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Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
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Abstract
Intercellular communication by Wnt proteins governs many essential processes during development, tissue homeostasis and disease in all metazoans. Many context-dependent effects are initiated in the Wnt-producing cells and depend on the export of lipidated Wnt proteins. Although much focus has been on understanding intracellular Wnt signal transduction, the cellular machinery responsible for Wnt secretion became better understood only recently. After lipid modification by the acyl-transferase Porcupine, Wnt proteins bind their dedicated cargo protein Evi/Wntless for transport and secretion. Evi/Wntless and Porcupine are conserved transmembrane proteins, and their 3D structures were recently determined. In this Review, we summarise studies and structural data highlighting how Wnts are transported from the ER to the plasma membrane, and the role of SNX3-retromer during the recycling of its cargo receptor Evi/Wntless. We also describe the regulation of Wnt export through a post-translational mechanism and review the importance of Wnt secretion for organ development and cancer, and as a future biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Wolf
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Joshi M, Andrabi SW, Yadav RK, Sankhwar SN, Gupta G, Rajender S. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of sperm miRNAs identifies hsa-miR-9-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p and hsa-miR-122-5p as potential biomarkers of male infertility and sperm quality. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:122. [PMID: 35971175 PMCID: PMC9377062 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast with the preceding stages of the germ cells, spermatozoa are unusually rich in small non-coding RNAs in comparison to the coding RNAs. These small RNAs may have had an essential role in the process of spermatogenesis or may have critical roles in the post-fertilization development. Sporadic efforts have identified a few differentially expressed miRNAs in infertile individuals, which do not replicate in other studies. METHODS In order to identify miRNAs signatures of infertility or poor sperm quality, we compared miRNA differential expression data across nine datasets, followed by their analysis by real-time PCR in a case-control study. This was followed by the validation of potential biomarkers in yet another set of cases and controls. For this, total RNA was isolated from 161 sperm samples. miRNA expression levels in infertile cases and fertile controls were measured using TaqMan real-time PCR. Meta-analyses of two miRNAs (hsa-miR-9-3p and hsa-miR-122-5p) were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (version 2). All statistical analyses were performed with the help of GraphPad Prism Software (version 8). RESULTS Literature search identified seven miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-9-3p, hsa-miR-22-5p, has-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-103-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-335-5p) showing consistent dysregulation in infertility across a minimum of four studies. In the discovery phase, six miRNAs showed strong association with infertility with four (hsa-miR-9-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-103-3p and hsa-miR-122-5p) showing consistent differential regulation across all sub-groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under curve of > 0.75 was achieved by three (hsa-mir-9-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p and hsa-miR-122-5p) miRNAs. In the validation phase, these three miRNAs showed consistent association with infertility (hsa-mir-9-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, and hsa-miR-122-5p). Meta-analysis on hsa-miR-122-5p showed its significant quantitative association with infertility [Hedge's g = -2.428, p = 0.001 (Random effects)]. CONCLUSIONS Three miRNAs (hsa-miR-9-3p, hsa-miR-30b-5p and hsa-miR-122-5p) have strong linkage with infertility and a high potential as sperm quality biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | | | | | | | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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Zhang XY, Li TT, Liu YR, Geng SS, Luo AL, Jiang MS, Liang XW, Shang JH, Lu KH, Yang XG. Transcriptome analysis revealed differences in the microenvironment of spermatogonial stem cells in seminiferous tubules between pre-pubertal and adult buffaloes. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:629-641. [PMID: 33492695 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules of buffalo changes with age, which affects the self-renewal and growth of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and the process of spermatogenesis, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. RNA-seq was performed to compare the transcript profiles of pre-pubertal buffalo (PUB) and adult buffalo (ADU) seminiferous tubules. In total, 17,299 genes from PUB and ADU seminiferous tubules identified through RNA-seq, among which 12,271 were expressed in PUB and ADU seminiferous tubules, 4,027 were expressed in only ADU seminiferous tubules, and 956 were expressed in only PUB seminiferous tubules. Of the 17,299 genes, we identified 13,714 genes that had significant differences in expression levels between PUB and ADU through GO enrichment analysis. Among these genes, 5,342 were significantly upregulated and possibly related to the formation or identity of the surface antigen on SSCs during self-renewal; 7,832 genes were significantly downregulated, indicating that genes in PUB seminiferous tubules do not participate in the biological processes of sperm differentiation or formation in this phase compared with those in ADU seminiferous tubules. Subsequently, through the combination with KEGG analysis, we detected enrichment in a number of genes related to the development of spermatogonial stem cells, providing a reference for study of the development mechanism of buffalo spermatogonial stem cells in the future. In conclusion, our data provide detailed information on the mRNA transcriptomes in PUB and ADU seminiferous tubules, revealing the crucial factors involved in maintaining the microenvironment and providing a reference for further in vitro cultivation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,HeNan Provincial People's Hospital, China
| | - Ya-Ru Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Geng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ao-Lin Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ming-Sheng Jiang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xing-Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiang-Hua Shang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Reproduction and Breeding, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Ke-Huan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Gan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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5
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Xue R, Lin W, Sun J, Watanabe M, Xu A, Araki M, Nasu Y, Tang Z, Huang P. The role of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa085. [PMID: 33543289 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that Wnt signaling is deeply involved in male reproductive physiology, and malfunction of the signal path can cause pathological changes in genital organs and sperm cells. These abnormalities are diverse in manifestation and have been constantly found in the knockout models of Wnt studies. Nevertheless, most of the research solely focused on a certain factor in the Wnt pathway, and there are few reports on the overall relation between Wnt signals and male reproductive physiology. In our review, Wnt findings relating to the reproductive system were sought and summarized in terms of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, Wnt intracellular signals and Wnt regulators. By sorting out and integrating relevant functions, as well as underlining the controversies among different reports, our review aims to offer an overview of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Xue
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenfeng Lin
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jingkai Sun
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Masami Watanabe
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Motoo Araki
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Nasu
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Zhengyan Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Okayama Medical Innovation Center, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Cheng J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Wang X, Sun F, Liu Y. Conditional deletion of Wntless in granulosa cells causes impaired corpora lutea formation and subfertility. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:1001-1016. [PMID: 33291079 PMCID: PMC7835029 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WNT proteins are widely expressed in the murine ovaries. WNTLESS is a regulator essential for all WNTs secretion. However, the complexity and overlapping expression of WNT signaling cascades have prevented researchers from elucidating their function in the ovary. Therefore, to determine the overall effect of WNT on ovarian development, we depleted the Wntless gene in oocytes and granulosa cells. Our results indicated no apparent defect in fertility in oocyte-specific Wntless knockout mice. However, granulosa cell (GC) specific Wntless deletion mice were subfertile and recurred miscarriages. Further analysis found that GC-specific Wntless knockout mice had noticeably smaller corpus luteum (CL) in the ovaries than control mice, which is consistent with a significant reduction in luteal cell marker gene expression and a noticeable increase in apoptotic gene expression. Also, the deletion of Wntless in GCs led to a significant decrease in ovarian HCGR and β-Catenin protein levels. In conclusion, Wntless deficient oocytes had no discernible impact on mouse fertility. In contrast, the loss of Wntless in GCs caused subfertility and impaired CL formation due to reduced LHCGR and β-Catenin protein levels, triggering GC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 751400, China
| | - Yinchuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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7
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Deepa S, Senthilkumaran B. Interactive role of Wnt signaling and Zn in regulating testicular function of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Theriogenology 2020; 161:161-175. [PMID: 33333442 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.014] [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: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is conserved among all species and plays a significant role in various cellular processes including reproduction. The present study identified significant involvement of wnt4a, wnt5b, and wnt8a signaling in the testicular growth of common carp,Cyprinus carpio. Predominant expression of wnt4a, wnt5b, and wnt8a was found in the gonads and Wnt4a was localized in spermatocytes and interstitial cells. Ontogeny and testicular phase-wise analysis signified the importance of wnt isofoms analyzed in this study. Specific pathway activation of Wnt signaling revealed that Wnt4a and Wnt5b act through non-canonical while Wnt8a prefers the canonical pathway. The Wnt signaling regulates several steroidogenic enzyme and testis-related genes which was confirmed by the Wnt blockade experiments. Incidentally, zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element involved in the progression of spermatogenesis in teleosts. In adult male carp, a single administration of Zn at different doses elevated the expression of Wnt and Zn transporter genes and a single-dose (30 μg/g body weight [BW]) of Zn treatment elevated steroidogenic enzyme and testis-related genes which coincided with elevated androgens. Conversely, single-dose administration of Zn chelator to the Zn administered (30 μg/g BW) fish reversed the effects emphasizing a prominent role of Zn in the testicular function perhaps through Wnt signaling. Similar effects were observed in the in vitro experiments using the Zn chelator. Bioaccumulation of Zn and histological analysis revealed the importance of Zn in progression of spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Various assays related to cell viability and proliferation exhibited the role of Zn in promoting spermatogenic cell progression. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed Zn-induced elevation of Wnt and Zn transporter genes in germ and supporting cells. Furthermore, the effects of Zn are dose-related in carp. Taken together, it seems wnt4a, wnt5b, and wnt8a play an important role in testis and exposure of Wnt inhibitor, canonical as well as non-canonical activators, and Zn confirmed that Zn regulates Wnt signaling vis-à-vis promoting spermatogenesis in the common carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seetharam Deepa
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India.
| | - Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India.
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8
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Wang YQ, Cheng JM, Wen Q, Tang JX, Li J, Chen SR, Liu YX. An exploration of the role of Sertoli cells on fetal testis development using cell ablation strategy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:223-230. [PMID: 32011766 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are presumed to be the center of testis differentiation because they provide both structural support and biological regulation for spermatogenesis. Previous studies suggest that SCs control germ cell (GC) count and Leydig cell (LC) development in mouse testes. However, the regulatory role of SCs on peritubular myoid (PTM) cell fate in fetal testis has not been clearly reported. Here, we employed Amh-Cre; diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) mouse model to selectively ablate SCs from embryonic day (E) 14.5. Results found that SC ablation in the fetal stage caused the disruption of testis cords and the massive loss of GCs. Furthermore, the number of α-smooth muscle actin-labeled PTM cells was gradually decreased from E14.5 and almost lost at E18.5 in SC ablation testis. Interestingly, some Ki67 and 3β-HSD double-positive fetal LCs could be observed in Amh-Cre; DTA testes at E16.5 and E18.5. Consistent with this phenomenon, the messenger RNA levels of Hsd3b1, Cyp11a1, Lhr, Star and the protein levels of 3β-HSD and P450Scc were significantly elevated by SC ablation. SC ablation appears to induce ectopic proliferation of fetal LCs although the total LC number appeared reduced. Together, these findings bring us a better understanding of SCs' central role in fetal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qing Wen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Safian D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Regulation of spermatogonial development by Fsh: The complementary roles of locally produced Igf and Wnt signaling molecules in adult zebrafish testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113244. [PMID: 31415728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a cellular developmental process characterized by the coordinated proliferation and differentiation activities of somatic and germ cells in order to produce a large number of spermatozoa, the cellular basis of male fertility. Somatic cells in the testis, such as Leydig, peritubular myoid and Sertoli cells, provide structural and metabolic support and contribute to the regulatory microenvironment required for proper germ cell survival and development. The pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) is a major endocrine regulator of vertebrate spermatogenesis, targeting somatic cell functions in the testes. In fish, Fsh regulates Leydig and Sertoli cell functions, such as sex steroid and growth factor production, processes that also control the development of spermatogonia, the germ cell stages at the basis of the spermatogenic process. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms used by Fsh to regulate the development of spermatogonia. This involves discussing the roles of insulin-like growth factor (Igf) 3 and canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. We will also discuss how these locally active regulatory systems interact to maintain testis tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Reproduction and Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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10
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A miR-125b/CSF1-CX3CL1/tumor-associated macrophage recruitment axis controls testicular germ cell tumor growth. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:962. [PMID: 30237497 PMCID: PMC6148032 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor growth is modulated by crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have shown that miRNA dysfunction in tumor cells can modulate the tumor microenvironment to indirectly determine their progression. However, this process is poorly understood in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). We reported here that miR-125b was repressed in TGCT samples by epigenetic modifications rather than genetic alternations. Furthermore, miR-125b overexpression significantly alleviated the tumor growth in two NCCIT human embryonic carcinoma xenograft models in vivo, whereas miR-125b did not stimulate autonomous tumor cell growth in vitro. Notably, forced expression of miR-125b in NCCIT embryonic carcinoma cells decreased the abundance of host tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within tumor microenvironment. Selective deletion of host macrophages by clodronate abolished the anti-tumoral ability of miR-125b in xenograft models. By RNA profiling, Western blot and luciferase reporter assay, we further observed that miR-125b directly regulated tumor cell-derived chemokine CSF1 and CX3CL1, which are known to control the recruitment of TAMs to tumor sites. Lastly, we found that one set of miRNAs, which are under the regulation of miR-125b, might convergently target CSF1/CX3CL1 in NCCIT cells using miRNA profiling. These findings uncover the anticancer effect of miR-125b via mediating tumor-stroma crosstalk in xenograft models of TGCTs and raise the possibility of targeting miR-125b as miRNA therapeutics.
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11
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Safian D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Igf3 activates β-catenin signaling to stimulate spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:245-257. [PMID: 29941503 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) is a major regulator of spermatogenesis, targeting somatic cell functions in the testes. We reported previously that zebrafish Fsh promoted the differentiation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) by stimulating the production of factors that advance germ cell differentiation, such as androgens, insulin-like peptide 3 (Insl3) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3). In addition, Fsh also modulated the transcript levels of several other genes, including some belonging to the Wnt signaling pathway. Here, we evaluated if and how Fsh utilizes part of the canonical Wnt pathway to regulate the development of spermatogonia. We quantified the proliferation activity and relative section areas occupied by Aund and type A differentiating (Adiff) spermatogonia and we analyzed the expression of selected genes in response to recombinant proteins and pharmacological inhibitors. We found that from the three downstream mediators of Fsh activity we examined, Igf3, but not 11-ketotestosterone or Insl3, modulated the transcript levels of two β-catenin sensitive genes (cyclinD1 and axin2). Using a zebrafish β-catenin signaling reporter line, we showed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in type A spermatogonia and that this activation did not depend on the release of Wnt ligands. Pharmacological inhibition of the β-catenin or of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways revealed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in a manner involving PI3K to promote the differentiation of Aund to Adiff spermatogonia. This mechanism represents an intriguing example for a pituitary hormone like Fsh using Igf signaling to recruit the evolutionary conserved, local β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology GroupInstitute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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Wang YQ, Chen SR, Liu YX. Selective deletion of WLS in peritubular myoid cells does not affect spermatogenesis or fertility in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:559-561. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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Cheng JM, Tang JX, Li J, Wang YQ, Wang XX, Zhang Y, Chen SR, Liu YX. Role of WNT signaling in epididymal sperm maturation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:229-236. [PMID: 29152689 PMCID: PMC5845038 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Spermatozoa maturation, a process required for spermatozoa to acquire progressive motility and the ability to fertilize ova, primarily occurs in the caput and corpus of the epididymis. Despite considerable efforts, the factor(s) promoting epididymal sperm maturation remains unclear. Recently, WNT signaling has been implicated in epididymal sperm maturation. METHODS To further investigate WNT signaling function in epididymal sperm maturation, we generated Wntless conditional knockout mice (Wls cKO), Wls flox/flox ; Lcn5-Cre. RESULTS In these mice, WNTLESS (WLS), a conserved membrane protein required for all WNT protein secretion, was specifically disrupted in the principal cells of the caput epididymidis. Immunoblot analysis showed that WLS was significantly reduced in the caput epididymidis of Wls cKO mice. In the caput epididymidis of Wls cKO mice, WNT 10A and WNT 2b, which are typically secreted by the principal cells of the caput epididymis, were not secreted. Interestingly, sperm motility analysis showed that the WLS deficiency in the caput epididymidis had no effect on sperm motility. Moreover, fertility tests showed that Wls cKO male mice had normal fertility. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the disruption of WLS in principal cells of the caput epididymidis inhibits WNT protein secretion but has no effect on sperm motility and male fertility, suggesting that WNT signaling in the caput epididymidis may be dispensable for epididymal sperm maturation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Mei Cheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Qian Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Zhou D, Fu H, Zhang L, Zhang K, Min Y, Xiao L, Lin L, Bastacky SI, Liu Y. Tubule-Derived Wnts Are Required for Fibroblast Activation and Kidney Fibrosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2322-2336. [PMID: 28336721 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016080902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication via Wnt ligands is necessary in regulating embryonic development and has been implicated in CKD. Because Wnt ligands are ubiquitously expressed, the exact cellular source of the Wnts involved in CKD remains undefined. To address this issue, we generated two conditional knockout mouse lines in which Wntless (Wls), a dedicated cargo receptor that is obligatory for Wnt secretion, was selectively ablated in tubular epithelial cells or interstitial fibroblasts. Blockade of Wnt secretion by genetic deletion of Wls in renal tubules markedly inhibited myofibroblast activation and reduced renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction. This effect associated with decreased activation of β-catenin and downstream gene expression and preserved tubular epithelial integrity. In contrast, fibroblast-specific deletion of Wls exhibited little effect on the severity of renal fibrosis after obstructive or ischemia-reperfusion injury. In vitro, incubation of normal rat kidney fibroblasts with tubule-derived Wnts promoted fibroblast proliferation and activation. Furthermore, compared with kidney specimens from patients without CKD, biopsy specimens from patients with CKD also displayed increased expression of multiple Wnt proteins, predominantly in renal tubular epithelium. These results illustrate that tubule-derived Wnts have an essential role in promoting fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis via epithelial-mesenchymal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Lu Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yali Min
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Liangxiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sheldon I Bastacky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; .,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
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Crespo D, Assis LHC, Furmanek T, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Expression profiling identifies Sertoli and Leydig cell genes as Fsh targets in adult zebrafish testis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:237-251. [PMID: 27566230 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are quiescent, undergo self-renewal or differentiating divisions, thereby forming the cellular basis of spermatogenesis. This cellular development is orchestrated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), through the production of Sertoli cell-derived factors, and by Leydig cell-released androgens. Here, we investigate the transcriptional events induced by Fsh in a steroid-independent manner on the restart of zebrafish (Danio rerio) spermatogenesis ex vivo, using testis from adult males where type A spermatogonia were enriched by estrogen treatment in vivo. Under these conditions, RNA sequencing preferentially detected differentially expressed genes in somatic/Sertoli cells. Fsh-stimulated spermatogonial proliferation was accompanied by modulating several signaling systems (i.e. Tgf-β, Hedgehog, Wnt and Notch pathways). In silico protein-protein interaction analysis indicated a role for Hedgehog family members potentially integrating signals from different pathways during fish spermatogenesis. Moreover, Fsh had a marked impact on metabolic genes, such as lactate and fatty acid metabolism, or on Sertoli cell barrier components. Fish Leydig cells express the Fsh receptor and one of the most robust Fsh-responsive genes was insulin-like 3 (insl3), a Leydig cell-derived growth factor. Follow-up work showed that recombinant zebrafish Insl3 mediated pro-differentiation effects of Fsh on spermatogonia in an androgen-independent manner. Our experimental approach allowed focusing on testicular somatic genes in zebrafish and showed that the activity of signaling systems known to be relevant in stem cells was modulated by Fsh, providing promising leads for future work, as exemplified by the studies on Insl3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luiz H C Assis
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Furmanek
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway.
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