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Ma A, Yang Y, Cao L, Chen L, Zhang JV. FBXO47 regulates centromere pairing as key component of centromeric SCF E3 ligase in mouse spermatocytes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1099. [PMID: 39244596 PMCID: PMC11380685 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06782-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Centromere pairing is crucial for synapsis in meiosis. This study delves into the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, specifically focusing on F-box protein 47 (FBXO47), in mouse meiosis. Here, we revealed that FBXO47 is localized at the centromere and it regulates centromere pairing cooperatively with SKP1 to ensure proper synapsis in pachynema. The absence of FBXO47 causes defective centromeres, resulting in incomplete centromere pairing, which leads to corruption of SC at centromeric ends and along chromosome axes, triggering premature dissociation of chromosomes and pachytene arrest. FBXO47 deficient pachytene spermatocytes exhibited drastically reduced SKP1 expression at centromeres and chromosomes. Additionally, FBXO47 stabilizes SKP1 by down-regulating its ubiquitination in HEK293T cells. In essence, we propose that FBXO47 collaborates with SKP1 to facilitate centromeric SCF formation in spermatocytes. In summary, we posit that the centromeric SCF E3 ligase complex regulates centromere pairing for pachynema progression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yali Yang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianbao Cao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Sino-European Center of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Pfaltzgraff NG, Liu B, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Mikedis MM. Destabilization of mRNAs enhances competence to initiate meiosis in mouse spermatogenic cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202740. [PMID: 38884383 PMCID: PMC11273298 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202740] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The specialized cell cycle of meiosis transforms diploid germ cells into haploid gametes. In mammals, diploid spermatogenic cells acquire the competence to initiate meiosis in response to retinoic acid. Previous mouse studies revealed that MEIOC interacts with RNA-binding proteins YTHDC2 and RBM46 to repress mitotic genes and to promote robust meiotic gene expression in spermatogenic cells that have initiated meiosis. Here, we have used the enhanced resolution of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq of developmentally synchronized spermatogenesis to define how MEIOC molecularly supports early meiosis in spermatogenic cells. We demonstrate that MEIOC mediates transcriptomic changes before meiotic initiation, earlier than previously appreciated. MEIOC, acting with YTHDC2 and RBM46, destabilizes its mRNA targets, including the transcriptional repressors E2f6 and Mga, in mitotic spermatogonia. MEIOC thereby derepresses E2F6- and MGA-repressed genes, including Meiosin and other meiosis-associated genes. This confers on spermatogenic cells the molecular competence to, in response to retinoic acid, fully activate the transcriptional regulator STRA8-MEIOSIN, which is required for the meiotic G1/S phase transition and for meiotic gene expression. We conclude that, in mice, mRNA decay mediated by MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 enhances the competence of spermatogenic cells to initiate meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie G. Pfaltzgraff
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Bingrun Liu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maria M. Mikedis
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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3
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Pfaltzgraff NG, Liu B, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Mikedis MM. Destabilization of mRNAs enhances competence to initiate meiosis in mouse spermatogenic cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.20.557439. [PMID: 37781613 PMCID: PMC10541148 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.557439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The specialized cell cycle of meiosis transforms diploid germ cells into haploid gametes. In mammals, diploid spermatogenic cells acquire the competence to initiate meiosis in response to retinoic acid. Previous mouse studies revealed that MEIOC interacts with RNA-binding proteins YTHDC2 and RBM46 to repress mitotic genes and promote robust meiotic gene expression in spermatogenic cells that have initiated meiosis. Here, we used the enhanced resolution of scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq of developmentally synchronized spermatogenesis, to define how MEIOC molecularly supports early meiosis in spermatogenic cells. We demonstrate that MEIOC mediates transcriptomic changes before meiotic initiation, earlier than previously appreciated. MEIOC, acting with YTHDC2 and RBM46, destabilizes its mRNA targets, including transcriptional repressors E2f6 and Mga , in mitotic spermatogonia. MEIOC thereby derepresses E2F6- and MGA-repressed genes, including Meiosin and other meiosis-associated genes. This confers on spermatogenic cells the molecular competence to, in response to retinoic acid, fully activate transcriptional regulator STRA8-MEIOSIN, required for the meiotic G1/S phase transition and meiotic gene expression. We conclude that in mice, mRNA decay mediated by MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 enhances the competence of spermatogenic cells to initiate meiosis. SUMMARY STATEMENT RNA-binding complex MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 destabilizes its mRNA targets, including transcriptional repressors. This activity facilitates the retinoic acid-dependent activation of Meiosin gene expression and transition into meiosis.
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Wang N. Multifaceted Roles of Histone Lysine Lactylation in Meiotic Gene Dynamics and Recombination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.576681. [PMID: 38328171 PMCID: PMC10849708 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.576681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Male germ cells, which are responsible for producing millions of genetically diverse sperm through meiosis in the testis, rely on lactate as their central energy metabolite. Recent study has revealed that lactate induces epigenetic modification in cells through histone lactylation, a post-translational modification involving the addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Here we report dynamic histone lactylation at histone H4-lysine 5 (K5), -K8, and -K12 during meiosis prophase I in mouse spermatogenesis. By profiling genome-wide occupancy of histone H4-K8 lactylation (H4K8la), which peaks at zygotene, our data show that H4K8la mark is observed at the promoters of genes exhibiting active expression with Gene Ontology (GO) functions enriched for meiosis. Notably, our data also demonstrate that H4K8la is closely associated with recombination hotspots, where machinery involved in the processing DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), such as SPO11, DMC1, RAD51, and RPA2, is engaged. In addition, H4K8la was also detected at the meiosis-specific cohesion sites (marked by RAD21L and REC8) flanking the recombination hotspots. Collectively, our findings suggest that histone lactylation serves as a novel mechanism through which lactate regulates germ cell meiosis.
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Carbajal A, Gryniuk I, de Castro RO, Pezza RJ. Efficient Enrichment of Synchronized Mouse Spermatocytes Suitable for Genome-Wide Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2818:65-80. [PMID: 39126467 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3906-1_4] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin undergoes extensive remodeling during meiosis, leading to specific patterns of gene expression and chromosome organization, which ultimately controls fundamental meiotic processes such as recombination and homologous chromosome associations. Recent game-changing advances have been made by analysis of chromatin binding sites of meiotic specific proteins genome-wide in mouse spermatocytes. However, further progress is still highly dependent on the reliable isolation of sufficient quantities of spermatocytes at specific stages of prophase I. Here, we describe a combination of methodologies we adapted for rapid and reliable isolation of synchronized fixed mouse spermatocytes. We show that chromatin isolated from these cells can be used to study chromatin-binding sites by ChIP-seq. High-quality data we obtained from INO80 ChIP-seq in zygotene cells was used for functional analysis of chromatin-binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Carbajal
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Irma Gryniuk
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rodrigo O de Castro
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roberto J Pezza
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Chi RPA, Xu X, Li JL, Xu X, Hu G, Brown P, Willson C, Kirsanov O, Geyer C, Huang CL, Morgan M, DeMayo F. WNK1 is required during male pachynema to sustain fertility. iScience 2023; 26:107616. [PMID: 37694147 PMCID: PMC10485039 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
WNK1 is an important regulator in many physiological functions, yet its role in male reproduction is unexplored. In the male germline, WNK1 is upregulated in preleptotene spermatocytes indicating possible function(s) in spermatogenic meiosis. Indeed, deletion of Wnk1 in mid-pachytene spermatocytes using the Wnt7a-Cre mouse led to male sterility which resembled non-obstructive azoospermia in humans, where germ cells failed to complete spermatogenesis and produced no sperm. Mechanistically, we found elevated MTOR expression and signaling in the Wnk1-depleted spermatocytes. As MTOR is a central mediator of translation, we speculated that translation may be accelerated in these spermatocytes. Supporting this, we found the acrosome protein, ACRBP to be prematurely expressed in the spermatocytes with Wnk1 deletion. Our study uncovered an MTOR-regulating factor in the male germline with potential implications in translation, and future studies will aim to understand how WNK1 regulates MTOR activity and impact translation on a broader spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-pin Alicia Chi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Paula Brown
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Cynthia Willson
- Integrated Laboratory Systems LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Christopher Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Chou-Long Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marcos Morgan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Francesco DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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Kirsanov O, Johnson TA, Niedenberger BA, Malachowski TN, Hale BJ, Chen Q, Lackford B, Wang J, Singh A, Schindler K, Hermann BP, Hu G, Geyer CB. Retinoic acid is dispensable for meiotic initiation but required for spermiogenesis in the mammalian testis. Development 2023; 150:dev201638. [PMID: 37350382 PMCID: PMC10357014 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is the proposed mammalian 'meiosis inducing substance'. However, evidence for this role comes from studies in the fetal ovary, where germ cell differentiation and meiotic initiation are temporally inseparable. In the postnatal testis, these events are separated by more than 1 week. Exploiting this difference, we discovered that, although RA is required for spermatogonial differentiation, it is dispensable for the subsequent initiation, progression and completion of meiosis. Indeed, in the absence of RA, the meiotic transcriptome program in both differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes entering meiosis was largely unaffected. Instead, transcripts encoding factors required during spermiogenesis were aberrant during preleptonema, and the subsequent spermatid morphogenesis program was disrupted such that no sperm were produced. Taken together, these data reveal a RA-independent model for male meiotic initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Taylor A. Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Bryan A. Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Taylor N. Malachowski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Hale
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Qing Chen
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Brad Lackford
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Anukriti Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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8
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Johnson TA, Niedenberger BA, Kirsanov O, Harrington EV, Malachowski T, Geyer CB. Differential responsiveness of spermatogonia to retinoic acid dictates precocious differentiation but not meiotic entry during steady-state spermatogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:822-836. [PMID: 36708226 PMCID: PMC10183363 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad010] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The foundation of mammalian spermatogenesis is provided by undifferentiated spermatogonia, which comprise of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and transit-amplifying progenitors that differentiate in response to retinoic acid (RA) and are committed to enter meiosis. Our laboratory recently reported that the foundational populations of SSCs, undifferentiated progenitors, and differentiating spermatogonia are formed in the neonatal testis in part based on their differential responsiveness to RA. Here, we expand on those findings to define the extent to which RA responsiveness during steady-state spermatogenesis in the adult testis regulates the spermatogonial fate. Our results reveal that both progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia throughout the testis are capable of responding to exogenous RA, but their resulting fates were quite distinct-undifferentiated progenitors precociously differentiated and proceeded into meiosis on a normal timeline, while differentiating spermatogonia were unable to hasten their entry into meiosis. This reveals that the spermatogonia responding to RA must still complete the 8.6 day differentiation program prior to their entry into meiosis. Addition of exogenous RA enriched testes with preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes one and two seminiferous cycles later, respectively, supporting recent clinical studies reporting increased sperm production and enhanced fertility in subfertile men on long-term RA analog treatment. Collectively, our results reveal that a well-buffered system exists within mammalian testes to regulate spermatogonial RA exposure, that exposed undifferentiated progenitors can precociously differentiate, but must complete a normal-length differentiation program prior to entering meiosis, and that daily RA treatments increased the numbers of advanced germ cells by directing undifferentiated progenitors to continuously differentiate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
| | - Ellen V Harrington
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
| | - Taylor Malachowski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NCUSA
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9
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Kirsanov O, Johnson T, Malachowski T, Niedenberger BA, Gilbert EA, Bhowmick D, Ozdinler PH, Gray DA, Fisher-Wellman K, Hermann BP, Geyer CB. Modeling mammalian spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation in vitro. Development 2022; 149:282465. [PMID: 36250451 PMCID: PMC9845750 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, premeiotic spermatogonia respond to retinoic acid by completing an essential lengthy differentiation program before initiating meiosis. The molecular and cellular changes directing these developmental processes remain largely undefined. This wide gap in knowledge is due to two unresolved technical challenges: (1) lack of robust and reliable in vitro models to study differentiation and meiotic initiation; and (2) lack of methods to isolate large and pure populations of male germ cells at each stage of differentiation and at meiotic initiation. Here, we report a facile in vitro differentiation and meiotic initiation system that can be readily manipulated, including the use of chemical agents that cannot be safely administered to live animals. In addition, we present a transgenic mouse model enabling fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based isolation of millions of spermatogonia at specific developmental stages as well as meiotic spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Taylor Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Taylor Malachowski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Bryan A. Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Emma A. Gilbert
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - P. Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611, USA
| | - Douglas A. Gray
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada,Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Kelsey Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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10
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Griswold MD. Cellular and molecular basis for the action of retinoic acid in spermatogenesis. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:T51-T57. [PMID: 35670629 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly organized and regulated process that requires the constant production of millions of gametes over the reproductive lifetime of the mammalian male. This is possible because of an active stem cell pool and an ordered entry into the germ cell developmental sequence. The ordered entry is a result of the synthesis and action of retinoic acid allowing for the onset of spermatogonial differentiation and an irreversible commitment to spermatogenesis. The periodic appearance and actions of retinoic acid along the seminiferous tubules is a result of the interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells that result in the generation and maintenance of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and is the subject of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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11
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de Castro RO, Previato de Almeida L, Carbajal A, Gryniuk I, Pezza RJ. PBAF chromatin remodeler complexes that mediate meiotic transitions in mouse. Development 2022; 149:dev199967. [PMID: 36111709 PMCID: PMC9573785 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199967] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Gametogenesis in mammals encompasses highly regulated developmental transitions. These are associated with changes in transcription that cause characteristic patterns of gene expression observed during distinct stages of gamete development, which include specific activities with critical meiotic functions. SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers are recognized regulators of gene transcription and DNA repair, but their composition and functions in meiosis are poorly understood. We have generated gamete-specific conditional knockout mice for ARID2, a specific regulatory subunit of PBAF, and have compared its phenotype with BRG1 knockouts, the catalytic subunit of PBAF/BAF complexes. While Brg1Δ/Δ knockout acts at an early stage of meiosis and causes cell arrest at pachynema, ARID2 activity is apparently required at the end of prophase I. Striking defects in spindle assembly and chromosome-spindle attachment observed in Arid2Δ/Δ knockouts are attributed to an increase in aurora B kinase, a master regulator of chromosome segregation, at centromeres. Further genetic and biochemical analyses suggest the formation of a canonical PBAF and a BRG1-independent complex containing ARID2 and PBRM1 as core components. The data support a model in which different PBAF complexes regulate different stages of meiosis and gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo O. de Castro
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Luciana Previato de Almeida
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Agustin Carbajal
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Irma Gryniuk
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Roberto J. Pezza
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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12
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Griswold M, Hogarth C. Synchronizing Spermatogenesis in the Mouse. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1159-1165. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The formation of spermatozoa starts with a germ-line stem cell creating a pool of progenitor cells or undifferentiated spermatogonia. There is a requirement for these progenitor cells to be stimulated by retinoic acid to enter differentiation and ultimately form spermatocytes, undergo meiosis, form spermatids, and ultimately spermatozoa. After the stimulation by retinoic acid, which occurs at sites in the seminiferous tubules, it takes about 35 days to complete this complex process. As a result, the adult testis contains germ cells in all possible states of differentiation, and the isolation of individual cell types or study of functional aspects of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium is very difficult. We describe the use of WIN 18,446, an inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis followed by injection of retinoic acid as a mechanism for the synchronization of spermatogenesis to one to three stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. The result is that only one to four germ cell types are prevalent during the first wave of spermatogenesis. In the adult only a predictable few stages of the cycle are present throughout the entire testis enriching the targeted cells or stages of the cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences , Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Cathryn Hogarth
- Cathryn Hogarth , Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, LaTrobe University, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
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13
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de Castro RO, Carbajal A, Previato de Almeida L, Goitea V, Griffin CT, Pezza RJ. Mouse Chd4-NURD is required for neonatal spermatogonia survival and normal gonad development. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:16. [PMID: 35568926 PMCID: PMC9107693 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis development and sustained germ cell production in adults rely on the establishment and maintenance of spermatogonia stem cells and their proper differentiation into spermatocytes. Chromatin remodeling complexes regulate critical processes during gamete development by restricting or promoting accessibility of DNA repair and gene expression machineries to the chromatin. Here, we investigated the role of Chd4 and Chd3 catalytic subunits of the NURD complex during spermatogenesis. Germ cell-specific deletion of chd4 early in gametogenesis, but not chd3, resulted in arrested early gamete development due to failed cell survival of neonate undifferentiated spermatogonia stem cell population. Candidate assessment revealed that Chd4 controls expression of dmrt1 and its downstream target plzf, both described as prominent regulators of spermatogonia stem cell maintenance. Our results show the requirement of Chd4 in mammalian gametogenesis pointing to functions in gene expression early in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo O de Castro
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Agustin Carbajal
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Luciana Previato de Almeida
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Victor Goitea
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Courtney T Griffin
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roberto J Pezza
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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14
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Sun S, Jiang Y, Zhang Q, Pan H, Li X, Yang L, Huang M, Wei W, Wang X, Qiu M, Cao L, He H, Yu M, Liu H, Zhao B, Jiang N, Li R, Lin X. Znhit1 controls meiotic initiation in male germ cells by coordinating with Stra8 to activate meiotic gene expression. Dev Cell 2022; 57:901-913.e4. [PMID: 35413238 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.03.006] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The switch from mitosis to meiosis ensures the successive formation of gametes. However, it remains unclear how meiotic initiation occurs within the context of chromatin. Recent studies have shown that zinc finger HIT-type containing 1 (Znhit1), a subunit of the SRCAP chromatin remodeling complex, plays essential roles in modulating the chromatin structure. Herein, we report that the germline-conditional deletion of Znhit1 in male mice specifically blocks meiotic initiation. We show that Znhit1 is required for meiotic prophase events, including synapsis, DNA double-strand break formation, and meiotic DNA replication. Mechanistically, Znhit1 controls the histone variant H2A.Z deposition, which facilitates the expression of meiotic genes, such as Meiosin, but not the expression of Stra8. Interestingly, Znhit1 deficiency disrupts the transcription bubbles of meiotic genes. Thus, our findings identify the essential role of Znhit1-dependent H2A.Z deposition in allowing activation of meiotic gene expression, thereby controlling the initiation of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yamei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Hongjie Pan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Meina Huang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mengdi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lihuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hua He
- The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Miao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Runsheng Li
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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15
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Gill ME, Kohler H, Peters AHFM. Dual DNA staining enables isolation of multiple sub‐types of post‐replicative mouse male germ cells. Cytometry A 2022; 101:529-536. [PMID: 35128792 PMCID: PMC9303198 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, mammalian male germ cells undergo multiple developmental processes, including meiosis and post‐meiotic differentiation (spermiogenesis). To understand the transitions between different cellular states it is essential to isolate pure populations of cells at different stages of development. Previous approaches enabled the isolation of cells from different stages of meiotic prophase I, but techniques to sub‐fractionate unfixed, post‐meiotic spermatids have been lacking. Here we report the development of a protocol enabling simultaneous isolation of cells at different stages of meiotic prophase and post‐meiotic differentiation from testes of adult mice. This approach builds on existing fluorescence activated cell sorting protocols designed to purify cells in different stages of meiotic prophase I. By utilizing the specific spectral properties that two different DNA dyes (Hoechst 33342 and SYTO 16) exhibit when bound to chromatin of different stage male germ cells, we obtain highly pure populations of cells in relatively large numbers. This FACS protocol will enable immunocytological and molecular characterization studies of fractionated meiotic and haploid germ cells from both wild type and genetically mutant animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Gill
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
- Present address:
Reproductive Medicine & Gynecological Endocrinology (RME)University Hospital BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Hubertus Kohler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Antoine H. F. M. Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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16
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Gura MA, Relovská S, Abt KM, Seymour KA, Wu T, Kaya H, Turner JMA, Fazzio TG, Freiman RN. TAF4b transcription networks regulating early oocyte differentiation. Development 2022; 149:dev200074. [PMID: 35043944 PMCID: PMC8918801 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of a healthy ovarian reserve is contingent upon numerous regulatory pathways during embryogenesis. Previously, mice lacking TBP-associated factor 4b (Taf4b) were shown to exhibit a diminished ovarian reserve. However, potential oocyte-intrinsic functions of TAF4b have not been examined. Here, we use a combination of gene expression profiling and chromatin mapping to characterize TAF4b-dependent gene regulatory networks in mouse oocytes. We find that Taf4b-deficient oocytes display inappropriate expression of meiotic, chromatin modification/organization, and X-linked genes. Furthermore, dysregulated genes in Taf4b-deficient oocytes exhibit an unexpected amount of overlap with dysregulated genes in oocytes from XO female mice, a mouse model of Turner Syndrome. Using Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN), we observed TAF4b enrichment at genes involved in chromatin remodeling and DNA repair, some of which are differentially expressed in Taf4b-deficient oocytes. Interestingly, TAF4b target genes were enriched for Sp/Klf family and NFY target motifs rather than TATA-box motifs, suggesting an alternative mode of promoter interaction. Together, our data connect several gene regulatory nodes that contribute to the precise development of the mammalian ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Gura
- MCB Graduate Program, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Soňa Relovská
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Abt
- MCB Graduate Program, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Seymour
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Haskan Kaya
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M. A. Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Thomas G. Fazzio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Richard N. Freiman
- MCB Graduate Program, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Box G-E4, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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17
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Menon DU, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB, Magnuson T. Mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler is essential for reductional meiosis in males. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6581. [PMID: 34772938 PMCID: PMC8589837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian SWI/SNF nucleosome remodeler is essential for spermatogenesis. Here, we identify a role for ARID2, a PBAF (Polybromo - Brg1 Associated Factor)-specific subunit, in meiotic division. Arid2cKO spermatocytes arrest at metaphase-I and are deficient in spindle assembly, kinetochore-associated Polo-like kinase1 (PLK1), and centromeric targeting of Histone H3 threonine3 phosphorylation (H3T3P) and Histone H2A threonine120 phosphorylation (H2AT120P). By determining ARID2 and BRG1 genomic associations, we show that PBAF localizes to centromeres and promoters of genes known to govern spindle assembly and nuclear division in spermatocytes. Consistent with gene ontology of target genes, we also identify a role for ARID2 in centrosome stability. Additionally, misexpression of genes such as Aurkc and Ppp1cc (Pp1γ), known to govern chromosome segregation, potentially compromises the function of the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) and deposition of H3T3P, respectively. Our data support a model where-in PBAF activates genes essential for meiotic cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashish U Menon
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7264, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Terry Magnuson
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7264, USA.
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18
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Alfaro E, López‐Jiménez P, González‐Martínez J, Malumbres M, Suja JA, Gómez R. PLK1 regulates centrosome migration and spindle dynamics in male mouse meiosis. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51030. [PMID: 33615693 PMCID: PMC8025030 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division requires the regulation of karyokinesis and cytokinesis, which includes an essential role of the achromatic spindle. Although the functions of centrosomes are well characterised in somatic cells, their role during vertebrate spermatogenesis remains elusive. We have studied the dynamics of the meiotic centrosomes in male mouse during both meiotic divisions. Results show that meiotic centrosomes duplicate twice: first duplication occurs in the leptotene/zygotene transition, while the second occurs in interkinesis. The maturation of duplicated centrosomes during the early stages of prophase I and II are followed by their separation and migration to opposite poles to form bipolar spindles I and II. The study of the genetic mouse model Plk1(Δ/Δ) indicates a central role of Polo-like kinase 1 in pericentriolar matrix assembly, in centrosome maturation and migration, and in the formation of the bipolar spindles during spermatogenesis. In addition, in vitro inhibition of Polo-like kinase 1 and Aurora A in organotypic cultures of seminiferous tubules points out to a prominent role of both kinases in the regulation of the formation of meiotic bipolar spindles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alfaro
- Departamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUnidad de Biología CelularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Pablo López‐Jiménez
- Departamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUnidad de Biología CelularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Marcos Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer GroupSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain
| | - José A Suja
- Departamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUnidad de Biología CelularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUnidad de Biología CelularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
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19
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Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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21
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Yeh YH, Hu M, Nakagawa T, Sakashita A, Yoshida S, Maezawa S, Namekawa SH. Isolation of Murine Spermatogenic Cells using a Violet-Excited Cell-Permeable DNA Binding Dye. J Vis Exp 2021:10.3791/61666. [PMID: 33522502 PMCID: PMC8260464 DOI: 10.3791/61666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolation of meiotic spermatocytes is essential to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying meiosis and spermatogenesis. Although there are established cell isolation protocols using Hoechst 33342 staining in combination with fluorescence-activated cell sorting, it requires cell sorters equipped with an ultraviolet laser. Here we describe a cell isolation protocol using the DyeCycle Violet (DCV) stain, a low cytotoxicity DNA binding dye structurally similar to Hoechst 33342. DCV can be excited by both ultraviolet and violet lasers, which improves the flexibility of equipment choice, including a cell sorter not equipped with an ultraviolet laser. Using this protocol, one can isolate three live-cell subpopulations in meiotic prophase I, including leptotene/zygotene, pachytene, and diplotene spermatocytes, as well as post-meiotic round spermatids. We also describe a protocol to prepare single-cell suspension from mouse testes. Overall, the procedure requires a short time to complete (4-5 hours depending on the number of needed cells), which facilitates many downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Yeh
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)
| | - So Maezawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University; Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine;
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22
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Fang K, Li Q, Wei Y, Zhou C, Guo W, Shen J, Wu R, Ying W, Yu L, Zi J, Zhang Y, Yang H, Liu S, Chen CD. Prediction and Validation of Mouse Meiosis-Essential Genes Based on Spermatogenesis Proteome Dynamics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100014. [PMID: 33257503 PMCID: PMC7950215 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra120.002081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism associated with mammalian meiosis has yet to be fully explored, and one of the main reasons for this lack of exploration is that some meiosis-essential genes are still unknown. The profiling of gene expression during spermatogenesis has been performed in previous studies, yet few studies have aimed to find new functional genes. Since there is a huge gap between the number of genes that are able to be quantified and the number of genes that can be characterized by phenotype screening in one assay, an efficient method to rank quantified genes according to phenotypic relevance is of great importance. We proposed to rank genes by the probability of their function in mammalian meiosis based on global protein abundance using machine learning. Here, nine types of germ cells focusing on continual substages of meiosis prophase I were isolated, and the corresponding proteomes were quantified by high-resolution MS. By combining meiotic labels annotated from the mouse genomics informatics mouse knockout database and the spermatogenesis proteomics dataset, a supervised machine learning package, FuncProFinder (https://github.com/sjq111/FuncProFinder), was developed to rank meiosis-essential candidates. Of the candidates whose functions were unannotated, four of 10 genes with the top prediction scores, Zcwpw1, Tesmin, 1700102P08Rik, and Kctd19, were validated as meiosis-essential genes by knockout mouse models. Therefore, mammalian meiosis-essential genes could be efficiently predicted based on the protein abundance dataset, which provides a paradigm for other functional gene mining from a related abundance dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qidan Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Guo
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China; Science Department, Malvern College Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Mathematics Department, United World College Changshu China, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruoxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqin Ying
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zi
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Proteomics Engineering Laboratories, Shenzhen Proteomics Engineering Laboratories, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Siqi Liu
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Charlie Degui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Imai Y, Biot M, Clément JA, Teragaki M, Urbach S, Robert T, Baudat F, Grey C, de Massy B. PRDM9 activity depends on HELLS and promotes local 5-hydroxymethylcytosine enrichment. eLife 2020; 9:57117. [PMID: 33047671 PMCID: PMC7599071 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination starts with the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specific genomic locations that correspond to PRDM9-binding sites. The molecular steps occurring from PRDM9 binding to DSB formation are unknown. Using proteomic approaches to find PRDM9 partners, we identified HELLS, a member of the SNF2-like family of chromatin remodelers. Upon functional analyses during mouse male meiosis, we demonstrated that HELLS is required for PRDM9 binding and DSB activity at PRDM9 sites. However, HELLS is not required for DSB activity at PRDM9-independent sites. HELLS is also essential for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) enrichment at PRDM9 sites. Analyses of 5hmC in mice deficient for SPO11, which catalyzes DSB formation, and in PRDM9 methyltransferase deficient mice reveal that 5hmC is triggered at DSB-prone sites upon PRDM9 binding and histone modification, but independent of DSB activity. These findings highlight the complex regulation of the chromatin and epigenetic environments at PRDM9-specified hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Imai
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mathilde Biot
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Aj Clément
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mariko Teragaki
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Urbach
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Robert
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Baudat
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Corinne Grey
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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24
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Mikedis MM, Fan Y, Nicholls PK, Endo T, Jackson EK, Cobb SA, de Rooij DG, Page DC. DAZL mediates a broad translational program regulating expansion and differentiation of spermatogonial progenitors. eLife 2020; 9:56523. [PMID: 32686646 PMCID: PMC7445011 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility across metazoa requires the germline-specific DAZ family of RNA-binding proteins. Here we examine whether DAZL directly regulates progenitor spermatogonia using a conditional genetic mouse model and in vivo biochemical approaches combined with chemical synchronization of spermatogenesis. We find that the absence of Dazl impairs both expansion and differentiation of the spermatogonial progenitor population. In undifferentiated spermatogonia, DAZL binds the 3' UTRs of ~2,500 protein-coding genes. Some targets are known regulators of spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation while others are broadly expressed, dosage-sensitive factors that control transcription and RNA metabolism. DAZL binds 3' UTR sites conserved across vertebrates at a UGUU(U/A) motif. By assessing ribosome occupancy in undifferentiated spermatogonia, we find that DAZL increases translation of its targets. In total, DAZL orchestrates a broad translational program that amplifies protein levels of key spermatogonial and gene regulatory factors to promote the expansion and differentiation of progenitor spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Fan
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Emily K Jackson
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | | | | | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
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25
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Gura MA, Mikedis MM, Seymour KA, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Freiman RN. Dynamic and regulated TAF gene expression during mouse embryonic germ cell development. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008515. [PMID: 31914128 PMCID: PMC7010400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells undergo many developmental transitions before ultimately becoming either eggs or sperm, and during embryonic development these transitions include epigenetic reprogramming, quiescence, and meiosis. To begin understanding the transcriptional regulation underlying these complex processes, we examined the spatial and temporal expression of TAF4b, a variant TFIID subunit required for fertility, during embryonic germ cell development. By analyzing published datasets and using our own experimental system to validate these expression studies, we determined that both Taf4b mRNA and protein are highly germ cell-enriched and that Taf4b mRNA levels dramatically increase from embryonic day 12.5–18.5. Surprisingly, additional mRNAs encoding other TFIID subunits are coordinately upregulated through this time course, including Taf7l and Taf9b. The expression of several of these germ cell-enriched TFIID genes is dependent upon Dazl and/or Stra8, known regulators of germ cell development and meiosis. Together, these data suggest that germ cells employ a highly specialized and dynamic form of TFIID to drive the transcriptional programs that underlie mammalian germ cell development. Assisted reproductive therapy and fertility preservation are increasingly used to improve human reproduction across the world, yet there are still many unanswered questions regarding what factors govern the development of eggs and sperm and how these factors work together. We previously identified a subunit of the general transcription factor TFIID, TAF4b, that is essential for fertility. However, many basic characteristics of how Taf4b and its associated TFIID family members contribute to the formation of healthy sperm and eggs in mice and humans remain unknown. In this study, we find that mouse Taf4b and several closely related TFIID subunits become highly abundant during mouse embryonic gonad development, specifically in the cells that ultimately become eggs and sperm. Here, we analyzed data from public repositories and isolated these developing cells to examine their gene expression patterns throughout embryonic development. Together these data suggest that the dynamic expression of Taf4b and other TFIID family members are dependent on the well-established reproductive cell regulators Dazl and Stra8. This understanding of Taf4b gene expression and regulation in mouse reproductive cell development is likely conserved during development of human cells and offers novel insights into the interconnectedness of the factors that govern the formation of healthy eggs and sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Gura
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | | | - Kimberly A. Seymour
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | | | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard N. Freiman
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Gewiss R, Topping T, Griswold MD. Cycles, waves, and pulses: Retinoic acid and the organization of spermatogenesis. Andrology 2019; 8:892-897. [PMID: 31670467 PMCID: PMC7496180 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis in mammals is organized in a manner that maximizes sperm production. The central aspect of this organization is the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium that is characterized by an asynchronous repeating series of germ cell associations. These cell associations are the result of a fixed point of entry into the cycle at regular short time intervals and the longer time required for cells to fully differentiate and exit the cycle. Objective This review will examine the current information on the action and metabolism of retinoic acid in the testis, the interaction of retinoic acid (RA) with the cycle and the spermatogenic wave, and the mechanisms that can lead to synchronous spermatogenesis. Finally, the unique applications of synchronous spermatogenesis to the study of the cycle and the mass isolation of specific germ cell populations are described. Materials and methods Retinoic acid metabolism and spermatogonial differentiation have been examined by gene deletions, immunocytochemistry, chemical inhibitors, and mass spectrometry. Results, discussion, and conclusion Both the Sertoli cells and the germ cells have the capacity to synthesize retinoic acid from retinol and in the mouse the entry into the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, and the subsequent conversion of undifferentiated spermatogonia into differentiating spermatogonia is governed by a peak of RA synthesis occurring at stages VIII‐IX of the cycle. Normal asynchronous spermatogenesis can be modified by altering RA levels, and as a result the entire testis will consist of a few closely related stages of the cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gewiss
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Traci Topping
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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27
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Kojima ML, de Rooij DG, Page DC. Amplification of a broad transcriptional program by a common factor triggers the meiotic cell cycle in mice. eLife 2019; 8:43738. [PMID: 30810530 PMCID: PMC6392498 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ line provides the cellular link between generations of multicellular organisms, its cells entering the meiotic cell cycle only once each generation. However, the mechanisms governing this initiation of meiosis remain poorly understood. Here, we examined cells undergoing meiotic initiation in mice, and we found that initiation involves the dramatic upregulation of a transcriptional network of thousands of genes whose expression is not limited to meiosis. This broad gene expression program is directly upregulated by STRA8, encoded by a germ cell-specific gene required for meiotic initiation. STRA8 binds its own promoter and those of thousands of other genes, including meiotic prophase genes, factors mediating DNA replication and the G1-S cell-cycle transition, and genes that promote the lengthy prophase unique to meiosis I. We conclude that, in mice, the robust amplification of this extraordinarily broad transcription program by a common factor triggers initiation of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina L Kojima
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | | | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
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