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Stévant I, Gonen N, Poulat F. Transposable elements acquire time- and sex-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures along mouse fetal gonad development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1327410. [PMID: 38283992 PMCID: PMC10811072 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1327410] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination in mice is a complex and dynamic process, which is crucial for the development of functional reproductive organs. The expression of genes involved in this process is regulated by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that transposable elements (TEs), which are a class of mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis and organ development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of TEs in the regulation of gene expression during mouse embryonic gonadal development. Through bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify and characterize specific TEs that operate as regulatory elements for sex-specific genes, as well as their potential mechanisms of regulation. We identified TE loci expressed in a time- and sex-specific manner along fetal gonad development that correlate positively and negatively with nearby gene expression, suggesting that their expression is integrated to the gonadal regulatory network. Moreover, chromatin accessibility and histone post-transcriptional modification analyses in differentiating supporting cells revealed that TEs are acquiring a sex-specific signature for promoter-, enhancer-, and silencer-like elements, with some of them being proximal to critical sex-determining genes. Altogether, our study introduces TEs as the new potential players in the gene regulatory network that controls gonadal development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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2
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Alves MBR, Girardet L, Augière C, Moon KH, Lavoie-Ouellet C, Bernet A, Soulet D, Calvo E, Teves ME, Beauparlant CJ, Droit A, Bastien A, Robert C, Bok J, Hinton BT, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling regulates Wolffian duct development through the primary cilium†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:241-257. [PMID: 36525341 PMCID: PMC9930401 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac210] [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] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia play pivotal roles in embryonic patterning and organogenesis through transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh). Although mutations in Hh morphogens impair the development of the gonads and trigger male infertility, the contribution of Hh and primary cilia in the development of male reproductive ductules, including the epididymis, remains unknown. From a Pax2Cre; IFT88fl/fl knock-out mouse model, we found that primary cilia deletion is associated with imbalanced Hh signaling and morphometric changes in the Wolffian duct (WD), the embryonic precursor of the epididymis. Similar effects were observed following pharmacological blockade of primary cilia formation and Hh modulation on WD organotypic cultures. The expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, canonical Hh and WD development was significantly altered after treatments. Altogether, we identified the primary cilia-dependent Hh signaling as a master regulator of genes involved in WD development. This provides new insights regarding the etiology of sexual differentiation and male infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kyeong Hye Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosciences, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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3
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Alvarez-Rodrigo I, Willnow D, Vincent JP. The logistics of Wnt production and delivery. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:1-60. [PMID: 36967191 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.006] [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] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Wnts are secreted proteins that control stem cell maintenance, cell fate decisions, and growth during development and adult homeostasis. Wnts carry a post-translational modification not seen in any other secreted protein: during biosynthesis, they are appended with a palmitoleoyl moiety that is required for signaling but also impairs solubility and hence diffusion in the extracellular space. In some contexts, Wnts act only in a juxtacrine manner but there are also instances of long range action. Several proteins and processes ensure that active Wnts reach the appropriate target cells. Some, like Porcupine, Wntless, and Notum are dedicated to Wnt function; we describe their activities in molecular detail. We also outline how the cell infrastructure (secretory, endocytic, and retromer pathways) contribute to the progression of Wnts from production to delivery. We then address how Wnts spread in the extracellular space and form a signaling gradient despite carrying a hydrophobic moiety. We highlight particularly the role of lipid-binding Wnt interactors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Finally, we briefly discuss how evolution might have led to the emergence of this unusual signaling pathway.
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4
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Wang HY, Liu X, Chen JY, Huang Y, Lu Y, Tan F, Liu Q, Yang M, Li S, Zhang X, Qin Y, Ma W, Yang Y, Meng L, Liu K, Wang Q, Fan G, Nóbrega RH, Liu S, Piferrer F, Shao C. Single-cell-resolution transcriptome map revealed novel genes involved in testicular germ cell progression and somatic cells specification in Chinese tongue sole with sex reversal. SCIENCE CHINA LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 66:1151-1169. [PMID: 36437386 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Female-to-male sex reversals (pseudomales) are common in lower vertebrates and have been found in natural populations, which is a concern under rapid changes in environmental conditions. Pseudomales can exhibit altered spermatogenesis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying pseudomale spermatogenesis remain unclear. Here, we characterized spermatogenesis in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), a species with genetic and environmental sex determination, based on a high-resolution single-cell RNA-seq atlas of cells derived from the testes of genotypic males and pseudomales. We identified five germ cell types and six somatic cell types and obtained a single-cell atlas of dynamic changes in gene expression during spermatogenesis in Chinese tongue sole, including alterations in pseudomales. We detected decreased levels of Ca2+ signaling pathway-related genes in spermatogonia, insufficient meiotic initiation in spermatocytes, and a malfunction of somatic niche cells in pseudomales. However, a cluster of CaSR genes and MAPK signaling factors were upregulated in undifferentiated spermatogonia of pseudomales. Additionally, we revealed that Z chromosome-specific genes, such as piwil2, dhx37, and ehmt1, were important for spermatogenesis. These results improve our understanding of reproduction after female-to-male sex-reversal and provide new insights into the adaptability of reproductive strategies in lower vertebrates.
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Population Structure and Selection Signatures Underlying Domestication Inferred from Genome-Wide Copy Number Variations in Chinese Indigenous Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112026. [PMID: 36360263 PMCID: PMC9690591 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphism was widely used to perform genetic and evolution research in pigs. However, little is known about the effect of copy number variation (CNV) on characteristics in pigs. This study performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Wannan black pigs (WBP) and Asian wild boars (AWB), using whole genome resequencing data. By using Manta, we detected in total 28,720 CNVs that covered approximately 1.98% of the pig genome length. We identified 288 selected CNVs (top 1%) by performing Fst statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in selected CNVs were found to be muscle related (NDN, TMOD4, SFRP1, and SMYD3), reproduction related (GJA1, CYP26B1, WNT5A, SRD5A2, PTPN11, SPEF2, and CCNB1), residual feed intake (RFI) related (MAP3K5), and ear size related (WIF1). This study provides essential information on selected CNVs in Wannan black pigs for further research on the genetic basis of the complex phenotypic and provides essential information for direction in the protection and utilization of Wannan black pig.
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6
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Ademi H, Djari C, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Sararols P, Rands CM, Stévant I, Conne B, Nef S. Deciphering the origins and fates of steroidogenic lineages in the mouse testis. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110935. [PMID: 35705036 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are the major androgen-producing cells in the testis. They arise from steroidogenic progenitors (SPs), whose origins, maintenance, and differentiation dynamics remain largely unknown. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal that the mouse steroidogenic lineage is specified as early as embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and has a dual mesonephric and coelomic origin. SPs specifically express the Wnt5a gene and evolve rapidly. At E12.5 and E13.5, they give rise first to an intermediate population of pre-LCs, and finally to fetal LCs. At E16.5, SPs possess the characteristics of the dormant progenitors at the origin of adult LCs and are also transcriptionally closely related to peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). In agreement with our in silico analysis, in vivo lineage tracing indicates that Wnt5a-expressing cells are bona fide progenitors of PMCs as well as fetal and adult LCs, contributing to most of the LCs present in the fetal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herta Ademi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Djari
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris M Rands
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Conne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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7
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Crucial Convolution: Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Coiling during Epididymis Formation and Development in Embryogenesis. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020025. [PMID: 35735916 PMCID: PMC9225329 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As embryonic development proceeds, numerous organs need to coil, bend or fold in order to establish their final shape. Generally, this occurs so as to maximise the surface area for absorption or secretory functions (e.g., in the small and large intestines, kidney or epididymis); however, mechanisms of bending and shaping also occur in other structures, notably the midbrain–hindbrain boundary in some teleost fish models such as zebrafish. In this review, we will examine known genetic and molecular factors that operate to pattern complex, coiled structures, with a primary focus on the epididymis as an excellent model organ to examine coiling. We will also discuss genetic mechanisms involving coiling in the seminiferous tubules and intestine to establish the final form and function of these coiled structures in the mature organism.
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8
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Sunkara RR, Mehta D, Sarate RM, Waghmare SK. BMP-AKT-GSK3β signalling restores hair follicle stem cells decrease associated with loss of Sfrp1. Stem Cells 2022; 40:802-817. [PMID: 35689817 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating activation, proliferation, stem cell renewal and differentiation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Secreted frizzled related protein-1 (Sfrp1), a Wnt antagonist is up regulated in the HFSCs; however, its role in the HFSCs regulation is still obscure. Here, we show that Sfrp1 loss showed a depletion of HFSCs, enhanced HFSC proliferation and faster hair follicle cycle at PD21 to PD28, HFSC markers such as Lgr5 and Axin2 were decreased in both the Sfrp1 +/- and Sfrp1 -/- HFSCs. In addition, the second hair follicle cycle was also faster as compared to WT. Importantly, Sfrp1 -/- showed a restoration of HFSC by 2 nd telogen (PD49), while Sfrp1+/- did not show restoration with still having a decreased HFSC. Infact, restoration of HFSCs was due to a pronounced down-regulation of β-CATENIN activity mediated through a cross-talk of BMP-AKT-GSK3β signalling in Sfrp1-/- as compared to Sfrp1+/-, where down regulation was less pronounced. In cultured keratinocytes, Sfrp1 loss resulted in enhanced proliferation and clonogenicity, which were reversed by treating with either BMPR1A or GSK3β inhibitor thereby confirming BMP-AKT-GSK3β signaling involved in β-CATENIN regulation in both the Sfrp1 +/- and Sfrp1 -/- mice. Our study reveals a novel function of Sfrp1 by unravelling an in vivo molecular mechanism that regulate the HFSCs pool mediated through a hitherto unknown cross-talk of BMP-AKT-GSK3β signalling that maintain stem cell pool balance, which in turn maintain skin tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghava R Sunkara
- Stem Cell Biology Group, Waghmare Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
| | - Darshan Mehta
- Stem Cell Biology Group, Waghmare Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul M Sarate
- Stem Cell Biology Group, Waghmare Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
| | - Sanjeev K Waghmare
- Stem Cell Biology Group, Waghmare Lab, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, India
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9
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Mayère C, Regard V, Perea-Gomez A, Bunce C, Neirijnck Y, Djari C, Bellido-Carreras N, Sararols P, Reeves R, Greenaway S, Simon M, Siggers P, Condrea D, Kühne F, Gantar I, Tang F, Stévant I, Batti L, Ghyselinck NB, Wilhelm D, Greenfield A, Capel B, Chaboissier MC, Nef S. Origin, specification and differentiation of a rare supporting-like lineage in the developing mouse gonad. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm0972. [PMID: 35613264 PMCID: PMC10942771 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination represents a unique model for studying cell fate decisions. However, a complete understanding of the different cell lineages forming the developing testis and ovary remains elusive. Here, we investigated the origin, specification, and subsequent sex-specific differentiation of a previously uncharacterized population of supporting-like cells (SLCs) in the developing mouse gonads. The SLC lineage is closely related to the coelomic epithelium and specified as early as E10.5, making it the first somatic lineage to be specified in the bipotential gonad. SLC progenitors are localized within the genital ridge at the interface with the mesonephros and initially coexpress Wnt4 and Sox9. SLCs become sexually dimorphic around E12.5, progressively acquire a more Sertoli- or pregranulosa-like identity and contribute to the formation of the rete testis and rete ovarii. Last, we found that WNT4 is a crucial regulator of the SLC lineage and is required for normal development of the rete testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Violaine Regard
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Cyril Djari
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Richard Reeves
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Simon Greenaway
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Michelle Simon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Diana Condrea
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP1014267404 ILLKIRCH CEDEX, France
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Gantar
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Furong Tang
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Batti
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP1014267404 ILLKIRCH CEDEX, France
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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10
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Štiavnická M, Chaulot-Talmon A, Perrier JP, Hošek P, Kenny DA, Lonergan P, Kiefer H, Fair S. Sperm DNA methylation patterns at discrete CpGs and genes involved in embryonic development are related to bull fertility. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:379. [PMID: 35585482 PMCID: PMC9118845 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a multifactorial approach being taken for the evaluation of bull semen quality in many animal breeding centres worldwide, reliable prediction of bull fertility is still a challenge. Recently, attention has turned to molecular mechanisms, which could uncover potential biomarkers of fertility. One of these mechanisms is DNA methylation, which together with other epigenetic mechanisms is essential for the fertilising sperm to drive normal embryo development and establish a viable pregnancy. In this study, we hypothesised that bull sperm DNA methylation patterns are related to bull fertility. We therefore investigated DNA methylation patterns from bulls used in artificial insemination with contrasting fertility scores. Results The DNA methylation patterns were obtained by reduced representative bisulphite sequencing from 10 high-fertility bulls and 10 low-fertility bulls, having average fertility scores of − 6.6 and + 6.5%, respectively (mean of the population was zero). Hierarchical clustering analysis did not distinguish bulls based on fertility but did highlight individual differences. Despite this, using stringent criteria (DNA methylation difference ≥ 35% and a q-value < 0.001), we identified 661 differently methylated cytosines (DMCs). DMCs were preferentially located in intergenic regions, introns, gene downstream regions, repetitive elements, open sea, shores and shelves of CpG islands. We also identified 10 differently methylated regions, covered by 7 unique genes (SFRP1, STXBP4, BCR, PSMG4, ARSG, ATP11A, RXRA), which are involved in spermatogenesis and early embryonic development. Conclusion This study demonstrated that at specific CpG sites, sperm DNA methylation status is related to bull fertility, and identified seven differently methylated genes in sperm of subfertile bulls that may lead to altered gene expression and potentially influence embryo development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Petr Hošek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Qin Y, Geng F, Wen D. Generation of sex-reversed female clonal mice via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Y chromosome deletion in male embryonic stem cells. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 170:203-210. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Alcantara MC, Suzuki K, Acebedo AR, Sakamoto Y, Nishita M, Minami Y, Kikuchi A, Yamada G. Stage-dependent function of Wnt5a during male external genitalia development. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2021; 61:212-219. [PMID: 34255394 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development in mice involves multiple developmental processes under the regulation of various signaling pathways. Wnt5a, one of the major Wnt ligands, is a crucial developmental regulator of outgrowing organs such as the limb, the mandible, and the external genitalia. Defects in Wnt5a signaling have been linked to Robinow syndrome, a genetic disorder in which male patients manifest a micropenis and defective urethral tube formation. Whereas Wnt5a is required for cell proliferation during embryonic external genitalia outgrowth, its role for urethral tube formation has yet to be understood. Here, we show that Wnt5a contributes to urethral tube formation as well as external genitalia outgrowth. Wnt5a is expressed in the embryonic external genitalia mesenchyme, and mesenchymal-specific conditional Wnt5a knockout mice resulted in hypospadias-like urethral defects. Early deletion of Wnt5a at E10.5 showed severe defects in both external genitalia outgrowth and urethral tube formation, along with reduced cell proliferation. The severe urethral tube defect persisted during later timing deletion of Wnt5a (E13.5). Further analyses revealed that loss of Wnt5a disrupted cell polarity and led to a reduction of the phosphorylated myosin light chain and the focal adhesion protein, vinculin. Altogether, these results suggest that Wnt5a coordinates cell proliferation and directed cell migration in a stage-dependent manner during male external genitalia development. Furthermore, Wnt5a may regulate cell polarity, focal adhesion formation, and cell contractility, leading to directed cell migration during male-type urethral formation in a manner that has not been reported in other organ fusion events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellissa C Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Alvin R Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Minami
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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13
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Overeem AW, Chang YW, Spruit J, Roelse CM, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Ligand-Receptor Interactions Elucidate Sex-Specific Pathways in the Trajectory From Primordial Germ Cells to Gonia During Human Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661243. [PMID: 34222234 PMCID: PMC8253161 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human germ cell lineage originates from primordial germ cells (PGCs), which are specified at approximately the third week of development. Our understanding of the signaling pathways that control this event has significantly increased in recent years and that has enabled the generation of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent stem cells in vitro. However, the signaling pathways that drive the transition of PGCs into gonia (prospermatogonia in males or premeiotic oogonia in females) remain unclear, and we are presently unable to mimic this step in vitro in the absence of gonadal tissue. Therefore, we have analyzed single-cell transcriptomics data of human fetal gonads to map the molecular interactions during the sex-specific transition from PGCs to gonia. The CellPhoneDB algorithm was used to identify significant ligand–receptor interactions between germ cells and their sex-specific neighboring gonadal somatic cells, focusing on four major signaling pathways WNT, NOTCH, TGFβ/BMP, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Subsequently, the expression and intracellular localization of key effectors for these pathways were validated in human fetal gonads by immunostaining. This approach provided a systematic analysis of the signaling environment in developing human gonads and revealed sex-specific signaling pathways during human premeiotic germ cell development. This work serves as a foundation to understand the transition from PGCs to premeiotic oogonia or prospermatogonia and identifies sex-specific signaling pathways that are of interest in the step-by-step reconstitution of human gametogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arend W Overeem
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Yolanda W Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Spruit
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Celine M Roelse
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Susana M Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.,Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is not essential for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251028. [PMID: 33945571 PMCID: PMC8096103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is an evolutionarily conserved, testis-specific protein that is differentially expressed during rat male meiotic prophase. Some reports have suggested a link between SPATS1 underexpression/mutation and human pathologies such as male infertility and testicular cancer. Given the absence of functional studies, we generated a Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotypic analysis showed no overt phenotype in Spats1-/- mice, with both males and females being fertile. Flow cytometry and histological analyses did not show differences in the testicular content and histology between WT and knockout mice. Moreover, no significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were observed between WT and KO mice. These results were obtained both for young adults and for aged animals. Besides, although an involvement of SPATS1 in the Wnt signaling pathway has been suggested, we did not detect changes in the expression levels of typical Wnt pathway-target genes in mutant individuals. Thus, albeit Spats1 alteration might be a risk factor for male testicular health, we hereby show that this gene is not individually essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mouse.
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15
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Shendy NAM, Broadhurst AL, Shoemaker K, Read R, Abell AN. MAP3K4 kinase activity dependent control of mouse gonadal sex determination†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:491-502. [PMID: 33912929 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination requires the commitment of bipotential gonads to either a testis or an ovarian fate. Gene deletion of the kinase Map3k4 results in gonadal sex reversal in XY mice, and transgenic re-expression of Map3k4 rescues the sex reversal phenotype. Map3k4 encodes a large, multi-functional protein possessing a kinase domain and several, additional protein-protein interaction domains. Although MAP3K4 plays a critical role in male gonadal sex determination, it is unknown if the kinase activity of MAP3K4 is required. Here, we use mice expressing full-length, kinase-inactive MAP3K4 from the endogenous Map3k4 locus to examine the requirement of MAP3K4 kinase activity in sex determination. Although homozygous kinase-inactivation of MAP3K4 (Map3k4KI/KI) is lethal, a small fraction survive to adulthood. We show Map3k4KI/KI adults exhibit a 4:1 female-biased sex ratio. Many adult Map3k4KI/KI phenotypic females have a Y chromosome. XY Map3k4KI/KI adults with sex reversal display female mating behavior, but do not give rise to offspring. Reproductive organs are overtly female, but there is a broad spectrum of ovarian phenotypes, including ovarian absence, primitive ovaries, reduced ovarian size, and ovaries having follicles in all stages of development. Further, XY Map3k4KI/KI adults are smaller than either male or female Map3k4WT/WT mice. Examination of the critical stage of gonadal sex determination at E11.5 shows that loss of MAP3K4 kinase activity results in the loss of Sry expression in XY Map3k4KI/KI embryos, indicating embryonic male gonadal sex reversal. Together, these findings demonstrate the essential role for kinase activity of MAP3K4 in male gonadal sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A M Shendy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amber L Broadhurst
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kristin Shoemaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Robert Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Amy N Abell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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16
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Lecluze E, Rolland AD, Filis P, Evrard B, Leverrier-Penna S, Maamar MB, Coiffec I, Lavoué V, Fowler PA, Mazaud-Guittot S, Jégou B, Chalmel F. Dynamics of the transcriptional landscape during human fetal testis and ovary development. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1099-1119. [PMID: 32412604 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which transcriptional program triggers sex differentiation in bipotential gonads and downstream cellular events governing fetal testis and ovary development in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER The characterization of a dynamically regulated protein-coding and non-coding transcriptional landscape in developing human gonads of both sexes highlights a large number of potential key regulators that show an early sexually dimorphic expression pattern. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Gonadal sex differentiation is orchestrated by a sexually dimorphic gene expression program in XX and XY developing fetal gonads. A comprehensive characterization of its non-coding counterpart offers promising perspectives for deciphering the molecular events underpinning gonad development and for a complete understanding of the etiology of disorders of sex development in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To further investigate the protein-coding and non-coding transcriptional landscape during gonad differentiation, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and characterized the RNA content of human fetal testis (N = 24) and ovaries (N = 24) from 6 to 17 postconceptional week (PCW), a key period in sex determination and gonad development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS First trimester fetuses (6-12 PCW) and second trimester fetuses (13-14 and 17 PCW) were obtained from legally induced normally progressing terminations of pregnancy. Total RNA was extracted from whole human fetal gonads and sequenced as paired-end 2 × 50 base reads. Resulting sequences were mapped to the human genome, allowing for the assembly and quantification of corresponding transcripts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This RNA-seq analysis of human fetal testes and ovaries at seven key developmental stages led to the reconstruction of 22 080 transcripts differentially expressed during testicular and/or ovarian development. In addition to 8935 transcripts displaying sex-independent differential expression during gonad development, the comparison of testes and ovaries enabled the discrimination of 13 145 transcripts that show a sexually dimorphic expression profile. The latter include 1479 transcripts differentially expressed as early as 6 PCW, including 39 transcription factors, 40 long non-coding RNAs and 20 novel genes. Despite the use of stringent filtration criteria (expression cut-off of at least 1 fragment per kilobase of exon model per million reads mapped, fold change of at least 2 and false discovery rate adjusted P values of less than <1%), the possibility of assembly artifacts and of false-positive differentially expressed transcripts cannot be fully ruled out. LARGE-SCALE DATA Raw data files (fastq) and a searchable table (.xlss) containing information on genomic features and expression data for all refined transcripts have been submitted to the NCBI GEO under accession number GSE116278. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The intrinsic nature of this bulk analysis, i.e. the sequencing of transcripts from whole gonads, does not allow direct identification of the cellular origin(s) of the transcripts characterized. Potential cellular dilution effects (e.g. as a result of distinct proliferation rates in XX and XY gonads) may account for a few of the expression profiles identified as being sexually dimorphic. Finally, transcriptome alterations that would result from exposure to pre-abortive drugs cannot be completely excluded. Although we demonstrated the high quality of the sorted cell populations used for experimental validations using quantitative RT-PCR, it cannot be totally excluded that some germline expression may correspond to cell contamination by, for example, macrophages. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, this study has led to the identification of 1000 protein-coding and non-coding candidate genes showing an early, sexually dimorphic, expression pattern that have not previously been associated with sex differentiation. Collectively, these results increase our understanding of gonad development in humans, and contribute significantly to the identification of new candidate genes involved in fetal gonad differentiation. The results also provide a unique resource that may improve our understanding of the fetal origin of testicular and ovarian dysgenesis syndromes, including cryptorchidism and testicular cancers. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the University of Rennes 1, the French School of Public Health (EHESP), the Swiss National Science Foundation [SNF n° CRS115_171007 to B.J.], the French National Research Agency [ANR n° 16-CE14-0017-02 and n° 18-CE14-0038-02 to F.C.], the Medical Research Council [MR/L010011/1 to P.A.F.] and the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) [under grant agreement no 212885 to P.A.F.] and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme [under grant agreement no 825100 to P.A.F. and S.M.G.]. There are no competing interests related to this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Lecluze
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Bertrand Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sabrina Leverrier-Penna
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.,Univ Poitiers, STIM, CNRS ERL7003, Poitiers Cedex 9, CNRS ERL7003, France
| | - Millissia Ben Maamar
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Coiffec
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Lavoué
- Service Gynécologie et Obstétrique, CHU Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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17
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Whiteley SL, Holleley CE, Wagner S, Blackburn J, Deveson IW, Marshall Graves JA, Georges A. Two transcriptionally distinct pathways drive female development in a reptile with both genetic and temperature dependent sex determination. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009465. [PMID: 33857129 PMCID: PMC8049264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How temperature determines sex remains unknown. A recent hypothesis proposes that conserved cellular mechanisms (calcium and redox; 'CaRe' status) sense temperature and identify genes and regulatory pathways likely to be involved in driving sexual development. We take advantage of the unique sex determining system of the model organism, Pogona vitticeps, to assess predictions of this hypothesis. P. vitticeps has ZZ male: ZW female sex chromosomes whose influence can be overridden in genetic males by high temperatures, causing male-to-female sex reversal. We compare a developmental transcriptome series of ZWf females and temperature sex reversed ZZf females. We demonstrate that early developmental cascades differ dramatically between genetically driven and thermally driven females, later converging to produce a common outcome (ovaries). We show that genes proposed as regulators of thermosensitive sex determination play a role in temperature sex reversal. Our study greatly advances the search for the mechanisms by which temperature determines sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Whiteley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Susan Wagner
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - James Blackburn
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ira W. Deveson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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18
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Qin Y, Wong B, Zhong L, Geng F, Parada LF, Wen D. Generation of Sex-Reversed Female Clonal Mice via CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Y Chromosome Deletion in Male Embryonic Stem Cells. CRISPR J 2021; 4:147-154. [PMID: 33567216 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice derived entirely from embryonic stem (ES) cells can be generated through tetraploid complementation. Although XY male ES cell lines are commonly used in this system, occasionally, monosomic XO female mice are produced through spontaneous Y chromosome loss. Here, we describe an efficient method to obtain monosomic XO ES cells by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of the Y chromosome, allowing generation of female clonal mice by tetraploid complementation. The monosomic XO female mice are viable and able to produce normal male and female offspring. Direct generation of clonal mice in both sexes can significantly accelerate the production of complex genetically modified mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Qin
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bokey Wong
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Liangwen Zhong
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fuqiang Geng
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Luis F Parada
- Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Duancheng Wen
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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19
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Xue R, Lin W, Sun J, Watanabe M, Xu A, Araki M, Nasu Y, Tang Z, Huang P. The role of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa085. [PMID: 33543289 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that Wnt signaling is deeply involved in male reproductive physiology, and malfunction of the signal path can cause pathological changes in genital organs and sperm cells. These abnormalities are diverse in manifestation and have been constantly found in the knockout models of Wnt studies. Nevertheless, most of the research solely focused on a certain factor in the Wnt pathway, and there are few reports on the overall relation between Wnt signals and male reproductive physiology. In our review, Wnt findings relating to the reproductive system were sought and summarized in terms of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, Wnt intracellular signals and Wnt regulators. By sorting out and integrating relevant functions, as well as underlining the controversies among different reports, our review aims to offer an overview of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Xue
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenfeng Lin
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jingkai Sun
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Masami Watanabe
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Motoo Araki
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Nasu
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Zhengyan Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Okayama Medical Innovation Center, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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20
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Guan H, Zhang J, Luan J, Xu H, Huang Z, Yu Q, Gou X, Xu L. Secreted Frizzled Related Proteins in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:712217. [PMID: 34489867 PMCID: PMC8417734 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.712217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression and secreted protein levels are accompanied by extensive pathological changes. Secreted frizzled related protein (SFRP) family members are antagonistic inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway, and they were recently found to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of metabolic diseases, which has led to extensive interest in SFRPs. Previous reports highlighted the importance of SFRPs in lipid metabolism, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we provide a detailed introduction of SFRPs, including their structural characteristics, receptors, inhibitors, signaling pathways and metabolic disease impacts. In addition to summarizing the pathologies and potential molecular mechanisms associated with SFRPs, this review further suggests the potential future use of SFRPs as disease biomarkers therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anethesiology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anethesiology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Institution of Basic Medical Science, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenghao Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Lixian Xu, ; Xingchun Gou,
| | - Lixian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anethesiology, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Lixian Xu, ; Xingchun Gou,
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21
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van Loon K, Huijbers EJM, Griffioen AW. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2: a key player in noncanonical Wnt signaling and tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 40:191-203. [PMID: 33140138 PMCID: PMC7897195 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09941-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRP) are glycoproteins containing a so-called frizzled-like cysteine-rich domain. This domain enables them to bind to Wnt ligands or frizzled (FzD) receptors, making potent regulators of Wnt signaling. As Wnt signaling is often altered in cancer, it is not surprising that Wnt regulators such as SFRP proteins are often differentially expressed in the tumor microenvironment, both in a metastatic and non-metastatic setting. Indeed, SFRP2 is shown to be specifically upregulated in the tumor vasculature of several types of cancer. Several studies investigated the functional role of SFRP2 in the tumor vasculature, showing that SFRP2 binds to FzD receptors on the surface of tumor endothelial cells. This activates downstream Wnt signaling and which is, thereby, stimulating angiogenesis. Interestingly, not the well-known canonical Wnt signaling pathway, but the noncanonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway seems to be a key player in this event. In tumor models, the pro-angiogenic effect of SFRP2 could be counteracted by antibodies targeting SFRP2, without the occurrence of toxicity. Since tumor angiogenesis is an important process in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation, specific tumor endothelial markers such as SFRP2 show great promise as targets for anti-cancer therapies. This review discusses the role of SFRP2 in noncanonical Wnt signaling and tumor angiogenesis, and highlights its potential as anti-angiogenic therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn van Loon
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth J M Huijbers
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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22
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Meng P, Zhu M, Ling X, Zhou L. Wnt signaling in kidney: the initiator or terminator? J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1511-1523. [PMID: 32939578 PMCID: PMC7591426 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01978-9] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kidney is a key organ in the human body that excretes toxins and sustains the water-electrolyte balance. During embryonic development and disease progression, the kidney undergoes enormous changes in macrostructure, accompanied by a variety of microstructural histological changes, such as glomerular formation and sclerosis, tubule elongation and atrophy, interstitial establishment, and fibrosis progression. All of these rely on the frequent occurrence of cell death and growth. Notably, to overcome disease, some cells regenerate through self-repair or progenitor cell differentiation. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying kidney development and regeneration have not been elucidated. Recently, Wnt signaling has been noted to play an important role. Although it is a well-known developmental signal, the role of Wnt signaling in kidney development and regeneration is not well recognized. In this review, we review the role of Wnt signaling in kidney embryonic development, tissue repair, cell division, and progenitor cell differentiation after injury. Moreover, we briefly highlight advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of Wnt signaling in mediating cellular senescence in kidney parenchymal and stem cells, an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation blocking tissue repair and regeneration. We also highlight the therapeutic targets of Wnt signaling in kidney diseases and provide important clues for clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Nephrology, Huadu District People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, China
| | - Xian Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
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23
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Li YL, Xing TF, Liu JX. Genome-wide association analyses based on whole-genome sequencing of Protosalanx hyalocranius provide insights into sex determination of Salangid fishes. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1038-1049. [PMID: 32315505 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of sex determination system and sex-determining genes have important implications in conservation, ecology and evolution. However, much remains to be discovered about the evolution of different sexual determination systems in teleost fishes, of which the mechanisms of sex determination are remarkably variable. In the present study, the whole genomes of 20 males and 20 females of a Salangid fish, Protosalanx hyalocranius, were sequenced and genome wide association analyses were conducted to uncover its sex determination system and putative sex-determining genes. A total of 150 SNPs were significantly associated with sex, which showed high differentiation between sexes (FST ranged from 0.245 to 0.556). Of the 150 sex-associated SNPs, 76 SNPs displayed sex specificity with even coverage of depth and were female heterogametic, which suggested a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. Interestingly, one scaffold containing sex-specific SNPs displayed synteny to the sex chromosome of medaka. Annotations of sex-associated loci suggested that both transcriptional regulators (e.g., FOX genes) and secreted hormones and their receptors might be involved in the sex determination/differentiation of P. hyalocranius. More strikingly, we found a nonsense mutation in one copy of GALNT homology gene of all females, which suggested that "Z dosage" effect might play a vital role in the processes of sex determination/differentiation. These sex-specific loci could be a valuable resource for further research on sex determination of Salangid fishes and the results could contribute to the understanding of sex determination mechanisms and the evolution of sex chromosome in teleost fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Teng-Fei Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Xian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
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24
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Stévant I, Kühne F, Greenfield A, Chaboissier MC, Dermitzakis ET, Nef S. Dissecting Cell Lineage Specification and Sex Fate Determination in Gonadal Somatic Cells Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Cell Rep 2020; 26:3272-3283.e3. [PMID: 30893600 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is a unique process that allows the study of multipotent progenitors and their acquisition of sex-specific fates during differentiation of the gonad into a testis or an ovary. Using time series single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on ovarian Nr5a1-GFP+ somatic cells during sex determination, we identified a single population of early progenitors giving rise to both pre-granulosa cells and potential steroidogenic precursor cells. By comparing time series single-cell RNA sequencing of XX and XY somatic cells, we provide evidence that gonadal supporting cells are specified from these early progenitors by a non-sex-specific transcriptomic program before pre-granulosa and Sertoli cells acquire their sex-specific identity. In XX and XY steroidogenic precursors, similar transcriptomic profiles underlie the acquisition of cell fate but with XX cells exhibiting a relative delay. Our data provide an important resource, at single-cell resolution, for further interrogation of the molecular and cellular basis of mammalian sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | | | - Emmanouil T Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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25
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Livermore C, Simon M, Reeves R, Stévant I, Nef S, Pope M, Mallon AM, Wells S, Warr N, Greenfield A. Protection Against XY Gonadal Sex Reversal by a Variant Region on Mouse Chromosome 13. Genetics 2020; 214:467-477. [PMID: 31836612 PMCID: PMC7017026 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
XY C57BL/6J (B6) mice harboring a Mus musculus domesticus-type Y chromosome (Y POS ), known as B6.Y POS mice, commonly undergo gonadal sex reversal and develop as phenotypic females. In a minority of cases, B6.Y POS males are identified and a proportion of these are fertile. This phenotypic variability on a congenic B6 background has puzzled geneticists for decades. Recently, a B6.Y POS colony was shown to carry a non-B6-derived region of chromosome 11 that protected against B6.Y POS sex reversal. Here. we show that a B6.Y POS colony bred and archived at the MRC Harwell Institute lacks the chromosome 11 modifier but instead harbors an ∼37 Mb region containing non-B6-derived segments on chromosome 13. This region, which we call Mod13, protects against B6.Y POS sex reversal in a proportion of heterozygous animals through its positive and negative effects on gene expression during primary sex determination. We discuss Mod13's influence on the testis determination process and its possible origin in light of sequence similarities to that region in other mouse genomes. Our data reveal that the B6.Y POS sex reversal phenomenon is genetically complex and the explanation of observed phenotypic variability is likely dependent on the breeding history of any local colony.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Disorders of Sex Development/genetics
- Disorders of Sex Development/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/genetics
- Genome
- Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY/genetics
- Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XY/metabolism
- Gonads/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Ovary/metabolism
- Sex Determination Processes/genetics
- Testis/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Y Chromosome/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Simon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Richard Reeves
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, CH 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, CH 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Madeleine Pope
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Ann-Marie Mallon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Sara Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
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26
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Livermore C, Warr N, Chalon N, Siggers P, Mianné J, Codner G, Teboul L, Wells S, Greenfield A. Male mice lacking ADAMTS-16 are fertile but exhibit testes of reduced weight. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17195. [PMID: 31748609 PMCID: PMC6868159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adamts16 encodes a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs, 16, a member of a family of multi-domain, zinc-binding proteinases. ADAMTS-16 is implicated in a number of pathological conditions, including hypertension, cancer and osteoarthritis. A large number of observations, including a recent report of human ADAMTS16 variants in cases of 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), also implicate this gene in human testis determination. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate a loss-of-function allele in the mouse in order to examine whether ADAMTS-16 functions in mouse testis determination or testicular function. Male mice lacking Adamts16 on the C57BL/6N background undergo normal testis determination in the fetal period. However, adult homozygotes have an average testis weight that is around 10% lower than age-matched controls. Cohorts of mutant males tested at 3-months and 6-months of age were fertile. We conclude that ADAMTS-16 is not required for testis determination or male fertility in mice. We discuss these phenotypic data and their significance for our understanding of ADAMTS-16 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Livermore
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Nicolas Chalon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Joffrey Mianné
- Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gemma Codner
- Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Lydia Teboul
- Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK.
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27
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Zhao F, Yao HHC. A tale of two tracts: history, current advances, and future directions of research on sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:602-616. [PMID: 31058957 PMCID: PMC6791057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alfred Jost's work in the 1940s laid the foundation of the current paradigm of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts, which contends that testicular hormones drive the male patterning of reproductive tract system whereas the female phenotype arises by default. Once established, the sex-specific reproductive tracts undergo morphogenesis, giving rise to anatomically and functionally distinct tubular organs along the rostral-caudal axis. Impairment of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts by genetic alteration and environmental exposure are the main causes of disorders of sex development, and infertility at adulthood. This review covers past and present work on sexual differentiation and morphogenesis of reproductive tracts, associated human disorders, and emerging technologies that have made impacts or could radically expand our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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28
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Zhang Y, Jeffrey J, Dong F, Zhang J, Kao WWY, Liu CY, Yuan Y. Repressed Wnt Signaling Accelerates the Aging Process in Mouse Eyes. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:7604396. [PMID: 31318361 PMCID: PMC6604355 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7604396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular aging is a natural process of functional decline in vision. When the process reaches a point that compromised vision affects normal daily activity, it manifests as age-related ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. We previously reported that repressed Wnt signaling accelerated the maturation of corneal epithelium during tissue development. Here, we explore the hypothesis that repressed Wnt signaling is associated with accelerated aging in mouse eyes. METHODS Wnt ligand antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1) was expressed in the corneal stroma by a tissue-specific, inducible, bitransgenic system. Tissue structure was analyzed for signs of aging. Signal transduction analysis was performed to determine the cellular response to sFRP1. RESULTS Mouse eyes with sFRP1 expression showed signs of accelerated aging, resembling those found in pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome, a known age-related disease. Specific findings include granular deposition on the surface of the anterior lens capsule, pigment loss from the anterior surface of the iris, the presence of fibrillary material in the anterior chamber, and changes in cell size (polymegethism) and shape (pleomorphism) of the corneal endothelial cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that sFRP1 did not inhibit Wnt5a function and that cells responded to sFRP1 and Wnt5a in a very similar manner. CONCLUSION The expression of sFRP1 accelerates the aging process in mouse eyes and future studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Zhang
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, 800 East Atwater Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Joseph Jeffrey
- Crawley Vision Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fei Dong
- Crawley Vision Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Crawley Vision Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Winston W.-Y. Kao
- Crawley Vision Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chia-Yang Liu
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, 800 East Atwater Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Yong Yuan
- Crawley Vision Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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29
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Deciphering Cell Lineage Specification during Male Sex Determination with Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Cell Rep 2019; 22:1589-1599. [PMID: 29425512 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonad is a unique biological system for studying cell-fate decisions. However, major questions remain regarding the identity of somatic progenitor cells and the transcriptional events driving cell differentiation. Using time-series single-cell RNA sequencing on XY mouse gonads during sex determination, we identified a single population of somatic progenitor cells prior to sex determination. A subset of these progenitors differentiates into Sertoli cells, a process characterized by a highly dynamic genetic program consisting of sequential waves of gene expression. Another subset of multipotent cells maintains their progenitor state but undergoes significant transcriptional changes restricting their competence toward a steroidogenic fate required for the differentiation of fetal Leydig cells. Our findings confirm the presence of a unique multipotent progenitor population in the gonadal primordium that gives rise to both supporting and interstitial lineages. These also provide the most granular analysis of the transcriptional events occurring during testicular cell-fate commitment.
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30
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Mao BP, Li L, Yan M, Lian Q, Ge R, Cheng CY. Environmental toxicants and cell polarity in the testis. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:253-258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Osterix functions downstream of anti-Müllerian hormone signaling to regulate Müllerian duct regression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8382-8387. [PMID: 30061417 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721793115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the developing reproductive tract primordium of male and female fetuses consists of the Wolffian duct and the Müllerian duct (MD), two epithelial tube pairs surrounded by mesenchyme. During male development, mesenchyme-epithelia interactions mediate MD regression to prevent its development into a uterus, oviduct, and upper vagina. It is well established that transforming growth factor-β family member anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from the fetal testis and its type 1 and 2 receptors expressed in MD mesenchyme regulate MD regression. However, little is known about the molecular network regulating downstream actions of AMH signaling. To identify potential AMH-induced genes and regulatory networks controlling MD regression in a global nonbiased manner, we examined transcriptome differences in MD mesenchyme between males (AMH signaling on) and females (AMH signaling off) by RNA-seq analysis of purified fetal MD mesenchymal cells. This analysis found 82 genes up-regulated in males during MD regression and identified Osterix (Osx)/Sp7, a key transcriptional regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, as a downstream effector of AMH signaling during MD regression. Osx/OSX was expressed in a male-specific pattern in MD mesenchyme during MD regression. OSX expression was lost in mutant males without AMH signaling. In addition, transgenic mice ectopically expressing human AMH in females induced a male pattern of Osx expression. Together, these results indicate that AMH signaling is necessary and sufficient for Osx expression in the MD mesenchyme. In addition, MD regression was delayed in Osx-null males, identifying Osx as a factor that regulates MD regression.
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32
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Vincent KM, Postovit LM. Matricellular proteins in cancer: a focus on secreted Frizzled-related proteins. J Cell Commun Signal 2018; 12:103-112. [PMID: 28589318 PMCID: PMC5842174 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex entities, wherein cancer cells interact with myriad soluble, insoluble and cell associated factors. These microenvironmental mediators regulate tumour growth, progression and metastasis, and are produced by cancer cells and by stromal components such as fibroblast, adipocytes and immune cells. Through their ability to bind to extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface receptors and growth factors, matricellular proteins enable a dynamic reciprocity between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Hence, matricellular proteins play a critical role in tumour progression by regulating where and when cancer cells are exposed to key growth factors and regulatory proteins. Recent studies suggest that, in addition to altering Wingless (Wnt) signalling, certain members of the Secreted Frizzled Related Protein (sFRP) family are matricellular in nature. In this review, we outline the importance of matricellular proteins in cancer, and discuss how sFRPs may function to both inhibit and promote cancer progression in a context-dependent manner. By considering the matricellular functionality of sFRPs, we may better understand their apparently paradoxical roles in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Marie Vincent
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 114th St and 87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 114th St and 87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
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33
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Barthold JS, Ivell R. Perspective: A Neuro-Hormonal Systems Approach to Understanding the Complexity of Cryptorchidism Susceptibility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:401. [PMID: 30083133 PMCID: PMC6065160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsyndromic cryptorchidism is a common multifactorial, condition with long-term risks of subfertility and testicular cancer. Revealing the causes of cryptorchidism will likely improve prediction and prevention of adverse outcomes. Herein we provide our current perspective of cryptorchidism complexity in a synthesis of cumulative clinical and translational data generated by ourselves and others. From our recent comparison of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of cryptorchidism with or without testicular germ cell tumor, we identified RBFOX family genes as candidate susceptibility loci. Notably, RBFOX proteins regulate production of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide linked to testicular descent in animal models. We also re-analyzed existing fetal testis transcriptome data from a rat model of inherited cryptorchidism (the LE/orl strain) for enrichment of Leydig cell progenitor genes. The majority are coordinately downregulated, consistent with known reduced testicular testosterone levels in the LE/orl fetus, and similarly suppressed in the gubernaculum. Using qRT-PCR, we found dysregulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory transcripts ipsilateral to undescended testes. These data suggest that LE/orl cryptorchidism is associated with altered signaling in possibly related cell types in the testis and gubernaculum as well as DRG. Complementary rat and human studies thus lead us to propose a multi-level, integrated neuro-hormonal model of testicular descent. Variants in genes encoding RBFOX family proteins and/or their transcriptional targets combined with environmental exposures may disrupt this complex pathway to enhance cryptorchidism susceptibility. We believe that a systems approach is necessary to provide further insight into the causes and consequences of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Barthold
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Division of Urology, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Julia S. Barthold
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences and School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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34
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Galindo-Torres P, García-Gasca A, Llera-Herrera R, Escobedo-Fregoso C, Abreu-Goodger C, Ibarra AM. Sex determination and differentiation genes in a functional hermaphrodite scallop, Nodipecten subnodosus. Mar Genomics 2017; 37:161-175. [PMID: 29239804 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The lion-paw, Nodipecten subnodosus is one of three scallop species commercially exploited on the west coast of the Peninsula of Baja California. Because nothing is known about sex determination and sexual differentiation in hermaphrodite scallops, in the present work, a global transcriptomic analysis was performed in two early developmental stages, settling eyed-larvae and spat, as well as in three tissues (undifferentiated gonad, digestive gland, and adductor muscle). Over 27 million Illumina paired-end reads were obtained through the MiSeq platform. After processing the reads a total of 243,774 transcripts were assembled with an N50 of 980 and an average length of 775nt. A total of 43,252 proteins were inferred and 36,103 transcripts had at least one homolog in the SwissProt database according to a blastx search. After differential expression analyses and GO annotations it was possible to identify several sex-related genes in the scallop, including one known to be involved in the sex determination pathway of the hermaphrodite model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, N. subnodosus-sex1 (Ns-sex1). Other interesting sex determination and differentiation genes were Ns-dmrta2, Ns-sox9, Ns-wnt4, Ns-doa, Ns-ovo, Ns-vir, among others. Most of these genes were mainly expressed in the testis region, suggesting their participation in male gonad region sex differentiation. These results represent the first available information on the genetics of sex determination and differentiation in a functional hermaphrodite scallop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Galindo-Torres
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Ave. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No.195, La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096, Mexico.
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD) Unidad Mazatlán, Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82000, Mexico.
| | - Raúl Llera-Herrera
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD) Unidad Mazatlán, Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82000, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Ciudad de México 03940, Mexico.
| | - Cristina Escobedo-Fregoso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Ave. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No.195, La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Ciudad de México 03940, Mexico.
| | - Cei Abreu-Goodger
- Unidad de Genómica Avanzada (Langebio), Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Km 9.6 Libramiento Norte, Irapuato, Guanajuato 36824, Mexico.
| | - Ana M Ibarra
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Ave. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No.195, La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096, Mexico.
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Defective Wnt3 expression by testicular Sertoli cells compromise male fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:351-363. [PMID: 29064078 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Testicular Sertoli cells make a niche for the division and differentiation of germ cells. Sertoli cells respond to increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) levels at the onset of puberty by producing paracrine factors which affect germ cells and trigger robust onset of spermatogenesis. Such paracrine support to germ cells is absent during infancy, despite Sertoli cells being exposed to high FSH and T within the infant testis. This situation is similar to certain cases of male idiopathic infertility where post-pubertal Sertoli cells fail to support germ cell division and differentiation in spite of endogenous or exogenous hormonal support. Defective Sertoli cells in such individuals may fail to express the full complement of their paracrine repertoire. Identification and supplementation with such factors may overcome Sertoli cells deficiencies and help trigger quantitatively and qualitatively normal differentiation of germ cells. To this end, we compared the transcriptome of FSH- and T-treated infant and pubertal monkey Sertoli cells by DNA microarray. Expression of Wnt3, a morphogen of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was higher in pubertal Sertoli cells relative to infant Sertoli cells. Transgenic mice were generated by us in which Wnt3 expression was curtailed specifically in post-pubertal Sertoli cells by shRNA. Subfertility and oligozoospermia were noticed in such animals with low Wnt3 expression in post-pubertal Sertoli cells along with diminished expression of Connexin43, a gap-junctional molecule essential for germ cell development. We report that the FSH- and T-targetedf Wnt3 governs Sertoli cell-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis and hence is crucial for fertility.
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He N, Wang Y, Zhang C, Wang M, Wang Y, Zuo Q, Zhang Y, Li B. Wnt signaling pathway regulates differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells into spermatogonial stem cells via Wnt5a. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:1689-1701. [PMID: 28786525 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the mechanism of signaling pathway-mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in chicken. The Wnt signaling pathway was identified based on previous RNA Sequencing results and was proven a crucial signaling pathway that participates in the differentiation of ESCs into SSCs. In retinoic acid (RA) induction experiments in vitro, we found that Wnt signaling expression was inhibited by Wnt5a-shRNA, resulting in decreased expression of corresponding marker genes in SSCs, C-kit, Cvh, integrin α6 and integrin β1, but it was significantly promoted by RA treatment. Immunofluorescence assay showed that percentage of C-kit, Cvh, and integrin α6 and integrin β1-positive cells in RA treatment group and Wnt5a overexpression group was significantly higher than that in Wnt5a signaling interference group. Results of fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) also showed that proportion of germ-like cells was reduced by 14.3% (from 18.3% to 4.0%) at day 4 and 15.4% (from 18.6% to 3.2%) at day 12 after transfection, respectively. In experiments in vivo, shRNA-Wnt5a was stably expressed in fertilized chicken embryos and significantly reduced germ cell formation by 11.3% (from 21.7% to 10.4%) and 3.7% (6.4% from 10.1%). Results of quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays showed that the expression of some specific germ cell marker genes, integrin α6 and integrin β1, was significantly suppressed following Wnt5a signaling interference in vivo. Taken together, our study suggests that Wnt signaling pathway could regulate positively the differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs through Wnt5a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Man Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, YangZhou University, YangZhou, P. R. China
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Zhang XL, Wu J, Wang J, Shen T, Li H, Lu J, Gu Y, Kang Y, Wong CH, Ngan CY, Shao Z, Wu J, Zhao X. Integrative epigenomic analysis reveals unique epigenetic signatures involved in unipotency of mouse female germline stem cells. Genome Biol 2016; 17:162. [PMID: 27465593 PMCID: PMC4963954 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-1023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Germline stem cells play an essential role in establishing the fertility of an organism. Although extensively characterized, the regulatory mechanisms that govern the fundamental properties of mammalian female germline stem cells remain poorly understood. Results We generate genome-wide profiles of the histone modifications H3K4me1, H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3, DNA methylation, and RNA polymerase II occupancy and perform transcriptome analysis in mouse female germline stem cells. Comparison of enhancer regions between embryonic stem cells and female germline stem cells identifies the lineage-specific enhancers involved in germline stem cell features. Additionally, our results indicate that DNA methylation primarily contributes to female germline stem cell unipotency by suppressing the somatic program and is potentially involved in maintenance of sexual identity when compared with male germline stem cells. Moreover, we demonstrate down-regulation of Prmt5 triggers differentiation and thus uncover a role for Prmt5 in maintaining the undifferentiated status of female germline stem cells. Conclusions The genome-wide epigenetic signatures and the transcription regulators identified here provide an invaluable resource for understanding the fundamental features of mouse female germline stem cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-016-1023-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Zhang
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tingting Shen
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hua Li
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yunzhao Gu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yani Kang
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chee-Hong Wong
- Sequencing Technology Group, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA
| | - Chew Yee Ngan
- Sequencing Technology Group, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA
| | - Zhifeng Shao
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Murashima A, Xu B, Hinton BT. Understanding normal and abnormal development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct by using transgenic mice. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:749-55. [PMID: 26112482 PMCID: PMC4577584 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct is crucial for proper function and, therefore, male fertility. The development of the epididymis is complex; the initial stages form as a transient embryonic kidney; then the mesonephros is formed, which in turn undergoes extensive morphogenesis under the influence of androgens and growth factors. Thus, understanding of its full development requires a wide and multidisciplinary view. This review focuses on mouse models that display abnormalities of the Wolffian duct and mesonephric development, the importance of these mouse models toward understanding male reproductive tract development, and how these models contribute to our understanding of clinical abnormalities in humans such as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Arora R, Abby E, Ross ADJ, Cantu AV, Kissner MD, Castro V, Ho HYH, Livera G, Laird DJ. Meiotic onset is reliant on spatial distribution but independent of germ cell number in the mouse ovary. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:2493-9. [PMID: 27199373 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.189910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse ovarian germ cells enter meiosis in a wave that propagates from anterior to posterior, but little is known about contribution of germ cells to initiation or propagation of meiosis. In a Ror2 mutant with diminished germ cell number and migration, we find that overall timing of meiotic initiation is delayed at the population level. We use chemotherapeutic depletion to exclude a profoundly reduced number of germ cells as a cause for meiotic delay. We rule out sex reversal or failure to specify somatic support cells as contributors to the meiotic phenotype. Instead, we find that anomalies in the distribution of germ cells as well as gonad shape in mutants contribute to aberrant initiation of meiosis. Our analysis supports a model of meiotic initiation via diffusible signal(s), excludes a role for germ cells in commencing the meiotic wave and furnishes the first phenotypic demonstration of the wave of meiotic entry. Finally, our studies underscore the importance of considering germ cell migration defects while studying meiosis to discern secondary effects resulting from positioning versus primary meiotic entry phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ripla Arora
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Emilie Abby
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads; CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG; INSERM, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem cells and Radiation, UMR-967; University Paris-Sud, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Adam D J Ross
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Andrea V Cantu
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael D Kissner
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Vianca Castro
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Hsin-Yi Henry Ho
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4422 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Gabriel Livera
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads; CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG; INSERM, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem cells and Radiation, UMR-967; University Paris-Sud, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Kumar M, Syed SM, Taketo MM, Tanwar PS. Epithelial Wnt/βcatenin signalling is essential for epididymal coiling. Dev Biol 2016; 412:234-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Warr N, Siggers P, Carré GA, Wells S, Greenfield A. Genetic Analyses Reveal Functions for MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 in Mouse Testis Determination. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:103. [PMID: 27009039 PMCID: PMC5842889 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.138057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis determination in mammals is initiated by expression of SRY in somatic cells of the embryonic gonad. Genetic analyses in the mouse have revealed a requirement for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in testis determination: targeted loss of the kinases MAP3K4 and p38 MAPK causes complete XY embryonic gonadal sex reversal. These kinases occupy positions at the top and bottom level, respectively, in the canonical threetier MAPK-signaling cascade: MAP3K, MAP2K, MAPK. To date, no role in sex determination has been attributed to a MAP2K, although such a function is predicted to exist. Here, we report roles for the kinases MAP2K3 and MAP2K6 in testis determination. C57BL/6J (B6) embryos lacking MAP2K3 exhibited no significant abnormalities of testis development, whilst those lacking MAP2K6 exhibited a minor delay in testis determination. Compound mutants lacking three out of four functional alleles at the two loci also exhibited delayed testis determination and transient ovotestis formation as a consequence, suggestive of partially redundant roles for these kinases in testis determination. Early lethality of double-knockout embryos precludes analysis of sexual development. To reveal their roles in testis determination more clearly, we generated Map2k mutant B6 embryos using a weaker Sry allele (SryAKR). Loss of Map2k3 on this highly sensitized background exacerbates ovotestis development, whilst loss of Map2k6 results in complete XY gonadal sex reversal associated with reduction of Sry expression at 11.25 days postcoitum. Our data suggest that MAP2K6 functions in mouse testis determination, via positive effects on Sry, and also indicate a minor role for MAP2K3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gwenn-Aël Carré
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Current knowledge on gonadal development and sex determination is the product of many decades of research involving a variety of scientific methods from different biological disciplines such as histology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The earliest embryological investigations, followed by the invention of microscopy and staining methods, were based on histological examinations. The most robust development of histological staining techniques occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century and resulted in structural descriptions of gonadogenesis. These first studies on gonadal development were conducted on domesticated animals; however, currently the mouse is the most extensively studied species. The next key point in the study of gonadogenesis was the advancement of methods allowing for the in vitro culture of fetal gonads. For instance, this led to the description of the origin of cell lines forming the gonads. Protein detection using antibodies and immunolabeling methods and the use of reporter genes were also invaluable for developmental studies, enabling the visualization of the formation of gonadal structure. Recently, genetic and molecular biology techniques, especially gene expression analysis, have revolutionized studies on gonadogenesis and have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The successive invention of new methods is reflected in the progress of research on gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Crispim AC, Kelly MJ, Guimarães SEF, e Silva FF, Fortes MRS, Wenceslau RR, Moore S. Multi-Trait GWAS and New Candidate Genes Annotation for Growth Curve Parameters in Brahman Cattle. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139906. [PMID: 26445451 PMCID: PMC4622042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic architecture of beef cattle growth cannot be limited simply to the genome-wide association study (GWAS) for body weight at any specific ages, but should be extended to a more general purpose by considering the whole growth trajectory over time using a growth curve approach. For such an approach, the parameters that are used to describe growth curves were treated as phenotypes under a GWAS model. Data from 1,255 Brahman cattle that were weighed at birth, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age were analyzed. Parameter estimates, such as mature weight (A) and maturity rate (K) from nonlinear models are utilized as substitutes for the original body weights for the GWAS analysis. We chose the best nonlinear model to describe the weight-age data, and the estimated parameters were used as phenotypes in a multi-trait GWAS. Our aims were to identify and characterize associated SNP markers to indicate SNP-derived candidate genes and annotate their function as related to growth processes in beef cattle. The Brody model presented the best goodness of fit, and the heritability values for the parameter estimates for mature weight (A) and maturity rate (K) were 0.23 and 0.32, respectively, proving that these traits can be a feasible alternative when the objective is to change the shape of growth curves within genetic improvement programs. The genetic correlation between A and K was -0.84, indicating that animals with lower mature body weights reached that weight at younger ages. One hundred and sixty seven (167) and two hundred and sixty two (262) significant SNPs were associated with A and K, respectively. The annotated genes closest to the most significant SNPs for A had direct biological functions related to muscle development (RAB28), myogenic induction (BTG1), fetal growth (IL2), and body weights (APEX2); K genes were functionally associated with body weight, body height, average daily gain (TMEM18), and skeletal muscle development (SMN1). Candidate genes emerging from this GWAS may inform the search for causative mutations that could underpin genomic breeding for improved growth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Camporez Crispim
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matthew John Kelly
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Raphael Rocha Wenceslau
- Animal Science Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Stephen Moore
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Wnt signaling in testis development: Unnecessary or essential? Gene 2015; 565:155-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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45
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McClelland KS, Bell K, Larney C, Harley VR, Sinclair AH, Oshlack A, Koopman P, Bowles J. Purification and Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Fetal Leydig Cells Reveals Candidate Genes for Specification of Gonadal Steroidogenic Cells1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:145. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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46
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Mullen RD, Behringer RR. Molecular genetics of Müllerian duct formation, regression and differentiation. Sex Dev 2014; 8:281-96. [PMID: 25033758 DOI: 10.1159/000364935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Müllerian duct (MD) forms the female reproductive tract (FRT) consisting of the oviducts, uterus, cervix, and upper vagina. FRT function is vital to fertility, providing the site of fertilization, embryo implantation and fetal development. Developmental defects in the formation and diseases of the FRT, including cancer and endometriosis, are prevalent in humans and can result in infertility and death. Furthermore, because the MDs are initially formed regardless of genotypic sex, mesenchymal to epithelial signaling is required in males to mediate MD regression and prevents the development of MD-derived organs. In males, defects in MD regression result in the retention of FRT organs and have been described in several human syndromes. Although to date not reported in humans, ectopic activation of MD regression signaling components in females can result in aplasia of the FRT. Clearly, MD development is important to human health; however, the molecular mechanisms remain largely undetermined. Molecular genetics studies of human diseases and mouse models have provided new insights into molecular signaling during MD development, regression and differentiation. This review will provide an overview of MD development and important genes and signaling mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Mullen
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex., USA
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A novel mouse Fgfr2 mutant, hobbyhorse (hob), exhibits complete XY gonadal sex reversal. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100447. [PMID: 24956260 PMCID: PMC4067367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The secreted molecule fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) plays a critical role in testis determination in the mouse. In embryonic gonadal somatic cells it is required for maintenance of SOX9 expression, a key determinant of Sertoli cell fate. Conditional gene targeting studies have identified FGFR2 as the main gonadal receptor for FGF9 during sex determination. However, such studies can be complicated by inefficient and variable deletion of floxed alleles, depending on the choice of Cre deleter strain. Here, we report a novel, constitutive allele of Fgfr2, hobbyhorse (hob), which was identified in an ENU-based forward genetic screen for novel testis-determining loci. Fgr2hob is caused by a C to T mutation in the invariant exon 7, resulting in a polypeptide with a mis-sense mutation at position 263 (Pro263Ser) in the third extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain of FGFR2. Mutant homozygous embryos show severe limb and lung defects and, when on the sensitised C57BL/6J (B6) genetic background, undergo complete XY gonadal sex reversal associated with failure to maintain expression of Sox9. Genetic crosses employing a null mutant of Fgfr2 suggest that Fgr2hob is a hypomorphic allele, affecting both the FGFR2b and FGFR2c splice isoforms of the receptor. We exploited the consistent phenotype of this constitutive mutant by analysing MAPK signalling at the sex-determining stage of gonad development, but no significant abnormalities in mutant embryos were detected.
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Jung EM, Choi YU, Kang HS, Yang H, Hong EJ, An BS, Yang JY, Choi KH, Jeung EB. Evaluation of developmental toxicity using undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells. J Appl Toxicol 2014; 35:205-18. [PMID: 24737281 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
An embryonic stem cell test (EST) has been developed to evaluate the embryotoxic potential of chemicals with an in vitro system. In the present study, novel methods to screen toxic chemicals during the developmental process were evaluated using undifferentiated human embryonic stem (hES) cells. By using surface marker antigens (SSEA-4, TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81), we confirmed undifferentiated conditions of the used hES cells by immunocytochemistry. We assessed the developmental toxicity of embryotoxic chemicals, 5-fluorouracil, indomethacin and non-embryotoxic penicillin G in different concentrations for up to 7 days. While expressions of the surface markers were not significantly affected, the embryotoxic chemicals influenced their response to pluripotent ES cell markers, such as OCT-4, NANOG, endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB), secreted frizzled related protein 2 (SFRP2), teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 1 (TDGF1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Most of the pluripotent ES cell markers were down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with embryotoxic chemicals. After treatment with 5-fluorouracil, indomethacin and penicillin G, we observed a remarkable convergence in the degree of up-regulation of development, cell cycle and apoptosis-related genes by gene expression profiles using an Affymetrix GeneChips. Taken together, these results suggest that embryotoxic chemicals have cytotoxic effects, and modulate the expression of ES cell markers as well as development-, cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes that have pivotal roles in undifferentiated hES cells. Therefore, we suggest that hES cells may be useful for testing the toxic effects of chemicals that could impact the embryonic developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Man Jung
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 361-763, Republic of Korea
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49
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Ferrando-Martínez S, Ruiz-Mateos E, Dudakov JA, Velardi E, Grillari J, Kreil DP, Muñoz-Fernandez MÁ, van den Brink MRM, Leal M. WNT signaling suppression in the senescent human thymus. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2014; 70:273-81. [PMID: 24657825 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glu030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymus is completely developed in late fetal stages and its function peaks in newborns. After the first year of life, the thymus undergoes a progressive atrophy that dramatically decreases de novo T-lymphocyte maturation. Hormonal signaling and changes in the microRNA expression network are identified as underlying causes of human thymus involution. However, specific pathways involved in the age-related loss of thymic function remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed differential gene-expression profile and microRNA expression in elderly (70 years old) and young (less than 10 months old and 11 years old) human thymic samples. Our data have shown that WNT pathway deregulation through the overexpression of different inhibitors by the nonadipocytic component of the human thymus stimulates the age-related involution. These results are of particular interest because interference of WNT signaling has been demonstrated in both animal models and in vitro studies, with the three major hallmarks of thymic involution: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenic process, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. Thus, our results suggest that secreted inhibitors of the WNT pathway could be explored as a novel therapeutical target in the reversal of the age-related thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrando-Martínez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain. Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain.
| | - Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos
- Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, USA
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City, USA
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Department of Biotechnology, VIBT-BOKU, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David P Kreil
- Chair of Bioinformatics, BOKU University Vienna, Austria and Life Sciences, University of Warwick, UK
| | - M Ángeles Muñoz-Fernandez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | | | - Manuel Leal
- Laboratory of Immunovirology, Clinic Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Spain
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50
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Schreck C, Bock F, Grziwok S, Oostendorp RAJ, Istvánffy R. Regulation of hematopoiesis by activators and inhibitors of Wnt signaling from the niche. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1310:32-43. [PMID: 24611828 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a rare population of somatic stem cells that have the ability to regenerate the entire mature blood system in a hierarchical way for the duration of an adult life. Adult HSCs reside in the bone marrow niche. Different niche cell types and molecules regulate the balance of HSC dormancy and activation as well as HSC behavior in both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Here, we describe the interplay of HSCs and their niche, in particular the involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway. Although the prevailing notion has been that malignant transformation of HSCs is the main cause of leukemia, evidence is mounting that disruption of niche regulation by transformed hematopoietic cells, which may overexpress Wnt signaling or intrinsic stromal defects in gene expression, is at least a collaborative factor in leukemogenesis. Thus, insights into the normal and altered functions of niche components will help to obtain a better understanding of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and how environmental factors affect these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schreck
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
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