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Munakata Y, Hu M, Kitamura Y, Bynder AL, Fritz AS, Schultz RM, Namekawa SH. Chromatin remodeler CHD4 establishes chromatin states required for ovarian reserve formation, maintenance, and germ cell survival. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.12.607691. [PMID: 39185217 PMCID: PMC11343143 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.12.607691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The ovarian reserve defines female reproductive lifespan, which in humans spans decades due to the maintenance of meiotic arrest in non-growing oocytes (NGO) residing in primordial follicles. Unknown is how the chromatin state of NGOs is established to enable long-term maintenance of the ovarian reserve. Here, we show that a chromatin remodeler, CHD4, a member of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, establishes chromatin states required for formation and maintenance of the ovarian reserve. Conditional loss of CHD4 in perinatal mouse oocytes results in acute death of NGOs and depletion of the ovarian reserve. CHD4 establishes closed chromatin at regulatory elements of pro-apoptotic genes to prevent cell death and at specific genes required for meiotic prophase I to facilitate the transition from meiotic prophase I oocytes to meiotic arrested NGOs. In addition, CHD4 establishes closed chromatin at the regulatory elements of pro-apoptotic genes in male germ cells, allowing male germ cell survival. These results demonstrate a role for CHD4 in defining a chromatin state that ensures germ cell survival, thereby enabling the long-term maintenance of both female and male germ cells.
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Nitahara K, Kawamura A, Kitamura Y, Kato K, Namekawa SH, Nishiyama M. Chromatin remodeler CHD8 is required for spermatogonial proliferation and early meiotic progression. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2995-3010. [PMID: 38224953 PMCID: PMC11014243 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a key step during germ cell differentiation, accompanied by the activation of thousands of genes through germline-specific chromatin reorganization. The chromatin remodeling mechanisms underpinning early meiotic stages remain poorly understood. Here we focus on the function of one of the major autism genes, CHD8, in spermatogenesis, based on the epidemiological association between autism and low fertility rates. Specific ablation of Chd8 in germ cells results in gradual depletion of undifferentiated spermatogonia and the failure of meiotic double-strand break (DSB) formation, leading to meiotic prophase I arrest and cell death. Transcriptional analyses demonstrate that CHD8 is required for extensive activation of spermatogenic genes in spermatogonia, necessary for spermatogonial proliferation and meiosis. CHD8 directly binds and regulates genes crucial for meiosis, including H3K4me3 histone methyltransferase genes, meiotic cohesin genes, HORMA domain-containing genes, synaptonemal complex genes, and DNA damage response genes. We infer that CHD8 contributes to meiotic DSB formation and subsequent meiotic progression through combined regulation of these meiosis-related genes. Our study uncovers an essential role of CHD8 in the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia and the successful progression of meiotic prophase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Nitahara
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsuki Kawamura
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Masaaki Nishiyama
- Department of Histology and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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Sun L, Lv Z, Chen X, Ye R, Tian S, Wang C, Xie X, Yan L, Yao X, Shao Y, Cui S, Chen J, Liu J. Splicing factor SRSF1 is essential for homing of precursor spermatogonial stem cells in mice. eLife 2024; 12:RP89316. [PMID: 38271475 PMCID: PMC10945694 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. The underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS) in mouse SSCs are still largely unclear. We demonstrated that SRSF1 is essential for gene expression and splicing in mouse SSCs. Crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing data revealed that spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Plzf, Id4, Setdb1, Stra8, Tial1/Tiar, Bcas2, Ddx5, Srsf10, Uhrf1, and Bud31) were bound by SRSF1 in the mouse testes. Specific deletion of Srsf1 in mouse germ cells impairs homing of precursor SSCs leading to male infertility. Whole-mount staining data showed the absence of germ cells in the testes of adult conditional knockout (cKO) mice, which indicates Sertoli cell-only syndrome in cKO mice. The expression of spermatogonia-related genes (e.g. Gfra1, Pou5f1, Plzf, Dnd1, Stra8, and Taf4b) was significantly reduced in the testes of cKO mice. Moreover, multiomics analysis suggests that SRSF1 may affect survival of spermatogonia by directly binding and regulating Tial1/Tiar expression through AS. In addition, immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation data showed that SRSF1 interacts with RNA splicing-related proteins (e.g. SART1, RBM15, and SRSF10). Collectively, our data reveal the critical role of SRSF1 in spermatogonia survival, which may provide a framework to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the posttranscriptional network underlying homing of precursor SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xuexue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Ye
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yujing Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China, Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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Chohra I, Giri S, Malgrange B. Generation of a Well-Characterized Homozygous Chromodomain-Helicase-DNA-Binding Protein 4 G1003D Mutant hESC Line Using CRISPR/eCas9 (ULIEGEe001-A-1). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10543. [PMID: 37445725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310543] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4) is crucial for the development of multiple organ systems. Functional mutations of CHD4 have recently been described in a developmental disorder, namely Siffrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome (SIHIWES). Herein, we have generated a homozygous CHD4G1003D hESC line (WAe025-A-1) using CRISPR/eCas9-based gene editing in the WA-25 hESC line. The edited hESC line maintains normal karyotype, pluripotency, and ability to differentiate into three germ layers. This cell line will be a valuable resource for studying the functional role of CHD4 during the development and disease modeling of SIHIWES in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Chohra
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, GIGA-Stem Cells, Av Hippocrate, 15 B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Subhajit Giri
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, GIGA-Stem Cells, Av Hippocrate, 15 B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Malgrange
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, GIGA-Stem Cells, Av Hippocrate, 15 B-4000 Liege, Belgium
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Dong F, Ping P, Ma Y, Chen XF. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2167-2197. [PMID: 37151874 PMCID: PMC10158017 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
So far there has been no comprehensive review using systematic literature search strategies to show the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the human testis of the whole life cycle (from embryos to aging males). Here, we summarized the application of scRNA-seq analyses on various human testicular biological samples. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), focusing on English researches published after 2009. Articles related to GEO data-series were also retrieved in PubMed or BioRxiv. 81 full-length studies were finally included in the review. ScRNA-seq has been widely used on different human testicular samples with various library strategies, and new cell subtypes such as State 0 spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and stage_a/b/c Sertoli cells (SC) were identified. For the development of normal testes, scRNA-seq-based evidence showed dynamic transcriptional changes of both germ cells and somatic cells from embryos to adults. And dysregulated metabolic signaling or hedgehog signaling were revealed by scRNA-seq in aged SC or Leydig cells (LC), respectively. For infertile males, scRNA-seq studies revealed profound changes of testes, such as the increased proportion of immature SC/LC of Klinefelter syndrome, the somatic immaturity and altered germline autophagy of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, and the repressed differentiation of SSC in trans-females receiving testosterone inhibition therapy. Besides, the re-analyzing of public scRNA-seq data made further discoveries such as the potential vulnerability of testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection, and both evolutionary conservatism and divergence among species. ScRNA-seq analyses would unveil mechanisms of testes' development and changes so as to help developing novel treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Feng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
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Li P, Tang J, Yu Z, Jin C, Wang Z, Li M, Zou D, Mang X, Liu J, Lu Y, Miao S, Wang L, Li K, Song W. CHD4 acts as a critical regulator in the survival of spermatogonial stem cells in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1331-1344. [PMID: 35980806 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac162] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is sustained by homeostatic balance between the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which is dependent on the strict regulation of transcription factor and chromatin modulator gene expression. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4) is highly expressed in SSCs but roles in mouse spermatogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we report that the germ-cell-specific deletion of Chd4 resulted in complete infertility in male mice, with rapid loss of SSCs and excessive germ cell apoptosis. Chd4-knockdown in cultured SSCs also promoted the expression of apoptosis-related genes and thereby activated the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. Mechanistically, CHD4 occupies the genomic regulatory region of key apoptosis-related genes including Jun and Nfkb1. Together, our findings reveal the determinant role of CHD4 in SSCs survival in vivo, which will offer insight into the pathogenesis of male sterility and potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College; Beijing 100005, China
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7
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Lord T, Law NC, Oatley MJ, Miao D, Du G, Oatley JM. A novel high throughput screen to identify candidate molecular networks that regulate spermatogenic stem cell functions†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1175-1190. [PMID: 35244684 PMCID: PMC9198950 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic regeneration is key for male fertility and relies on activities of an undifferentiated spermatogonial population. Here, a high-throughput approach with primary cultures of mouse spermatogonia was devised to rapidly predict alterations in functional capacity. Combining the platform with a large-scale RNAi screen of transcription factors, we generated a repository of new information from which pathway analysis was able to predict candidate molecular networks regulating regenerative functions. Extending from this database, the SRCAP-CREBBP/EP300 (Snf2-related CREBBP activator protein-CREB binding protein/E1A binding protein P300) complex was found to mediate differential levels of histone acetylation between stem cell and progenitor spermatogonia to influence expression of key self-renewal genes including the previously undescribed testis-specific transcription factor ZSCAN2 (zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 2). Single cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ZSCAN2 deficiency alters key cellular processes in undifferentiated spermatogonia such as translation, chromatin modification, and ubiquitination. In Zscan2 knockout mice, while spermatogenesis was moderately impacted during steady state, regeneration after cytotoxic insult was significantly impaired. Altogether, these findings have validated the utility of our high-throughput screening approach and have generated a transcription factor database that can be utilized for uncovering novel mechanisms governing spermatogonial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan C Law
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Deqiang Miao
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Guihua Du
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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de Castro RO, Carbajal A, Previato de Almeida L, Goitea V, Griffin CT, Pezza RJ. Mouse Chd4-NURD is required for neonatal spermatogonia survival and normal gonad development. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:16. [PMID: 35568926 PMCID: PMC9107693 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis development and sustained germ cell production in adults rely on the establishment and maintenance of spermatogonia stem cells and their proper differentiation into spermatocytes. Chromatin remodeling complexes regulate critical processes during gamete development by restricting or promoting accessibility of DNA repair and gene expression machineries to the chromatin. Here, we investigated the role of Chd4 and Chd3 catalytic subunits of the NURD complex during spermatogenesis. Germ cell-specific deletion of chd4 early in gametogenesis, but not chd3, resulted in arrested early gamete development due to failed cell survival of neonate undifferentiated spermatogonia stem cell population. Candidate assessment revealed that Chd4 controls expression of dmrt1 and its downstream target plzf, both described as prominent regulators of spermatogonia stem cell maintenance. Our results show the requirement of Chd4 in mammalian gametogenesis pointing to functions in gene expression early in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo O de Castro
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Agustin Carbajal
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Luciana Previato de Almeida
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Victor Goitea
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Courtney T Griffin
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roberto J Pezza
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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De Oliveira CS, Nixon B, Lord T. A scRNA-seq Approach to Identifying Changes in Spermatogonial Stem Cell Gene Expression Following in vitro Culture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:782996. [PMID: 35433696 PMCID: PMC9010880 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.782996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) function is essential for male fertility, and these cells hold potential therapeutic value spanning from human infertility treatments to wildlife conservation. As in vitro culture is likely to be an integral component of many therapeutic pipelines, we have elected to explore changes in gene expression occurring in undifferentiated spermatogonia in culture that may be intertwined with the temporal reduction in regenerative capacity that they experience. Single cell RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted, comparing undifferentiated spermatogonia retrieved from the adult mouse testis with those that had been subjected to 10 weeks of in vitro culture. Although the majority of SSC signature genes were conserved between the two populations, a suite of differentially expressed genes were also identified. Gene ontology analysis revealed upregulated expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in cultured spermatogonia, along with downregulation of integral processes such as DNA repair and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Indeed, our follow-up analyses have provided the first depiction of a significant accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in cultured spermatogonia, when compared to those residing in the testis. The data produced in this manuscript will provide a valuable platform for future studies looking to improve SSC culture approaches and assess their safety for utilisation in therapeutic pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Salum De Oliveira
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Tessa Lord,
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10
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Mäkelä JA, Toppari J. Retinoblastoma-E2F Transcription Factor Interplay Is Essential for Testicular Development and Male Fertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:903684. [PMID: 35663332 PMCID: PMC9161260 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members (pRB, p107 and p130) are key regulators of cell cycle progression, but also play crucial roles in apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. RB proteins exert their effects through binding to E2F transcription factors, which are essential developmental and physiological regulators of tissue and organ homeostasis. According to the canonical view, phosphorylation of RB results in release of E2Fs and induction of genes needed for progress of the cell cycle. However, there are eight members in the E2F transcription factor family with both activator (E2F1-3a) and repressor (E2F3b-E2F8) roles, highlighting the functional diversity of RB-E2F pathway. In this review article we summarize the data showing that RB-E2F interaction is a key cell-autonomous mechanism responsible for establishment and maintenance of lifelong male fertility. We also review the expression pattern of RB proteins and E2F transcription factors in the testis and male germ cells. The available evidence supports that RB and E2F family members are widely and dynamically expressed in the testis, and they are known to have versatile roles during spermatogenesis. Knowledge of the function and significance of RB-E2F interplay for testicular development and spermatogenesis comes primarily from gene knock-out (KO) studies. Several studies conducted in Sertoli cell-specific pRB-KO mice have demonstrated that pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F3 is essential for Sertoli cell functional maturation and cell cycle exit, highlighting that RB-E2F interaction in Sertoli cells is paramount to male fertility. Similarly, ablation of either pRB or E2F1 in the germline results in progressive testicular atrophy due to germline stem cell (GSC) depletion, emphasizing the importance of proper RB-E2F interplay for germline maintenance and lifelong sperm production. In summary, while balanced RB-E2F interplay is essential for cell-autonomous maintenance of GSCs and, the pRB-E2F3 system in Sertoli cells is critical for providing GSC niche thus laying the basis for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Jorma Toppari,
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