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Danga AK, Kour S, Kumari A, Rath PC. Cell-type specific and differential expression of LINC-RSAS long noncoding RNA declines in the testes during ageing of the rat. Biogerontology 2024; 25:543-566. [PMID: 38353919 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as major regulators of gene expression, chromatin structure, epigenetic changes, post-transcriptional processing of RNAs, translation of mRNAs into proteins as well as contributing to the process of ageing. Ageing is a universal, slow, progressive change in almost all physiological processes of organisms after attaining reproductive maturity and often associated with age-related diseases. Mammalian testes contain various cell-types, vast reservoir of transcriptome complexity, produce haploid male gametes for reproduction and testosterone for development and maintenance of male sexual characters as well as contribute genetic variation to the species. We report age-related decline in expression and cellular localization of Long intergenic noncoding repeat-rich sense-antisense (LINC-RSAS) RNA in the testes and its major cell-types such as primary spermatocytes, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells during ageing of the rat. LINC-RSAS expression in testes increased from immature (4-weeks) to adult (16- and 44-weeks) and declined from adult (44-weeks) to nearly-old (70-weeks) rats. Genomic DNA methylation in the testes showed a similar pattern. Cell-type specific higher expression of LINC-RSAS was observed in primary spermatocytes (pachytene cells), Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of testes of adult rats. Over-expression of LINC-RSAS in cultured human cell lines revealed its possible role in cell-cycle control and apoptosis. We propose that LINC-RSAS expression is involved in molecular physiology of primary spermatocytes, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of adult testes and its decline is associated with diminishing function of testes during ageing of the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Danga
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sukhleen Kour
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Anita Kumari
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pramod C Rath
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Wu SX, Wang GW, Fang YG, Chen YW, Jin YY, Liu XT, Jia GX, Yang QE. Transcriptome analysis reveals dysregulated gene expression networks in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak hybrids. Theriogenology 2023; 203:33-42. [PMID: 36966583 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of yak and taurine cattle, exhibits male sterility with normal female fertility. Spermatogenesis is arrested in adult cattle-yak, and apoptosis is elevated in spermatogenic cells. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these defects remain elusive. Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells that directly interact with spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules and play essential roles in spermatogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate gene expression signatures and potential roles of Sertoli cells in hybrid sterility in cattle-yak. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the 5 mC and 5hmC signals in Sertoli cells of cattle-yaks were significantly different from those of age-matched yaks (P < 0.05). Transcriptome profiling of isolated Sertoli cells identified 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cattle-yaks and yaks. Notably, niche factor glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was upregulated, and genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) biogenesis were changed in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak, suggesting possible impairments of spermatogonial fate decisions. Further studies showed that the numbers of proliferative gonocytes and undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak were significantly higher than those in yak (P < 0.01). Exogenous GDNF significantly promoted the proliferation of UCHL1-positive spermatogonia in yaks. Therefore, we concluded that altered GDNF expression and RA signaling impacted the fate decisions of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak. Together, these findings highlight the role of Sertoli cells and their derived factors in hybrid sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - You-Gui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Agricultural Service Center of Maduo County, Qinghai, 813500, China
| | - Yong-Wei Chen
- Qinghai Headquarter of Animal Husbandry Extension Station, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Yan-Ying Jin
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention of Gangcha County, Qinghai, 812399, China
| | - Xue-Tong Liu
- Shaanxi General Animal Husbandry Station, Xian, Shaanxi, 710010, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China.
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Nicu AT, Medar C, Chifiriuc MC, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Burlibasa L. Epigenetics and Testicular Cancer: Bridging the Gap Between Fundamental Biology and Patient Care. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:861995. [PMID: 35465311 PMCID: PMC9023878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.861995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young males. Most testicular cancers are testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), which are divided into seminomas (SGCTs) and non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). During their development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo epigenetic modifications and any disturbances in their pattern might lead to cancer development. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the epigenetic mechanisms–DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, bivalent marks, non-coding RNA–associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression and response to chemotherapy. Another important purpose of this review is to highlight the recent investigations regarding the identification and development of epigenetic biomarkers as powerful tools for the diagnostic, prognostic and especially for epigenetic-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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UHRF1 establishes crosstalk between somatic and germ cells in male reproduction. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:377. [PMID: 35440090 PMCID: PMC9018721 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSertoli cells (SCs) support and nourish germ cells (GCs) through their crosstalk during spermatogenesis. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism that ensures SCs’ functions in this process remains unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1, a critical epigenetic regulator, is mainly expressed in human and mouse pre-mature SCs, and is essential for establishing Sertoli-Germ cell crosstalk. SC-specific UHRF1 knockout mice exhibit complete sterility with Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation aberrance, blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption, and immature germ cell (GC) sloughing. RNA sequencing and Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) revealed that many extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes (e.g., Timp1, Trf, and Spp1) appeared upregulated with the DNA hypomethylation status in UHRF1-deficient SCs. Strikingly, overexpression of Timp1, Trf, and Spp1 in SCs in vitro and in vivo could phenocopy the SC-specific UHRF1-deficient mice. Our data demonstrated that UHRF1 regulates the transcriptional program of ECM-related genes in SCs and establishes SC-GC crosstalk.
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Deshpande SSS, Nemani H, Balasinor NH. High fat diet-induced- and genetically inherited- obesity differential alters DNA demethylation pathways in the germline of adult male rats. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100532. [PMID: 34246869 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial condition with predominantly genetic and environmental causes and is an emerging risk factor for male infertility/subfertility. Epigenetic mechanisms are vulnerable to genetic and environmental changes. Our earlier studies have shown differential effects of genetically inherited (GIO) - and diet-induced- obesity (DIO) on DNA methylation in male germline. Contrary to DNA methylation is DNA demethylation, which also regulates the gene expression by activating transcription. The present study aimed to delineate the effects of obesity on the DNA demethylation pathway using two rat models: GIO (WNIN/Ob) and DIO (high-fat diet). We observed differential alterations in enzymes involved in DNA demethylation by oxidation (Tet1-3) pathway in testis in both groups. An increase in Tets in DIO group and a decrease in GIO group were noted. Analysis of oxidation pathway intermediates (5-hmC, 5-fC, and 5-caC) did not show any effect on testis in DIO group but an increase in 5-hmC and decrease in 5-caC levels in GIO group was observed. Analysis of transcript levels of enzymes related to deamination pathway in testis showed an increase (Gadd45a, Aicda, and Tdg) in DIO group and a decrease (Gadd45a, Aicda, and Tdg) in GIO group. Also, 5-hmC levels were differentially altered in the spermatozoa of both groups without any changes in Tet enzyme levels. These findings highlight differences in effects of GIO and DIO on DNA demethylation mechanisms in male germline, which could be due to differences in endocrine and metabolic profile as well as white fat distribution observed earlier in two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharvari S S Deshpande
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Harishankar Nemani
- National Institute of Nutrition Animal Facility, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania PO, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Cui L, Gu Y, Liu S, Li M, Ye J, Zhang F, Luo X, Chang WL, Gui Y. TBC1D20 Is Essential for Mouse Blood-Testis Barrier Integrity Through Maintaining the Epithelial Phenotype and Modulating the Maturation of Sertoli Cells. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1443-1454. [PMID: 31994000 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00156-z] [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: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are important for spermatogenesis not only by directly interacting with germ line cells in the seminiferous epithelium but also by constituting the blood-testis barrier (BTB) structure to create a favorable environment for spermatogenesis. Blind sterile (bs) male mice are infertile, with excessive germ cell apoptosis and spermatogenesis arrest. TBC1D20 (TBC1 domain family member 20) deficiency has been identified as the causative mutation in bs mice. However, whether TBC1D20 loss of function also impairs BTB integrity, which further contributes to the failed spermatogenesis of bs male mice, remains unclear. In the present study, biotin tracer assay and transmission electron microscopy showed severely disrupted BTB integrity in bs testes. Compared to the wild-type Sertoli cells, BTB components of cultured bs Sertoli cells in vitro was perturbed with downregulation of E-cadherin, ZO-1, β-catenin, and Claudin 11. The obvious rearrangement of F-actin indicated disrupted epithelial-mesenchymal balance in TBC1D20-deficient Sertoli cells. The ability of bs Sertoli cells to maintain the clone formation of spermatogonia stem cells was also obviously limited. Furthermore, the decreasing of SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box 9) and WT1 (Wilms' tumor 1) and increasing of vimentin in bs Sertoli cells indicated that TBC1D20 loss of function attenuated the differentiation progression of bs Sertoli cells. In summary, TBC1D20 loss of function impedes the maturation of adult Sertoli cells and resulted in impaired BTB integrity, which is further implicated in the infertile phenotype of bs male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Cui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Yanli Gu
- Department of Obstetrics, the People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, 518109, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 10083, China
| | - Minghua Li
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Fanting Zhang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Wen-Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, the People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, 518109, China.
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China.
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Shi DQ, Ali I, Tang J, Yang WC. New Insights into 5hmC DNA Modification: Generation, Distribution and Function. Front Genet 2017; 8:100. [PMID: 28769976 PMCID: PMC5515870 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic DNA modifications, such as methylation/demethylation on cytosine, are major epigenetic mechanisms to modulate gene expression in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In addition to the common methylation on the 5th position of the pyrimidine ring of cytosine (5mC), other types of modifications at the same position, such as 5-hydroxymethyl (5hmC), 5-formyl (5fC), and 5-carboxyl (5caC), are also important. Recently, 5hmC, a product of 5mC demethylation by the Ten-Eleven Translocation family proteins, was shown to regulate many cellular and developmental processes, including the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, neuron development, and tumorigenesis in mammals. Here, we review recent advances on the generation, distribution, and function of 5hmC modification in mammals and discuss its potential roles in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Wei-Cai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
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