 26884419 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The influence of epigenetic modifications on reproduction and on the function of male germ cells has been thoroughly demonstrated. In particular, aberrant DNA methylation levels in sperm have been associated with abnormal sperm parameters, lower fertilization rates and impaired embryo development. Recent reports have indicated that human sperm might be epigenetically heterogeneous and that abnormal DNA methylation levels found in the sperm of infertile men could be due to the presence of sperm populations with different epigenetic quality. However, the origin and the contribution of different germ cell types to this suspected heterogeneity remain unclear. In this review, we focus on sperm epigenetics at the DNA methylation level and its importance in reproduction. We take into account the latest developments and hypotheses concerning the functional significance of epigenetic heterogeneity coming from the field of stem cell and cancer biology and discuss the potential importance and consequences of sperm epigenetic heterogeneity for reproduction, male (in)fertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Based on the current information, we propose a model in which spermatogonial stem cell variability, either intrinsic or due to external factors (such as endocrine action and environmental stimuli), can lead to epigenetic sperm heterogeneity, sperm epimutations and male infertility. The elucidation of the precise causes for epimutations, the conception of adequate therapeutic options and the development of sperm selection technologies based on epigenetic quality should be regarded as crucial to the improvement of ART outcome in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyAlbert-Schweitzer Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Jennifer Borgmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyAlbert-Schweitzer Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and AndrologyAlbert-Schweitzer Campus, Münster, Germany
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13
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Pastor WA, Chen D, Liu W, Kim R, Sahakyan A, Lukianchikov A, Plath K, Jacobsen SE, Clark AT. Naive Human Pluripotent Cells Feature a Methylation Landscape Devoid of Blastocyst or Germline Memory. Cell Stem Cell 2016; 18:323-329. [PMID: 26853856 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) typically exhibit "primed" pluripotency, analogous to stem cells derived from the mouse post-implantation epiblast. This has led to a search for growth conditions that support self-renewal of hESCs akin to hypomethylated naive epiblast cells in human pre-implantation embryos. We have discovered that reverting primed hESCs to a hypomethylated naive state or deriving a new hESC line under naive conditions results in the establishment of Stage Specific Embryonic Antigen 4 (SSEA4)-negative hESC lines with a transcriptional program resembling the human pre-implantation epiblast. In contrast, we discovered that the methylome of naive hESCs in vitro is distinct from that of the human epiblast in vivo with loss of DNA methylation at primary imprints and a lost "memory" of the methylation state of the human oocyte. This failure to recover the naive epiblast methylation landscape appears to be a consistent feature of self-renewing hypomethylated naive hESCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Pastor
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Rachel Kim
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Anna Sahakyan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Anastasia Lukianchikov
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095
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14
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Clark AT. DNA methylation remodeling in vitro and in vivo. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 34:82-7. [PMID: 26451496 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, global DNA demethylation in vivo occurs in the pre-implantation embryo and in primordial germ cells (PGCs) where it is hypothesized to create a blank slate or 'tabula rasa' upon which new DNA methylation patterns are written. However, global DNA demethylation in vivo is far from complete with a small number of loci protected from demethylation. Failure to demethylate, or overt demethylation results in compromised differentiation. Recent work has shown that reversion of primed human pluripotent stem cells to the naïve state leads to unbridled DNA demethylation which has unknown consequences on the quality differentiated cells created in vitro. Taken together understanding DNA methylation remodeling is critical for understanding the epigenetic foundations of life, and the quality of stem cells for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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