1
|
Boulay G, Broye LC, Dong R, Iyer S, Sanalkumar R, Xing YH, Buisson R, Rengarajan S, Naigles B, Duc B, Volorio A, Awad ME, Renella R, Chebib I, Nielsen GP, Choy E, Cote GM, Zou L, Letovanec I, Stamenkovic I, Rivera MN, Riggi N. EWS-WT1 fusion isoforms establish oncogenic programs and therapeutic vulnerabilities in desmoplastic small round cell tumors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7460. [PMID: 39198430 PMCID: PMC11358472 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51851-3] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
EWS fusion oncoproteins underlie several human malignancies including Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), an aggressive cancer driven by EWS-WT1 fusion proteins. Here we combine chromatin occupancy and 3D profiles to identify EWS-WT1-dependent gene regulation networks and target genes. We show that EWS-WT1 is a powerful chromatin activator controlling an oncogenic gene expression program that characterizes primary tumors. Similar to wild type WT1, EWS-WT1 has two isoforms that differ in their DNA binding domain and we find that they have distinct DNA binding profiles and are both required to generate viable tumors that resemble primary DSRCT. Finally, we identify candidate EWS-WT1 target genes with potential therapeutic implications, including CCND1, whose inhibition by the clinically-approved drug Palbociclib leads to marked tumor burden decrease in DSRCT PDXs in vivo. Taken together, our studies identify gene regulation programs and therapeutic vulnerabilities in DSRCT and provide a mechanistic understanding of the complex oncogenic activity of EWS-WT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaylor Boulay
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Liliane C Broye
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sowmya Iyer
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rajendran Sanalkumar
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Hang Xing
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rémi Buisson
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shruthi Rengarajan
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beverly Naigles
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benoît Duc
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angela Volorio
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary E Awad
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Division of Pediatrics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Chebib
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Choy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory M Cote
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lee Zou
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Igor Letovanec
- Department of Histopathology, Central Institute, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Stamenkovic
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Miguel N Rivera
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Nicolò Riggi
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Genentech Inc, Department of Cell and Tissue Genomics (CTG), South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Grégoire É, De Cian MC, Detti M, Gillot I, Perea-Gomez A, Chaboissier MC. [Sex determination, it is all about timing]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:627-633. [PMID: 39303114 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex of an individual is determined at the time of fertilization. The mother passes on one sex chromosome, the X chromosome, and the father transmits the second sex chromosome, X or Y. Thus, an XX embryo becomes a female, whereas an XY individual becomes a male. A process known as "primary sex determination" allows the bipotential gonad to become a testis or an ovary in XY and XX embryos, respectively. In 1990, the Sry gene, located on the Y chromosome, was found to be necessary and sufficient to induce the male developmental program. At this time, the scientific community thought that other genes involved in the process of sex determination would be rapidly identified. However, it took more than 30 years to identify the ovarian determining factor. This factor is one variant of WT1, denoted -KTS, which is required to induce ovarian development in XX mice and can prevent male development of the gonad when it is prematurely activated in XY embryos. Because the -KTS variant of WT1 acts very early during development, this discovery opens new avenues for research on ovarian development, as it happened for SRY for testis development. It will also lead to a better understanding of the regulatory gene networks implicated in many unresolved cases of sex development disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Élodie Grégoire
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Marie-Cécile De Cian
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Mélanie Detti
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Gillot
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jakhotia S, Kavvuri R, Raviraj S, Baishya S, Pasupulati AK, Reddy GB. Obesity-related glomerulopathy is associated with elevated WT1 expression in podocytes. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:1080-1091. [PMID: 38504059 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. In addition to the increased incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity is the most potent risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although systemic events such as hemodynamic factors, metabolic effects, and lipotoxicity were implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) and kidney dysfunction, the precise mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and CKD remain unexplored. METHODS In this study, we employed spontaneous WNIN/Ob rats to investigate the molecular events that promote ORG. Further, we fed a high-fat diet to mice and analyzed the incidence of ORG. Kidney functional parameters, micro-anatomical manifestations, and podocyte morphology were investigated in both experimental animal models. Gene expression analysis in the rodents was compared with human subjects by data mining using Nephroseq and Kidney Precision Medicine Project database. RESULTS WNIN/Ob rats were presented with proteinuria and several glomerular deformities, such as adaptive glomerulosclerosis, decreased expression of podocyte-specific markers, and effacement of podocyte foot process. Similarly, high-fat-fed mice also showed glomerular injury and proteinuria. Both experimental animal models showed increased expression of podocyte-specific transcription factor WT1. The altered expression of putative targets of WT1 such as E-cadherin, podocin (reduced), and α-SMA (increased) suggests elevated expression of WT1 in podocytes elicits mesenchymal phenotype. Curated data from CKD patients revealed increased expression of WT1 in the podocytes and its precursors, parietal epithelial cells. CONCLUSION WT1 is crucial during nephron development and has minimal expression in adult podocytes. Our study discovered elevated expression of WT1 in podocytes in obesity settings. Our analysis suggests a novel function for WT1 in the pathogenesis of ORG; however, the precise mechanism of WT1 induction and its involvement in podocyte pathobiology needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Jakhotia
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, 500007, TS, India
| | - Rajesh Kavvuri
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, TS, India
| | - Sumathi Raviraj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, TS, India
| | - Somorita Baishya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, TS, India
| | | | - G Bhanuprakash Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, 500007, TS, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Q, Ding X, Xu Z, Wang B, Wang A, Wang L, Ding Y, Song S, Chen Y, Zhang S, Jiang L, Ding X. The mouse multi-organ proteome from infancy to adulthood. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5752. [PMID: 38982135 PMCID: PMC11233712 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50183-6] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The early-life organ development and maturation shape the fundamental blueprint for later-life phenotype. However, a multi-organ proteome atlas from infancy to adulthood is currently not available. Herein, we present a comprehensive proteomic analysis of ten mouse organs (brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, intestine, muscle and skin) at three crucial developmental stages (1-, 4- and 8-weeks after birth) acquired using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. We detect and quantify 11,533 protein groups across the ten organs and obtain 115 age-related differentially expressed protein groups that are co-expressed in all organs from infancy to adulthood. We find that spliceosome proteins prevalently play crucial regulatory roles in the early-life development of multiple organs, and detect organ-specific expression patterns and sexual dimorphism. This multi-organ proteome atlas provides a fundamental resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying early-life organ development and maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwen Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixiao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boqian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sunfengda Song
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youming Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianting Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aloway JA, Ruteshouser EC, Huff V, Behringer RR. Generation of a Wt1 conditional deletion, nuclear red fluorescent protein reporter allele in the mouse. Differentiation 2024; 138:100791. [PMID: 38941819 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2024.100791] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
A Wt1 conditional deletion, nuclear red fluorescent protein (RFP) reporter allele was generated in the mouse by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. Upon Cre-mediated recombination, a deletion allele is generated that expresses RFP in a Wt1-specific pattern. RFP expression was detected in embryonic and adult tissues known to express Wt1, including the kidney, mesonephros, and testis. In addition, RFP expression and WT1 co-localization was detected in the adult uterine stroma and myometrium, suggesting a role in uterine function. Crosses with Wnt7a-Cre transgenic mice that express Cre in the Müllerian duct epithelium activate Wt1-directed RFP expression in the epithelium of the oviduct but not the stroma and myometrium of the uterus. This new mouse strain should be a useful resource for studies of Wt1 function and marking Wt1-expressing cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jace A Aloway
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Genetics and Epigenetics Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - E Cristy Ruteshouser
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vicki Huff
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Genetics and Epigenetics Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Genetics and Epigenetics Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ridnik M, Abberbock E, Alipov V, Lhermann SZ, Kaufman S, Lubman M, Poulat F, Gonen N. Two redundant transcription factor binding sites in a single enhancer are essential for mammalian sex determination. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5514-5528. [PMID: 38499491 PMCID: PMC11162780 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Male development in mammals depends on the activity of the two SOX gene: Sry and Sox9, in the embryonic testis. As deletion of Enhancer 13 (Enh13) of the Sox9 gene results in XY male-to-female sex reversal, we explored the critical elements necessary for its function and hence, for testis and male development. Here, we demonstrate that while microdeletions of individual transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in Enh13 lead to normal testicular development, combined microdeletions of just two SRY/SOX binding motifs can alone fully abolish Enh13 activity leading to XY male-to-female sex reversal. This suggests that for proper male development to occur, these few nucleotides of non-coding DNA must be intact. Interestingly, we show that depending on the nature of these TFBS mutations, dramatically different phenotypic outcomes can occur, providing a molecular explanation for the distinct clinical outcomes observed in patients harboring different variants in the same enhancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meshi Ridnik
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Elisheva Abberbock
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Veronica Alipov
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Shelly Ziv Lhermann
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Shoham Kaufman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Maor Lubman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Francis Poulat
- Group “Development and Pathology of the Gonad”. Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cui H, Zhu H, Ban W, Li Y, Chen R, Li L, Zhang X, Chen K, Xu H. Characterization of Two Gonadal Genes, zar1 and wt1b, in Hermaphroditic Fish Asian Seabass ( Lates calcarifer). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:508. [PMID: 38338151 PMCID: PMC10854929 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030508] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zygote arrest-1 (Zar1) and Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1) play an important role in oogenesis, with the latter also involved in testicular development and gender differentiation. Here, Lczar1 and Lcwt1b were identified in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), a hermaphrodite fish, as the valuable model for studying sex differentiation. The cloned cDNA fragments of Lczar1 were 1192 bp, encoding 336 amino acids, and contained a zinc-binding domain, while those of Lcwt1b cDNA were 1521 bp, encoding a peptide of 423 amino acids with a Zn finger domain belonging to Wt1b family. RT-qPCR analysis showed that Lczar1 mRNA was exclusively expressed in the ovary, while Lcwt1b mRNA was majorly expressed in the gonads in a higher amount in the testis than in the ovary. In situ hybridization results showed that Lczar1 mRNA was mainly concentrated in oogonia and oocytes at early stages in the ovary, but were undetectable in the testis. Lcwt1b mRNA was localized not only in gonadal somatic cells (the testis and ovary), but also in female and male germ cells in the early developmental stages, such as those of previtellogenic oocytes, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. These results indicated that Lczar1 and Lcwt1b possibly play roles in gonadal development. Therefore, the findings of this study will provide a basis for clarifying the mechanism of Lczar1 and Lcwt1b in regulating germ cell development and the sex reversal of Asian seabass and even other hermaphroditic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Cui
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Haoyu Zhu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wenzhuo Ban
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ruyi Chen
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingli Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Kaili Chen
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (H.C.); (H.Z.); (W.B.); (Y.L.); (R.C.); (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Torban E, Goodyer P. Wilms' tumor gene 1: lessons from the interface between kidney development and cancer. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F3-F19. [PMID: 37916284 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00248.2023] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1990, mutations of the Wilms' tumor-1 gene (WT1), encoding a transcription factor in the embryonic kidney, were found in 10-15% of Wilms' tumors; germline WT1 mutations were associated with hereditary syndromes involving glomerular and reproductive tract dysplasia. For more than three decades, these discoveries prompted investigators to explore the embryonic role of WT1 and the mechanisms by which loss of WT1 leads to malignant transformation. Here, we discuss how alternative splicing of WT1 generates isoforms that act in a context-specific manner to activate or repress target gene transcription. WT1 also regulates posttranscriptional regulation, alters the epigenetic landscape, and activates miRNA expression. WT1 functions at multiple stages of kidney development, including the transition from resting stem cells to committed nephron progenitor, which it primes to respond to WNT9b signals from the ureteric bud. WT1 then drives nephrogenesis by activating WNT4 expression and directing the development of glomerular podocytes. We review the WT1 mutations that account for Denys-Drash syndrome, Frasier syndrome, and WAGR syndrome. Although the WT1 story began with Wilms' tumors, an understanding of the pathways that link aberrant kidney development to malignant transformation still has some important gaps. Loss of WT1 in nephrogenic rests may leave these premalignant clones with inadequate DNA repair enzymes and may disturb the epigenetic landscape. Yet none of these observations provide a complete picture of Wilms' tumor pathogenesis. It appears that the WT1 odyssey is unfinished and still holds a great deal of untilled ground to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Goodyer
- Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gregoire EP, De Cian MC, Migale R, Perea-Gomez A, Schaub S, Bellido-Carreras N, Stévant I, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Loubat A, Rivaud P, Sopena ML, Lachambre S, Linssen MM, Hohenstein P, Lovell-Badge R, Nef S, Chalmel F, Schedl A, Chaboissier MC. The -KTS splice variant of WT1 is essential for ovarian determination in mice. Science 2023; 382:600-606. [PMID: 37917714 PMCID: PMC7615308 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals depends on the differentiation of the supporting lineage of the gonads into Sertoli or pregranulosa cells that govern testis and ovary development, respectively. Although the Y-linked testis-determining gene Sry has been identified, the ovarian-determining factor remains unknown. In this study, we identified -KTS, a major, alternatively spliced isoform of the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1, as a key determinant of female sex determination. Loss of -KTS variants blocked gonadal differentiation in mice, whereas increased expression, as found in Frasier syndrome, induced precocious differentiation of ovaries independently of their genetic sex. In XY embryos, this antagonized Sry expression, resulting in male-to-female sex reversal. Our results identify -KTS as an ovarian-determining factor and demonstrate that its time of activation is critical in gonadal sex differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie P Gregoire
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Cécile De Cian
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Roberta Migale
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Sébastien Schaub
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Development Biology Laboratory (LBDV), 06234 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | | | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Agnès Loubat
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Paul Rivaud
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | | | - Simon Lachambre
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Margot M. Linssen
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Smith C, Burugula BB, Dunn I, Aradhya S, Kitzman JO, Yee JL. High-Throughput Splicing Assays Identify Known and Novel WT1 Exon 9 Variants in Nephrotic Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2117-2125. [PMID: 37850022 PMCID: PMC10577367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare Mendelian form of nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by variants which disrupt the proper splicing of WT1. This key transcription factor gene is alternatively spliced at exon 9 to produce 2 isoforms ("KTS+" and "KTS-"), which are normally expressed in the kidney at a ∼2:1 (KTS+:KTS-) ratio. FS results from variants that reduce this ratio by disrupting the splice donor of the KTS+ isoform. FS is extremely rare, and it is unclear whether any variants beyond the 8 already known could cause FS. Methods To prospectively identify other splicing-disruptive variants, we leveraged a massively parallel splicing assay. We tested every possible single nucleotide variant (n = 519) in and around WT1 exon 9 for effects upon exon inclusion and KTS+/- ratio. Results Splice disruptive variants (SDVs) made up 11% of the tested point variants overall and were tightly concentrated near the canonical acceptor and the KTS+/- alternate donors. Our map successfully identified all 8 known FS or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) variants and 16 additional novel variants which were comparably disruptive to these known pathogenic variants. We also identified 19 variants that, conversely, increased the KTS+/KTS- ratio, of which 2 are observed in unrelated individuals with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD). Conclusion This splicing effect map can serve as functional evidence to guide the clinical interpretation of newly observed variants in and around WT1 exon 9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bala Bharathi Burugula
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ian Dunn
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Jacob O. Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer Lai Yee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Suzuki T. Overview of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and its application to spermatogenesis research. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12502. [PMID: 36726594 PMCID: PMC9884325 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Single-cell transcriptomics allows parallel analysis of multiple cell types in tissues. Because testes comprise somatic cells and germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis, single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for investigating the complex process of spermatogenesis. However, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis needs extensive knowledge of experimental technologies and bioinformatics, making it difficult for many, particularly experimental biologists and clinicians, to use it. Methods Aiming to make single-cell RNA sequencing analysis familiar, this review article presents an overview of experimental and computational methods for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis with a history of transcriptomics. In addition, combining the PubMed search and manual curation, this review also provides a summary of recent novel insights into human and mouse spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Main Findings Single-cell RNA sequencing identified mesenchymal cells and type II innate lymphoid cells as novel testicular cell types in the adult mouse testes, as well as detailed subtypes of germ cells. This review outlines recent discoveries into germ cell development and subtypes, somatic cell development, and cell-cell interactions. Conclusion The findings on spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing may contribute to a deeper understanding of spermatogenesis and provide new directions for male fertility therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS)Yokohama CityKanagawaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical Life ScienceYokohama City UniversityYokohama CityKanagawaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Geng S, Paul F, Kowalczyk I, Raimundo S, Sporbert A, Mamo TM, Hammes A. Balancing WNT signalling in early forebrain development: The role of LRP4 as a modulator of LRP6 function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1173688. [PMID: 37091972 PMCID: PMC10119419 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1173688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The specification of the forebrain relies on the precise regulation of WNT/ß-catenin signalling to support neuronal progenitor cell expansion, patterning, and morphogenesis. Imbalances in WNT signalling activity in the early neuroepithelium lead to congenital disorders, such as neural tube defects (NTDs). LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) family members, including the well-studied receptors LRP5 and LRP6, play critical roles in modulating WNT signalling capacity through tightly regulated interactions with their co-receptor Frizzled, WNT ligands, inhibitors and intracellular WNT pathway components. However, little is known about the function of LRP4 as a potential modulator of WNT signalling in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of LRP4 in the regulation of WNT signalling during early mouse forebrain development. Our results demonstrate that LRP4 can modulate LRP5- and LRP6-mediated WNT signalling in the developing forebrain prior to the onset of neurogenesis at embryonic stage 9.5 and is therefore essential for accurate neural tube morphogenesis. Specifically, LRP4 functions as a genetic modifier for impaired mitotic activity and forebrain hypoplasia, but not for NTDs in LRP6-deficient mutants. In vivo and in vitro data provide evidence that LRP4 is a key player in fine-tuning WNT signalling capacity and mitotic activity of mouse neuronal progenitors and of human retinal pigment epithelial (hTERT RPE-1) cells. Our data demonstrate the crucial roles of LRP4 and LRP6 in regulating WNT signalling and forebrain development and highlight the need to consider the interaction between different signalling pathways to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease. The findings have significant implications for our mechanistic understanding of how LRPs participate in controlling WNT signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Geng
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Paul
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Izabela Kowalczyk
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Raimundo
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anje Sporbert
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tamrat Meshka Mamo
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tamrat Meshka Mamo, ; Annette Hammes,
| | - Annette Hammes
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tamrat Meshka Mamo, ; Annette Hammes,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kollios K, Karipiadou A, Papagianni M, Traeger-Synodinos J, Kosta K, Savvidou P, Stabouli S, Roilides E. Bilateral Gonadoblastoma in a 6-Year-old Girl With Frasier Syndrome: Need for Early Preventive Gonadectomy. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 44:471-473. [PMID: 35700406 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare condition, caused by splice-site mutations of intron 9 in the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1 gene). The WT1 protein is essential for urogenital development and patients with 46XY karyotype present with female (FS type 1) or male phenotype, gonadal dysgenesis, progressive glomerulopathy, and high risk of gonadoblastoma. We describe a female patient with an IVS9+4C>T donor splice-site mutation, who underwent a preventive gonadectomy at the age of 6 years due to imaging findings of dysplastic gonads. The biopsy revealed bilateral gonadoblastoma, emphasizing the need for early gonadectomy in 46XY FS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Stella Stabouli
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lin X, Liu F, Meng K, Liu H, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Hu W, Luo D. Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sex-Specific Alternative Splicing Events in Zebrafish Gonads. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091441. [PMID: 36143477 PMCID: PMC9501657 DOI: 10.3390/life12091441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is an important way of regulating gene functions in eukaryotes. Several key genes involved in sex determination and gonadal differentiation, such as nr5a1 and ddx4, have sex-biased transcripts between males and females, suggesting a potential regulatory role of alternative splicing in gonads. Currently, the sex-specific alternative splicing events and genes have not been comprehensively studied at the genome-wide level in zebrafish. In this study, through global splicing analysis on three independent sets of RNA-seq data from matched zebrafish testes and ovaries, we identified 120 differentially spliced genes shared by the three datasets, most of which haven’t been reported before. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the GO terms of mRNA processing, mRNA metabolism and microtubule-based process were strongly enriched. The testis- and ovary-biased alternative splicing genes were identified, and part of them (tp53bp1, tpx2, mapre1a, kif2c, and ncoa5) were further validated by RT-PCR. Sequence characteristics analysis suggested that the lengths, GC contents, and splice site strengths of the alternative exons or introns may have different influences in different types of alternative splicing events. Interestingly, we identified an unexpected high proportion (over 70%) of non-frameshift exon-skipping events, suggesting that in these cases the two protein isoforms derived from alternative splicing may both have functions. Furthermore, as a representative example, we found that the alternative splicing of ncoa5 causes the loss of a conserved RRM domain in the short transcript predominantly produced in testes. Our study discovers novel sex-specific alternative splicing events and genes with high reliabilities in zebrafish testes and ovaries, which would provide attractive targets for follow-up studies to reveal the biological significances of alternative splicing events and genes in sex determination and gonadal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Kaifeng Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hairong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuanli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Daji Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sambharia M, Rastogi P, Thomas CP. Monogenic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A conceptual framework for identification and management of a heterogeneous disease. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:377-398. [PMID: 35894442 PMCID: PMC9796580 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is not a disease, rather a pattern of histological injury occurring from a variety of causes. The exact pathogenesis has yet to be fully elucidated but is likely varied based on the type of injury and the primary target of that injury. However, the approach to treatment is often based on the degree of podocyte foot process effacement and clinical presentation without sufficient attention paid to etiology. In this regard, there are many monogenic causes of FSGS with variable presentation from nephrotic syndrome with histological features of primary podocytopathy to more modest degrees of proteinuria with limited evidence of podocyte foot process injury. It is likely that genetic causes are largely underdiagnosed, as the role and the timing of genetic testing in FSGS is not established and genetic counseling, testing options, and interpretation of genotype in the context of phenotype may be outside the scope of practice for both nephrologists and geneticists. Yet most clinicians believe that a genetic diagnosis can lead to targeted therapy, limit the use of high-dose corticosteroids as a therapeutic trial, and allow the prediction of the natural history and risk for recurrence in the transplanted kidney. In this manuscript, we emphasize that genetic FSGS is not monolithic in its presentation, opine on the importance of genetic testing and provide an algorithmic approach to deployment of genetic testing in a timely fashion when faced with a patient with FSGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sambharia
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Prerna Rastogi
- Department of PathologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Christie P. Thomas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA,Department of PediatricsUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA,The Iowa Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA,Medical ServiceVeterans Affairs Medical CenterIowa CityIowaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang Y, Li Q, Huang R, Xia H, Tang Y, Mai W, Liang J, Ma S, Chen D, Feng Y, Lei Y, Zhang Q, Huang Y. Small-Molecule-Driven Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Functional Sertoli-Like Cells as a Model for Male Reproductive Toxicology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101184. [PMID: 35212192 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are vital to providing morphological and nutritional support for spermatogenesis. Defects in SCs often lead to infertility. SCs transplantation is a promising potential strategy to compensate for SC dysfunction. However, isolation of SCs from testes is impractical due to obvious and ethical limitations. Here, a molecular cocktail is identified comprising of pan-BET family inhibitor (I-BET151), retinoic acid, and riluzole that enables the efficient conversion of fibroblasts into functional Sertoli-like cells (CiSCs). The gene expression profiles of CiSCs resemble those of mature SCs and exhibit functional properties such as the formation of testicular seminiferous tubules, engulfment of apoptotic sperms, supporting the survival of germ cells, and suppressing proliferation of primary lymphocytes in vitro. Moreover, CiSCs are sensitive to toxic substances, making them an alternative model to study the deleterious effects of toxicants on SCs. The study provides an efficient approach to reprogram fibroblasts into functional SCs by using pure chemical compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wanwen Mai
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinlian Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Siying Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Derong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yaling Lei
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qihao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Evaluating Established Roles, Future Perspectives and Methodological Heterogeneity for Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) Antigen Detection in Adult Renal Cell Carcinoma, Using a Novel N-Terminus Targeted Antibody (Clone WT49). Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040912. [PMID: 35453662 PMCID: PMC9026801 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is arguably the deadliest form of genitourinary malignancy and is nowadays viewed as a heterogeneous series of cancers, with the same origin but fundamentally different metabolisms and clinical behaviors. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is increasingly necessary for RCC subtyping and definitive diagnosis. WT1 is a complex gene involved in carcinogenesis. To address reporting heterogeneity and WT1 IHC standardization, we used a recent N-terminus targeted monoclonal antibody (clone WT49) to evaluate WT1 protein expression in 56 adult RCC (aRCC) cases. This is the largest WT1 IHC investigation focusing exclusively on aRCCs and the first report on clone WT49 staining in aRCCs. We found seven (12.5%) positive cases, all clear cell RCCs, showing exclusively nuclear staining for WT1. We did not disregard cytoplasmic staining in any of the negative cases. Extratumoral fibroblasts, connecting tubules and intratumoral endothelial cells showed the same exclusively nuclear WT1 staining pattern. We reviewed WT1 expression patterns in aRCCs and the possible explanatory underlying metabolomics. For now, WT1 protein expression in aRCCs is insufficiently investigated, with significant discrepancies in the little data reported. Emerging WT1-targeted RCC immunotherapy will require adequate case selection and sustained efforts to standardize the quantification of tumor-associated antigens for aRCC and its many subtypes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Venkataramany AS, Schieffer KM, Lee K, Cottrell CE, Wang PY, Mardis ER, Cripe TP, Chandler DS. Alternative RNA Splicing Defects in Pediatric Cancers: New Insights in Tumorigenesis and Potential Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:578-592. [PMID: 35339647 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to adult cancers, pediatric cancers are uniquely characterized by a genomically stable landscape and lower tumor mutational burden. However, alternative splicing, a global cellular process that produces different mRNA/protein isoforms from a single mRNA transcript, has been increasingly implicated in the development of pediatric cancers. DESIGN We review the current literature on the role of alternative splicing in adult cancer, cancer predisposition syndromes, and pediatric cancers. We also describe multiple splice variants identified in adult cancers and confirmed through comprehensive genomic profiling in our institutional cohort of rare, refractory and relapsed pediatric and adolescent young adult cancer patients. Finally, we summarize the contributions of alternative splicing events to neoantigens and chemoresistance and prospects for splicing-based therapies. RESULTS Published dysregulated splicing events can be categorized as exon inclusion, exon exclusion, splicing factor upregulation, or splice site alterations. We observe these phenomena in cancer predisposition syndromes (Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, CHEK2) and pediatric leukemia (B-ALL), sarcomas (Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma), retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and neuroblastoma. Within our institutional cohort, we demonstrate splice variants in key regulatory genes (CHEK2, TP53, PIK3R1, MDM2, KDM6A, NF1) that resulted in exon exclusion or splice site alterations, which were predicted to impact functional protein expression and promote tumorigenesis. Differentially spliced isoforms and splicing proteins also impact neoantigen creation and treatment resistance, such as imatinib or glucocorticoid regimens. Additionally, splice-altering strategies with the potential to change the therapeutic landscape of pediatric cancers include antisense oligonucleotides, adeno-associated virus gene transfers, and small molecule inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Alternative splicing plays a critical role in the formation and growth of pediatric cancers, and our institutional cohort confirms and highlights the broad spectrum of affected genes in a variety of cancers. Further studies that elucidate the mechanisms of disease-inducing splicing events will contribute toward the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Venkataramany
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K M Schieffer
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K Lee
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - C E Cottrell
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - P Y Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - E R Mardis
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - T P Cripe
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - D S Chandler
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen M, Cen C, Wang N, Shen Z, Wang M, Liu B, Li J, Cui X, Wang Y, Gao F. The functions of Wt1 in mouse gonad development and somatic cells differentiation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:269-274. [PMID: 35244683 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumour 1 (Wt1) encodes a zinc finger nuclear transcription factor which is mutated in 15-20% of Wilms' tumor, a pediatric kidney tumor. Wt1 has been found to be involved in the development of many organs. In gonads, Wt1 is expressed in genital ridge somatic cells before sex determination, and its expression is maintained in Sertoli cells and granulosa cells after sex determination. It has been demonstrated that Wt1 is required for the survival of the genital ridge cells. Homozygous mutation of Wt1 causes gonad agenesis. Recent studies find that Wt1 plays important roles in lineage specification and maintenance of gonad somatic cells. In this review, we will summarize the recent research works about Wt1 in gonadal somatic cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Changhuo Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jiayi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bélanger C, Cardinal T, Leduc E, Viger RS, Pilon N. CHARGE syndrome-associated proteins FAM172A and CHD7 influence male sex determination and differentiation through transcriptional and alternative splicing mechanisms. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22176. [PMID: 35129866 PMCID: PMC9304217 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100837rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To gain further insight into chromatin‐mediated regulation of mammalian sex determination, we analyzed the role of the CHARGE syndrome‐associated proteins FAM172A and CHD7. This study is based on our prior discoveries that a subset of corresponding mutant mice display complete male‐to‐female sex reversal, and that both of these proteins regulate co‐transcriptional alternative splicing in neural crest cells. Here, we report that FAM172A and CHD7 are present in the developing gonads when sex determination normally occurs in mice. The interactome of FAM172A in pre‐Sertoli cells again suggests a role at the chromatin‐spliceosome interface, like in neural crest cells. Accordingly, analysis of Fam172a‐mutant pre‐Sertoli cells revealed transcriptional and splicing dysregulation of hundreds of genes. Many of these genes are similarly affected in Chd7‐mutant pre‐Sertoli cells, including several known key regulators of sex determination and subsequent formation of testis cords. Among them, we notably identified Sry as a direct transcriptional target and WNT pathway‐associated Lef1 and Tcf7l2 as direct splicing targets. The identified molecular defects are also associated with the abnormal morphology of seminiferous tubules in mutant postnatal testes. Altogether, our results thus identify FAM172A and CHD7 as new players in the regulation of male sex determination and differentiation in mice, and further highlight the importance of chromatin‐mediated regulatory mechanisms in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bélanger
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tatiana Cardinal
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Leduc
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang Y, Chen Q, Zhang F, Yang X, Shang L, Ren S, Pan Y, Zhou Z, Li G, Fang Y, Jin L, Wu Y, Zhang X. Whole exome sequencing identified a rare WT1 loss-of-function variant in a non-syndromic POI patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1820. [PMID: 34845858 PMCID: PMC8801142 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a highly heterogeneous disease, and up to 25% of cases can be explained by genetic causes. The transcription factor WT1 has long been reported to play a crucial role in ovary function. Wt1-mutated female mice exhibited POI-like phenotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied to find the cause of POI in Han Chinese women. A nonsense variant in the WT1 gene: NM_024426.6:c.1387C>T(p.R463*) was identified in a non-syndromic POI woman. The variant is a heterozygous de novo mutation that is very rare in the human population. The son of the patient inherited the mutation and developed Wilms' tumor and urethral malformation at the age of 7. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines, the novel variant is categorized as pathogenic. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the WT1 variant could produce a truncated WT1 isoform in vitro. CONCLUSIONS A rare heterozygous nonsense WT1 mutant is associated with non-syndromic POI and Wilms' tumor. Our finding characterized another pathogenic WT1 variant, providing insight into genetic counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchen Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qing Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Xi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lingyue Shang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuting Ren
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuncheng Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zixue Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guoqing Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yunzheng Fang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology EducationSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tang S, Li X, Wu X, Gong Y. WT1 suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone-induced progesterone secretion by regulating ERK1/2 pathway in chicken preovulatory granulosa cells. Gene 2021; 812:146097. [PMID: 34902510 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) splicing variants are expressed in mammals, and these variants regulate tumorigenesis and mediate the development of multiple tissues and organs, including gonads. However, WT1 splicing variants (+KTS or -KTS) are expressed in only two nonmammalian vertebrates, and unexpectedly, their functions in chicken ovaries remain elusive. Progesterone (P4) secreted by chicken granulosa cells (GCs) participates in various physiological processes and plays an important role in maintaining reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) on chicken P4 secretion in preovulatory GCs. First, we detected WT1 mRNA expression in GCs from follicles of different developmental stages by Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and found that WT1 mRNA expression was considerably increased in preovulatory GCs compared with prehierarchical GCs. Primary cells collected from preovulatory follicles were treated with WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS) overexpression vectors and subsequently cultured in the absence or presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The mRNA levels of FSH-receptor (FSHR) and steroidogenesis genes were determined by RT-qPCR, and the P4 levels in the cell supernatants were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Both WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) significantly decreased P4 secretion due to a reduction in FSHR, STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels. Western blotting revealed that ERK1/2 and BRAF phosphorylation levels were suppressed after overexpression of WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS), whereas total protein and mRNA levels were not significantly changed. In addition, CREB protein and phosphorylation levels were inhibited after overexpression of WT1(+KTS) or WT1(-KTS). In conclusion, WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS) inhibited CREB protein activity and significantly reduced FSHR, STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels, which subsequently suppressed FSH-induced P4 secretion in preovulatory GCs by modulating ERK1/2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuixin Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
A Novel WT1 Mutation Identified in a 46,XX Testicular/Ovotesticular DSD Patient Results in the Retention of Intron 9. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121248. [PMID: 34943163 PMCID: PMC8698877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Disorders/differences of sexual development are very diverse. Among them is a condition characterized by the presence of testicular tissue in people with female chromosomes, which is typically manifested by male or ambiguous genitalia. While genetic counseling is beneficial for these people and their families, the genetic causes of these cases are only partially understood. We describe a new mutation in the WT1 gene that results in the presence of testicular tissue in a child with a female karyotype. We propose molecular mechanisms disrupted by this mutation. This finding widened our understanding of processes that govern sexual development and can be used to develop diagnostic tests for disorders/differences of sexual development. Abstract The 46,XX testicular DSD (disorder/difference of sexual development) and 46,XX ovotesticular DSD (46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD) phenotypes are caused by genetic rearrangements or point mutations resulting in imbalance between components of the two antagonistic, pro-testicular and pro-ovarian pathways; however, the genetic causes of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD are not fully understood, and molecular diagnosis for many patients with the conditions is unavailable. Only recently few mutations in the WT1 (WT1 transcription factor; 11p13) gene were described in a group of 46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD individuals. The WT1 protein contains a DNA/RNA binding domain consisting of four zinc fingers (ZnF) and a three-amino acid (KTS) motif that is present or absent, as a result of alternative splicing, between ZnF3 and ZnF4 (±KTS isoforms). Here, we present a patient with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD in whom whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo WT1 c.1437A>G mutation within an alternative donor splice site which is used for −KTS WT1 isoform formation. So far, no mutation in this splice site has been identified in any patient group. We demonstrated that the mutation results in the retention of intron 9 in the mature mRNA of the 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD patient. In cases when the erroneous mRNA is translated, exclusively the expression of a truncated WT1 +KTS protein lacking ZnF4 and no −KTS protein occurs from the mutated allele of the patient. We discuss potential mechanisms and pathways which can be disturbed upon two conditions: Absence of Zn4F and altered +KTS/−KTS ratio.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sex Chromosomes and Master Sex-Determining Genes in Turtles and Other Reptiles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111822. [PMID: 34828428 PMCID: PMC8622242 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among tetrapods, the well differentiated heteromorphic sex chromosomes of birds and mammals have been highly investigated and their master sex-determining (MSD) gene, Dmrt1 and SRY, respectively, have been identified. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of reptiles have been the least studied, but the gap with birds and mammals has begun to fill. This review describes our current knowledge of reptilian sex chromosomes at the cytogenetic and molecular level. Most of it arose recently from various studies comparing male to female gene content. This includes restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) experiments in several male and female samples, RNA sequencing and identification of Z- or X-linked genes by male/female comparative transcriptome coverage, and male/female transcriptomic or transcriptome/genome substraction approaches allowing the identification of Y- or W-linked transcripts. A few putative master sex-determining (MSD) genes have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated yet. Lastly, future directions in the field of reptilian sex chromosomes and their MSD gene studies are considered.
Collapse
|
29
|
Tsuji Y, Yamamura T, Nagano C, Horinouchi T, Sakakibara N, Ishiko S, Aoto Y, Rossanti R, Okada E, Tanaka E, Tsugawa K, Okamoto T, Sawai T, Araki Y, Shima Y, Nakanishi K, Nagase H, Matsuo M, Iijima K, Nozu K. Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Frasier Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:2585-2593. [PMID: 34622098 PMCID: PMC8484119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare inherited kidney disease caused by intron 9 splicing variants of WT1. For wild-type WT1, 2 active splice donor sites in intron 9 cause a mixture of 2 essential transcripts (with or without lysine-threonine-serine [+/KTS or −KTS]), and imbalance of the +KTS/−KTS ratio results in the development of FS. To date, 6 causative intron 9 variants have been identified; however, detailed transcript analysis has not yet been conducted and the genotype-phenotype correlation also remains to be elucidated. Methods We conducted an in vitro minigene splicing assay for 6 reported causative variants and in vivo RNA sequencing to determine the +KTS/−KTS ratio using patients’ samples. We also performed a systematic review of reported FS cases with a description of the renal phenotype. Results The in vitro assay revealed that although all mutant alleles produced −KTS transcripts only, the wild-type allele produced both +KTS and −KTS transcripts at a 1:1 ratio. In vivo RNA sequencing showed that patients’ samples with all heterozygous variants produced similar ratios of +KTS to −KTS (1:3.2−1:3.5) and wild-type kidney showed almost a 1:1 ratio (1:0.85). A systematic review of 126 cases clarified that the median age of developing ESKD was 16 years in all FS patients, and there were no statistically significant differences between the genotypes or sex chromosome karyotypes in terms of the renal survival period. Conclusion Our study suggested no differences in splicing pattern or renal survival period among reported intron 9 variants causative of FS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Tsuji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nana Sakakibara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shinya Ishiko
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuya Aoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rini Rossanti
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eri Okada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eriko Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tsugawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Meidicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Sawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Araki
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakanishi
- Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagase
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Locomotion Biology Research Center, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Okashita N, Tachibana M. Transcriptional Regulation of the Y-Linked Mammalian Testis-Determining Gene SRY. Sex Dev 2021; 15:351-359. [PMID: 34583357 DOI: 10.1159/000519217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male sex differentiation is triggered during embryogenesis by the activation of the Y-linked testis-determining gene SRY. Since insufficient or delayed expression of SRY results in XY gonadal sex reversal, accurate regulation of SRY is critical for male development in XY animals. In humans, dysregulation of SRY may cause disorders of sex development. Mouse Sry is the most intensively studied mammalian model of sex determination. Sry expression is controlled in a spatially and temporally stringent manner. Several transcription factors play a key role in sex determination as trans-acting factors for Sry expression. In addition, recent studies have shown that several epigenetic modifications of Sry are involved in sex determination as cis-acting factors for Sry expression. Herein, we review the current understanding of transcription factor- and epigenetic modifier-mediated regulation of SRY/Sry expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okashita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Navarrete P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Role of Alternative Splicing in Sex Determination in Vertebrates. Sex Dev 2021; 15:381-391. [PMID: 34583366 DOI: 10.1159/000519218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of sex determination, a germ-cell-containing undifferentiated gonad is converted into either a male or a female reproductive organ. Both the composition of sex chromosomes and the environment determine sex in vertebrates. It is assumed that transcription level regulation drives this cascade of mechanisms; however, transcription factors can alter gene expression beyond transcription initiation by controlling pre-mRNA splicing and thereby mRNA isoform production. Using the key time window in sex determination and gonad development in mice, it has been reported that new non-transcriptional events, such as alternative splicing, could play a key role in sex determination in mammals. We know the role of key regulatory factors, like WT1(+/-KTS) or FGFR2(b/c) in pre-mRNA splicing and sex determination, indicating that important steps in the vertebrate sex determination process probably operate at a post-transcriptional level. Here, we discuss the role of pre-mRNA splicing regulators in sex determination in vertebrates, focusing on the new RNA-seq data reported from mice fetal gonadal transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mecklenburg N, Kowalczyk I, Witte F, Görne J, Laier A, Mamo TM, Gonschior H, Lehmann M, Richter M, Sporbert A, Purfürst B, Hübner N, Hammes A. Identification of disease-relevant modulators of the SHH pathway in the developing brain. Development 2021; 148:272000. [PMID: 34463328 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic gene variants in humans that affect the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway lead to severe brain malformations with variable penetrance due to unknown modifier genes. To identify such modifiers, we established novel congenic mouse models. LRP2-deficient C57BL/6N mice suffer from heart outflow tract defects and holoprosencephaly caused by impaired SHH activity. These defects are fully rescued on a FVB/N background, indicating a strong influence of modifier genes. Applying comparative transcriptomics, we identified Pttg1 and Ulk4 as candidate modifiers upregulated in the rescue strain. Functional analyses showed that ULK4 and PTTG1, both microtubule-associated proteins, are positive regulators of SHH signaling, rendering the pathway more resilient to disturbances. In addition, we characterized ULK4 and PTTG1 as previously unidentified components of primary cilia in the neuroepithelium. The identification of genes that powerfully modulate the penetrance of genetic disturbances affecting the brain and heart is likely relevant to understanding the variability in human congenital disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Mecklenburg
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Izabela Kowalczyk
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Witte
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica Görne
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alena Laier
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tamrat M Mamo
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Gonschior
- Cellular Imaging, Light Microscopy, Leibniz-Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Cellular Imaging, Light Microscopy, Leibniz-Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Richter
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anje Sporbert
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Purfürst
- Electron microscopy technology platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Hübner
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Hammes
- Disorders of the Nervous System, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Planells B, Gómez-Redondo I, Sánchez JM, McDonald M, Cánovas Á, Lonergan P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Gene expression profiles of bovine genital ridges during sex determination and early differentiation of the gonads†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:38-52. [PMID: 31504197 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most current knowledge of sex determination in mammals has emerged from mouse and human studies. To investigate the molecular regulation of the sex determination process in cattle, we used an RNA sequencing strategy to analyze the transcriptome landscape of male and female bovine fetal gonads collected in vivo at key developmental stages: before, during, and after SRY gene activation on fetal days D35 (bipotential gonad formation), D39 (peak SRY expression), and D43 (early gonad differentiation). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in male vs. female germinal ridges and among group genes showing similar expression profiles during the three periods. There were 143, 96, and 658 DEG between males and female fetuses at D35, D39, and D43, respectively. On D35, genes upregulated in females were enriched in translation, nuclear export, RNA localization, and mRNA splicing events, whereas those upregulated in males were enriched in cell proliferation regulation and male sex determination terms. In time-course experiments, 767 DEGs in males and 545 DEGs in females were identified between D35 vs. D39, and 3157 DEGs in males and 2008 in females were identified between D39 vs. D43. Results highlight unique aspects of sex determination in cattle, such as the expression of several Y chromosome genes (absent in mice and humans) before SRY expression and an abrupt increase in the nuclear expression of SOX10 (instead of SOX9 expression in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm as observed in mice) during male determination and early differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xu C, Mohsin A, Luo Y, Xie L, Peng Y, Wang Q, Ahmed W, Hang H, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Inducing Non-genetically Modified Induced Embryonic Sertoli Cells Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells With Recombinant Protein Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:533543. [PMID: 33585437 PMCID: PMC7875124 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.533543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) possess multiple supporting functions and research value in gonadal development and sex determination. However, the limitation of acquiring quality eSCs had hindered the further application. Herein, we successfully derived non-genetically modified (non-GM)-induced embryonic Sertoli-like cells (eSLCs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with a TM4 cell-derived conditioned medium containing recombinant endogenous protein factors Sry, Sox9, Sf1, Wt1, Gata4, and Dmrt1. These eSLCs were determined through morphology; transcriptional expression levels of stage-specific, epithelial, and mesenchymal marker genes; flow cytometry, immunofluorescence; and immunocytochemistry and functionally determined by coculture with spermatogonia stem cells. Results indicated that these eSLCs performed similarly to eSCs in specific biomarkers and expression of marker genes and supported the maturation of spermatogonia. The study induced eSLCs from mouse ESCs by defined protein factors. However, the inducing efficiency of the non-GM method was still lower than that of the lentiviral transduction method. Thus, this work established a foundation for future production of non-GM eSLCs for clinical applications and fundamental theory research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenze Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qizheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Waqas Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Centre of Processes System, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang X, Meng K, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Lin F, Liu X, Zhang Y, Quan F. Wilms' tumor (WT1) (±KTS) variants decreases the progesterone secretion of bovine ovarian theca cells. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106521. [PMID: 32739762 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor gene WT1 encodes a nuclear transcriptional factor, which has been shown to regulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis in bovine; however, it is not known whether the functions of theca cells are regulated by WT1. Here, we determined the effects of this gene on theca cell proliferation, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis in vitro. In cultured bovine theca cells, the downregulation of WT1 increased the secretion of progesterone but had no effect on proliferation and apoptosis. WT1 includes the variants WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS), which differ by 3 amino acids KTS (lysine, threonine, and serine). WT1(±KTS) upregulation increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of STAR and CYP17A1 and decreased the progesterone secretion and CYP11A1 mRNA expression. In contrast to WT1(+KTS), WT1(-KTS) upregulation also decreased the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD. In both variants, WT1(-KTS) has more obvious effects. In conclusion, WT1 can decrease progesterone secretion, likely due in part to the inhibition of CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - K Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Y Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Y Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - F Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - X Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Y Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - F Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Nishikawa T, Wojciak JM, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. RNA Binding by the KTS Splice Variants of Wilms' Tumor Suppressor Protein WT1. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3889-3901. [PMID: 32955251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor suppressor protein WT1 regulates the expression of multiple genes through binding of the Cys2-His2 zinc finger domain to promoter sites. WT1 has also been proposed to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation, by binding to RNA using the same set of zinc fingers. WT1 has two major splice variants, where the Lys-Thr-Ser (KTS) tripeptide is inserted into the linker between the third and fourth zinc fingers. To obtain insights into the mechanism by which the different WT1 splice variants recognize both DNA and RNA, we have determined the solution structure of the WT1 (-KTS) zinc finger domain in complex with a 29mer stem-loop RNA. Zinc fingers 1-3 bind in a widened major groove favored by the presence of a bulge nucleotide in the double-stranded helical stem. Fingers 2 and 3 make specific contacts with the nucleobases in a conserved AUGG sequence in the helical stem. Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift mapping and relaxation analysis show that fingers 1-3 of the two splice variants (-KTS and +KTS) of WT1 form similar complexes with RNA. Finger 4 of the -KTS isoform interacts weakly with the RNA loop, an interaction that is abrogated in the +KTS isoform, and both isoforms bind with similar affinity to the RNA. In contrast, finger 4 is required for high-affinity binding to DNA and insertion of KTS into the linker of fingers 3 and 4 abrogates DNA binding. While finger 1 is required for RNA binding, it is dispensable for binding to consensus DNA sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadateru Nishikawa
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jonathan M Wojciak
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wineberg Y, Bar-Lev TH, Futorian A, Ben-Haim N, Armon L, Ickowicz D, Oriel S, Bucris E, Yehuda Y, Pode-Shakked N, Gilad S, Benjamin S, Hohenstein P, Dekel B, Urbach A, Kalisky T. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals mRNA Splice Isoform Switching during Kidney Development. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:2278-2291. [PMID: 32651222 PMCID: PMC7609002 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019080770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During mammalian kidney development, nephron progenitors undergo a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and eventually differentiate into the various tubular segments of the nephron. Recently, Drop-seq single-cell RNA sequencing technology for measuring gene expression from thousands of individual cells identified the different cell types in the developing kidney. However, that analysis did not include the additional layer of heterogeneity that alternative mRNA splicing creates. METHODS Full transcript length single-cell RNA sequencing characterized the transcriptomes of 544 individual cells from mouse embryonic kidneys. RESULTS Gene expression levels measured with full transcript length single-cell RNA sequencing identified each cell type. Further analysis comprehensively characterized splice isoform switching during the transition between mesenchymal and epithelial cellular states, which is a key transitional process in kidney development. The study also identified several putative splicing regulators, including the genes Esrp1/2 and Rbfox1/2. CONCLUSIONS Discovery of the sets of genes that are alternatively spliced as the fetal kidney mesenchyme differentiates into tubular epithelium will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive kidney development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yishay Wineberg
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tali Hana Bar-Lev
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anna Futorian
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Nissim Ben-Haim
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Leah Armon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Debby Ickowicz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Sarit Oriel
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Efrat Bucris
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yishai Yehuda
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Naomi Pode-Shakked
- Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomit Gilad
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sima Benjamin
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Dekel
- Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Achia Urbach
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Tomer Kalisky
- Department of Bioengineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li YH, Chen TM, Huang BM, Yang SH, Wu CC, Lin YM, Chuang JI, Tsai SJ, Sun HS. FGF9 is a downstream target of SRY and sufficient to determine male sex fate in ex vivo XX gonad culture. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1300-1313. [PMID: 32886743 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an autocrine/paracrine growth factor that plays critical roles in embryonic and organ developments and is involved in diverse physiological events. Loss of function of FGF9 exhibits male-to-female sex reversal in the transgenic mouse model and gain of FGF9 copy number was found in human 46, XX sex reversal patient with disorders of sex development. These results suggested that FGF9 plays a vital role in male sex development. Nevertheless, how FGF9/Fgf9 expression is regulated during testis determination remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that human and mouse SRY bind to -833 to -821 of human FGF9 and -1010 to -998 of mouse Fgf9, respectively, and control FGF9/Fgf9 mRNA expression. Interestingly, we showed that mouse SRY cooperates with SF1 to regulate Fgf9 expression, whereas human SRY-mediated FGF9 expression is SF1 independent. Furthermore, using an ex vivo gonadal culture system, we showed that FGF9 expression is sufficient to switch cell fate from female to male sex development in 12-16 tail somite XX mouse gonads. Taken together, our findings provide evidence to support the SRY-dependent, fate-determining role of FGF9 in male sex development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Han Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ming Chen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bu-Miin Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Ing Chuang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - H Sunny Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chang LW, Tseng IC, Wang LH, Sun YH. Isoform-specific functions of an evolutionarily conserved 3 bp micro-exon alternatively spliced from another exon in Drosophila homothorax gene. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12783. [PMID: 32732884 PMCID: PMC7392893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69644-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-exons are exons of very small size (usually 3–30 nts). Some micro-exons are alternatively spliced. Their functions, regulation and evolution are largely unknown. Here, we present an example of an alternatively spliced 3 bp micro-exon (micro-Ex8) in the homothorax (hth) gene in Drosophila. Hth is involved in many developmental processes. It contains a MH domain and a TALE-class homeodomain (HD). It binds to another homeodomain Exd via its MH domain to promote the nuclear import of the Hth-Exd complex and serve as a cofactor for Hox proteins. The MH and HD domains in Hth as well as the HTh-Exd interaction are highly conserved in evolution. The alternatively spliced micro-exon lies between the exons encoding the MH and HD domains. We provide clear proof that the micro-Ex8 is produced by alternative splicing from a 48 bp full-length exon 8 (FL-Ex8) and the micro-Ex8 is the first three nt is FL-Ex8. We found that the micro-Ex8 is the ancient form and the 3 + 48 organization of alternatively spliced overlapping exons only emerged in the Schizophora group of Diptera and is absolutely conserved in this group. We then used several strategies to test the in vivo function of the two types of isoforms and found that the micro-Ex8 and FL-Ex8 isoforms have largely overlapping functions but also have non-redundant functions that are tissue-specific, which supports their strong evolutionary conservation. Since the different combinations of protein interaction of Hth with Exd and/or Hox can have different DNA target specificity, our finding of alternatively spliced isoforms adds to the spectrum of structural and functional diversity under developmental regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wen Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Chieh Tseng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Lan-Hsin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Y Henry Sun
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. .,Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
The lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) forms the progenitor cells that constitute the heart and cardiovascular system, blood, kidneys, smooth muscle lineage and limb skeleton in the developing vertebrate embryo. Despite this central role in development and evolution, the LPM remains challenging to study and to delineate, owing to its lineage complexity and lack of a concise genetic definition. Here, we outline the processes that govern LPM specification, organization, its cell fates and the inferred evolutionary trajectories of LPM-derived tissues. Finally, we discuss the development of seemingly disparate organ systems that share a common LPM origin. Summary: The lateral plate mesoderm is the origin of several major cell types and organ systems in the vertebrate body plan. How this mesoderm territory emerges and partitions into its downstream fates provides clues about vertebrate development and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin D Prummel
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.,Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Susan Nieuwenhuize
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.,Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Mosimann
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA .,Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Belluti S, Rigillo G, Imbriano C. Transcription Factors in Cancer: When Alternative Splicing Determines Opposite Cell Fates. Cells 2020; 9:E760. [PMID: 32244895 PMCID: PMC7140685 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a finely regulated mechanism for transcriptome and proteome diversification in eukaryotic cells. Correct balance between AS isoforms takes part in molecular mechanisms that properly define spatiotemporal and tissue specific transcriptional programs in physiological conditions. However, several diseases are associated to or even caused by AS alterations. In particular, multiple AS changes occur in cancer cells and sustain the oncogenic transcriptional program. Transcription factors (TFs) represent a key class of proteins that control gene expression by direct binding to DNA regulatory elements. AS events can generate cancer-associated TF isoforms with altered activity, leading to sustained proliferative signaling, differentiation block and apoptosis resistance, all well-known hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we focus on how AS can produce TFs isoforms with opposite transcriptional activities or antagonistic functions that severely impact on cancer biology. This summary points the attention to the relevance of the analysis of TFs splice variants in cancer, which can allow patients stratification despite the presence of interindividual genetic heterogeneity. Recurrent TFs variants that give advantage to specific cancer types not only open the opportunity to use AS transcripts as clinical biomarkers but also guide the development of new anti-cancer strategies in personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 213/D, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (G.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mizoguchi B, Valenzuela N. Alternative splicing and thermosensitive expression of Dmrt1 during urogenital development in the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8639. [PMID: 32219017 PMCID: PMC7085901 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1) is a highly conserved gene across numerous vertebrates and invertebrates in sequence and function. Small aminoacid changes in Dmrt1 are associated with turnovers in sex determination in reptiles. Dmrt1 is upregulated in males during gonadal development in many species, including the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta, a reptile with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Dmrt1 is reported to play different roles during sex determination and differentiation, yet whether these functions are controlled by distinct Dmrt1 spliceoforms remains unclear. While Dmrt1 isoforms have been characterized in various vertebrates, no study has investigated their existence in any turtle. METHODS We examine the painted turtle to identify novel Dmrt1 isoforms that may be present during urogenital development using PCR, profile their expression by RNA-seq across five embryonic stages at male- and female-producing temperatures, and validate their expression pattern via qPCR with transcript-specific fluorescent probes. RESULTS A novel Dmrt1 spliceoform was discovered for the first time in chelonians, lacking exons 2 and 3 (Dmrt1 ΔEx2Ex3). Dmrt1 canonical and ΔEx2Ex3 transcripts were differentialy expressed by temperature at stages 19 and 22 in developing gonads of painted turtles, after the onset of sex determination, and displayed a significant male-biased expression pattern. This transcriptional pattern differs from studies in other turtles and vertebrates that reported Dmrt1 differential expression before or at the onset of sex determination. This study provides the first insight into Dmrt1 transcriptional diversity in turtles and opens the door for future functional studies of the alternative Dmrt1 transcript uncovered here. CONCLUSIONS The discovery of an isoform in turtles indicate that alternative splicing may be a common feature of Dmrt1 across vertebrates, as isoforms are also found in crocodilians, birds, mammals and fish, and this variation remains unexplained. The relatively late-onset of Dmrt1 expression observed here contrasts with other turtles, indicating that Dmrt1 is not the topmost male sex -determining factor in C. picta. When placed in a phylogenetic context, this discrepancy underscores the divergent regulation of Dmrt1, and of sexual development more generally, across vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Mizoguchi
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tran T, Lindström NO, Ransick A, De Sena Brandine G, Guo Q, Kim AD, Der B, Peti-Peterdi J, Smith AD, Thornton M, Grubbs B, McMahon JA, McMahon AP. In Vivo Developmental Trajectories of Human Podocyte Inform In Vitro Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Podocytes. Dev Cell 2020; 50:102-116.e6. [PMID: 31265809 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The renal corpuscle of the kidney comprises a glomerular vasculature embraced by podocytes and supported by mesangial myofibroblasts, which ensure plasma filtration at the podocyte-generated slit diaphragm. With a spectrum of podocyte-expressed gene mutations causing chronic disease, an enhanced understanding of podocyte development and function to create relevant in vitro podocyte models is a clinical imperative. To characterize podocyte development, scRNA-seq was performed on human fetal kidneys, identifying distinct transcriptional signatures accompanying the differentiation of functional podocytes from progenitors. Interestingly, organoid-generated podocytes exhibited highly similar, progressive transcriptional profiles despite an absence of the vasculature, although abnormal gene expression was pinpointed in late podocytes. On transplantation into mice, organoid-derived podocytes recruited the host vasculature and partially corrected transcriptional profiles. Thus, human podocyte development is mostly intrinsically regulated and vascular interactions refine maturation. These studies support the application of organoid-derived podocytes to model disease and to restore or replace normal kidney functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Tran
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nils O Lindström
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew Ransick
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Guilherme De Sena Brandine
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Qiuyu Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Albert D Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Balint Der
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Janos Peti-Peterdi
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew D Smith
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Matthew Thornton
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Brendan Grubbs
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jill A McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Broad-CIRM Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Okashita N, Kuroki S, Maeda R, Tachibana M. TET2 catalyzes active DNA demethylation of the Sry promoter and enhances its expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13462. [PMID: 31530896 PMCID: PMC6748950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY is the master regulator of male sex determination in eutherian mammals. In mice, Sry expression is transcriptionally and epigenetically controlled in a developmental stage-specific manner. The Sry promoter undergoes demethylation in embryonic gonadal somatic cells at the sex-determining period. However, its molecular mechanism and in vivo significance remain unclear. Here, we report that the Sry promoter is actively demethylated during gonadal development, and TET2 plays a fundamental role in Sry demethylation. Tet2-deficient mice showed absence of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the Sry promoter. Furthermore, Tet2 deficiency diminished Sry expression, indicating that TET2-mediated DNA demethylation regulates Sry expression positively. We previously showed that the deficiency of the H3K9 demethylase Jmjd1a compromises Sry expression and induces male-to-female sex reversal. Tet2 deficiency enhanced the sex reversal phenotype of Jmjd1a-deficient mice. Thus, TET2-mediated active DNA demethylation and JMJD1A-mediated H3K9 demethylation contribute synergistically to sex determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okashita
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.,Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.,Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryo Maeda
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.,Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan. .,Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Meng K, Wang X, He Y, Wang H, Xie X, Zhang Y, Quan F. Evidence that downregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is involved in cortical stromal cell differentiation into theca cells in adult bovine ovaries. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1731-1740. [PMID: 31490589 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bovine theca cells are thought to differentiate from cortical stromal cells, and ovary-derived Wilms' tumor 1+ (WT1+ ) cells are the primary source of mouse theca cells. However, it is not known whether the differentiation of cortical stromal cells is regulated by WT1. Here, we identified WT1 in the cortical stroma and theca layer of the bovine ovary and analyzed the theca cell functional markers in cortical stromal cells and theca cells; in addition, we determined the effects of this gene on the secretion of androstenedione and progesterone by cortical stromal cells and the responsiveness of cortical stromal cells to luteinizing hormone (LH) in vitro. We used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry to discover that the cortical stroma had higher WT1 expression than the theca layer. We used RT-qPCR and ELISA analyses to determine that the cortical stromal cells had lower levels of androstenedione and progesterone secretion and LHR messenger RNA expression than the levels of the theca cells. In cultured bovine cortical stromal cells, we found that WT1 downregulation increased androstenedione and progesterone secretion but had no effect on the LH responsiveness. Notably, the increase in androstenedione and progesterone secretion was associated with an increase in 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression. In conclusion, the results suggest that WT1 is involved in the differentiation of cortical stromal cells into cells with characteristics similar to theca cells of antral follicles in adult bovine ovaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hengqin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaogang Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fusheng Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Yang Y, Wilson MJ. Genome-wide analysis of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications throughout the mouse urogenital ridge at E11.5. GENE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
47
|
Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Baetens D, Verdin H, De Baere E, Cools M. Update on the genetics of differences of sex development (DSD). Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:101271. [PMID: 31005504 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human gonadal development is regulated by the temporospatial expression of many different genes with critical dosage effects. Subsequent sex steroid hormone production requires several consecutive enzymatic steps and functional hormone receptors. Disruption of this complex process can result in atypical sex development and lead to conditions referred to as differences (disorders) of sex development (DSD). With the advent of massively parallel sequencing technologies, in silico protein modeling and innovative tools for the generation of animal models, new genes and pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Here, we provide an overview of the currently known DSD genes and mechanisms involved in the process of gonadal and phenotypical sex development and highlight phenotypic findings that may trigger further diagnostic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Baetens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Verdin
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elfride De Baere
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine Cools
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ungerleider N, Flemington E. SpliceV: analysis and publication quality printing of linear and circular RNA splicing, expression and regulation. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:231. [PMID: 31068132 PMCID: PMC6507234 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-2865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In eukaryotes, most genes code for multiple transcript isoforms that are generated through the complex and tightly regulated process of RNA splicing. Despite arising from identical precursor transcripts, alternatively spliced RNAs can have dramatically different functions. Transcriptome complexity is elevated further by the production of circular RNAs (circRNAs), another class of mature RNA that results from the splicing of a downstream splice donor to an upstream splice acceptor. While there has been a rapid expansion of circRNA catalogs in the last few years through the utilization of next generation sequencing approaches, our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of circular RNA biogenesis, the impact that circRNA generation has on parental transcript processing, and the functions carried out by circular RNAs remains limited. RESULTS Here, we present a visualization and analysis tool, SpliceV, that rapidly plots all relevant forward- and back-splice data, with exon and single nucleotide level coverage information from RNA-seq experiments in a publication quality format. SpliceV also integrates analysis features that assist investigations into splicing regulation and transcript functions through the display of predicted RNA binding protein sites and the configuration of repetitive elements along the primary transcript. CONCLUSIONS SpliceV is an easy-to-use splicing visualization tool, compatible with both Python 2.7 and 3+, and distributed under the GNU Public License. The source code is freely available for download at https://github.com/flemingtonlab/SpliceV and can be installed from PyPI using pip.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ungerleider
- Department of Pathology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Erik Flemington
- Department of Pathology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Stévant I, Nef S. Genetic Control of Gonadal Sex Determination and Development. Trends Genet 2019; 35:346-358. [PMID: 30902461 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination is the process by which the bipotential gonads develop as either testes or ovaries. With two distinct potential outcomes, the gonadal primordium offers a unique model for the study of cell fate specification and how distinct cell populations diverge from multipotent progenitors. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the genetic programs and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gonadal sex determination and the regulation of cell fate commitment in the bipotential gonads. We rely primarily on mouse data to illuminate the complex and dynamic genetic programs controlling cell fate decision and sex-specific cell differentiation during gonadal formation and gonadal sex determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|