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Noor Z, Zhao Z, Guo S, Wei Z, Cai B, Qin Y, Ma H, Yu Z, Li J, Zhang Y. A Testis-Specific DMRT1 (Double Sex and Mab-3-Related Transcription Factor 1) Plays a Role in Spermatogenesis and Gonadal Development in the Hermaphrodite Boring Giant Clam Tridacna crocea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5574. [PMID: 38891762 PMCID: PMC11172331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The testis-specific double sex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) has long been recognized as a crucial player in sex determination across vertebrates, and its essential role in gonadal development and the regulation of spermatogenesis is well established. Here, we report the cloning of the key spermatogenesis-related DMRT1 cDNA, named Tc-DMRT1, from the gonads of Tridacna crocea (T. crocea), with a molecular weight of 41.93 kDa and an isoelectric point of 7.83 (pI). Our hypothesis is that DMRT1 machinery governs spermatogenesis and regulates gonadogenesis. RNAi-mediated Tc-DMRT1 knockdown revealed its critical role in hindering spermatogenesis and reducing expression levels in boring giant clams. A histological analysis showed structural changes, with normal sperm cell counts in the control group (ds-EGFP) but significantly lower concentrations of sperm cells in the experimental group (ds-DMRT1). DMRT1 transcripts during embryogenesis exhibited a significantly high expression pattern (p < 0.05) during the early zygote stage, and whole-embryo in-situ hybridization confirmed its expression pattern throughout embryogenesis. A qRT-PCR analysis of various reproductive stages revealed an abundant expression of Tc-DMRT1 in the gonads during the male reproductive stage. In-situ hybridization showed tissue-specific expression of DMRT1, with a positive signal detected in male-stage gonadal tissues comprising sperm cells, while no signal was detected in other stages. Our study findings provide an initial understanding of the DMRT1 molecular machinery controlling spermatogenesis and its specificity in male-stage gonads of the key bivalve species, Tridacna crocea, and suggest that DMRT1 predominantly functions as a key regulator of spermatogenesis in giant clams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Noor
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
- Animal Science and Technology College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Shuming Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Zonglu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
- Animal Science and Technology College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Borui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Yanping Qin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Haitao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Ziniu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Yuehuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; (Z.N.); (Z.Z.); (S.G.); (Z.W.); (B.C.); (Y.Q.); (H.M.); (Z.Y.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519015, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biology Technology, Sanya Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
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Hu Y, Tan R, Zhu X, Wang B, Wang J, Guo B, Li Y, Du H, Yang Y. Genome-wide identification, phylogeny and expressional profile of the Dmrt gene family in Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis). Sci Rep 2024; 14:4231. [PMID: 38378745 PMCID: PMC10879162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54899-9] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Chinese sturgeon Dmrt gene family was identified and characterized for the first time. A total of 5 putative Dmrt genes were identified. The gene structure, conserved protein domain and the phylogenetic relationship of Dmrt gene family were systematically analyzed. The expressed profile of Chinese sturgeon Dmrt genes in gonad, pituitary and hypothalamus in the male and female were investigated. The results indicated that the accumulation of Dmrt genes was involved in different tissues, and the expression profile also differed among each Dmrt genes. ASDmrt1A, ASDmrt2, ASDmrt3, and ASDmrtA1 were highly expressed in the testis in comparison with other tissue. This result showed that ASDmrt1A, ASDmrt2, ASDmrt3, and ASDmrtA1 played an important role in the development of testicle, and may be useful tool in distinguishing between male and female of Chinese sturgeon. Our study will provide a basis for additional analyses of Chinese sturgeon Dmrt genes. This systematic analysis provided a foundation for further functional characterization of Dmrt genes with an aim of study of Chinese sturgeon Dmrt gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacheng Hu
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Ruihua Tan
- Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Binzhong Wang
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Jingshu Wang
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Baifu Guo
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China
| | - Hejun Du
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China.
| | - Yuanjin Yang
- Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Yichang, 443100, Hubei, China.
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Zhang Q, Zhang W, Wu X, Ke H, Qin Y, Zhao S, Guo T. Homozygous missense variant in MEIOSIN causes premature ovarian insufficiency. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:ii47-ii56. [PMID: 37982418 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead084] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are variants of genes involved in meiosis initiation responsible for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)? SUMMARY ANSWER A MEIOSIN variant participates in the pathogenesis of human POI by impairing meiosis due to insufficient transcriptional activation of essential meiotic genes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Meiosis is the key event for the establishment of the ovarian reserve, and several gene defects impairing meiotic homologous recombination have been found to contribute to the pathogenesis of POI. Although STRA8 and MEIOISN variants have been found to associate with POI in a recent study, the condition of other meiosis initiation genes is unknown and direct evidence of variants participating in the pathogenesis of POI is still lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective genetic study. An in-house whole exome sequencing (WES) database of 1030 idiopathic POI patients was screened for variations of meiosis initiation genes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Homozygous or compound heterozygous variations of genes involved in meiosis initiation were screened in the in-house WES database. The pathogenicity of the variation was verified by in vitro experiments, including protein structure prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effect of the variant on ovarian function and meiosis was demonstrated through histological analyses in a point mutation mouse model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE One homozygous variant in MEIOSIN (c.1735C>T, p.R579W) and one in STRA8 (c.258 + 1G>A), which initiates meiosis via the retinoic acid-dependent pathway, were identified in a patient with idiopathic POI respectively. The STRA8 variation has been reported in the recently published work. For the MEIOSIN variation, the dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that the variant adversely affected the transcriptional function of MEIOSIN in upregulating meiotic genes. Furthermore, knock-in mice with the homologous mutation confirmed that the variation impacted the meiotic prophase I program and accelerated oocyte depletion. Moreover, the variant p.R579W localizing in the high-mobility group (HMG) box domain disrupted the nuclear localization of the MEIOSIN protein but was dispensable for the cell-cycle switch of oocytes, suggesting a unique role of the MEIOSIN HMG box domain in meiosis initiation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further studies are needed to explore the role of other meiosis initiation genes in the pathogenesis of POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The MEIOSIN variant was verified to cause POI by impaired transcriptional regulation of meiotic genes and was inherited by a recessive mode. The function of HMG box domain in MEIOSIN protein was also expanded by this study. Although causative variations in meiotic initiation genes are rare in POI, our study confirmed the pathogenicity of a MEIOSIN variant and elucidated another mechanism of human infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research & Developmental Program of China (2022YFC2703800, 2022YFC2703000), National Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (82125014), National Natural Science Foundation of China (32070847, 32170867, 82071609), Basic Science Center Program of NSFC (31988101), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province for Grand Basic Projects (ZR2021ZD33), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province for Excellent Young Scholars (ZR2022YQ69), Taishan Scholars Program for Young Experts of Shandong Province (tsqn202211371), and Qilu Young Scholars Program of Shandong University. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenzhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Dujardin E, André M, Dewaele A, Mandon-Pépin B, Poulat F, Frambourg A, Thépot D, Jouneau L, Jolivet G, Pailhoux E, Pannetier M. DMRT1 is a testis-determining gene in rabbits and is also essential for female fertility. eLife 2023; 12:RP89284. [PMID: 37847154 PMCID: PMC10581690 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
DMRT1 is the testis-determining factor in several species of vertebrates, but its involvement in mammalian testes differentiation, where SRY is the testis-determining gene, remains ambiguous. So far, DMRT1 loss-of-function has been described in two mammalian species and induces different phenotypes: Disorders of Sex Development (46, XY DSD) in men and male infertility in mice. We thus abolished DMRT1 expression by CRISPR/Cas9 in a third species of mammal, the rabbit. First, we observed that gonads from XY DMRT1-/- rabbit fetuses differentiated like ovaries, highlighting that DMRT1 is involved in testis determination. In addition to SRY, DMRT1 is required in the supporting cells to increase the expression of the SOX9 gene, which heads the testicular genetic cascade. Second, we highlighted another function of DMRT1 in the germline since XX and XY DMRT1-/- ovaries did not undergo meiosis and folliculogenesis. XX DMRT1-/- adult females were sterile, showing that DMRT1 is also crucial for female fertility. To conclude, these phenotypes indicate an evolutionary continuum between non-mammalian vertebrates such as birds and non-rodent mammals. Furthermore, our data support the potential involvement of DMRT1 mutations in different human pathologies, such as 46, XY DSD as well as male and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Dujardin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Marjolaine André
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Aurélie Dewaele
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pépin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier; 34396MontpellierFrance
| | - Anne Frambourg
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Dominique Thépot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Geneviève Jolivet
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED; 78350Jouy-en-JosasFrance
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED; 94700Maisons-AlfortFrance
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Irie N, Lee SM, Lorenzi V, Xu H, Chen J, Inoue M, Kobayashi T, Sancho-Serra C, Drousioti E, Dietmann S, Vento-Tormo R, Song CX, Surani MA. DMRT1 regulates human germline commitment. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1439-1452. [PMID: 37709822 PMCID: PMC10567552 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Germline commitment following primordial germ cell (PGC) specification during early human development establishes an epigenetic programme and competence for gametogenesis. Here we follow the progression of nascent PGC-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells in vitro. We show that switching from BMP signalling for PGC specification to Activin A and retinoic acid resulted in DMRT1 and CDH5 expression, the indicators of migratory PGCs in vivo. Moreover, the induction of DMRT1 and SOX17 in PGC-like cells promoted epigenetic resetting with striking global enrichment of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and locus-specific loss of 5-methylcytosine at DMRT1 binding sites and the expression of DAZL representing DNA methylation-sensitive genes, a hallmark of the germline commitment programme. We provide insight into the unique role of DMRT1 in germline development for advances in human germ cell biology and in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Irie
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- Metabolic Systems Laboratory, Live Imaging Center, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Sun-Min Lee
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Haiqi Xu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jinfeng Chen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Masato Inoue
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Division of Mammalian Embryology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Elena Drousioti
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Chun-Xiao Song
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Jia S, Li J, Lv J, Ren X, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu P, Li J. Molecular Characterization Related to Ovary Early Development Mechanisms after Eyestalk Ablation in Exopalaemon carinicauda. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040596. [PMID: 37106797 PMCID: PMC10135610 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Eyestalk ablation is an effective method to promote ovarian development in crustaceans. Herein, we performed transcriptome sequencing of ovary and hepatopancreas tissues after eyestalk ablation in Exopalaemon carinicauda to identify genes related to ovarian development. Our analyses led to the identification of 97,383 unigenes and 190,757 transcripts, with an average N50 length of 1757 bp. In the ovary, four pathways related to oogenesis and three related to oocyte rapid growth were enriched. In the hepatopancreas, two vitellogenesis-associated transcripts were identified. Furthermore, short time-series expression miner (STEM) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses revealed five terms related to gamete generation. In addition, two-color fluorescent in situ hybridization results suggested that dmrt1 might play a vital role in oogenesis during the early stage of ovarian development. Overall, our insights should support future studies focusing on investigating oogenesis and ovarian development in E. carinicauda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Jia
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jitao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jianjian Lv
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xianyun Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ping Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jian Li
- National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
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7
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Single cell epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis uncovers potential transcription factors regulating mitotic/meiotic switch. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:134. [PMID: 36797258 PMCID: PMC9935506 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05671-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to reveal the complex mechanism governing the mitotic/meiotic switch in female germ cells at epigenomic and genomic levels, we examined the chromatin accessibility (scATAC-seq) and the transcriptional dynamics (scRNA-seq) in germ cells of mouse embryonic ovary between E11.5 to 13.5 at single-cell resolution. Adopting a strict transcription factors (TFs) screening framework that makes it easier to understand the single-cell chromatin signature and a TF interaction algorithm that integrates the transcript levels, chromatin accessibility, and motif scores, we identified 14 TFs potentially regulating the mitotic/meiotic switch, including TCFL5, E2F1, E2F2, E2F6, E2F8, BATF3, SP1, FOS, FOXN3, VEZF1, GBX2, CEBPG, JUND, and TFDP1. Focusing on TCFL5, we constructed Tcfl5+/- mice which showed significantly reduced fertility and found that decreasing TCFL5 expression in cultured E12.5 ovaries by RNAi impaired meiotic progression from leptotene to zygotene. Bioinformatics analysis of published results of the embryonic germ cell transcriptome and the finding that in these cells central meiotic genes (Stra8, Tcfl5, Sycp3, and E2f2) possess open chromatin status already at the mitotic stage together with other features of TCFL5 (potential capability to interact with core TFs and activate meiotic genes, its progressive activation after preleptotene, binding sites in the promoter region of E2f2 and Sycp3), indicated extensive amplification of transcriptional programs associated to mitotic/meiotic switch with an important contribution of TCFL5. We conclude that the identified TFs, are involved in various stages of the mitotic/meiotic switch in female germ cells, TCFL5 primarily in meiotic progression. Further investigation on these factors might give a significant contribution to unravel the molecular mechanisms of this fundamental process of oogenesis and provide clues about pathologies in women such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) due at least in part to meiotic defects.
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8
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Farini D, De Felici M. The Beginning of Meiosis in Mammalian Female Germ Cells: A Never-Ending Story of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012571. [PMID: 36293427 PMCID: PMC9604137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the unique division of germ cells resulting in the recombination of the maternal and paternal genomes and the production of haploid gametes. In mammals, it begins during the fetal life in females and during puberty in males. In both cases, entering meiosis requires a timely switch from the mitotic to the meiotic cell cycle and the transition from a potential pluripotent status to meiotic differentiation. Revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying these interrelated processes represents the essence in understanding the beginning of meiosis. Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and acts as a fundamental driver of evolution. Major differences between sexes and among species complicate the understanding of how meiosis begins. Basic meiotic research is further hindered by a current lack of meiotic cell lines. This has been recently partly overcome with the use of primordial-germ-cell-like cells (PGCLCs) generated from pluripotent stem cells. Much of what we know about this process depends on data from model organisms, namely, the mouse; in mice, the process, however, appears to differ in many aspects from that in humans. Identifying the mechanisms and molecules controlling germ cells to enter meiosis has represented and still represents a major challenge for reproductive medicine. In fact, the proper execution of meiosis is essential for fertility, for maintaining the integrity of the genome, and for ensuring the normal development of the offspring. The main clinical consequences of meiotic defects are infertility and, probably, increased susceptibility to some types of germ-cell tumors. In the present work, we report and discuss data mainly concerning the beginning of meiosis in mammalian female germ cells, referring to such process in males only when pertinent. After a brief account of this process in mice and humans and an historical chronicle of the major hypotheses and progress in this topic, the most recent results are reviewed and discussed.
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9
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Zhang Y, Tian GG, Wang X, Hou C, Hu X, Wu J. Retinoic acid induced meiosis initiation in female germline stem cells by remodelling three-dimensional chromatin structure. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13242. [PMID: 35633286 PMCID: PMC9251051 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to clarify the regulation and mechanism of meiotic initiation in FGSC development. Materials and Methods FGSCs were induced to differentiate into meiosis in differentiation medium. RNA sequencing was performed to analysis the difference of transcription level. High‐through chromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi‐C) was performed to analysis changes of three‐dimensional chromatin structure. Chromosome conformation capture further confirmed a spatial chromatin loop. ChIP‐qPCR and dual luciferase reporter were used to test the interaction between Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) protein and Trip13 promoter. Results Compared with FGSCs, the average diameter of STRA8‐positive germ cells increased from 13 μm to 16.8 μm. Furthermore, there were 4788 differentially expressed genes between the two cell stages; Meiosis and chromatin structure‐associated terms were significantly enriched. Additionally, Hi‐C results showed that FGSCs underwent A/B compartment switching (switch rate was 29.81%), the number of topologically associating domains (TADs) increasing, the average size of TADs decreasing, and chromatin loop changes at genome region of Trip13 from undifferentiated stage to meiosis‐initiation stage. Furthermore, we validated that Trip13 promoter contacted distal enhancer to form spatial chromatin loop and STRA8 could bind Trip13 promoter to promote gene expression. Conclusion FGSCs underwent chromatin structure remodelling from undifferentiated stage to meiosis‐initiation stage, which facilitated STRA8 binding to Trip13 promoter and promoting its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng G Tian
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Changliang Hou
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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10
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Spiller C, Bowles J. Instructing Mouse Germ Cells to Adopt a Female Fate. Sex Dev 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35320803 DOI: 10.1159/000523763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells are critical for the survival of our species. They are the only cells that undergo meiosis - the reductive form of cell division that is necessary for genetic reassortment of chromosomes and production of the haploid gametes, the sperm and eggs. Remarkably, the initial female/male fate decision in fetal germ cells does not depend on whether they are chromosomally XX or XY; rather, initial sexual fate is imposed by influences from the surrounding tissue. In mammals, the female germline is particularly precious: despite recent suggestions that germline stem cells exist in the ovary, it is still generally accepted that the ovarian reserve is finite, and its size is dependant on germ cells of the fetal ovary initiating meiosis in a timely manner. SUMMARY Prior to 2006, evidence suggested that gonadal germ cells initiate meiotic prophase I by default, but more recent data support a key role for the signalling molecule retinoic acid (RA) in instructing female germ cell fate. Newer findings also support a key meiosis-inducing role for another signalling molecule, bone morphogenic protein (BMP). Nonetheless, many questions remain. KEY MESSAGES Here, we review knowledge thus far regarding extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of a female germ cell fate, focusing on the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Zarkower D, Murphy MW. DMRT1: An Ancient Sexual Regulator Required for Human Gonadogenesis. Sex Dev 2022; 16:112-125. [PMID: 34515237 PMCID: PMC8885888 DOI: 10.1159/000518272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulators related to the invertebrate sexual regulators doublesex and mab-3 occur throughout metazoans and control sex in most animal groups. Seven of these DMRT genes are found in mammals, and mouse genetics has shown that one, Dmrt1, plays a crucial role in testis differentiation, both in germ cells and somatic cells. Deletions and, more recently, point mutations affecting human DMRT1 have demonstrated that its heterozygosity is associated with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. Most of our detailed knowledge of DMRT1 function in the testis, the focus of this review, derives from mouse studies, which have revealed that DMRT1 is essential for male somatic and germ cell differentiation and maintenance of male somatic cell fate after differentiation. Moreover, ectopic DMRT1 can reprogram differentiated female granulosa cells into male Sertoli-like cells. The ability of DMRT1 to control sexual cell fate likely derives from at least 3 properties. First, DMRT1 functionally collaborates with another key male sex regulator, SOX9, and possibly other proteins to maintain and reprogram sexual cell fate. Second, and related, DMRT1 appears to function as a pioneer transcription factor, binding "closed" inaccessible chromatin and promoting its opening to allow binding by other regulators including SOX9. Third, DMRT1 binds DNA by a highly unusual form of interaction and can bind with different stoichiometries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark W. Murphy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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12
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1459. [PMID: 34573441 PMCID: PMC8470383 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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13
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Lee HJ, Seo M, Choi HJ, Rengaraj D, Jung KM, Park JS, Lee KY, Kim YM, Park KJ, Han ST, Lee KH, Yao HHC, Han JY. DMRT1 gene disruption alone induces incomplete gonad feminization in chicken. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21876. [PMID: 34449112 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100902r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Compared with the well-described XY sex determination system in mammals, the avian ZW sex determination system is poorly understood. Knockdown and overexpression studies identified doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) as the testis-determining gene in chicken. However, the detailed effects of DMRT1 gene disruption from embryonic to adult development are not clear. Herein, we have generated DMRT1-disrupted chickens using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 system, followed by an analysis of physiological, hormonal, and molecular changes in the genome-modified chickens. In the early stages of male chicken development, disruption of DMRT1 induced gonad feminization with extensive physiological and molecular changes; however, functional feminine reproductivity could not be implemented with disturbed hormone synthesis. Subsequent RNA-sequencing analysis of the DMRT1-disrupted chicken gonads revealed gene networks, including several novel genes linearly and non-linearly associated with DMRT1, which are involved in gonad feminization. By comparing the gonads of wild type with the genome-modified chickens, a set of genes were identified that is involved in the ZW sex determination system independent of DMRT1. Our results extend beyond the Z-dosage hypothesis to provide further information about the avian ZW sex determination system and epigenetic effects of gonad feminization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jo Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minseok Seo
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Se Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Youn Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Min Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Je Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Taek Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Hyuk Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Dotan A, Kanduc D, Muller S, Makatsariya A, Shoenfeld Y. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and the female reproductive system. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13494. [PMID: 34407240 PMCID: PMC8420155 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oogenesis, the process of egg production by the ovary, involves a complex differentiation program leading to the production of functional oocytes. This process comprises a sequential pathway of steps that are finely regulated. The question related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and fertility has been evoked for several reasons, including the mechanism of molecular mimicry, which may contribute to female infertility by leading to the generation of deleterious autoantibodies, possibly contributing to the onset of an autoimmune disease in infected patients. Objective The immunological potential of the peptides shared between SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein and oogenesis‐related proteins; Thus we planned a systematic study to improve our understanding of the possible effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on female fertility using the angle of molecular mimicry as a starting point. Methods A library of 82 human proteins linked to oogenesis was assembled at random from UniProtKB database using oogenesis, uterine receptivity, decidualization, and placentation as a key words. For the analyses, an artificial polyprotein was built by joining the 82 a sequences of the oogenesis‐associated proteins. These were analyzed by searching the Immune Epitope DataBase for immunoreactive SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein epitopes hosting the shared pentapeptides. Results SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein was found to share 41 minimal immune determinants, that is, pentapeptides, with 27 human proteins that relate to oogenesis, uterine receptivity, decidualization, and placentation. All the shared pentapeptides that we identified, with the exception of four, are also present in SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein–derived epitopes that have been experimentally validated as immunoreactive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arad Dotan
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sylviane Muller
- CNRS-Strasbourg University Unit Biotechnology and Cell signaling/ Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France.,Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,President of Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
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15
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Adolfi MC, Herpin A, Schartl M. The replaceable master of sex determination: bottom-up hypothesis revisited. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200090. [PMID: 34247496 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different group of vertebrates and invertebrates demonstrate an amazing diversity of gene regulations not only at the top but also at the bottom of the sex determination genetic network. As early as 1995, based on emerging findings in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, Wilkins suggested that the evolution of the sex determination pathway evolved from the bottom to the top of the hierarchy. Based on our current knowledge, this review revisits the 'bottom-up' hypothesis and applies its logic to vertebrates. The basic operation of the determination network is through the dynamics of the opposing male and female pathways together with a persistent need to maintain the sexual identity of the cells of the gonad up to the reproductive stage in adults. The sex-determining trigger circumstantially acts from outside the genetic network, but the regulatory network is not built around it as a main node, thus maintaining the genetic structure of the network. New sex-promoting genes arise either through allelic diversification or gene duplication and act specially at the sex-determination period, without integration into the complete network. Due to this peripheral position the new regulator is not an indispensable component of the sex-determining network and can be easily replaced. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenging the paradigm in sex chromosome evolution: empirical and theoretical insights with a focus on vertebrates (Part I)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Contar Adolfi
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Amaury Herpin
- INRA, UR 1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, 35000 Rennes, France.,State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany.,Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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16
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Feng CW, Burnet G, Spiller CM, Cheung FKM, Chawengsaksophak K, Koopman P, Bowles J. Identification of regulatory elements required for Stra8 expression in fetal ovarian germ cells of the mouse. Development 2021; 148:dev.194977. [PMID: 33574039 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In mice, the entry of germ cells into meiosis crucially depends on the expression of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8). Stra8 is expressed specifically in pre-meiotic germ cells of females and males, at fetal and postnatal stages, respectively, but the mechanistic details of its spatiotemporal regulation are yet to be defined. In particular, there has been considerable debate regarding whether retinoic acid is required, in vivo, to initiate Stra8 expression in the mouse fetal ovary. We show that the distinctive anterior-to-posterior pattern of Stra8 initiation, characteristic of germ cells in the fetal ovary, is faithfully recapitulated when 2.9 kb of the Stra8 promoter is used to drive eGFP expression. Using in vitro transfection assays of cutdown and mutant constructs, we identified two functional retinoic acid responsive elements (RAREs) within this 2.9 kb regulatory element. We also show that the transcription factor DMRT1 enhances Stra8 expression, but only in the presence of RA and the most proximal RARE. Finally, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutation studies to demonstrate that both RAREs are required for optimal Stra8 expression levels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Guillaume Burnet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cassy M Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fiona Ka Man Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Vídenská 1083, 4 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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17
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Ioannidis J, Taylor G, Zhao D, Liu L, Idoko-Akoh A, Gong D, Lovell-Badge R, Guioli S, McGrew MJ, Clinton M. Primary sex determination in birds depends on DMRT1 dosage, but gonadal sex does not determine adult secondary sex characteristics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2020909118. [PMID: 33658372 PMCID: PMC7958228 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020909118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, males are the homogametic sex (ZZ) and females the heterogametic sex (ZW). Primary sex determination is thought to depend on a sex chromosome gene dosage mechanism, and the most likely sex determinant is the Z chromosome gene Doublesex and Mab-3-Related Transcription factor 1 (DMRT1). To clarify this issue, we used a CRISPR-Cas9-based monoallelic targeting approach and sterile surrogate hosts to generate birds with targeted mutations in the DMRT1 gene. The resulting chromosomally male (ZZ) chicken with a single functional copy of DMRT1 developed ovaries in place of testes, demonstrating the avian sex-determining mechanism is based on DMRT1 dosage. These ZZ ovaries expressed typical female markers and showed clear evidence of follicular development. However, these ZZ adult birds with an ovary in place of testes were indistinguishable in appearance to wild-type adult males, supporting the concept of cell-autonomous sex identity (CASI) in birds. In experiments where estrogen synthesis was blocked in control ZW embryos, the resulting gonads developed as testes. In contrast, if estrogen synthesis was blocked in ZW embryos that lacked DMRT1, the gonads invariably adopted an ovarian fate. Our analysis shows that DMRT1 is the key sex determination switch in birds and that it is essential for testis development, but that production of estrogen is also a key factor in primary sex determination in chickens, and that this production is linked to DMRT1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Ioannidis
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom;
| | - Gunes Taylor
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Debiao Zhao
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Long Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Alewo Idoko-Akoh
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Daoqing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana Guioli
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike J McGrew
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom;
| | - Michael Clinton
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
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18
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Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
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19
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Zeng M, Dai X, Liang Z, Sun R, Huang S, Luo L, Li Z. Critical roles of mRNA m 6A modification and YTHDC2 expression for meiotic initiation and progression in female germ cells. Gene 2020; 753:144810. [PMID: 32470506 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144810] [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: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic entry and progression require dynamic regulation of germline gene expression. m6A on mRNAs and recognition by YTHDC2 has been known as post-transcriptional regulatory complex, but the roles of this regulator remain unclear for meiotic initiation and progression in female germ cells (FGCs). This study showed that m6A modification occurred mainly in FGCs rather than ovarian somatic cells (SOMAs), and m6A levels in FGCs increased significantly with meiotic initiation. m6A inhibition suppressed expression of the meiotic markers and affected the percent of FGCs at zygotene, pachytene and diplotene stage respectively. YTHDC2 expression also increased in the same pattern with m6A. Ythdc2 knockdown decreased the percent of STRA8-positive FGCs and altered the percent of FGCs at zygotene and pachytene stage respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that mRNA m6A modification and YTHDC2 expression are essential for meiotic initiation and progression in FGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zeng
- Medical Research Institute, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China
| | - Xin Dai
- Medical Research Institute, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China
| | - Zhibing Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China
| | - Ruliang Sun
- Department of Pathology, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China
| | - Sui Huang
- Department of Pathology, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China
| | - Liangping Luo
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Zhongxiang Li
- Medical Research Institute, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518133, China.
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20
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Vernet N, Condrea D, Mayere C, Féret B, Klopfenstein M, Magnant W, Alunni V, Teletin M, Souali-Crespo S, Nef S, Mark M, Ghyselinck NB. Meiosis occurs normally in the fetal ovary of mice lacking all retinoic acid receptors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz1139. [PMID: 32917583 PMCID: PMC7244263 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Gametes are generated through a specialized cell differentiation process, meiosis, which, in ovaries of most mammals, is initiated during fetal life. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is considered as the molecular signal triggering meiosis initiation. In the present study, we analyzed female fetuses ubiquitously lacking all ATRA nuclear receptors (RAR), obtained through a tamoxifen-inducible cre recombinase-mediated gene targeting approach. Unexpectedly, mutant oocytes robustly expressed meiotic genes, including the meiotic gatekeeper STRA8. In addition, ovaries from mutant fetuses grafted into adult recipient females yielded offspring bearing null alleles for all Rar genes. Thus, our results show that RAR are fully dispensable for meiotic initiation, as well as for the production of functional oocytes. Assuming that the effects of ATRA all rely on RAR, our study goes against the current model according to which meiosis is triggered by endogenous ATRA in the developing ovary. It therefore revives the search for the meiosis-inducing substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Chloé Mayere
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Betty Féret
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Muriel Klopfenstein
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - William Magnant
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Violaine Alunni
- GenomEast platform, France Génomique consortium, IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Marius Teletin
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), France
| | - Sirine Souali-Crespo
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mark
- 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), France
| | - 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, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France.
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21
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Chassot AA, Le Rolle M, Jolivet G, Stevant I, Guigonis JM, Da Silva F, Nef S, Pailhoux E, Schedl A, Ghyselinck NB, Chaboissier MC. Retinoic acid synthesis by ALDH1A proteins is dispensable for meiosis initiation in the mouse fetal ovary. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz1261. [PMID: 32494737 PMCID: PMC7244317 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the timing of meiosis entry is regulated by signals from the gonadal environment. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) signaling is considered the key pathway that promotes Stra8 (stimulated by retinoic acid 8) expression and, in turn, meiosis entry. This model, however, is debated because it is based on analyzing the effects of exogenous ATRA on ex vivo gonadal cultures, which not accurately reflects the role of endogenous ATRA. Aldh1a1 and Aldh1a2, two retinaldehyde dehydrogenases synthesizing ATRA, are expressed in the mouse ovaries when meiosis initiates. Contrary to the present view, here, we demonstrate that ATRA-responsive cells are scarce in the ovary. Using three distinct gene deletion models for Aldh1a1;Aldh1a2;Aldh1a3, we show that Stra8 expression is independent of ATRA production by ALDH1A proteins and that germ cells progress through meiosis. Together, these data demonstrate that ATRA signaling is dispensable for instructing meiosis initiation in female germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Geneviève Jolivet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Isabelle Stevant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marie Guigonis
- Université Côte d’Azur, UMR E4320, CEA, F-06107 Nice, France
- Plateforme “Bernard Rossi”, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d’Azur, F-06107 Nice, France
| | - Fabio Da Silva
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France
- Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, CNRS UMR7104, Inserm U1258, Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch CEDEX, France
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22
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Fujitani K, Otomo A, Nagayama Y, Tachibana T, Kato R, Kawashima Y, Kodera Y, Kato T, Takada S, Tamura K, Takamatsu N, Ito M. PACT/PRKRA and p53 regulate transcriptional activity of DMRT1. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190017. [PMID: 32251494 PMCID: PMC7198010 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor DMRT1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor)
has two distinct functions, somatic-cell masculinization and germ-cell
development in some vertebrate species, including mouse and the African clawed
frog Xenopus laevis. However, its transcriptional regulation
remains unclear. We tried to identify DMRT1-interacting proteins from X.
laevis testes by immunoprecipitation with an anti-DMRT1 antibody
and MS/MS analysis, and selected three proteins, including PACT/PRKRA
(Interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase activator A)
derived from testes. Next, we examined the effects of PACT/PRKRA and/or p53 on
the transcriptional activity of DMRT1. In transfected 293T cells, PACT/PRKRA and
p53 significantly enhanced and repressed DMRT1-driven luciferase activity,
respectively. We also observed that the enhanced activity by PACT/PRKRA was
strongly attenuated by p53. Moreover, in situ hybridization
analysis of Pact/Prkra mRNA in tadpole gonads indicated high
expression in female and male germline stem cells. Taken together, these
findings suggest that PACT/PRKRA and p53 might positively and negatively
regulate the activity of DMRT1, respectively, for germline stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Fujitani
- Kitasato University, Gene Analysis Center, School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Asako Otomo
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yuto Nagayama
- Osaka City University, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taro Tachibana
- Osaka City University, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka, Japan.,Cell Engineering Corporation, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rika Kato
- Kitasato University, Department of Physics, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawashima
- Kitasato University, Department of Physics, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kodera
- Kitasato University, Department of Physics, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kato
- National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Tamura
- Kitasato University, Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Takamatsu
- Kitasato University, Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Kitasato University, Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Sagamihara, Japan
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23
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Loss of Cx43 in Murine Sertoli Cells Leads to Altered Prepubertal Sertoli Cell Maturation and Impairment of the Mitosis-Meiosis Switch. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030676. [PMID: 32164318 PMCID: PMC7140672 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor infertility is a problem in today’s society but many underlying causes are still unknown. The generation of a conditional Sertoli cell (SC)-specific connexin 43 (Cx43) knockout mouse line (SCCx43KO) has provided a translational model. Expression of the gap junction protein Cx43 between adjacent SCs as well as between SCs and germ cells (GCs) is known to be essential for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in different species and men. Adult SCCx43KO males show altered spermatogenesis and are infertile. Thus, the present study aims to identify molecular mechanisms leading to testicular alterations in prepubertal SCCx43KO mice. Transcriptome analysis of 8-, 10- and 12-day-old mice was performed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, candidate genes were examined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. NGS revealed many significantly differentially expressed genes in the SCCx43KO mice. For example, GC-specific genes were mostly downregulated and found to be involved in meiosis and spermatogonial differentiation (e.g., Dmrtb1, Sohlh1). In contrast, SC-specific genes implicated in SC maturation and proliferation were mostly upregulated (e.g., Amh, Fshr). In conclusion, Cx43 in SCs appears to be required for normal progression of the first wave of spermatogenesis, especially for the mitosis-meiosis switch, and also for the regulation of prepubertal SC maturation.
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24
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The transcriptional regulator CBX2 and ovarian function: A whole genome and whole transcriptome approach. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17033. [PMID: 31745224 PMCID: PMC6864077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53370-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2) was found to be important for human testis development, but its role in the human ovary remains elusive. We conducted a genome-wide analysis based on DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) and RNA sequencing strategies to investigate CBX2 in the human granulosa cells. Functional analysis revealed that CBX2 was upstream of genes contributing to ovarian function like folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis (i.e. ESR1, NRG1, AKR1C1, PTGER2, BMP15, BMP2, FSHR and NTRK1/2). We identified CBX2 regulated genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as TGFβ, MAP3K15 and DKK1, as well as genes implicated in premature ovarian failure (POF) (i.e. POF1B, BMP15 and HOXA13) and the pituitary deficiency (i.e. LHX4 and KISS1). Our study provided an excellent opportunity to identify genes surrounding CBX2 in the ovary and might contribute to the understanding of ovarian physiopathology causing infertility in women.
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25
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Genome-Wide identification of doublesex and Mab-3-Related transcription factor (DMRT) genes in nile tilapia ( oreochromis niloticus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 24:e00398. [PMID: 31799146 PMCID: PMC6881697 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2019.e00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor (DMRT) gene family is extensively known for its contribution in sex determination and differentiation across phyla. Here we report the identification of five DM (doublesex and mab-3) domain genes in the Nile tilapia which includes DMRT1, DMRTa2, DMRT2a, DMRT2b and DMRT3a. The full-length sequence of DMRT genes ranges from 3526 (DMRTA2) to 1471bp (DMRT1) which encode putative proteins series from 469 to 372 amino acids. All the DMRT proteins contained at least one conserved DNA-binding DM domain. Sub-cellular localization and gene ontology revealed DMRT1 protein is maximum localized in nuclear region and gene ontology analysis showed the molecular function of 48.2%, biological process 43.6% and cellular component 25%. Chromosomal location and synteny analysis displayed that DMRT genes mostly cluster linkage group 12. Altogether, our findings provide vital genomic information for future studies of biochemical, physiological, and phylogenetic studies on DMRT genes in teleost.
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26
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Song W, Shi X, Xia Q, Yuan M, Liu J, Hao K, Qian Y, Zhao X, Zou K. PLZF suppresses differentiation of mouse spermatogonial progenitor cells via binding of differentiation associated genes. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3033-3042. [PMID: 31541472 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) is a key factor in inhibiting differentiation of spermatogonial progenitor cells (SPCs), but the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, the regulation of PLZF on Kit, Stra8, Sohlh2, and Dmrt1 (SPCs differentiation related genes) was investigated. We found some PLZF potential binding sites existed in the promoters of Kit, Stra8, Sohlh2, and Dmrt1. Additionally, the expressions of KIT, STRA8, SOHLH2, and DMRT1 were upregulated when PLZF was knockdown in SPCs. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed PLZF directly bound to the promoters of Kit, Stra8, Sohlh2, and Dmrt1. Besides, dual luciferase assay verified PLZF repressed those gene expressions. Collectively, our finding indicate that PLZF binds to the promoter regions of Kit, Stra8, Sohlh2, and Dmrt1 to regulate SPCs differentiation, which facilitate us to further understand the regulatory mechanism of PLZF in SPCs fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiang Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinglong Shi
- Bio-ID Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kunying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinjuan Qian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Rossitto M, Ollivier M, Déjardin S, Pruvost A, Brun C, Marchive C, Nguyen AL, Ghettas A, Keime C, de Massy B, Poulat F, Philibert P, Boizet-Bonhoure B. In utero exposure to acetaminophen and ibuprofen leads to intergenerational accelerated reproductive aging in female mice. Commun Biol 2019; 2:310. [PMID: 31428698 PMCID: PMC6692356 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesic drugs, such as acetaminophen (APAP), are frequently taken during pregnancy, even in combination. However, they can favour genital malformations in newborn boys and reproductive disorders in adults. Conversely, the consequences on postnatal ovarian development and female reproductive health after in utero exposure are unknown. Here, we found that in mice, in utero exposure to therapeutic doses of the APAP-ibuprofen combination during sex determination led to delayed meiosis entry and progression in female F1 embryonic germ cells. Consequently, follicular activation was reduced in postnatal ovaries through the AKT/FOXO3 pathway, leading in F2 animals to subfertility, accelerated ovarian aging with abnormal corpus luteum persistence, due to decreased apoptosis and increased AKT-mediated luteal cell survival. Our study suggests that administration of these drugs during the critical period of sex determination could lead in humans to adverse effects that might be passed to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Margot Ollivier
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Service de Chirurgie et Urologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Lapeyronie CHU Montpellier, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Développement Génital, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alain Pruvost
- Service de Pharmacologie et d’Immunoanalyse (SPI), plateforme SMArt-MS, CEA, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Christine Brun
- Meiosis and Recombination, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Candice Marchive
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anvi Laetitia Nguyen
- Service de Pharmacologie et d’Immunoanalyse (SPI), plateforme SMArt-MS, CEA, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Aurélie Ghettas
- Service de Pharmacologie et d’Immunoanalyse (SPI), plateforme SMArt-MS, CEA, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Céline Keime
- IGBMC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg/INSERM, Illkirch, France
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Meiosis and Recombination, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francis Poulat
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Département de Biochimie et Hormonologie, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Development and Pathology of the Gonad, IGH, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Mawaribuchi S, Ito Y, Ito M. Independent evolution for sex determination and differentiation in the DMRT family in animals. Biol Open 2019; 8:8/8/bio041962. [PMID: 31399444 PMCID: PMC6737965 DOI: 10.1242/bio.041962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Some DMRT family genes including arthropod dsx, nematode mab-3, and vertebrate dmrt1 are involved in sex determination and/or differentiation in bilaterian animals. Although there have been some reports about evolutionary analyses of the family by using its phylogenetic trees, it is still undecided as to whether these three sex determination-related genes share orthologous relationships or not. To clarify this question, we analyzed evolutional relationships among the family members in various bilaterians by using not only phylogenetic tree analysis, but also synteny analysis. We found that only four genes, dmrt2a/2b, dmrt3, dmrt4/5 and dmrt93B were commonly present in invertebrate bilateria. The syntenies of dmrt2a/2b-dmrt3 and dmrt4/5-dmrt93B are conserved before and after two rounds of whole genome duplication in the ancestral vertebrate. Importantly, this indicates that dmrt1 must have appeared in the common vertebrate ancestor. In addition, dmrt1, dsx, or mab-3 formed each different cluster at a distance in our phylogenetic tree. From these findings, we concluded that the three sex determination-related genes, dmrt1, dsx, and mab-3 have no orthologous relationships, and suggested independent evolution for sex determination and differentiation in the DMRT gene family. Our results may supply clues about why sex-determining systems have diverged during animal evolution. Summary: Three DMRT family genes, vertebrate dmrt1, arthropod dsx and nematode mab-3, involved in sex determination and primary sex differentiation have no orthologous relationships, indicating independent evolution in bilaterian animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuuji Mawaribuchi
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of AIST, Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Ito
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of AIST, Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Kitasato University, Kitasato 1-15-1, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
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Jeng SR, Wu GC, Yueh WS, Kuo SF, Dufour S, Chang CF. Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1) expression during gonadal development and spermatogenesis in the Japanese eel. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 279:154-163. [PMID: 30902612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1, doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor-1, has been suggested to play critical roles in male gonadogenesis, testicular differentiation and development, including spermatogenesis, among different vertebrates. Vasa is a putative molecular marker of germ cells in vertebrates. In this study, we cloned the full-length dmrt1 cDNA from Japanese eel, and the protein comprised 290 amino acids and presented an extremely conserved Doublesex and Mab-3 (DM) domain. Vasa proteins were expressed in gonadal germ cells in a stage-specific manner, and were expressed at high levels in PGC and spermatogonia, low levels in spermatocytes, and were absent in spermatids and spermatozoa of Japanese eels. Dmrt1 proteins were abundantly expressed in spermatogonia B cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, but not in spermatozoa, spermatogonia A and Sertoli cells. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a restricted expression pattern for the Dmrt1 protein in spermatogonia B cells, but not spermatogonia A cells, of teleosts. Therefore, Dmrt1 might play vital roles at the specific stages during spermatogenesis from spermatogonia B cells to spermatids in the Japanese eel. Moreover, the Dmrt1 protein exhibited a restricted localization in differentiating oogonia in the early differentiating gonad (ovary-like structure) of male Japanese eels and in E2-induced feminized Japanese eels. We proposed that dmrt1 may be not only required for spermatogenesis but might also play a role in oogenesis in the Japanese eel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ru Jeng
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Shiun Yueh
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Kuo
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Laboratory Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
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30
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Hilbold E, Bergmann M, Fietz D, Kliesch S, Weidner W, Langeheine M, Rode K, Brehm R. Immunolocalization of DMRTB1 in human testis with normal and impaired spermatogenesis. Andrology 2019; 7:428-440. [PMID: 30920770 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor DMRTB1 plays a pivotal role in coordinating the transition between mitosis and meiosis in murine germ cells. No reliable data are available for human testis. OBJECTIVES The present study aims to examine the testicular expression pattern of DMRTB1 in men showing normal and impaired spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed using 54 human testicular biopsy specimens and a commercial rabbit polyclonal anti-DMRTB1 primary antibody. RT-PCR complemented immunohistochemistry. To further characterize immunopositive cells and possible co-localization, the proliferation marker Ki-67, the tumor marker PLAP, and an anti-DMRT1 antibody were used. RESULTS In men with normal spermatogenesis, a strong immunoreactivity was detectable in a subset of spermatogonia (38.34 ± 2.14%). Some spermatocytes showed a weak immunostaining. Adjacent Sertoli cells were immunonegative. Compared with a hematoxylin and eosin overview staining, these immunopositive cells were almost exclusively identified as Apale and B spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in (pre-)leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene stages. In patients with spermatogenic arrest at spermatogonial level, an altered staining pattern was found. No immunoreactivity was detected in Sertoli cells in Sertoli cell-only syndrome. In germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) tubules, except for a few (0.4 ± 0.03%), pre-invasive tumor cells were immunonegative. Seminoma cells showed no immunostaining. DISCUSSION According to previous findings in mice, it seems reasonable that DMRTB1 is expressed in these normal germ cell populations. Moreover, altered staining pattern in spermatogenic arrest at spermatogonial stage suggests a correlation with mitosis and transformation into B spermatogonia. The absence of DMRTB1 in GCNIS cells and tumor cells might be associated with uncontrolled neoplastic cell proliferation and progression into invasive germ cell tumors. Further research is required to elucidate, for example, the role of DMRTB1 in the malignant transformation of human germ cells. CONCLUSION Our data indicate a relevant role for DMRTB1 regarding the entry of spermatogonia into meiosis in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hilbold
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Bergmann
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - W Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M Langeheine
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - K Rode
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - R Brehm
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Germ cells are the stem cells of the species. Thus, it is critical that we have a good understanding of how they are specified, how the somatic cells instruct and support them, how they commit to one or other sex, and how they ultimately develop into functional gametes. Here, we focus on specifics of how sexual fate is determined during fetal life. Because the majority of relevant experimental work has been done using the mouse model, we focus on that species. We review evidence regarding the identity of instructive signals from the somatic cells, and the molecular responses that occur in germ cells in response to those extrinsic signals. In this way we aim to clarify progress to date regarding the mechanisms underlying the mitotic to meiosis switch in germ cells of the fetal ovary, and those involved in adopting and securing male fate in germ cells of the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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32
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Zhang T, Zhou Y, Li L, Zhao Y, De Felici M, Reiter RJ, Shen W. Melatonin protects prepuberal testis from deleterious effects of bisphenol A or diethylhexyl phthalate by preserving H3K9 methylation. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12497. [PMID: 29655234 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of couples experience fertility issues with almost half being due to malefactors. The exposure to toxic environmental contaminants, such as endocrine disruptors (EDs), has been shown to negatively affect male fertility. EDs are present in the environment, and exposure to these toxins results in the failure of spermatogenesis. The deleterious effects of EDs on spermatogenesis have been well documented, whereas improvement of infertility associated with spermatogenesis defects remains a great challenge. Herein, we report that in vitro exposure of prepuberal mouse testes to two well-known endocrine disruptors (EDs), bisphenol A (BPA) or diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), impairs spermatogenesis with perturbing self-renewal, spermatogonia activity, and meiosis. Evidence indicates that such effects are likely due, at least in part, to decreased G9a-dependent H3K9 di-methylation. Of note, we found that melatonin (MLT) protected the testis from the negative ED impacts with preserving spermatogonia stem and meiotic cells, along with maintaining normal H3K9 di-methylation in these cells. Taken together, this work documents that BPA and EDHP adversely affect prepuberal spermatogenesis and perturb crucial epigenetic activities in male germ cells and highlight the protective ability of MLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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33
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Zhou Y, Qin Y, Qin Y, Xu B, Guo T, Ke H, Chen M, Zhang L, Han F, Li Y, Chen M, Behrens A, Wang Y, Xu Z, Chen ZJ, Gao F. Wdr62 is involved in female meiotic initiation via activating JNK signaling and associated with POI in humans. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007463. [PMID: 30102701 PMCID: PMC6107287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a germ cell-specific division that is indispensable for the generation of haploid gametes. However, the regulatory mechanisms of meiotic initiation remain elusive. Here, we report that the Wdr62 (WD40-repeat protein 62) is involved in meiotic initiation as a permissive factor rather than an instructive factor. Knock-out of this gene in a mouse model resulted in female meiotic initiation defects. Further studies demonstrated that Wdr62 is required for RA-induced Stra8 expression via the activation of JNK signaling, and the defects in meiotic initiation from Wdr62-deficient female mice could be partially rescued by JNK1 overexpression in germ cells. More importantly, two novel mutations of the WDR62 gene were detected in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and these mutations played dominant-negative roles in regulating Stra8 expression. Hence, this study revealed that Wdr62 is involved in female meiotic initiation via activating JNK signaling, which displays a novel mechanism for regulating meiotic initiation, and mutation of WDR62 is one of the potential etiologies of POI in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Binyang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Axel Behrens
- CR-UK London Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yaqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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34
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Dominoni DM, de Jong M, Bellingham M, O'Shaughnessy P, van Oers K, Robinson J, Smith B, Visser ME, Helm B. Dose-response effects of light at night on the reproductive physiology of great tits (Parus major): Integrating morphological analyses with candidate gene expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:473-487. [PMID: 30058288 PMCID: PMC6220976 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a potential threat to wildlife and ecosystem health. Among the ecological effects of ALAN, changes in reproductive timing are frequently reported, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are still poorly understood. Here, we experimentally investigated these mechanisms by assessing dose‐dependent photoperiodic responses to ALAN in the great tit (Parus major). We individually exposed photosensitive male birds to one of three nocturnal light levels (0.5, 1.5, and 5 lux), or to a dark control. Subsequent histological and molecular analyses on their testes indicated a dose‐dependent reproductive response to ALAN. Specifically, different stages of gonadal growth were activated after exposure to different levels of light at night. mRNA transcript levels of genes linked to the development of germ cells (stra8 and spo11) were increased under 0.5 lux compared to the dark control. The 0.5 and 1.5 lux groups showed slight increases in testis size and transcript levels associated with steroid synthesis (lhr and hsd3b1) and spermatogenesis (fshr, wt1, sox9, and cldn11), although spermatogenesis was not detected in histological analysis. In contrast, all birds under 5 lux had 10 to 30 times larger testes than birds in all other groups, with a parallel strong increase in mRNA transcript levels and clear signs of spermatogenesis. Across treatments, the volume of the testes was generally a good predictor of testicular transcript levels. Overall, our findings indicate that even small changes in nocturnal light intensity can increase, or decrease, effects on the reproductive physiology of wild organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide M Dominoni
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike de Jong
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jane Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bethany Smith
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marcel E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Helm
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,GELIFES, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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35
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Abstract
In many species, including mammals, sex determination is genetically based. The sex chromosomes that individuals carry determine sex identity. Although the genetic base of phenotypic sex is determined at the moment of fertilization, the development of testes or ovaries in the bipotential early gonads takes place during embryogenesis. During development, sex determination depends upon very few critical genes. When one of these key genes functions inappropriately, sex reversal may happen. Consequently, an individual's sex phenotype may not necessarily be consistent with the sex chromosomes that are present. For some time, it has been assumed that once the fetal choice is made between male and female in mammals, the gonadal sex identity of an individual remains stable. However, recent studies in mice have provided evidence that it is possible for the gonadal sex phenotype to be switched even in adulthood. These studies have shown that two key genes, doublesex and mad-3 related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1) and forkhead box L2 (Foxl2), function in a Yin and Yang relationship to maintain the fates of testes or ovaries in adult mammals, and that mutations in either gene might have a dramatic effect on gonadal phenotype. Thus, adult gonad maintenance in addition to fetal sex determination may both be important for the fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengsong Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Leping Ye
- Department of Pediatric, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Pediatric, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
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36
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Arendrup FS, Mazaud-Guittot S, Jégou B, Kristensen DM. EDC IMPACT: Is exposure during pregnancy to acetaminophen/paracetamol disrupting female reproductive development? Endocr Connect 2018; 7:149-158. [PMID: 29305399 PMCID: PMC5776669 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Concern has been raised over chemical-induced disruption of ovary development during fetal life resulting in long-lasting consequences only manifesting themselves much later during adulthood. A growing body of evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to the mild analgesic acetaminophen/paracetamol can cause such a scenario. Therefore, in this review, we discuss three recent reports that collectively indicate that prenatal exposure in a period of 13.5 days post coitum in both rats and mouse can result in reduced female reproductive health. The combined data show that the exposure results in the reduction of primordial follicles, irregular menstrual cycle, premature absence of corpus luteum, as well as reduced fertility, resembling premature ovarian insufficiency syndrome in humans that is linked to premature menopause. This could especially affect the Western parts of the world, where the age for childbirth is continuously being increased and acetaminophen is recommended during pregnancy for pain and fever. We therefore highlight an urgent need for more studies to verify these data including both experimental and epidemiological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Severine Mazaud-Guittot
- Inserm (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale)Irset - Inserm, UMR 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Inserm (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale)Irset - Inserm, UMR 1085, Rennes, France
- EHESP-School of Public HealthRennes, France
| | - David Møbjerg Kristensen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Headache Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Inserm (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale)Irset - Inserm, UMR 1085, Rennes, France
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37
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Salz HK, Dawson EP, Heaney JD. Germ cell tumors: Insights from the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:200-211. [PMID: 28079292 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors of young adults are thought to arise from defects in germ cell development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the biology of germ cell tumor formation in the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis, for which evidence supports common underlying mechanisms, such as blocking initiation into the differentiation pathway, impaired lineage progression, and sexual identity instability. We then discuss how these concepts inform our understanding of the disease in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 200-211, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Emily P Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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38
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction crucially depends on the production of sperm in males and oocytes in females. Both types of gamete arise from the same precursor, the germ cells. We review the events that characterize the development of germ cells during fetal life as they commit to, and prepare for, oogenesis or spermatogenesis. In females, fetal germ cells enter meiosis, whereas in males they delay meiosis and instead lose pluripotency, activate an irreversible program of prospermatogonial differentiation, and temporarily cease dividing. Both pathways involve sex-specific molecular signals from the somatic cells of the developing gonads and a suite of intrinsic receptors, signal transducers, transcription factors, RNA stability factors, and epigenetic modulators that act in complex, interconnected positive and negative regulatory networks. Understanding these networks is important in the contexts of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility and gonadal cancers, and in efforts to augment human and animal fertility using stem cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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39
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Hickford DE, Wong SFL, Frankenberg SR, Shaw G, Yu H, Chew KY, Renfree MB. Expression of STRA8 is conserved in therian mammals but expression of CYP26B1 differs between marsupials and mice. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:217-229. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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40
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Zhang T, Zarkower D. DMRT proteins and coordination of mammalian spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res 2017; 24:195-202. [PMID: 28774758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DMRT genes encode a deeply conserved family of transcription factors that share a unique DNA binding motif, the DM domain. DMRTs regulate development in a broad variety of metazoans and they appear to have controlled sexual differentiation for hundreds of millions of years. In mice, starting during embryonic development, three Dmrt genes act sequentially to help establish and maintain spermatogenesis. Dmrt1 has notably diverse functions that include repressing pluripotency genes and promoting mitotic arrest in embryonic germ cells, reactivating prospermatogonia perinatally, establishing and maintaining spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), promoting spermatogonial differentiation, and controlling the mitosis/meiosis switch. Dmrt6 acts in differentiating spermatogonia to coordinate an orderly exit from the mitotic/spermatogonial program and allow proper timing of entry to the meiotic/spermatocyte program. Finally, Dmrt7 takes over during the first meiotic prophase to help choreograph a transition in histone modifications that maintains transcriptional silencing of the sex chromosomes. The combined action of these three Dmrt genes helps ensure robust and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Inui M, Tamano M, Kato T, Takada S. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated simultaneous knockout of Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 does not recapitulate the 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis observed in 9p24.3 deletion patients. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 9:238-244. [PMID: 28956011 PMCID: PMC5614593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DM domain transcription factors play important roles in sexual development in a wide variety of species from invertebrate to humans. Among seven mammalian family members of DM domain transcription factors, DMRT1 has been studied in mouse and human for its conserved role in male gonadal identity. Chromosomal deletion of 9p24.3, the region in which DMRT1 is located, is associated with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Dmrt1 knockout (KO) mice also showed male-to-female gonadal reprogramming. However, the phenotype of Dmrt1 KO mouse appears only after birth while 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis occurs during the developmental phase, and the cause behind this difference remained unknown. We hypothesized that in human the function of other DMRT genes clustered with DMRT1, namely DMRT3, might also be impaired by the chromosomal deletion, which leads to the gonadal dysgenesis phenotype. Thus, simultaneous loss of multiple DM domain genes in mice could have a more severe impact on gonadal development. To address this issue, we generated double KO mice for Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Comparing adult and neonatal testes of single and double KO mice, we found that loss of Dmrt1 or Dmrt3, or both, does not have apparent effect on male gonadal formation during embryonic development. Our study demonstrated that the discrepancy between human with 9p24.3 deletion and Dmrt1 KO mouse could not be explained by the simultaneous loss of Dmrt3 gene. CRISPR/Cas9 is a versatile and straightforward approach to elucidate the questions that were otherwise difficult to address with conventional methods. We have generated Dmrt1 KO, Dmrt3 KO and Dmrt1/3 DKO mice via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. .CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene KO could generate 3 KO lines via single microinjection. Double KO of Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 could not recapitulate human 9p24.3 deletion symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Inui
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Moe Tamano
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kato
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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Li Y, He Z, Shi S, Zhang Y, Chen D, Zhang W, Zhang L. Scp3 expression in relation to the ovarian differentiation in the protogynous hermaphroditic ricefield eel Monopterus albus. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2016; 42:1609-1619. [PMID: 27277446 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-016-0244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Scp3), which is encoded by scp3, is a meiotic marker commonly used to trace the timing of gonadal differentiation in vertebrates. In the present study, the ricefield eel scp3 cDNA was cloned, and a fragment encoding amino acids 49 to 244 was overexpressed. The recombinant Scp3 polypeptide was purified and used to generate a rabbit anti-Scp3 polyclonal antiserum. In adult ricefield eels, scp3 mRNA was predominantly detected in the gonads and faintly detected in discrete brain areas. In the gonads, Scp3 immunoreactivities were shown to be localized to the germ cells, including meiotic primary growth oocytes, spermatocytes, and pre-meiotic spermatogonia. During early ovarian differentiation, immunoreactive Scp3 was not detected in the gonads of ricefield eels at 6 days post-hatching (dph) but was found to be abundantly localized in the cytoplasm of some oogonia at 7 dph, coinciding with the appearance of the ovarian cavity and ovarian differentiation. At 14 dph, strong Scp3 immunostaining was detected on one side of the nucleus with a distinct polarity in some germ cells, presumably at the leptotene stage. Consistent with these results, the expression of scp3 mRNA was faintly detected in the gonads of ricefield eels at 6 dph, increased at 8 dph, and then remained relatively high thereafter. Taken together, these results suggest that the appearance of immunoreactive Scp3 in oogonia could be a marker for early ovarian differentiation in ricefield eels. The translocation of the Scp3 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in the oogonium of ricefield eels appears to be a controlled process that warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixue Li
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi He
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Shi
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yize Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Chen
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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Canovas S, Campos R, Aguilar E, Cibelli JB. Progress towards human primordial germ cell specification in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 23:4-15. [PMID: 27798275 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) have long been considered the link between one generation and the next. PGC specification begins in the early embryo as a result of a highly orchestrated combination of transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the molecular events that lead to proper PGC development will facilitate the development of new treatments for human infertility as well as species conservation. This article describes the latest, most relevant findings about the mechanisms of PGC formation, emphasizing human PGC. It also discusses our own laboratory's progress in using transdifferentiation protocols to derive human PGCs (hPGCs). Our preliminary results arose from our pursuit of a sequential hPGC induction strategy that starts with the repression of lineage-specific factors in the somatic cell, followed by the reactivation of germ cell-related genes using specific master regulators, which can indeed reactivate germ cell-specific genes in somatic cells. While it is still premature to assume that fully functional human gametes can be obtained in a dish, our results, together with those recently published by others, provide strong evidence that generating their precursors, PGCs, is within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Canovas
- LARCEL, Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología (BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa 35, Malaga 29590, Spain
| | - R Campos
- LARCEL, Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología (BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa 35, Malaga 29590, Spain
| | - E Aguilar
- LARCEL, Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología (BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa 35, Malaga 29590, Spain
| | - J B Cibelli
- LARCEL, Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología (BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa 35, Malaga 29590, Spain .,Department of Physiology and Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Elzaiat M, Todeschini AL, Caburet S, Veitia R. The genetic make-up of ovarian development and function: the focus on the transcription factor FOXL2. Clin Genet 2016; 91:173-182. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Elzaiat
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - A.-L. Todeschini
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - S. Caburet
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - R.A. Veitia
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
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Fujitani K, Otomo A, Wada M, Takamatsu N, Ito M. Sexually dimorphic expression of Dmrt1 and γH2AX in germ stem cells during gonadal development in Xenopus laevis. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:276-84. [PMID: 27239441 PMCID: PMC4821358 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In many animals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate into developing gonads. There, they proliferate and differentiate into female and male germ stem cells (GSCs), oogonia and spermatogonia, respectively. Few studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of GSC sex determination. Here, we investigated the expression of the transcription factor Dmrt1 and a phosphorylated form of the histone variant H2AX (γH2AX) during gonadal development in Xenopus laevis. During early sexual differentiation, Dmrt1 was expressed in the GSCs of the ZW (female) and ZZ (male) gonads as well as somatic cells of the ZZ gonads. Notably, the PGCs and primary GSCs contained large, unstructured nuclei, whereas condensed, rounder nuclei appeared only in primary oogonia during tadpole development. After metamorphosis, Dmrt1 showed its expression in secondary spermatogonia, but not in secondary oogonia. Like Dmrt1, γH2AX was expressed in the nuclei of primary GSCs in early developing gonads. However, after metamorphosis, γH2AX expression continued in primary and secondary spermatogonia, but was barely detected in the condensed nuclei of primary oogonia. Taken together, these observations indicate that spermatogonia tend to retain PGC characteristics, compared to oogonia, which undergo substantial changes during gonadal differentiation in X. laevis. Our findings suggest that Dmrt1 and γH2AX may contribute to the maintenance of stem cell identity by controlling gene expression and epigenetic changes, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Fujitani
- Department of Bioscience School of Science Kitasato University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Asako Otomo
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences Tokai University School of Medicine Isehara Japan
| | - Mikako Wada
- Department of Bioscience School of Science Kitasato University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Takamatsu
- Department of Bioscience School of Science Kitasato University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Bioscience School of Science Kitasato University Sagamihara Japan
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Guo K, Li CH, Wang XY, He DJ, Zheng P. Germ stem cells are active in postnatal mouse ovary under physiological conditions. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:316-28. [PMID: 26916381 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Are active ovarian germ stem cells present in postnatal mouse ovaries under physiological conditions? STUDY FINDING Active ovarian germ stem cells exist and function in adult mouse ovaries under physiological conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro studies suggested the existence of germ stem cells in postnatal ovaries of mouse, pig and human. However, in vivo studies provided evidence against the existence of active germ stem cells in postnatal mouse ovaries. Thus, it remains controversial whether such germ stem cells really exist and function in vivo in postnatal mammalian ovaries. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4)-MerCreMer transgenic mice were crossed with R26R-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) mice to establish a tamoxifen-inducible tracing system so that Oct4-expressing potential ovarian germ stem cells in young adult mice (5-6 weeks old) can be labeled with EYFP. The germ cell activities of DNA replication, mitotic division, entry into meiosis and progression to primordial follicle stage were investigated by means of immunofluorescent staining of ovarian tissues collected at different time points post-tamoxifen injection (1 day, 3 days, 2 months and 4 months). Meiosis entry and primordial follicle formation were also measured by EYFP-labeled single-cell RT-PCR. Germ cell proliferation and mitotic division were examined through 5-bromodeoxyuridine triphosphate incorporation assay. At each time point, ovaries from two to three animals were used for each set of experiment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By labeling the Oct4-expressing small germ cells and tracing their fates for up to 4 months, we observed persistent meiosis entry and primordial follicle replenishment. Furthermore, we captured the transient processes of mitotic DNA replication as well as mitotic division of the marked germ cells at various time periods after tracing. These lines of evidence unambiguously support the presence of active germ stem cells in postnatal ovaries and their function in replenishing primordial follicle pool under physiological conditions. Moreover, we pointed out that Oct4(+) deleted in azoospermia-like (Dazl)(-) but not Oct4(+)Dazl(+) or Oct4(+) DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) Box Polypeptide 4 (Ddx4)(+) cells contain a population of germ stem cells in mouse ovary. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was conducted in mice. Whether or not the results are applicable to human remain unclear. The future work should aim at identifying the specific ovarian germ stem cell marker and evaluating the significance of these stem cells to normal ovarian function. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Clarifying the existence of active germ stem cells and their functional significance in postnatal mammalian ovaries could provide new insights in understanding the mechanism of ovarian aging and failure. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (grant number 2012CBA01300) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China to P.Z. (31571484). No competing interests are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Chao-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Da-Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiao Chang Dong Lu, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) is a sex-specific genetic determinant of childhood-onset asthma and is expressed in testis and macrophages. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:421-31. [PMID: 26906082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.12.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a disease affecting more boys than girls in childhood and more women than men in adulthood. The mechanisms behind these sex-specific differences are not yet understood. OBJECTIVE We analyzed whether and how genetic factors contribute to sex-specific predisposition to childhood-onset asthma. METHODS Interactions between sex and polymorphisms on childhood asthma risk were evaluated in the Multicentre Asthma Genetics in Childhood Study (MAGICS)/Phase II International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC II) population on a genome-wide level, and findings were validated in independent populations. Genetic fine mapping of sex-specific asthma association signals was performed, and putatively causal polymorphisms were characterized in vitro by using electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase activity assays. Gene and protein expression of the identified gene doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) were measured in different human tissues by using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Polymorphisms in the testis-associated gene DMRT1 displayed interactions with sex on asthma status in a population of primarily clinically defined asthmatic children and nonasthmatic control subjects (lowest P = 5.21 × 10(-6)). Replication of this interaction was successful in 2 childhood populations clinically assessed for asthma but showed heterogeneous results in other population-based samples. Polymorphism rs3812523 located in the putative DMRT1 promoter was associated with allele-specific changes in transcription factor binding and promoter activity in vitro. DMRT1 expression was observed not only in the testis but also in lung macrophages. CONCLUSION DMRT1 might influence sex-specific patterns of childhood asthma, and its expression in testis tissue and lung macrophages suggests a potential involvement in hormone or immune cell regulation.
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Abstract
Germ cells are the precursors of the sperm and oocytes and hence are critical for survival of the species. In mammals, they are specified during fetal life, migrate to the developing gonads and then undergo a critical period during which they are instructed, by the soma, to adopt the appropriate sexual fate. In a fetal ovary, germ cells enter meiosis and commit to oogenesis, whereas in a fetal testis, they avoid entry into meiosis and instead undergo mitotic arrest and mature toward spermatogenesis. Here, we discuss what we know so far about the regulation of sex-specific differentiation of germ cells, considering extrinsic molecular cues produced by somatic cells, as well as critical intrinsic changes within the germ cells. This review focuses almost exclusively on our understanding of these events in the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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49
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Dean A, van den Driesche S, Wang Y, McKinnell C, Macpherson S, Eddie SL, Kinnell H, Hurtado-Gonzalez P, Chambers TJ, Stevenson K, Wolfinger E, Hrabalkova L, Calarrao A, Bayne RA, Hagen CP, Mitchell RT, Anderson RA, Sharpe RM. Analgesic exposure in pregnant rats affects fetal germ cell development with inter-generational reproductive consequences. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19789. [PMID: 26813099 PMCID: PMC4728385 DOI: 10.1038/srep19789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Analgesics which affect prostaglandin (PG) pathways are used by most pregnant women. As germ cells (GC) undergo developmental and epigenetic changes in fetal life and are PG targets, we investigated if exposure of pregnant rats to analgesics (indomethacin or acetaminophen) affected GC development and reproductive function in resulting offspring (F1) or in the F2 generation. Exposure to either analgesic reduced F1 fetal GC number in both sexes and altered the tempo of fetal GC development sex-dependently, with delayed meiotic entry in oogonia but accelerated GC differentiation in males. These effects persisted in adult F1 females as reduced ovarian and litter size, whereas F1 males recovered normal GC numbers and fertility by adulthood. F2 offspring deriving from an analgesic-exposed F1 parent also exhibited sex-specific changes. F2 males exhibited normal reproductive development whereas F2 females had smaller ovaries and reduced follicle numbers during puberty/adulthood; as similar changes were found for F2 offspring of analgesic-exposed F1 fathers or mothers, we interpret this as potentially indicating an analgesic-induced change to GC in F1. Assuming our results are translatable to humans, they raise concerns that analgesic use in pregnancy could potentially affect fertility of resulting daughters and grand-daughters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshan Dean
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sander van den Driesche
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yili Wang
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Chris McKinnell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sheila Macpherson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sharon L Eddie
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hazel Kinnell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Pablo Hurtado-Gonzalez
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Tom J Chambers
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kerrie Stevenson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elke Wolfinger
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lenka Hrabalkova
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Calarrao
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Rosey Al Bayne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Casper P Hagen
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Chen CJ, Shikina S, Chen WJ, Chung YJ, Chiu YL, Bertrand JAM, Lee YH, Chang CF. A Novel Female-Specific and Sexual Reproduction-Associated Dmrt Gene Discovered in the Stony Coral, Euphyllia ancora. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:40. [PMID: 26740592 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors encoded by the Dmrt gene family regulate multiple aspects of animal reproduction. Most studies investigating the Dmrt gene family were conducted in model organisms from bilateral species, with a particular emphasis on gene function in male sex determination. It is still unclear whether the E. ancora Dmrt (EaDmrt) genes found in basal metazoans such as cnidarians share similar characteristics with orthologs in other metazoans. In this study, seven full Dmrt gene transcript sequences for a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora (phylum: Cnidaria; class: Anthozoa), were obtained through transcriptome data mining, RT-PCR analysis, rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and sequencing. These EaDmrts were subjected to quantitative assays measuring temporal and tissue-specific expression. Results demonstrated a unique gene expression pattern for EaDmrtE, which is enriched in female germ cells during the spawning season. Based on the phylogenetic analyses performed across the homologous Dmrt genes in metazoans, we found that the female-specific EaDmrtE gene is not related to the DM1 gene of Acropora spp. coral nor to Dmrt1 of vertebrates, which are involved in sexual reproduction, especially in sex determination (vertebrate Dmrt1). Additionally, high levels of EaDmrtE transcripts detected in unfertilized mature eggs are retained in newly formed zygotes but decrease during embryonic development. We suggest that the newly discovered gene may play a role in oogenesis and early embryogenesis as a maternal factor in corals. Therefore, the sexual reproduction-associated Dmrt gene(s) should have arisen in cnidarians and might have evolved multiple times in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Jhen Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shinya Shikina
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jou Chung
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chiu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | - Yan-Horn Lee
- Tungkang Biotechnology Research Center, Fisheries Research Institute, Tungkang, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
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