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Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Alipanah H, Ghasemian A, Ai J, Rahimian N, Mohammadisoleimani E, Najafipour S. Tissue engineering studies in male infertility disorder. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1617-1635. [PMID: 37791451 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251678] [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: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is an important issue among couples worldwide which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Male infertility is a problem in 7% of all men. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) is the experimental approach that has been developed for mimicking seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro. Currently, various researchers are interested in finding and developing a microenvironmental condition or a bioartificial testis applied for fertility restoration via gamete production in vitro. The tissue engineering (TE) has developed new approaches to treat male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. This makes TE a possible future strategy for restoration of male fertility. Although 3D culture systems supply the perception of the effect of cellular interactions in the process of spermatogenesis, formation of a native gradient of autocrine/paracrine factors in 3D culture systems have not been considered. These results collectively suggest that maintaining the microenvironment of testicular cells even in the form of a 3D-culture system is crucial in achieving spermatogenesis ex vivo. It is also possible to engineer the testicular structures using biomaterials to provide a supporting scaffold for somatic and stem cells. The insemination of these cells with GFs is possible for temporally and spatially adjusted release to mimic the microenvironment of the in situ seminiferous epithelium. This review focuses on recent studies and advances in the application of TE strategies to cell-tissue culture on synthetic or natural scaffolds supplemented with growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hiva Alipanah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Mohammadisoleimani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Ibtisham F, Cham TC, Fayaz MA, Honaramooz A. Effects of Growth Factors on In Vitro Culture of Neonatal Piglet Testicular Tissue Fragments. Cells 2023; 12:2234. [PMID: 37759457 PMCID: PMC10526381 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182234] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) has important applications including fertility preservation of prepubertal cancer patients; however, thus far, IVS has only been achieved using mouse models. To study the effects of growth factors on the maintenance of testicular tissue integrity, germ cell numbers, and potential induction of IVS using a porcine model, we cultured small testicular fragments (~2 mg) from 1-wk-old piglets under six different media conditions (DMEM + 10%KSR alone or supplemented with GDNF, bFGF, SCF, EGF, or a combination of all) for 8 weeks. Overall, tissues supplemented with GDNF and bFGF had the greatest seminiferous tubule integrity and least number of apoptotic cells. GDNF-supplemented tissues had the greatest number of gonocytes per tubule, followed by bFGF-supplemented tissues. There was evidence of gradual Sertoli cell maturation in all groups. Moreover, histological examination and the expression of c-KIT (a marker of differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and STRA8 (a marker of the pre/meiotic stage germ cells) confirmed the induction of IVS in all groups. However, GDNF- and bFGF-supplemented tissue cultures had greater numbers of seminiferous tubules with spermatocytes compared to other groups. In conclusion, overall, GDNF and bFGF supplementation better maintained the tissue integrity and gonocyte numbers and induced IVS in cultured testicular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; (F.I.); (T.-C.C.); (M.A.F.)
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3
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Prudovsky I. Cellular Mechanisms of FGF-Stimulated Tissue Repair. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071830. [PMID: 34360000 PMCID: PMC8304273 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth factors belonging to the FGF family play important roles in tissue and organ repair after trauma. In this review, I discuss the regulation by FGFs of the aspects of cellular behavior important for reparative processes. In particular, I focus on the FGF-dependent regulation of cell proliferation, cell stemness, de-differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, cell senescence, cell death, and the production of proteases. In addition, I review the available literature on the enhancement of FGF expression and secretion in damaged tissues resulting in the increased FGF supply required for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Prudovsky
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Dr., Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
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Akintayo A, Liang M, Bartholdy B, Batista F, Aguilan J, Prendergast J, Sabrin A, Sundaram S, Stanley P. The Golgi Glycoprotein MGAT4D is an Intrinsic Protector of Testicular Germ Cells From Mild Heat Stress. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2135. [PMID: 32034218 PMCID: PMC7005853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cells are sensitive to heat stress and testes must be maintained outside the body for optimal fertility. However, no germ cell intrinsic mechanism that protects from heat has been reported. Here, we identify the germ cell specific Golgi glycoprotein MGAT4D as a protector of male germ cells from heat stress. Mgat4d is highly expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids. Unexpectedly, when the Mgat4d gene was inactivated globally or conditionally in spermatogonia, or mis-expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes or spermatids, neither spermatogenesis nor fertility were affected. On the other hand, when males were subjected to mild heat stress of the testis (43 °C for 25 min), germ cells with inactivated Mgat4d were markedly more sensitive to the effects of heat stress, and transgenic mice expressing Mgat4d were partially protected from heat stress. Germ cells lacking Mgat4d generally mounted a similar heat shock response to control germ cells, but could not maintain that response. Several pathways activated by heat stress in wild type were induced to a lesser extent in Mgat4d[-/-] heat-stressed germ cells (NFκB response, TNF and TGFβ signaling, Hif1α and Myc genes). Thus, the Golgi glycoprotein MGAT4D is a novel, intrinsic protector of male germ cells from heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Akintayo
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Meng Liang
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, P. R. China
| | - Boris Bartholdy
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Frank Batista
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Jennifer Aguilan
- Laboratory for Macromolecular Analysis and Proteomics Facility, Dept. Pathology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Jillian Prendergast
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Palleon Pharmaceuticals, 266 2nd Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Afsana Sabrin
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Subha Sundaram
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Pamela Stanley
- Dept. Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
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Ni FD, Hao SL, Yang WX. Multiple signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: recent findings in spermatogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:541. [PMID: 31316051 PMCID: PMC6637205 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The functions of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis have attracted much more attention recently. Normal spermatogenesis depends on Sertoli cells, mainly due to their influence on nutrient supply, maintenance of cell junctions, and support for germ cells' mitosis and meiosis. Accumulating evidence in the past decade has highlighted the dominant functions of the MAPK, AMPK, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways during spermatogenesis. Among these pathways, the MAPK signaling pathway regulates dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, proliferation and meiosis of germ cells, proliferation and lactate production of Sertoli cells; the AMPK and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways both affect dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, as well as the proliferation of Sertoli cells. The AMPK signaling pathway also regulates lactate supply. These signaling pathways combine to form a complex regulatory network for spermatogenesis. In testicular tumors or infertile patients, the activities of these signaling pathways in Sertoli cells are abnormal. Clarifying the mechanisms of signaling pathways in Sertoli cells on spermatogenesis provides new insights into the physiological functions of Sertoli cells in male reproduction, and also serves as a pre-requisite to identify potential therapeutic targets in abnormal spermatogenesis including testicular tumor and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Neutralizing FGF4 protein in conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells restores the migratory activity of the colorectal cancer cells. Cytotechnology 2018; 70:1363-1374. [PMID: 29802489 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The interleukin-21 (IL-21) protein was found to be expressed at an elevated level in clinical samples of colorectal cancer patients without or with a parasitic infection that were collected from Sudan in our previous study. The IL-21 gene in HT29 and HCT116 cells was then correlated to cell proliferation and cell migration, as well as the cellular mechanisms associated with gene expressions in our present study. Our results demonstrated that silencing the IL-21 gene in HCT116 cells increased the cytotoxic level and fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) mRNA expression in the cancer cells. Moreover, specific gene silencing reduced the migration of cancer cells compared to non-silenced cancer cells. These events were not observed in IL-21-silenced HT29 cells. Neutralizing FGF4 in conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells further increased the cytotoxic level and restored the migratory activity of HCT116 cells in the culture compared to silencing the IL-21 gene alone in the cancer cells. Our results indicate the importance of both silencing the IL-21 gene and co-expression of the FGF4 protein in HCT116 cells, which pave the way for the discovery of important factors to be used as biomarkers for the design of drugs or cost-effective supplements to effectively treat the patients having infectious disease and HCT116 cells of colorectal cancer simultaneously in the future.
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7
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Heat stress–induced autophagy promotes lactate secretion in cultured immature boar Sertoli cells by inhibiting apoptosis and driving SLC2A3 , LDHA , and SLC16A1 expression. Theriogenology 2017; 87:339-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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8
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Regulators in the apoptotic pathway during spermatogenesis: Killers or guards? Gene 2016; 582:97-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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An Update on Oxidative Damage to Spermatozoa and Oocytes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9540142. [PMID: 26942204 PMCID: PMC4749785 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9540142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
On the one hand, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mandatory mediators for essential cellular functions including the function of germ cells (oocytes and spermatozoa) and thereby the fertilization process. However, the exposure of these cells to excessive levels of oxidative stress by too high levels of ROS or too low levels of antioxidative protection will render these cells dysfunctional thereby failing the fertilization process and causing couples to be infertile. Numerous causes are responsible for the delicate bodily redox system being out of balance and causing disease and infertility. Many of these causes are modifiable such as lifestyle factors like obesity, poor nutrition, heat stress, smoking, or alcohol abuse. Possible correctable measures include foremost lifestyle changes, but also supplementation with antioxidants to scavenge excessive ROS. However, this should only be done after careful examination of the patient and establishment of the individual bodily antioxidant needs. In addition, other corrective measures include sperm separation for assisted reproductive techniques. However, these techniques have to be carried out very carefully as they, if applied wrongly, bear risks of generating ROS damaging the germ cells and preventing fertilization.
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Skinner MK, Bhandari RK, Haque MM, Nilsson EE. Environmentally Induced Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Altered SRY Genomic Binding During Gonadal Sex Determination. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2015; 1:dvv004. [PMID: 27175298 PMCID: PMC4862609 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvv004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A critical transcription factor required for mammalian male sex determination is SRY (sex determining region on the Y chromosome). The expression of SRY in precursor Sertoli cells is one of the initial events in testis development. The current study was designed to determine the impact of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance on SRY binding during gonadal sex determination in the male. The agricultural fungicide vinclozolin and vehicle control (DMSO) exposed gestating females (F0 generation) during gonadal sex determination promoted the transgenerational inheritance of differential DNA methylation in sperm of the F3 generation (great grand-offspring). The fetal gonads in F3 generation males were used to identify potential alterations in SRY binding sites in the developing Sertoli cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with an SRY antibody followed by genome-wide promoter tiling array (ChIP-Chip) was used to identify alterations in SRY binding. A total of 81 adjacent oligonucleotide sites and 173 single oligo SRY binding sites were identified to be altered transgenerationally in the Sertoli cell vinclozolin lineage F3 generation males. Observations demonstrate the majority of the previously identified normal SRY binding sites were not altered and the altered SRY binding sites were novel and new additional sites. The chromosomal locations, gene associations and potentially modified cellular pathways were investigated. In summary, environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of germline epimutations appears to alter the cellular differentiation and development of the precursor Sertoli cell SRY binding during gonadal sex determination that influence the developmental origins of adult onset testis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Ramji K. Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - M. Muksitul Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Eric E. Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
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11
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Dikmen S, Wang XZ, Ortega MS, Cole JB, Null DJ, Hansen PJ. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with thermoregulation in lactating dairy cows exposed to heat stress. J Anim Breed Genet 2015. [PMID: 26198991 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dairy cows with increased rectal temperature experience lower milk yield and fertility. Rectal temperature during heat stress is heritable, so genetic selection for body temperature regulation could reduce effects of heat stress on production. One aim of the study was to validate the relationship between genotype and heat tolerance for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with resistance to heat stress. A second aim was to identify new SNPs associated with heat stress resistance. Thermotolerance was assessed in lactating Holsteins during the summer by measuring rectal temperature (a direct measurement of body temperature regulation; n = 435), respiration rate (an indirect measurement of body temperature regulation, n = 450) and sweating rate (the major evaporative cooling mechanism in cattle, n = 455). The association between genotype and thermotolerance was evaluated for 19 SNPs previously associated with rectal temperature from a genomewide analysis study (GWAS), four SNPs previously associated with change in milk yield during heat stress from GWAS, 2 candidate gene SNPs previously associated with rectal temperature and respiration rate during heat stress (ATPA1A and HSP70A) and 66 SNPs in genes previously shown to be associated with reproduction, production or health traits in Holsteins. For SNPs previously associated with heat tolerance, regions of BTA4, BTA6 and BTA24 were associated with rectal temperature; regions of BTA6 and BTA24 were associated with respiration rate; and regions of BTA5, BTA26 and BTA29 were associated with sweating rate. New SNPs were identified for rectal temperature (n = 12), respiration rate (n = 8) and sweating rate (n = 3) from among those previously associated with production, reproduction or health traits. The SNP that explained the most variation were PGR and ASL for rectal temperature, ACAT2 and HSD17B7 for respiration rate, and ARL6IP1 and SERPINE2 for sweating rate. ARL6IP1 was associated with all three thermotolerance traits. In conclusion, specific genetic markers responsible for genetic variation in thermoregulation during heat stress in Holsteins were identified. These markers may prove useful in genetic selection for heat tolerance in Holstein cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dikmen
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Uludag, Bursa, Turkey
| | - X-z Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - M S Ortega
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - J B Cole
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - D J Null
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Hansen PJ. Genetic variation in resistance of the preimplantation bovine embryo to heat shock. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:22-30. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is among the physiological functions in mammals most susceptible to disruption by hyperthermia. Many of the effects of heat stress on function of the oocyte and embryo involve direct effects of elevated temperature (i.e. heat shock) on cellular function. Mammals limit the effects of heat shock by tightly regulating body temperature. This ability is genetically controlled: lines of domestic animals have been developed with superior ability to regulate body temperature during heat stress. Through experimentation in cattle, it is also evident that there is genetic variation in the resistance of cells to the deleterious effects of elevated temperature. Several breeds that were developed in hot climates, including Bos indicus (Brahman, Gir, Nelore and Sahiwal) and Bos taurus (Romosinuano and Senepol) are more resistant to the effects of elevated temperature on cellular function than breeds that evolved in cooler climates (Angus, Holstein and Jersey). Genetic differences are expressed in the preimplantation embryo by Day 4–5 of development (after embryonic genome activation). It is not clear whether genetic differences are expressed in cells in which transcription is repressed (oocytes >100 µm in diameter or embryos at stages before embryonic genome activation). The molecular basis for cellular thermotolerance has also not been established, although there is some suggestion for involvement of heat shock protein 90 and the insulin-like growth factor 1 system. Given the availability of genomic tools for genetic selection, identification of genes controlling cellular resistance to elevated temperature could be followed by progress in selection for those genes within the populations in which they exist. It could also be possible to introduce genes from thermotolerant breeds into thermally sensitive breeds. The ability to edit the genome makes it possible to design new genes that confer protection of cells from stresses like heat shock.
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Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of altered Sertoli cell transcriptome and epigenome: molecular etiology of male infertility. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59922. [PMID: 23555832 PMCID: PMC3610698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental toxicants have been shown to induce the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult onset disease, including testis disease and male infertility. The current study was designed to determine the impact of an altered sperm epigenome on the subsequent development of an adult somatic cell (Sertoli cell) that influences the onset of a specific disease (male infertility). A gestating female rat (F0 generation) was exposed to the agriculture fungicide vinclozolin during gonadal sex determination and then the subsequent F3 generation progeny used for the isolation of Sertoli cells and assessment of testis disease. As previously observed, enhanced spermatogenic cell apoptosis was observed. The Sertoli cells provide the physical and nutritional support for the spermatogenic cells. Over 400 genes were differentially expressed in the F3 generation control versus vinclozolin lineage Sertoli cells. A number of specific cellular pathways were identified to be transgenerationally altered. One of the key metabolic processes affected was pyruvate/lactate production that is directly linked to spermatogenic cell viability. The Sertoli cell epigenome was also altered with over 100 promoter differential DNA methylation regions (DMR) modified. The genomic features and overlap with the sperm DMR were investigated. Observations demonstrate that the transgenerational sperm epigenetic alterations subsequently alters the development of a specific somatic cell (Sertoli cell) epigenome and transcriptome that correlates with adult onset disease (male infertility). The environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of testis disease appears to be a component of the molecular etiology of male infertility.
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Jiang X, Zhang C, Xin Y, Huang Z, Tan Y, Huang Y, Wang Y, Feng W, Li X, Li W, Qu Y, Cai L. Protective effect of FGF21 on type 1 diabetes-induced testicular apoptotic cell death probably via both mitochondrial- and endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent pathways in the mouse model. Toxicol Lett 2013; 219:65-76. [PMID: 23499715 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel member identified and was reported to express predominantly in pancreas, liver and adipose tissue, and relatively less in other organs, such as the testis. However, the role of FGF21 in the testis has never been addressed. The present study examined FGF21 expression at mRNA level by real-time RT-PCR assay in the testis of fasting and non-fasting mice or mice with type 1 diabetes that was induced with streptozotocin. We also examined the effect of Fgf21 gene deletion or supplementation of the exogenous FGF21 on the testicular apoptotic cell death spontaneously or induced by type 1 diabetes in FGF21 knockout (FGF21-KO) mice. Deletion of Fgf21 gene does not affect testicular cell proliferation, but significantly increases the spontaneous incidence of testicular TUNEL positive cells with increases in the Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression. Diabetes induced significant increases in testicular TUNEL positive cells, Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio, AIF expression, CHOP and cleaved caspase-12 expression, and oxidative damage, but did not change the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8. Deletion of Fgf21 gene also significantly enhances diabetes-induced TUNEL positive cells along with the increased expression of Bax/Bcl2 ratio, AIF, CHOP, cleaved caspase-12, and oxidative damage, which was significantly prevented by the supplementation of exogenous FGF21. These results suggest that Fgf21 gene may involve in maintaining normal spermatogenesis and also protect the germ cells from diabetes-induced apoptotic cell death probably via the prevention of diabetes-induced oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Cancer Center at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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15
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Jiang X, Skibba M, Zhang C, Tan Y, Xin Y, Qu Y. The roles of fibroblast growth factors in the testicular development and tumor. J Diabetes Res 2013; 2013:489095. [PMID: 24159602 PMCID: PMC3789391 DOI: 10.1155/2013/489095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are classically known as hormonal factors and recent studies have revealed that FGFs have a key role in regulating growth and development of several reproductive organs, including the testis. The testis is mainly consisted of germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells to develop and maintain the male phenotype and reproduction. This review summarizes the structure and fuctions of testis, the roles of FGFs on testicular development and potential involvement in testicular tumor and its regulatory mechanism. Among 23 members of FGFs, the FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-4, FGF-8, FGF-9, and FGF-21 were involved and describe in details. Understanding the roles and mechanism of FGFs is the foundation to modeling testicular development and treatments in testicular disease. Therefore, in the last part, the potential therapy with FGFs for the testis of cancer and diabetes was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
| | - Melissa Skibba
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- The Chinese-American Research Institute for Diabetic Complications, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Yi Tan
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- The Chinese-American Research Institute for Diabetic Complications, Wenzhou 325200, China
| | - Ying Xin
- KCHRI at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Louisville, Louisville 40202, USA
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
- *Ying Xin: and
| | - Yaqin Qu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- *Yaqin Qu:
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Khromov T, Dressel R, Siamishi I, Nolte J, Opitz L, Engel W, Pantakani DVK. Apoptosis-related gene expression profiles of mouse ESCs and maGSCs: role of Fgf4 and Mnda in pluripotent cell responses to genotoxicity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48869. [PMID: 23145002 PMCID: PMC3492253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells in the developing embryo proliferate and differentiate while maintaining genomic integrity, failure of which may lead to accumulation of mutations and subsequent damage to the embryo. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the in vitro counterpart of embryo stem cells are highly sensitive to genotoxic stress. Defective ESCs undergo either efficient DNA damage repair or apoptosis, thus maintaining genomic integrity. However, the genotoxicity- and apoptosis-related processes in germ-line derived pluripotent cells, multipotent adult germ-line stem cells (maGSCs), are currently unknown. Here, we analyzed the expression of apoptosis-related genes using OligoGEArray in undifferentiated maGSCs and ESCs and identified a similar set of genes expressed in both cell types. We detected the expression of intrinsic, but not extrinsic, apoptotic pathway genes in both cell types. Further, we found that apoptosis-related gene expression patterns of differentiated ESCs and maGSCs are identical to each other. Comparative analysis revealed that several pro- and anti-apoptotic genes are expressed specifically in pluripotent cells, but markedly downregulated in the differentiated counterparts of these cells. Activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway cause approximately ∼35% of both ESCs and maGSCs to adopt an early-apoptotic phenotype. Moreover, we performed transcriptome studies using early-apoptotic cells to identify novel pluripotency- and apoptosis-related genes. From these transcriptome studies, we selected Fgf4 (Fibroblast growth factor 4) and Mnda (Myeloid cell nuclear differentiating antigen), which are highly downregulated in early-apoptotic cells, as novel candidates and analyzed their roles in apoptosis and genotoxicity responses in ESCs. Collectively, our results show the existence of common molecular mechanisms for maintaining the pristine stem cell pool of both ESCs and maGSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Khromov
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Iliana Siamishi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Nolte
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Opitz
- DNA Microarray Facility, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Engel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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17
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Fibroblast growth factor requirements for in vitro development of bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1466-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kosaka N, Sakamoto H, Terada M, Ochiya T. Pleiotropic function of FGF-4: its role in development and stem cells. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:265-76. [PMID: 18792115 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were initially recognized as fibroblast-specific growth factor, and it is now apparent that these growth factors regulate multiple biological functions. The diversity of FGFs function is paralleled by the emerging diversity of interactions between FGF ligands and their receptors. FGF-4 is a member of the FGF superfamily and is a mitogen exhibiting strong action on numerous different cell types. It plays a role in various stages of development and morphogenesis, as well as in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies reveal the molecular mechanisms of FGF-4 gene regulation in mammalian cells, which is involved in the developmental process. Furthermore, FGF-4 also acts on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation in embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells. In this review, we focus on the diverse biological functions of FGF-4 in the developmental process and also discuss its putative roles in stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyoshi Kosaka
- Section for Studies on Metastasis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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McIntyre A, Gilbert D, Goddard N, Looijenga L, Shipley J. Genes, chromosomes and the development of testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents and adults. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2008; 47:547-57. [PMID: 18381640 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are thought to be derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. TGCTs develop postpuberty from precursor lesions known as intratubular germ cell neoplasia undifferentiated. The tumors can be divided into two groups based on their histology and clinical behavior; seminomas resemble primordial germ cells or gonocytes and nonseminomas resemble embryonic or extraembryonic tissues at various stages of differentiation. The most undifferentiated form of nonseminoma, embryonal carcinoma, resembles embryonic stem cells in terms of morphology and expression profiling, both mRNAs and microRNAs. Evidence supports both environmental factors and genetic predisposition underlying the development of TGCTs. Various models of development have been proposed and are discussed. In TGCTs, gain of material from the short arm of chromosome 12 is invariable: genes from this region include the proto-oncogene KRAS, which has activating mutations in approximately 10% of tumors or is frequently overexpressed. A number of different approaches to increase the understanding of the development and progression of TGCTs have highlighted the involvement of KIT, RAS/RAF/MAPK, STAT, and PI3K/AKT signaling. We review the role of these signaling pathways in this process and the potential influence of environmental factors in the development of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan McIntyre
- Molecular Cytogenetics, Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
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20
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Abstract
The possession of a scrotum to contain the male gonads is a characteristic feature of almost all mammals, and appears to have evolved to allow the testes and epididymis to be exposed to a temperature a few degrees below that of core body temperature. Analysis of cryptorchid patients, and those with varicocele suggest that mild scrotal warming can be detrimental to sperm production, partly by effects on the stem cell population, and partly by effects on later stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Recent studies on the effects of clothing and lifestyle emphasize that these can also lead to chronically elevated scrotal temperatures. In particular, the wearing of nappies by infants is a cause for concern in this regard. Together all of the evidence indirectly supports the view that lifestyle factors in addition to other genetic and environmental influences could be contributing to the secular trend in declining male reproductive parameters. The challenge will be to provide relevant and targeted experimental results to support or refute the currently circumstantial evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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21
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Gaido KW, Hensley JB, Liu D, Wallace DG, Borghoff S, Johnson KJ, Hall SJ, Boekelheide K. Fetal mouse phthalate exposure shows that Gonocyte multinucleation is not associated with decreased testicular testosterone. Toxicol Sci 2007; 97:491-503. [PMID: 17361019 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfm049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat has been explored in detail for its in utero susceptibility to male reproductive tract malformation following phthalate exposure. Few other species have been studied in detail, and it is important for both mechanistic and risk assessment purposes to understand the species specificity of this response. We investigated the response of the fetal mouse testis to phthalate exposure and compared these results with those previously obtained from the rat. Initial experiments using a variety of phthalate congeners (monobutyl phthalate, di-(n-butyl) phthalate, or mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and exposure paradigms did not reduce fetal mouse testis testosterone levels. Pharmacokinetic data after a single 500 mg/kg di-(n-butyl)-phthalate (DBP) exposure on mouse gestation day (gd) 18 demonstrated that the concentrations and kinetics of the active metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP) in fetal and maternal plasma were similar to the rat. After a single 500 mg/kg or multiple day 250 mg/kg fetal mouse DBP exposure, rapid and dynamic changes in testis gene expression were observed, including induction of immediate early genes. Unlike the rat, expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis and steroidogenesis were not decreased and were increased in a few cases. Similar to the rat, however, a 250- or 500-mg DBP/kg/day mouse exposure from gd 16 through 18 significantly increased seminiferous cord diameter, the number of multinucleated gonocytes per cord, and the number of nuclei per multinucleated gonocyte. Together, these results demonstrate that fetal mouse and rat phthalate exposure both induce immediate early gene expression and disrupt seminiferous cord and gonocyte development. This response in the mouse occurs without a measurable decrease in testicular testosterone, suggesting that altered seminiferous cord formation and gonocyte multinucleation may not be mechanistically linked to lowered testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Gaido
- The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences Centers for Health Research, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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22
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Abd-Elmaksoud A, Abo-Elmaksoud A, Sinowatz F. Expression and localization of growth factors and their receptors in the mammalian testis. Part I: Fibroblast growth factors and insulin-like growth factors. Anat Histol Embryol 2005; 34:319-34. [PMID: 16159374 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that normal development and function of testis are mediated by endocrine and paracrine pathways including hormones, growth factors and cytokines as well as by direct cell-to-cell contacts depending on tight, adhering and gap junctions. In the last two decades, several growth factors were identified in the testis of various mammalian species. Growth factors are shown to promote cell proliferation, regulate tissue differentiation, and modulate organogenesis. Interestingly, most of these peptides are expressed not only in the adult mammalian testis during spermatogenesis but also during testicular morphogenesis in prenatal and postnatal life. Our study was launched to provide an overview of the expression, localization, and putative physiological roles of growth factors and their receptors in the mammalian testis. The growth factors considered in this part of our review are fibroblast growth factors and insulin-like growth factors. These factors are found in testicular cells in prenatal, postnatal, and adult animals and are implicated in the regulation of important testicular activities including testicular cord morphogenesis, modulation of testicular hormone secretion and control of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Abd-Elmaksoud
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy II, University of Munich, Veterinärstrasse 13, D-80539 Munich, Germany
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Liu K, Lehmann KP, Sar M, Young SS, Gaido KW. Gene Expression Profiling Following In Utero Exposure to Phthalate Esters Reveals New Gene Targets in the Etiology of Testicular Dysgenesis1. Biol Reprod 2005; 73:180-92. [PMID: 15728792 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.039404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive tract abnormalities associated with testicular dysgenesis in humans also occur in male rats exposed gestationally to some phthalate esters. We examined global gene expression in the fetal testis of the rat following in utero exposure to a panel of phthalate esters. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated by gavage daily from Gestational Days 12 through 19 with corn oil vehicle (1 ml/kg) or diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dioctyl tere-phthalate (DOTP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dipentyl phthalate (DPP), or benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) at 500 mg/kg per day. Testes were isolated on Gestational Day 19, and global changes in gene expression were determined. Of the approximately 30 000 genes queried, expression of 391 genes was significantly altered following exposure to the developmentally toxic phthalates (DBP, BBP, DPP, and DEHP) relative to the control. The developmentally toxic phthalates were indistinguishable in their effects on global gene expression. No significant changes in gene expression were detected in the nondevelopmentally toxic phthalate group (DMP, DEP, and DOTP). Gene pathways disrupted include those previously identified as targets for DBP, including cholesterol transport and steroidogenesis, as well as newly identified pathways involved in intracellular lipid and cholesterol homeostasis, insulin signaling, transcriptional regulation, and oxidative stress. Additional gene targets include alpha inhibin, which is essential for normal Sertoli cell development, and genes involved with communication between Sertoli cells and gonocytes. The common targeting of these genes by a select group of phthalates indicates a role for their associated molecular pathways in testicular development and offers new insight into the molecular mechanisms of testicular dysgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liu
- CIIT Centers for Health Research, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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