1
|
Hu Q, Lian Z, Xia X, Tian H, Li Z. Integrated chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation analysis to reveal the critical epigenetic modification and regulatory mechanism in gonadal differentiation of the sequentially hermaphroditic fish, Monopterus albus. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:73. [PMID: 36539889 PMCID: PMC9764712 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monopterus albus is a hermaphroditic and economically farmed fish that undergoes sex reversal from ovary to testis via ovotestis during gonadal development. The epigenetic changes that are associated with gonadal development in this species remain unclear. METHODS We produced DNA methylome, transcriptome, and chromatin accessibility maps of the key stages of gonad development: ovary, ovotestis, and testis. The expression of the key candidate genes was detected using qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization and the methylation levels were analysed using bisulphite sequencing PCR. Promoter activity and regulation were assessed using dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS Gonadal development exhibits highly dynamic transcriptomic, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility changes. We found that DNA methylation status, especially of the transcription start site, was significantly negatively correlated with gene expression while chromatin accessibility exhibited no correlation with gene expression during gonadal development. The epigenetic signatures revealed many novel regulatory elements and genes involved in sex reversal, which were validated. DNA methylation detection and site mutation of plastin-2 promoter, as a candidate gene, revealed that DNA methylation could impact the binding of transcription factor dmrt1 and foxl2 through methylation and demethylation to regulate plastin-2 expression during gonadal development. CONCLUSIONS These data provide novel insights into epigenetic modification and help elucidate the potential molecular mechanism by which dynamic modification of DNA methylation plays a crucial role in gonadal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomu Hu
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223 China
| | - Zitong Lian
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223 China
| | - Xueping Xia
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223 China
| | - Haifeng Tian
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223 China
| | - Zhong Li
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223 China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erkekoglu P, Özyurt A, Yirün A, Çakır D. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome and phthalate exposure: A review of literature. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-34438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine system and cause adverse effects in biological systems. Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals which are mainly used as plasticizers and classified as endocrine disruptors. They are also used in cosmetic and personal care products as color or smell fixators. Moreover, phthalates are present in inks, adhesives, sealants, automobile parts, tools, toys, carpets, medical tubing and blood storage bags, and food packages. Pathological condition known as "testicular dysgenesis syndrome" (TDS) or "phthalate syndrome" is usually linked to phthalate exposure and is coined to describe the rise in alterations in reproductive health in men, such as reduced semen quality (decrease in sperm counts, sperm motility and increase in abnormal sperms), hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced anogenital distance and early-life testicular cancer. Phthalates are suggested to cause direct effect on gonadal and non-gonadal tissues, impair the differentiation and morphogenesis of seminiferous tubules and accessory sex organs and testicular cells (both Sertoli and Leydig cells), alter estradiol and/or testosterone levels, decrease insulin-like 3 (INSL3) peptide production, impair spermatogenesis and lead to epigenetic alterations, all of which may lead to TDS. This review will mainly focus on phthalates as causes of TDS and their mechanisms of action.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lent EM, Crouse LCB, Jackovitz AM, Carroll EE, Johnson MS. An extended one-generation reproductive toxicity test of 1,2,4-Triazol-5-one (NTO) in rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 79:1159-1178. [PMID: 27754820 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1219893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nitrotriazolone (1,2,4-triazol-5-one; NTO), an insensitive, energetic material used in explosive formulations, induced testicular toxicity and oligospermia in repeated-dose oral toxicity tests in rats. To evaluate whether NTO produces additional reproductive and developmental effects, a modified extended one-generation reproductive toxicity test was conducted. Rats were provided ad libitum access to NTO in drinking water at 0-, 144-, 720-, or 3600-mg/L NTO. Treatment of the parental generation began 2 (females) and 4 (males) wk premating and continued until weaning of litters. Direct dosing of offspring (F1) occurred from weaning through puberty. Pups were counted and weighed on postnatal day (PND) 0/1. Anogenital distance (AGD) was measured on PND 4 and males were examined for presence of nipples on PND 13. F1 offspring were examined daily for attainment of puberty. NTO did not markedly affect measures of fertility, including mating indices, gestation index, litter size, and sex ratio. Seminiferous tubule degeneration or atrophy was observed in P1 and F1 3600-mg/L NTO males. F1 males in the 3600 mg/L group exhibited reduced reproductive organ mass (testes, epididymides, and accessory sex organs). Nipple retention was increased in NTO exposed F1 males compared to controls. Attainment of puberty was delayed by 2.6 d in the 3600-mg/L NTO-exposed males relative to controls. Comparison of the effects of NTO with those of antiandrogens suggests absence of malformations of the genital tract in NTO-exposed males. This study supports previous findings indicating that NTO is a testicular toxicant with male developmental effects that may be secondary to testicular toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily May Lent
- a Toxicology Directorate , U.S. Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland , USA
| | - Lee C B Crouse
- a Toxicology Directorate , U.S. Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland , USA
| | - Allison M Jackovitz
- a Toxicology Directorate , U.S. Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland , USA
| | - Erica E Carroll
- a Toxicology Directorate , U.S. Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland , USA
| | - Mark S Johnson
- a Toxicology Directorate , U.S. Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland , USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martinez-Arguelles DB, Campioli E, Culty M, Zirkin BR, Papadopoulos V. Fetal origin of endocrine dysfunction in the adult: the phthalate model. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 137:5-17. [PMID: 23333934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer with endocrine disrupting properties that is found ubiquitously in the environment as well as in human amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, human milk, semen, and saliva. It is used in the industry to add flexibility to polyvinyl chloride-derived plastics and its wide spread use and presence has resulted in constant human exposure through fetal development and postnatal life. Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between phthalate exposures and human reproductive effects in infant and adult populations. The effects of fetal exposure to phthalates on the male reproductive system were unequivocally shown on animal models, principally rodents, in which short term deleterious reproductive effects are well established. By contrast, information on the long term effects of DEHP in utero exposure on gonadal function are scarce, while its potential effects on other organs are just starting to emerge. The present review focuses on these novel findings, which suggest that DEHP exerts more complex and broader disruptive effects on the endocrine system and metabolism than previously thought. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "CSR 2013".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D B Martinez-Arguelles
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as mediators of phthalate-induced effects in the male and female reproductive tract: epidemiological and experimental evidence. PPAR Res 2011; 2008:359267. [PMID: 18288285 PMCID: PMC2225463 DOI: 10.1155/2008/359267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2007] [Revised: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that male as well as female reproductive function has been declining in human and wildlife populations over the last 40 years. Several factors such as lifestyle or environmental xenobiotics other than genetic factors may play a role in determining adverse effects on reproductive health. Among the environmental xenobiotics phthalates, a family of man-made pollutants are suspected to interfere with the function of the endocrine system and therefore to be endocrine disruptors. The definition of endocrine disruption is today extended to broader endocrine regulations, and includes activation of metabolic sensors, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Toxicological studies have shown that phthalates can activate a subset of PPARs. Here, we analyze the epidemiological and experimental evidence linking phthalate exposure to both PPAR activation and adverse effects on male and female reproductive health.
Collapse
|
6
|
The genetics of sex differences in brain and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:227-46. [PMID: 20951723 PMCID: PMC3030621 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Biological differences between men and women contribute to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Historically, it was argued that such differences were largely, if not exclusively, due to gonadal hormone secretions. However, emerging research has shown that some differences are mediated by mechanisms other than the action of these hormone secretions and in particular by products of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes, which we refer to as direct genetic effects. This paper reviews the evidence for direct genetic effects in behavioral and brain sex differences. We highlight the 'four core genotypes' model and sex differences in the midbrain dopaminergic system, specifically focusing on the role of Sry. We also discuss novel research being done on unique populations including people attracted to the same sex and people with a cross-gender identity. As science continues to advance our understanding of biological sex differences, a new field is emerging that is aimed at better addressing the needs of both sexes: gender-based biology and medicine. Ultimately, the study of the biological basis for sex differences will improve healthcare for both men and women.
Collapse
|
7
|
Valenzuela N. Evolution of the gene network underlying gonadogenesis in turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination. Integr Comp Biol 2008; 48:476-85. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icn031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
8
|
Miqueloto CA, Zorn TM. Characterization and distribution of hyaluronan and the proteoglycans decorin, biglycan and perlecan in the developing embryonic mouse gonad. J Anat 2007; 211:16-25. [PMID: 17543016 PMCID: PMC2375803 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of tissues and organs requires dynamic changes in cells and in extracellular matrix components. It is known that various extracellular matrix molecules are of fundamental importance for gonad differentiation and growth. In the adult testis, the extracellular matrix represents an important component of the interstitium, participating in the transport of biologically active substances needed for the communication between different cellular components, as well as for the regulation of spermatogenesis and hormone production. The present study was designed in order to identify the proteoglycans biglycan, decorin and perlecan, as well as the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, during testis development in mouse embryos. Our data profile the chronology of testis differentiation, as well as the distribution of these extracellular matrix components during testis development in mice. We show that these extracellular matrix molecules are present early in the development of the gonads, suggesting that they play a role in gonad development. In addition, we found no decorin in the testicular cords. Furthermore, of the proteoglycans analysed, only biglycan was seen surrounding immature Sertoli cells and Leydig cell precursors in the testicular cords. This indicates that specific sets of extracellular matrix molecules are required in the various compartments of the developing gonad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Miqueloto
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Extracellular Matrix Biology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bouma GJ, Albrecht KH, Washburn LL, Recknagel AK, Churchill GA, Eicher EM. Gonadal sex reversal in mutantDax1XY mice: a failure to upregulateSox9in pre-Sertoli cells. Development 2005; 132:3045-54. [PMID: 15944188 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor transcription factor Dax1 is hypothesized to play a role in testicular development, although the mechanism of its action is unknown. Here, we present evidence that Dax1 plays an early essential role in fetal testis development. We hypothesize that upregulation of Sox9 expression in precursor somatic cells, a process required for their differentiation as Sertoli cells, depends on the coordinated expression of Dax1, Sry and another gene, Tda1. Our conclusion and model are based on the following experimental findings: (1) presence of a mutant Dax1 allele (Dax1-) results in complete gonadal sex reversal in C57BL/6JEi (B6) XY mice, whereas testes develop in DBA/2J (D2) and(B6×D2)F1 XY mice; (2) B6-DAX1 sex reversal is inherited as a complex trait that includes the chromosome 4 gene Tda1; (3) B6 Dax1-/Y fetal gonads initiate development as ovaries, even though Sry expression is activated at the correct time and at appropriate levels; (4) upregulation of Sox9 does not occur in B6 Dax1-/Y fetal gonads in spite of apparently normal Sryexpression; and (5) overexpression of Sry in B6 Dax1-/Y fetal gonads upregulates Sox9 and corrects testis development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Fisher JS. Environmental anti-androgens and male reproductive health: focus on phthalates and testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Reproduction 2004; 127:305-15. [PMID: 15016950 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The amount of research into endocrine disruption has exploded over the past decade and a re-evaluation of the state of research in this area is timely. There are debates about whether human male reproductive health is really declining and whether endocrine disrupting chemicals play any role in the perceived decline. Most data currently conclude that there are wide geographical variations in semen quality and in the incidence of testicular cancer, cryptorchidism and hypospadias. This review aims to give a brief overview of the issues surrounding the perceived decline in human male reproductive health and the importance of the hormonal environment for the development of the testis and reproductive tract. The consequences for the male reproductive tract of abnormal androgen levels or action are discussed with reference to environmental anti-androgenic compounds. The in vivo data on several anti-androgenic compounds that have been administered to pregnant rodents during the period of male reproductive tract development are assessed with attention to the effects on the male offspring. Finally, the data on in utero phthalate administration are discussed in detail to illustrate the similarities between the effects of some phthalate esters and the human male reproductive tract disorders which comprise testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Fisher
- The University of London, School of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|