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Wei X, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Zhang R, Huang J, Li F, He Y, Lu S, Wu Y, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu C, Liu J, Ao L, Shi F, Chen Q, Lin Y, Du J, Jin G, Xia Y, Ma H, Zheng Y, Huo R, Cao J, Shen H, Hu Z. Inter- and trans-generational impacts of real-world PM 2.5 exposure on male-specific primary hypogonadism. Cell Discov 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 38649348 PMCID: PMC11035589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5, a harmful type of air pollution, has been associated with compromised male reproductive health; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure can elicit transgenerational effects on male fertility. Here, we aim to examine the effect of paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 on the reproductive health of male offspring. We have observed that paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 can lead to transgenerational primary hypogonadism in a sex-selective manner, and we have also confirmed this phenotype by using an external model. Mechanically, we have identified small RNAs (sRNAs) that play a critical role in mediating these transgenerational effects. Specifically, miR6240 and piR016061, which are present in F0 PM sperm, regulate intergenerational transmission by targeting Lhcgr and Nsd1, respectively. We have also uncovered that piR033435 and piR006695 indirectly regulate F1 PM sperm methylation by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of Tet1 mRNA. The reduced expression of Tet1 resulted in hypermethylation of several testosterone synthesis genes, including Lhcgr and Gnas, impaired Leydig cell function and ultimately led to transgenerational primary hypogonadism. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of paternal PM2.5 exposure on reproductive health, highlighting the crucial role played by sRNAs in mediating these effects. The findings underscore the significance of paternal pre-conception interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenzi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Fendereski K, Carey J, Timme K, Hayes K, Robnett J, Schaeffer A. 46 XY undervirulized male DSD: Reporting a patient with prenatally diagnosed disorder/difference of sex development (DSD) with heterozygous LHCGR mutations. Urol Case Rep 2021; 41:101971. [PMID: 34950567 PMCID: PMC8671494 DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2021.101971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cell hypoplasia is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) genes in which 46, XY patients demonstrate a wide spectrum of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) phenotypes ranging from normal female external genitalia in severe subtypes to micropenis or hypospadias in patients with less severe presentations. Although most patients with LHCGR defects are diagnosed at puberty, here we describe the prenatal diagnosis of 46, XY DSD due to two likely pathogenic variants in LHCGR, one of which has never been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA
| | - John Carey
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA.,Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Differences in Sex Development Clinic, USA
| | - Kathleen Timme
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA.,Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Differences in Sex Development Clinic, USA
| | - Katherine Hayes
- Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA.,Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Differences in Sex Development Clinic, USA
| | - Jessica Robnett
- Pediatric Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA.,Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Differences in Sex Development Clinic, USA
| | - Anthony Schaeffer
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA.,Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Differences in Sex Development Clinic, USA
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3
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Cariati F, D'Argenio V, Tomaiuolo R. The evolving role of genetic tests in reproductive medicine. J Transl Med 2019; 17:267. [PMID: 31412890 PMCID: PMC6694655 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is considered a major public health issue, and approximately 1 out of 6 people worldwide suffer from infertility during their reproductive lifespans. Thanks to technological advances, genetic tests are becoming increasingly relevant in reproductive medicine. More genetic tests are required to identify the cause of male and/or female infertility, identify carriers of inherited diseases and plan antenatal testing. Furthermore, genetic tests provide direction toward the most appropriate assisted reproductive techniques. Nevertheless, the use of molecular analysis in this field is still fragmented and cumbersome. The aim of this review is to highlight the conditions in which a genetic evaluation (counselling and testing) plays a role in improving the reproductive outcomes of infertile couples. We conducted a review of the literature, and starting from the observation of specific signs and symptoms, we describe the available molecular tests. To conceive a child, both partners' reproductive systems need to function in a precisely choreographed manner. Hence to treat infertility, it is key to assess both partners. Our results highlight the increasing importance of molecular testing in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rossella Tomaiuolo
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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4
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Syu GD, Wang SC, Ma G, Liu S, Pearce D, Prakash A, Henson B, Weng LC, Ghosh D, Ramos P, Eichinger D, Pino I, Dong X, Xiao J, Wang S, Tao N, Kim KS, Desai PJ, Zhu H. Development and application of a high-content virion display human GPCR array. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1997. [PMID: 31040288 PMCID: PMC6491619 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09938-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) respond to various ligands and stimuli. However, GPCRs rely on membrane for proper folding, making their biochemical properties difficult to study. By displaying GPCRs in viral envelopes, we fabricated a Virion Display (VirD) array containing 315 non-olfactory human GPCRs for functional characterization. Using this array, we found that 10 of 20 anti-GPCR mAbs were ultra-specific. We further demonstrated that those failed in the mAb assays could recognize their canonical ligands, suggesting proper folding. Next, using two peptide ligands on the VirD-GPCR array, we identified expected interactions and novel interactions. Finally, we screened the array with group B Streptococcus, a major cause of neonatal meningitis, and demonstrated that inhibition of a newly identified target, CysLTR1, reduced bacterial penetration both in vitro and in vivo. We believe that the VirD-GPCR array holds great potential for high-throughput screening for small molecule drugs, affinity reagents, and ligand deorphanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Da Syu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Shih-Chin Wang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Guangzhong Ma
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Donna Pearce
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Atish Prakash
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Brandon Henson
- Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Lien-Chun Weng
- Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Devlina Ghosh
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pedro Ramos
- CDI Laboratories, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 00682, USA
| | | | - Ignacio Pino
- CDI Laboratories, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 00682, USA
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Nongjian Tao
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Prashant J Desai
- Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
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5
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Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples, and male factor is responsible for 30%-50% of all infertility. The most severe form of male infertility is testicular failure, and the typical phenotype of testicular failure is severely impaired spermatogenesis resulting in azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Although the etiology of testicular failure remains poorly understood, genetic factor typically is an underlying cause. Modern assisted reproductive techniques have revolutionized the treatment of male factor infertility, allowing biological fatherhood to be achieved by many men who would otherwise have been unable to become father to their children through natural conception. Therefore, identifying genetic abnormalities in male is critical because of the potential risk of transmission of genetic abnormalities to the offspring. Recently, along with other intense researches ongoing, whole-genome approaches have been used increasingly in the genetic studies of male infertility. In this review, we focus on the genetics of testicular failure and provide an update on the advances in the study of genetics of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dolores J Lamb
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Wu JY, McGown IN, Lin L, Achermann JC, Harris M, Cowley DM, Aftimos S, Neville KA, Choong CS, Cotterill AM. A novel NR5A1 variant in an infant with elevated testosterone from an Australasian cohort of 46,XY patients with disorders of sex development. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 78:545-50. [PMID: 22909003 PMCID: PMC3613751 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NR5A1 loss-of-function mutations are increasingly found to be the cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of NR5A1 mutations in an Australasian cohort of 17 46,XY DSD patients with presumed androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) who were negative for androgen receptor gene (AR) mutation. DESIGN Exons 2-7 of NR5A1 were PCR amplified and sequenced. Gene expression and cellular localization studies were performed on a novel NR5A1 variant c.74A>G (p.Y25C) identified in this study. RESULTS We identified one novel mutation, c.74A>G (p.Y25C) in a patient characterized by penoscrotal hypospadias with bifid scrotum. He had elevated testosterone and gonadotropins in early infancy. Functional analysis of p.Y25C in vitro demonstrated reduced transcriptional activation by SF-1 and partially impaired nuclear localization in a proportion of transfected human adrenal NCI-H295R cells. CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of a DSD patient with a NR5A1 mutation and elevated testosterone levels. Our finding supports evaluation of NR5A1 mutations in 46,XY DSD patients with a range of testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Y Wu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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7
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Sun LP, Du QZ, Song YP, Yu JN, Wang SJ, Sang L, Song LW, Yue YM, Lian YZ, Zhang SL, Hua GH, Zhang SJ, Yang LG. Polymorphisms in luteinizing hormone receptor and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone genes and their effects on sperm quality traits in Chinese Holstein bulls. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:7117-23. [PMID: 22327646 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1543-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Genes of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis play a key role in male reproductive performance. This study evaluated the polymorphisms of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) genes and their effects on sperm quality traits including semen volume per ejaculate (VOL), sperm density (SD), fresh sperm motility (FSM), thawed sperm motility (TSM), acrosome integrity rate (AIR), and abnormal sperm rate (ASR) collected from 205 Chinese Hostein bulls. The study bulls consisted of 205 mature Chinese Holstein, 27 Simmental, 28 Charolais, and 14 German yellow cattle. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A883G) in exon 2 of GnRH and two SNPs (A51703G and G51656T) in intron 9 of LHR were identified in 274 bulls. Analysis of variance in 205 Chinese Holstein bulls showed that age had significant effect on both SD and FSM (P < 0.01), and ASR (P < 0.05). With regards to genotype and its interaction with age, only the SNP of G51656T in LHR gene had significant effect on SD (P < 0.05, P < 0.01; respectively). The association result showed that bulls with AG genotype had higher FSM than bulls with AA and GG genotype in LHR at 51,703 locus (P < 0.10), and bulls with GG genotype had higher SD than bulls with TT genotype in LHR at G51656T locus (P < 0.10). Phenotypic correlation among the traits revealed that significant negative correlations were observed between ASR and AIR (r = -0.736, P < 0.01), ASR and AIR (r = -0.500, P < 0.01). There were moderate positive correlations between VOL and SD (r = 0.422, P < 0.01), as well as FSM (r = 0.411, P < 0.01). In conclusion, LHR may be a potential marker for sperm quality of SD and FSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Hubei, Wuhan, China.
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8
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Abstract
Complete testicular descent is a sign of, and a prerequisite for, normal testicular function in adult life. The process of testis descent is dependent on gubernacular growth and reorganization, which is regulated by the Leydig cell hormones insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. Investigation of the role of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin-family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), has contributed substantially to our understanding of the hormonal control of testicular descent. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation, which is seen in 2-9% of newborn boys, and confers an increased risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. Although some cases of isolated cryptorchidism in humans can be ascribed to known genetic defects, such as mutations in INSL3 or RXFP2, the cause of cryptorchidism remains unknown in most patients. Several animal and human studies are currently underway to test the hypothesis that in utero factors, including environmental and maternal lifestyle factors, may be involved in the etiology of cryptorchidism. Overall, the etiology of isolated cryptorchidism seems to be complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and nongenetic components.
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Scott HM, Mason JI, Sharpe RM. Steroidogenesis in the fetal testis and its susceptibility to disruption by exogenous compounds. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:883-925. [PMID: 19887492 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Masculinization depends on adequate production of testosterone by the fetal testis within a specific "masculinization programming window." Disorders resulting from subtle deficiencies in this process are common in humans, and environmental exposures/lifestyle could contribute causally because common therapeutic and environmental compounds can affect steroidogenesis. This evidence derives mainly from rodent studies, but because there are major species differences in regulation of steroidogenesis in the fetal testis, this may not always be a guide to potential effects in the human. In addition to direct study of the effects of compounds on steroidogenesis, information also derives from study of masculinization disorders that result from mutations in genes in pathways regulating steroidogenesis. This review addresses this issue by critically reviewing the comparative timing of production and regulation of steroidogenesis in the fetal testis of humans and of rodents and its susceptibility to disruption; where there is limited information for the fetus, evidence from effects on steroidogenesis in the adult testis is considered. There are a number of fundamental regulatory differences between the human and rodent fetal testis, most notably in the importance of paracrine vs. endocrine drives during masculinization such that inactivating LH receptor mutations block masculinization in humans but not in rodents. Other large differences involve the steroidogenic response to estrogens and GnRH analogs and possibly phthalates, whereas for other compounds there may be differences in sensitivity to disruption (ketoconazole). This comparison identifies steroidogenic targets that are either vulnerable (mitochondrial cholesterol transport, CYP11A, CYP17) or not (cholesterol uptake) to chemical interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M Scott
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Leung MYK, Steinbach PJ, Bear D, Baxendale V, Fechner PY, Rennert OM, Chan WY. Biological effect of a novel mutation in the third leucine-rich repeat of human luteinizing hormone receptor. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:2493-503. [PMID: 16709601 DOI: 10.1210/me.2005-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel heterozygous mutation A340T leading to the substitution of Phe for the conserved amino acid Ile114 was identified by nucleotide sequencing of the human LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHR) of a patient with Leydig cell hypoplasia. This mutation is located in the third leucine-rich repeat in the ectodomain of the hLHR. In vitro expression studies demonstrated that this mutation results in reduced ligand binding and signal transduction of the receptor. Studies of hLHR constructs in which various amino acids were substituted for the conserved Ile114 showed that receptor activity is sensitive to changes in size, shape, and charge of the side chain. A homology model of the wild-type hLHR ectodomain was made, illustrating the packing of conserved hydrophobic side chains in the protein core. Substitution of Ile114 by Phe might disrupt intermolecular contacts between hormone and receptor. This mutation might also affect an LHR-dimer interaction. Thus, the I114F mutation reduces ligand binding and signal transduction by the hLHR, and it is partially responsible for Leydig cell hypoplasia in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yiu-Kwong Leung
- Laboratory of Clinical Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 49, Room 2A08, 49 Convent Drive, MSC 4429, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4429, USA
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11
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Salameh W, Choucair M, Guo TB, Zahed L, Wu SM, Leung MYK, Rennert OM, Chan WY. Leydig cell hypoplasia due to inactivation of luteinizing hormone receptor by a novel homozygous nonsense truncation mutation in the seventh transmembrane domain. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 229:57-64. [PMID: 15607529 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2003] [Revised: 09/27/2004] [Accepted: 09/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the LH receptor are the predominant cause for male pseudohermaphroditism in subjects with Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH). The severity of the mutations, correlates with residual receptor activities. Here, we detail the clinical presentation of one subject with complete male pseudohermaphroditism and LCH. We identify within the proband and her similarly afflicted sibling a homozygous T to G transversion at nucleotide 1836 in exon 11 of the LH/CGR gene. This causes conversion of a tyrosine codon into a stop codon at codon 612 in the seventh transmembrane domain, resulting in a truncated receptor that lacks a cytoplasmic tail. In vitro, in contrast to cells expressing a normal LHR, cells transfected with the mutant cDNA exhibit neither surface binding of radiolabeled hCG nor cAMP generation. In vitro expression under the control of the LHR signal peptide of either a wild type or mutant LHR-GFP fusion protein shows no differences in receptor cellular localization. In conclusion, the in vitro studies suggest that residues in the seventh transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail are important for receptor binding and activation without playing a major role in receptor cellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Salameh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and Research and Education Institute, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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Leung MYK, Al-Muslim O, Wu SM, Aziz A, Inam S, Awadh M, Rennert OM, Chan WY. A novel missense homozygous inactivating mutation in the fourth transmembrane helix of the luteinizing hormone receptor in leydig cell hypoplasia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 130A:146-53. [PMID: 15372531 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.20681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations/inactivating mutations of the human chorionic gonadotropin/luteinizing hormone receptor (hCG/LHR), a G-protein coupled receptor, lead to impaired Leydig cell differentiation. Leydig cell hypoplasia/agenesis/dysplasia (LCH) is one of the causes of male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH). We studied a 19-year-old MPH patient with female phenotype and 46,XY karyotype. Testicular histology and hormonal profile of the patient is typical of LCH. Nucleotide sequencing of exon 11 of hLHR identified a novel T1505C transversion mutation. The mutation is homozygous in the patient and is heterozygous in both parents. The single base mutation caused the substitution of a conserved leucine at 502 position to proline in transmembrane helix (TM) IV of the hLHR. This is the first LCH causing mutation identified in TM IV of the hLHR. Expression study of the mutated hLHR in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells showed reduced cAMP production and ligand binding. Receptor trafficking was not affected by the mutation when the green fluorescence protein conjugated mutated receptor was expressed in HEK293 cells. The mutation caused inactivation of the hLHR and resulted in LCH in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yiu-Kwong Leung
- Section on Developmental Genomics, Laboratory of Clinical Genomics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 50892-4429, USA
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Pastor LM, Sancho S, García N, Badia E, Bassols J. Histochemical study of the interstitial tissue in scrotal and abdominal boar testes. Vet J 2002; 163:68-76. [PMID: 11749138 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the glycosidic content of the interstitial tissue in testes from healthy boars and from unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars using lectin histochemistry. The Leydig cells of healthy boars contained glycans with fucosyl, mannosyl, glucosyl, neuraminic acid and galactosyl residues, which have structural and transport functions, and participate in androgen synthesis and in cell regulation. Unilateral cryptorchidism induced high glucosyl and low galactosyl content in the Leydig cells of scrotal testes, resulting in impaired androgen production. In abdominal testes, the Leydig cells exhibited increased amounts of glucosyl and reduced amounts of galactosyl and neuraminic acid residues, resulting in defective cell regulation and lack of androgen synthesis. In healthy boars, the extracellular glycans contained fucosyl, galactosyl, glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues, which confer viscoelasticity on the interstitial tissue and participate in substrate transport, hormone binding and cell-cell interaction. Unilateral cryptorchidism did not induce anomalies in extracellular glycans in scrotal testes, but unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism resulted in an increased content of fucosyl and galactosyl, and a decreased content of glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues in abdominal testes, leading to reduced viscoelasticity and defective substrate transport across the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, Girona, 17071, Spain.
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