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Amiri-Yekta A, Sen S, Hazane-Puch F, Tebbakh C, Roux-Buisson N, Cazin C, Thierry-Mieg N, Bouras A, Mohammad Ali SG, Hosseini SH, Goodarzian M, Gourabi H, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE. Whole genome sequencing identifies a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH segregating with non-obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian family. Clin Genet 2024. [PMID: 38956960 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14584] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) resulting from primary spermatogenic failure represents one of the most severe forms of male infertility, largely because therapeutic options are very limited. Beyond their diagnostic value, genetic tests for NOA also hold prognostic potential. Specifically, genetic diagnosis enables the establishment of genotype-testicular phenotype correlations, which, in some cases, provide a negative predictive value for testicular sperm extraction (TESE), thereby preventing unnecessary surgical procedures. In this study, we employed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate two generations of an Iranian family with NOA and identified a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH (NM_001083965.2: c.562-2A>T). TDRKH encodes a conserved mitochondrial membrane-anchored factor essential for piRNA biogenesis in germ cells. In Tdrkh knockout mice, de-repression of retrotransposons in germ cells leads to spermatogenic arrest and male infertility. Previously, our team reported TDRKH involvement in human NOA cases through the investigation of a North African cohort. This current study marks the second report of TDRKH's role in NOA and human male infertility, underscoring the significance of the piRNA pathway in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, across both studies, we demonstrated that men carrying TDRKH variants, similar to knockout mice, exhibit complete spermatogenic arrest, correlating with failed testicular sperm retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharanya Sen
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Florence Hazane-Puch
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Unit of Molecular Genetics (Hereditary Diseases and Oncology), Grenoble, France
| | - Célia Tebbakh
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Roux-Buisson
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Unit of Molecular Genetics (Hereditary Diseases and Oncology), Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Ahmed Bouras
- Centre Léon Bérard, Laboratory of Constitutional Genetics for Frequent Cancer HCL-CLB, Lyon, France
| | - Sadighi-Gilani Mohammad Ali
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Goodarzian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
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2
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Vrettos N, Oppelt J, Zoch A, Sgourdou P, Yoshida H, Song B, Fink R, O’Carroll D, Mourelatos Z. MIWI N-terminal arginines orchestrate generation of functional pachytene piRNAs and spermiogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6558-6570. [PMID: 38520410 PMCID: PMC11194079 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
N-terminal arginine (NTR) methylation is a conserved feature of PIWI proteins, which are central components of the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. The significance and precise function of PIWI NTR methylation in mammals remains unknown. In mice, PIWI NTRs bind Tudor domain containing proteins (TDRDs) that have essential roles in piRNA biogenesis and the formation of the chromatoid body. Using mouse MIWI (PIWIL1) as paradigm, we demonstrate that the NTRs are essential for spermatogenesis through the regulation of transposons and gene expression. The loss of TDRD5 and TDRKH interaction with MIWI results in attenuation of piRNA amplification. We find that piRNA amplification is necessary for transposon control and for sustaining piRNA levels including select, nonconserved, pachytene piRNAs that target specific mRNAs required for spermatogenesis. Our findings support the notion that the vast majority of pachytene piRNAs are dispensable, acting as self-serving genetic elements that rely for propagation on MIWI piRNA amplification. MIWI-NTRs also mediate interactions with TDRD6 that are necessary for chromatoid body compaction. Furthermore, MIWI-NTRs promote stabilization of spermiogenic transcripts that drive nuclear compaction, which is essential for sperm formation. In summary, the NTRs underpin the diversification of MIWI protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Vrettos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paraskevi Sgourdou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Haruka Yoshida
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ryan Fink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dónal O’Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zissimos Mourelatos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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3
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Guo R, Wu H, Zhu X, Wang G, Hu K, Li K, Geng H, Xu C, Zu C, Gao Y, Tang D, Cao Y, He X. Bi-allelic variants in chromatoid body protein TDRD6 cause spermiogenesis defects and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans. J Med Genet 2024; 61:553-565. [PMID: 38341271 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between the TDRD6 variants and human infertility remains unclear, as only one homozygous missense variant of TDRD6 was found to be associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were employed to identify potential pathogenic variants of TDRD6 in infertile men. Histology, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and ultrastructural analyses were conducted to clarify the structural and functional abnormalities of sperm in mutated patients. Tdrd6-knockout mice were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Total RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analyses were used to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, followed by validation through quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also used to assess the efficacy of clinical treatment. RESULTS Bi-allelic TDRD6 variants were identified in five unrelated Chinese individuals with OAT, including homozygous loss-of-function variants in two consanguineous families. Notably, besides reduced concentrations and impaired motility, a significant occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia was detected in multiple spermatozoa among five patients. Using the Tdrd6-deficient mice, we further elucidate the pivotal role of TDRD6 in spermiogenesis and acrosome identified. In addition, the mislocalisation of crucial chromatoid body components DDX4 (MVH) and UPF1 was also observed in round spermatids from patients harbouring TDRD6 variants. ScRNA-seq analysis of germ cells from a patient with TDRD6 variants revealed that TDRD6 regulates mRNA metabolism processes involved in spermatid differentiation and cytoplasmic translation. CONCLUSION Our findings strongly suggest that TDRD6 plays a conserved role in spermiogenesis and confirms the causal relationship between TDRD6 variants and human OAT. Additionally, this study highlights the unfavourable ICSI outcomes in individuals with bi-allelic TDRD6 variants, providing insights for potential clinical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kaiqin Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chenwan Zu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Piryaei F, Mehta P, Mozdarani H, Hamzehlooy F, Barati M, Piryaei Z, Gilani MAS, Alemi M, Singh R. Testicular piRNA Analysis Identified Dysregulated piRNAs in Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1246-1255. [PMID: 38133767 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has remained idiopathic in a remarkable proportion of all cases. Gonadal expression of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) has been shown to be vital to normal spermatogenesis, as they are expressed in almost all types of testicular germ cells. These molecules and their related Piwi proteins strictly regulate transposable elements' activity and gene expression. We aimed to identify dysregulated piRNAs in idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) testis by global expression analysis. Testis tissue samples from 18 azoospermic patients (ten NOA and eight OA) were studied by small RNA sequencing. To validate high-throughput sequencing data, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions for two differentially altered piRNAs were performed. Bioinformatics analyses were undertaken to identify pathways affected by piRNA dysregulation. In the NOA group, 1328 piRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed, of which 1322 were downregulated and 6 were upregulated. Bioinformatics analysis corroborated the involvement of dysregulated piRNA in spermatogenesis. We also identified 64 clusters of differentially expressed piRNAs, of which 42 clusters had a minimum of ten absolute piRNA hits. Our study suggests that piRNAs show significant dysregulation in infertility. Their target genes play a role in their self-biogenesis, probably by regulating their own production through a feedback mechanism. The downregulated piRNAs may find value as biomarkers for the presence of spermatozoa in the testis of azoospermic individuals, while the upregulated piRNAs are great candidates for further investigation of their precise functions in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Piryaei
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Male Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Hossein Mozdarani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hamzehlooy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Piryaei
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Alemi
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rajender Singh
- Male Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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5
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Wei H, Gao J, Lin DH, Geng R, Liao J, Huang TY, Shang G, Jing J, Fan ZW, Pan D, Yin ZQ, Li T, Liu X, Zhao S, Chen C, Li J, Wang X, Ding D, Liu MF. piRNA loading triggers MIWI translocation from the intermitochondrial cement to chromatoid body during mouse spermatogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2343. [PMID: 38491008 PMCID: PMC10943014 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The intermitochondrial cement (IMC) and chromatoid body (CB) are posited as central sites for piRNA activity in mice, with MIWI initially assembling in the IMC for piRNA processing before translocating to the CB for functional deployment. The regulatory mechanism underpinning MIWI translocation, however, has remained elusive. We unveil that piRNA loading is the trigger for MIWI translocation from the IMC to CB. Mechanistically, piRNA loading facilitates MIWI release from the IMC by weakening its ties with the mitochondria-anchored TDRKH. This, in turn, enables arginine methylation of MIWI, augmenting its binding affinity for TDRD6 and ensuring its integration within the CB. Notably, loss of piRNA-loading ability causes MIWI entrapment in the IMC and its destabilization in male germ cells, leading to defective spermatogenesis and male infertility in mice. Collectively, our findings establish the critical role of piRNA loading in MIWI translocation during spermatogenesis, offering new insights into piRNA biology in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Di-Hang Lin
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaoyang Liao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tian-Yu Huang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guanyi Shang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiongjie Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zong-Wei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Duo Pan
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zi-Qi Yin
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Jinsong Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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6
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Vrettos N, Oppelt J, Zoch A, Sgourdou P, Yoshida H, Song B, Fink R, O’Carroll D, Mourelatos Z. MIWI arginines orchestrate generation of functional pachytene piRNAs and spermiogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.31.573779. [PMID: 38260298 PMCID: PMC10802271 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.31.573779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
N-terminal arginine (NTR) methylation is a conserved feature of PIWI proteins, which are central components of the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. The significance and precise function of PIWI NTR methylation in mammals remains unknown. In mice, PIWI NTRs bind Tudor domain containing proteins (TDRDs) that have essential roles in piRNA biogenesis and the formation of the chromatoid body. Using mouse MIWI (PIWIL1) as paradigm, we demonstrate that the NTRs are essential for spermatogenesis through the regulation of transposons and gene expression. Surprisingly, the loss of TDRD5 and TDRKH interaction with MIWI results in defective piRNA amplification, rather than an expected failure of piRNA biogenesis. We find that piRNA amplification is necessary for both transposon control and for sustaining levels of select, nonconserved, pachytene piRNAs that target specific mRNAs required for spermatogenesis. Our findings support the notion that the vast majority of pachytene piRNAs are dispensable, acting as autonomous genetic elements that rely for propagation on MIWI piRNA amplification. MIWI-NTRs also mediate interactions with TDRD6 that are necessary for chromatoid body compaction. Furthermore, MIWI-NTRs promote stabilization of spermiogenic transcripts that drive nuclear compaction, which is essential for sperm formation. In summary, the NTRs underpin the diversification of MIWI protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Vrettos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences
| | - Paraskevi Sgourdou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Haruka Yoshida
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences
| | - Brian Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ryan Fink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Dónal O’Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zissimos Mourelatos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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7
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Miao J, Wang C, Chen W, Wang Y, Kakasani S, Wang Y. GASZ self-interaction clusters mitochondria into the intermitochondrial cement for proper germ cell development. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgad480. [PMID: 38205030 PMCID: PMC10781510 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial features and activities vary in a cell type- and developmental stage-dependent manner to critically impact cell function and lineage development. Particularly in male germ cells, mitochondria are uniquely clustered into intermitochondrial cement (IMC), an electron-dense granule in the cytoplasm to support proper spermatogenesis. But it remains puzzling how mitochondria assemble into such a stable structure as IMC without limiting membrane during development. Here, we showed that GASZ (germ cell-specific, ankyrin repeat, SAM and basic leucine zipper domain containing protein), a mitochondrion-localized germ cell-specific protein, self-interacted with each other to cluster mitochondria and maintain protein stability for IMC assembling. When the self-interaction of GASZ was disrupted by either deleting its critical interaction motif or using a blocking peptide, the IMC structure was destabilized, which in turn led to impaired spermatogenesis. Notably, the blocked spermatogenesis was reversible once GASZ self-interaction was recovered. Our findings thus reveal a critical mechanism by which mitochondrion-based granules are properly assembled to support germ cell development while providing an alternative strategy for developing nonhormonal male contraceptives by targeting IMC protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junru Miao
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Chuanyun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shalin Kakasani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
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8
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Wei C, Yan X, Mann JM, Geng R, Xie H, Demireva EY, Sun L, Ding D, Chen C. PNLDC1 catalysis and postnatal germline function are required for piRNA trimming, LINE1 silencing, and spermatogenesis in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.26.573375. [PMID: 38234819 PMCID: PMC10793440 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.26.573375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical and conserved roles in transposon silencing and gene regulation in the animal germline. Two distinct piRNA populations are present during mouse spermatogenesis: pre-pachytene piRNAs in fetal/neonatal testes and pachytene piRNAs in adult testes. PNLDC1 is required for both pre-pachytene piRNA and pachytene piRNA 3' end maturation in multiple species. However, whether PNLDC1 is the bona fide piRNA trimmer and the physiological role of 3' trimming of two distinct piRNA populations in spermatogenesis remain unclear. Here, by inactivating Pnldc1 exonuclease activity in vitro and in mice, we reveal that PNLDC1 trimmer activity is required for both pre-pachytene piRNA and pachytene piRNA 3' end trimming and male fertility. Furthermore, conditional inactivation of Pnldc1 in postnatal germ cells causes LINE1 transposon de-repression and spermatogenic arrest in mice. This indicates that pachytene piRNA trimming, but not pre-pachytene piRNA trimming, is essential for mouse germ cell development and transposon silencing. Our findings highlight the potential of inhibiting germline piRNA trimmer activity as a potential means for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Yan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Elena Y. Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
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9
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Wei C, Jing J, Yan X, Mann JM, Geng R, Xie H, Demireva EY, Hess RA, Ding D, Chen C. MIWI N-terminal RG motif promotes efficient pachytene piRNA production and spermatogenesis independent of LINE1 transposon silencing. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011031. [PMID: 37956204 PMCID: PMC10681313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins and their associated piRNAs act to silence transposons and promote gametogenesis. Murine PIWI proteins MIWI, MILI, and MIWI2 have multiple arginine and glycine (RG)-rich motifs at their N-terminal domains. Despite being known as docking sites for the TDRD family proteins, the in vivo regulatory roles for these RG motifs in directing PIWI in piRNA biogenesis and spermatogenesis remain elusive. To investigate the functional significance of RG motifs in mammalian PIWI proteins in vivo, we genetically engineered an arginine to lysine (RK) point mutation of a conserved N-terminal RG motif in MIWI in mice. We show that this tiny MIWI RG motif is indispensable for piRNA biogenesis and male fertility. The RK mutation in the RG motif disrupts MIWI-TDRKH interaction and impairs enrichment of MIWI to the intermitochondrial cement (IMC) for efficient piRNA production. Despite significant overall piRNA level reduction, piRNA trimming and maturation are not affected by the RK mutation. Consequently, MiwiRK mutant mice show chromatoid body malformation, spermatogenic arrest, and male sterility. Surprisingly, LINE1 transposons are effectively silenced in MiwiRK mutant mice, indicating a LINE1-independent cause of germ cell arrest distinctive from Miwi knockout mice. These findings reveal a crucial function of the RG motif in directing PIWI proteins to engage in efficient piRNA production critical for germ cell progression and highlight the functional importance of the PIWI N-terminal motifs in regulating male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jiongjie Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Elena Y. Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
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10
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Carotti E, Carducci F, Barucca M, Canapa A, Biscotti MA. Transposable Elements: Epigenetic Silencing Mechanisms or Modulating Tools for Vertebrate Adaptations? Two Sides of the Same Coin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11591. [PMID: 37511347 PMCID: PMC10380595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements constitute one of the main components of eukaryotic genomes. In vertebrates, they differ in content, typology, and family diversity and played a crucial role in the evolution of this taxon. However, due to their transposition ability, TEs can be responsible for genome instability, and thus silencing mechanisms were evolved to allow the coexistence between TEs and eukaryotic host-coding genes. Several papers are highlighting in TEs the presence of regulatory elements involved in regulating nearby genes in a tissue-specific fashion. This suggests that TEs are not sequences merely to silence; rather, they can be domesticated for the regulation of host-coding gene expression, permitting species adaptation and resilience as well as ensuring human health. This review presents the main silencing mechanisms acting in vertebrates and the importance of exploiting these mechanisms for TE control to rewire gene expression networks, challenging the general view of TEs as threatening elements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Carducci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.C.); (M.A.B.)
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11
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Chukrallah LG, Potgieter S, Chueh L, Snyder EM. Two RNA binding proteins, ADAD2 and RNF17, interact to form a heterogeneous population of novel meiotic germ cell granules with developmentally dependent organelle association. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010519. [PMID: 37428816 PMCID: PMC10359003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male germ cell differentiation relies on complex RNA biogenesis events, many of which occur in non-membrane bound organelles termed RNA germ cell granules that are rich in RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Though known to be required for male germ cell differentiation, we understand little of the relationships between the numerous granule subtypes. ADAD2, a testis specific RBP, is required for normal male fertility and forms a poorly characterized granule in meiotic germ cells. This work aimed to understand the role of ADAD2 granules in male germ cell differentiation by clearly defining their molecular composition and relationship to other granules. Biochemical analyses identified RNF17, a testis specific RBP that forms meiotic male germ cell granules, as an ADAD2-interacting protein. Phenotypic analysis of Adad2 and Rnf17 mutants identified a rare post-meiotic chromatin defect, suggesting shared biological roles. ADAD2 and RNF17 were found to be dependent on one another for granularization and together form a previously unstudied set of germ cell granules. Based on co-localization studies with well-characterized granule RBPs and organelle-specific markers, a subset of the ADAD2-RNF17 granules are found to be associated with the intermitochondrial cement and piRNA biogenesis. In contrast, a second, morphologically distinct population of ADAD2-RNF17 granules co-localized with the translation regulators NANOS1 and PUM1, along with the molecular chaperone PDI. These large granules form a unique funnel-shaped structure that displays distinct protein subdomains and is tightly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Developmental studies suggest the different granule populations represent different phases of a granule maturation process. Lastly, a double Adad2-Rnf17 mutant model suggests the interaction between ADAD2 and RNF17, as opposed to loss of either, is the likely driver of the Adad2 and Rnf17 mutant phenotypes. These findings shed light on the relationship between germ cell granule pools and define new genetic approaches to their study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G. Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sarah Potgieter
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Lisa Chueh
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M. Snyder
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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12
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Mann JM, Wei C, Chen C. How genetic defects in piRNA trimming contribute to male infertility. Andrology 2023; 11:911-917. [PMID: 36263612 PMCID: PMC10115909 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In germ cells, small non-coding PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) work to silence harmful transposons to maintain genomic stability and regulate gene expression to ensure fertility. However, these piRNAs must undergo a series of steps during biogenesis to be properly loaded onto PIWI proteins and reach the correct nucleotide length. This review is focused on what we are learning about a crucial step in this process, piRNA trimming, in which pre-piRNAs are shortened to final lengths of 21-35 nucleotides. Recently, the 3'-5' exonuclease trimmer has been identified in various models as PNLDC1/PARN-1. Mutations of the piRNA trimmers in vivo lead to increased transposon expression, elevated levels of untrimmed pre-piRNAs, decreased piRNA stability, and male infertility. Here, we will discuss the role of piRNA trimmers in piRNA biogenesis and function, describe consequences of piRNA trimmer mutations using mammalian models and human patients, and examine future avenues of piRNA trimming-related study for clinical advancements for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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13
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Chukrallah LG, Snyder EM. Modern tools applied to classic structures: Approaches for mammalian male germ cell RNA granule research. Andrology 2023; 11:872-883. [PMID: 36273399 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13320] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
First reported in the 1800s, germ cell granules are small nonmembrane bound RNA-rich regions of the cytoplasm. These sites of critical RNA processing and storage in the male germ cell are essential for proper differentiation and development and are present in a wide range of species from Caenorhabditis elegans through mammals. Initially characterized by light and electron microscopy, more modern techniques such as immunofluorescence and genetic models have played a major role in expanding our understanding of the composition of these structures. While these methods have given light to potential granule functions, much work remains to be done. The current expansion of imaging technologies and omics-scale analyses to germ cell granule research will drive the field forward considerably. Many of these methods, both current and upcoming, have considerable caveats and limitations that necessitate a holistic approach to the study of germ granules. By combining and balancing different techniques, the field is poised to elucidate the nature of these critical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Snyder
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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14
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Wang Y, Bedford MT. Effectors and effects of arginine methylation. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:725-734. [PMID: 37013969 PMCID: PMC10212539 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a ubiquitous and relatively stable post-translational modification (PTM) that occurs in three types: monomethylarginine (MMA), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). Methylarginine marks are catalyzed by members of the protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) family of enzymes. Substrates for arginine methylation are found in most cellular compartments, with RNA-binding proteins forming the majority of PRMT targets. Arginine methylation often occurs in intrinsically disordered regions of proteins, which impacts biological processes like protein-protein interactions and phase separation, to modulate gene transcription, mRNA splicing and signal transduction. With regards to protein-protein interactions, the major 'readers' of methylarginine marks are Tudor domain-containing proteins, although additional domain types and unique protein folds have also recently been identified as methylarginine readers. Here, we will assess the current 'state-of-the-art' in the arginine methylation reader field. We will focus on the biological functions of the Tudor domain-containing methylarginine readers and address other domains and complexes that sense methylarginine marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Wang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
| | - Mark T. Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, U.S.A
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15
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Kim H, Barua A, Huang L, Zhou T, Bolaji M, Zachariah S, Mitra A, Jung SY, He B, Feng Q. The cancer testis antigen TDRD1 regulates prostate cancer proliferation by associating with the snRNP biogenesis machinery. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02690-x. [PMID: 37041411 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous cancer in American men. TDRD1, a germ cell-specific gene, is erroneously expressed in more than half of prostate tumors, but its role in prostate cancer development remains elusive. In this study, we identified a PRMT5-TDRD1 signaling axis that regulates the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. PRMT5 is a protein arginine methyltransferase essential for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis. Methylation of Sm proteins by PRMT5 is a critical initiation step for assembling snRNPs in the cytoplasm, and the final snRNP assembly takes place in Cajal bodies in the nucleus. By mass spectrum analysis, we found that TDRD1 interacts with multiple subunits of the snRNP biogenesis machinery. In the cytoplasm, TDRD1 interacts with methylated Sm proteins in a PRMT5-dependent manner. In the nucleus, TDRD1 interacts with Coilin, the scaffold protein of Cajal bodies. Ablation of TDRD1 in prostate cancer cells disrupted the integrity of Cajal bodies, affected the snRNP biogenesis, and reduced cell proliferation. Taken together, this study represents the first characterization of TDRD1 functions in prostate cancer development and suggests TDRD1 as a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Kim
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amrita Barua
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luping Huang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tianyi Zhou
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Modupeola Bolaji
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sharon Zachariah
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aroshi Mitra
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin He
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Medicine-Cancer Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Qin Feng
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Chen K, Yang X, Yang D, Huang Y. Spindle-E is essential for gametogenesis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:293-304. [PMID: 35866721 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As a defense mechanism against transposable elements, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway maintains genomic integrity and ensures proper gametogenesis in gonads. Numerous factors are orchestrated to ensure normal operation of the piRNA pathway. Spindle-E (Spn-E) gene was one of the first genes shown to participate in the piRNA pathway. In this study, we performed functional analysis of Spn-E in the model lepidopteran insect, Bombyx mori. Unlike the germline-specific expression pattern observed in Drosophila and mouse, BmSpn-E was ubiquitously expressed in all tissues tested, and it was highly expressed in gonads. Immunofluorescent staining showed that BmSpn-E was localized in both germ cells and somatic cells in ovary and was expressed in spermatocytes in testis. We used a binary transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct BmSpn-E mutants. Loss of BmSpn-E expression caused derepression of transposons in gonads. We also found that mutant gonads were much smaller than wild-type gonads and that the number of germ cells was considerably lower in mutant gonads. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and TUNEL staining revealed that apoptosis was greatly enhanced in mutant gonads. Further, we found that the BmSpn-E mutation impacted gonadal development and gametogenesis at the early larval stage. In summary, our data provided the first evidence that BmSpn-E plays vital roles in gonadal development and gametogenesis in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dehong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Yao Y, Li Y, Zhu X, Zhao C, Yang L, Huang X, Wang L. The emerging role of the piRNA/PIWI complex in respiratory tract diseases. Respir Res 2023; 24:76. [PMID: 36915129 PMCID: PMC10010017 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a class of recently discovered small non-coding RNA molecules with a length of 18-33 nt that interacts with the PIWI protein to form the piRNA/PIWI complex. The PIWI family is a subfamily of Argonaute (AGO) proteins that also contain the AGO family which bind to microRNA (miRNA). Recently studies indicate that piRNAs are not specific to in the mammalian germline, they are also expressed in a tissue-specific manner in a variety of human tissues and participated in various of diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurological, and urinary tract diseases, and are especially prevalent in malignant tumors in these systems. However, the functions and abnormal expression of piRNAs in respiratory tract diseases and their underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss current studies summarizing the biogenetic processes, functions, and emerging roles of piRNAs in respiratory tract diseases, providing a reference value for future piRNA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhu Yao
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaozhe Li
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiayan Zhu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liangxing Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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18
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Feng Q, Kim H, Barua A, Huang L, Bolaji M, Zachariah S, Jung SY, He B, Zhou T, Mitra A. The cancer testis antigen TDRD1 regulates prostate cancer proliferation by associating with snRNP biogenesis machinery. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2035901. [PMID: 36865141 PMCID: PMC9980208 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2035901/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous cancer in American men. TDRD1, a germ cell-specific gene, is erroneously expressed in more than half of prostate tumors, but its role in prostate cancer development remains elusive. In this study, we identified a PRMT5-TDRD1 signaling axis that regulates the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. PRMT5 is a protein arginine methyltransferase essential for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis. Methylation of Sm proteins by PRMT5 is a critical initiation step for assembling snRNPs in the cytoplasm, and the final snRNP assembly takes place in Cajal bodies in the nucleus. By mass spectrum analysis, we found that TDRD1 interacts with multiple subunits of the snRNP biogenesis machinery. In the cytoplasm, TDRD1 interacts with methylated Sm proteins in a PRMT5-dependent manner. In the nucleus, TDRD1 interacts with Coilin, the scaffold protein of Cajal bodies. Ablation of TDRD1 in prostate cancer cells disrupted the integrity of Cajal bodies, affected the snRNP biogenesis, and reduced cell proliferation. Taken together, this study represents the first characterization of TDRD1 functions in prostate cancer development and suggests TDRD1 as a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment.
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19
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Olotu O, Dowling M, Homolka D, Wojtas MN, Tran P, Lehtiniemi T, Da Ros M, Pillai RS, Kotaja N. Intermitochondrial cement (IMC) harbors piRNA biogenesis machinery and exonuclease domain-containing proteins EXD1 and EXD2 in mouse spermatocytes. Andrology 2023; 11:710-723. [PMID: 36624638 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ granules are large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes that emerge in the germline to participate in RNA regulation. The two most prominent germ granules are the intermitochondrial cement (IMC) in meiotic spermatocytes and the chromatoid body (CB) in haploid round spermatids, both functionally linked to the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. AIMS In this study, we clarified the IMC function by identifying proteins that form complexes with a well-known IMC protein PIWIL2/MILI in the mouse testis. RESULTS The PIWIL2 interactome included several proteins with known functions in piRNA biogenesis. We further characterized the expression and localization of two of the identified proteins, Exonuclease 3'-5' domain-containing proteins EXD1 and EXD2, and confirmed their localization to the IMC. We showed that EXD2 interacts with PIWIL2, and that the mutation of Exd2 exonuclease domain in mice induces misregulation of piRNA levels originating from specific pachytene piRNA clusters, but does not disrupt male fertility. CONCLUSION Altogether, this study highlights the central role of the IMC as a platform for piRNA biogenesis, and suggests that EXD1 and EXD2 function in the IMC-mediated RNA regulation in postnatal male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Olotu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mark Dowling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Homolka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena N Wojtas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC), University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Panyi Tran
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tiina Lehtiniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matteo Da Ros
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ramesh S Pillai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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20
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Nagirnaja L, Lopes AM, Charng WL, Miller B, Stakaitis R, Golubickaite I, Stendahl A, Luan T, Friedrich C, Mahyari E, Fadial E, Kasak L, Vigh-Conrad K, Oud MS, Xavier MJ, Cheers SR, James ER, Guo J, Jenkins TG, Riera-Escamilla A, Barros A, Carvalho F, Fernandes S, Gonçalves J, Gurnett CA, Jørgensen N, Jezek D, Jungheim ES, Kliesch S, McLachlan RI, Omurtag KR, Pilatz A, Sandlow JI, Smith J, Eisenberg ML, Hotaling JM, Jarvi KA, Punab M, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Carrell DT, Krausz C, Laan M, O’Bryan MK, Schlegel PN, Tüttelmann F, Veltman JA, Almstrup K, Aston KI, Conrad DF. Diverse monogenic subforms of human spermatogenic failure. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7953. [PMID: 36572685 PMCID: PMC9792524 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35661-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility and typically incurable. Defining the genetic basis of NOA has proven challenging, and the most advanced classification of NOA subforms is not based on genetics, but simple description of testis histology. In this study, we exome-sequenced over 1000 clinically diagnosed NOA cases and identified a plausible recessive Mendelian cause in 20%. We find further support for 21 genes in a 2-stage burden test with 2072 cases and 11,587 fertile controls. The disrupted genes are primarily on the autosomes, enriched for undescribed human "knockouts", and, for the most part, have yet to be linked to a Mendelian trait. Integration with single-cell RNA sequencing data shows that azoospermia genes can be grouped into molecular subforms with synchronized expression patterns, and analogs of these subforms exist in mice. This analysis framework identifies groups of genes with known roles in spermatogenesis but also reveals unrecognized subforms, such as a set of genes expressed across mitotic divisions of differentiating spermatogonia. Our findings highlight NOA as an understudied Mendelian disorder and provide a conceptual structure for organizing the complex genetics of male infertility, which may provide a rational basis for disease classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Nagirnaja
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Alexandra M. Lopes
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Wu-Lin Charng
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Brian Miller
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Rytis Stakaitis
- grid.475435.4Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.475435.4International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.45083.3a0000 0004 0432 6841Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Golubickaite
- grid.475435.4Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.475435.4International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.45083.3a0000 0004 0432 6841Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alexandra Stendahl
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Tianpengcheng Luan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eisa Mahyari
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Eloise Fadial
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Laura Kasak
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katinka Vigh-Conrad
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Manon S. Oud
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Miguel J. Xavier
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Samuel R. Cheers
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Emma R. James
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Timothy G. Jenkins
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- grid.418813.70000 0004 1767 1951Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Molecular Biology Laboratory, Fundació Puigvert, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08025 Spain
| | - Alberto Barros
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Fernandes
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- grid.422270.10000 0001 2287 695XDepartamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal ,grid.10772.330000000121511713Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Christina A. Gurnett
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- grid.475435.4Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.475435.4International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Davor Jezek
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emily S. Jungheim
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Robert I. McLachlan
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Kenan R. Omurtag
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- grid.8664.c0000 0001 2165 8627Clinic for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jay I. Sandlow
- grid.30760.320000 0001 2111 8460Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI USA
| | - James Smith
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Urology, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Michael L. Eisenberg
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - James M. Hotaling
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Keith A. Jarvi
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Margus Punab
- grid.412269.a0000 0001 0585 7044Andrology Center, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- grid.475435.4Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.475435.4International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Douglas T. Carrell
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Csilla Krausz
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maris Laan
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Moira K. O’Bryan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joris A. Veltman
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- grid.475435.4Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.475435.4International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth I. Aston
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
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21
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Stoyko D, Genzor P, Haase AD. Hierarchical length and sequence preferences establish a single major piRNA 3'-end. iScience 2022; 25:104427. [PMID: 35669519 PMCID: PMC9162947 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guard germline genomes against the deleterious action of mobile genetic elements. PiRNAs use extensive base-pairing to recognize their targets and variable 3'ends could change the specificity and efficacy of piRNA silencing. Here, we identify conserved rules that ensure the generation of a single major piRNA 3'end in flies and mice. Our data suggest that the PIWI proteins initially define a short interval on pre-piRNAs that grants access to the ZUC-processor complex. Within this Goldilocks zone, the preference to cut in front of Uridine determines the ultimate processing site. We observe a mouse-specific roadblock that relocates the Goldilocks zone and generates an opportunity for consecutive trimming. Our data reveal a conserved hierarchy between length and sequence preferences that controls the piRNA sequence space. The unanticipated precision of 3'end formation bolsters the emerging understanding that the functional piRNA sequence space is tightly controlled to ensure effective defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stoyko
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pavol Genzor
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Astrid D Haase
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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22
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Carvelli A, Setti A, Desideri F, Galfrè SG, Biscarini S, Santini T, Colantoni A, Peruzzi G, Marzi MJ, Capauto D, Di Angelantonio S, Ballarino M, Nicassio F, Laneve P, Bozzoni I. A multifunctional locus controls motor neuron differentiation through short and long noncoding RNAs. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108918. [PMID: 35698802 PMCID: PMC9251839 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from dividing progenitors to postmitotic motor neurons (MNs) is orchestrated by a series of events, which are mainly studied at the transcriptional level by analyzing the activity of specific programming transcription factors. Here, we identify a post‐transcriptional role of a MN‐specific transcriptional unit (MN2) harboring a lncRNA (lncMN2‐203) and two miRNAs (miR‐325‐3p and miR‐384‐5p) in this transition. Through the use of in vitro mESC differentiation and single‐cell sequencing of CRISPR/Cas9 mutants, we demonstrate that lncMN2‐203 affects MN differentiation by sponging miR‐466i‐5p and upregulating its targets, including several factors involved in neuronal differentiation and function. In parallel, miR‐325‐3p and miR‐384‐5p, co‐transcribed with lncMN2‐203, act by repressing proliferation‐related factors. These findings indicate the functional relevance of the MN2 locus and exemplify additional layers of specificity regulation in MN differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carvelli
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Setti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Desideri
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Giulia Galfrè
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Biscarini
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Colantoni
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Jacopo Marzi
- Center for Genomic Science of Istituto of Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Capauto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Ballarino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Science of Istituto of Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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Temperature sensitivity of DNA double-strand break repair underpins heat-induced meiotic failure in mouse spermatogenesis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:504. [PMID: 35618762 PMCID: PMC9135715 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a heat-vulnerable process that occurs at low temperatures, and elevated testicular temperatures cause male infertility. However, the current reliance on in vivo assays limits their potential to detail temperature dependence and destructive processes. Using ex vivo cultures of mouse testis explants at different controlled temperatures, we found that spermatogenesis failed at multiple steps, showing sharp temperature dependencies. At 38 °C (body core temperature), meiotic prophase I is damaged, showing increased DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and compromised DSB repair. Such damaged spermatocytes cause asynapsis between homologous chromosomes and are eliminated by apoptosis at the meiotic checkpoint. At 37 °C, some spermatocytes survive to the late pachytene stage, retaining high levels of unrepaired DSBs but do not complete meiosis with compromised crossover formation. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms and significance of heat vulnerability in mammalian spermatogenesis.
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24
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Wang X, Gou LT, Liu MF. Noncanonical Functions of PIWIL1/piRNAs in animal male germ cells and human diseases. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:101-108. [PMID: 35403682 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are specifically expressed in animal germlines and play essential roles during gametogenesis in animals. The primary function of PIWI/piRNAs is known to silence transposable elements for protecting genome integrity in animal germlines, while their roles beyond silencing transposons are also documented by us and others. In particular, we show that mouse PIWIL1 (MIWI)/piRNAs play a dual role in regulating protein-coding genes in mouse spermatids through interacting with different protein factors in a developmental stage-dependent manner, including translationally activating a subset of ARE-containing mRNAs in round spermatids and inducing massive mRNA degradation in late spermatids. We further show that MIWI is eliminated through the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway during late spermiogenesis. By exploring the biological function of MIWI ubiquitination by APC/C, we identified ubiquitination-deficient mutations in human PIWIL1 of infertile men and further established their causative role in male infertility in mouse model, supporting PIWIL1 as a human male infertility-relevant gene. Additionally, we reported that PIWIL1, aberrantly induced in human tumors, functions as an oncoprotein in a piRNA-independent manner in cancer cells. In the current review, we summarize our latest findings regarding the roles and mechanisms of PIWIL1 and piRNAs in mouse spermatids and human diseases, and discuss the related works in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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25
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Milani L, Cinelli F, Iannello M, Lazzari M, Franceschini V, Maurizii MG. Immunolocalization of Vasa, PIWI, and TDRKH proteins in male germ cells during spermatogenesis of the teleost fish Poecilia reticulata. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151870. [PMID: 35218995 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasa, PIWI and TDRKH are conserved components of germ granules that in metazoans are involved in germline specification and differentiation, as documented by mutational experiments in some model animals. So far, investigations on PIWI during spermatogenesis of fish has been limited to a few species, and no information is available for TDRKH, another protein involved in the piRNA pathway. In this study, the immunolocalization of these three germline determinants was analyzed in male gonads of the teleost fish Poecilia reticulata to document their localization pattern in the different stages of germ cell differentiation. To analyze their distribution pattern during the different stages of spermatogenesis we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays using primary polyclonal antibodies after testing their specificity with Western Blot. Moreover, sections of testis stained with haematoxylin and eosin clarified the structural organization of P. reticulata testis, while the use of the confocal microscope and the nuclear staining clarified the different stages of germ cell differentiation during spermatogenesis. The results showed that Vasa, PIWI and TDRKH were specifically immunolocalized in the germ cells of P. reticulata, with no specific signal detected in Sertoli cells and in other somatic cells of the gonad. These markers were detected in all stages of differentiation from early spermatogonia to advanced spermatids. Vasa staining was the strongest in spermatogonia, and then decreases throughout differentiation. Instead, both PIWI and TDRKH staining increases during differentiation, and their distribution pattern, similar to what observed in the mouse, suggests their concerted participation in the piRNA pathway also in this fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Milani
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - F Cinelli
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Iannello
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Lazzari
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Franceschini
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M G Maurizii
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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26
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Kherraf ZE, Cazin C, Bouker A, Fourati Ben Mustapha S, Hennebicq S, Septier A, Coutton C, Raymond L, Nouchy M, Thierry-Mieg N, Zouari R, Arnoult C, Ray PF. Whole-exome sequencing improves the diagnosis and care of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:508-517. [PMID: 35172124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and frequent cause of male infertility, often treated by testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The aim of this study is to improve the genetic diagnosis of NOA, by identifying new genes involved in human NOA and to better assess the chances of successful sperm extraction according to the individual's genotype. Exome sequencing was performed on 96 NOA-affected individuals negative for routine genetic tests. Bioinformatics analysis was limited to a panel of 151 genes selected as known causal or candidate genes for NOA. Only highly deleterious homozygous or hemizygous variants were retained as candidates. A likely causal defect was identified in 16 genes in a total of 22 individuals (23%). Six genes had not been described in man (DDX25, HENMT1, MCMDC2, MSH5, REC8, TDRKH) and 10 were previously reported (C14orf39, DMC1, FANCM, GCNA, HFM1, MCM8, MEIOB, PDHA2, TDRD9, TERB1). Seven individuals had defects in genes from piwi or DNA repair pathways, three in genes involved in post-meiotic maturation, and 12 in meiotic processes. Interestingly, all individuals with defects in meiotic genes had an unsuccessful sperm retrieval, indicating that genetic diagnosis prior to TESE could help identify individuals with low or null chances of successful sperm retrieval and thus avoid unsuccessful surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France; Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | - Amine Bouker
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Sylviane Hennebicq
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM laboratoire d'aide à la procréation-CECOS, 38 000 Grenoble, France
| | - Amandine Septier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR5525, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Laure Raymond
- Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | - Marc Nouchy
- Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | | | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France.
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27
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Zhou S, Sakashita A, Yuan S, Namekawa SH. Retrotransposons in the Mammalian Male Germline. Sex Dev 2022:1-19. [PMID: 35231923 DOI: 10.1159/000520683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons are a subset of DNA sequences that constitute a large part of the mammalian genome. They can translocate autonomously or non-autonomously, potentially jeopardizing the heritable germline genome. Retrotransposons coevolved with the host genome, and the germline is the prominent battlefield between retrotransposons and the host genome to maximize their mutual fitness. Host genomes have developed various mechanisms to suppress and control retrotransposons, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), for their own benefit. Thus, rapidly evolved retrotransposons often acquire positive functions, including gene regulation within the germline, conferring reproductive fitness in a species over the course of evolution. The male germline serves as an ideal model to examine the regulation and evolution of retrotransposons, resulting in genomic co-evolution with the host genome. In this review, we summarize and discuss the regulatory mechanisms of retrotransposons, stage-by-stage, during male germ cell development, with a particular focus on mice as an extensively studied mammalian model, highlighting suppression mechanisms and emerging functions of retrotransposons in the male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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28
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Zhang J, Chen S, Liu K. Structural insights into piRNA biogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194799. [PMID: 35182819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Discovered two decades ago, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation, transposon element repression, and antiviral defense. Dysregulation of piRNAs has been noted in diverse human diseases including cancers. Recently, extensive studies have revealed that many more proteins are involved in piRNA biogenesis. This review will summarize the recent progress in piRNA biogenesis and functions, especially the molecular mechanisms by which piRNA biogenesis-related proteins contribute to piRNA processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Sizhuo Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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29
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Hanusek K, Poletajew S, Kryst P, Piekiełko-Witkowska A, Bogusławska J. piRNAs and PIWI Proteins as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers of Genitourinary Cancers. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020186. [PMID: 35204687 PMCID: PMC8869487 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs) are small non-coding RNAs capable of regulation of transposon and gene expression. piRNAs utilise multiple mechanisms to affect gene expression, which makes them potentially more powerful regulators than microRNAs. The mechanisms by which piRNAs regulate transposon and gene expression include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and mRNA degradation. Genitourinary cancers (GC) are a large group of neoplasms that differ by their incidence, clinical course, biology, and prognosis for patients. Regardless of the GC type, metastatic disease remains a key therapeutic challenge, largely affecting patients’ survival rates. Recent studies indicate that piRNAs could serve as potentially useful biomarkers allowing for early cancer detection and therapeutic interventions at the stage of non-advanced tumour, improving patient’s outcomes. Furthermore, studies in prostate cancer show that piRNAs contribute to cancer progression by affecting key oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/AKT. Here, we discuss recent findings on biogenesis, mechanisms of action and the role of piRNAs and the associated PIWI proteins in GC. We also present tools that may be useful for studies on the functioning of piRNAs in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Hanusek
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Poletajew
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, II Department of Urology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (S.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Piotr Kryst
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, II Department of Urology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (S.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Piekiełko-Witkowska
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.P.-W.); (J.B.)
| | - Joanna Bogusławska
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.P.-W.); (J.B.)
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30
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Saritas G, Main AM, Winge SB, Mørup N, Almstrup K. PIWI-interacting RNAs and human testicular function. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1572. [PMID: 35852002 PMCID: PMC9788060 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are pieces of RNA with a length below 200 bp and represent a diverse group of RNAs having many different biological functions. The best described subtype is the microRNAs which primarily function in posttranscriptional gene regulation and appear essential for most physiological processes. Of particular interest for the germline is the PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) which are a class of sncRNA of 21-35 bp in length that are almost exclusively found in germ cells. Recently, it has become clear that piRNAs are essential for testicular function, and in this perspective, we outline the current knowledge of piRNAs in humans. Although piRNAs appear unique to germ cells, they have also been described in various somatic cancers and biofluids. Here, we discuss the potential function of piRNAs in somatic tissues and whether detection in biofluids may be used as a biomarker for testicular function. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülizar Saritas
- The Department of Growth and ReproductionCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ailsa Maria Main
- The Department of Growth and ReproductionCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Sofia Boeg Winge
- The Department of Growth and ReproductionCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Nina Mørup
- The Department of Growth and ReproductionCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC)CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- The Department of Growth and ReproductionCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC)CopenhagenDenmark,The Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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31
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Small Noncoding RNAs in Reproduction and Infertility. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121884. [PMID: 34944700 PMCID: PMC8698561 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been reported as one of the most common reproductive impairments, affecting nearly one in six couples worldwide. A large proportion of infertility cases are diagnosed as idiopathic, signifying a deficit in information surrounding the pathology of infertility and necessity of medical intervention such as assisted reproductive therapy. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are well-established regulators of mammalian reproduction. Advanced technologies have revealed the dynamic expression and diverse functions of sncRNAs during mammalian germ cell development. Mounting evidence indicates sncRNAs in sperm, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are sensitive to environmental changes and mediate the inheritance of paternally acquired metabolic and mental traits. Here, we review the critical roles of sncRNAs in mammalian germ cell development. Furthermore, we highlight the functions of sperm-borne sncRNAs in epigenetic inheritance. We also discuss evidence supporting sncRNAs as promising biomarkers for fertility and embryo quality in addition to the present limitations of using sncRNAs for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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32
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Ikhlas S, Usman A, Kim D, Cai D. Exosomes/microvesicles target SARS-CoV-2 via innate and RNA-induced immunity with PIWI-piRNA system. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 5:5/3/e202101240. [PMID: 34862272 PMCID: PMC8645330 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine neural stem cell exosomes/microvesicles can work to reduce SARS-CoV-2, an effect that can be adaptively enhanced via viral RNA fragment stimulation, which requires the PIWI-piRNA system. Murine neural stem cells (NSCs) were recently shown to release piRNA-containing exosomes/microvesicles (Ex/Mv) for exerting antiviral immunity, but it remains unknown if these Ex/Mv could target SARS-CoV-2 and whether the PIWI-piRNA system is important for these antiviral actions. Here, using in vitro infection models, we show that hypothalamic NSCs (htNSCs) Ex/Mv provided an innate immunity protection against SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, enhanced antiviral actions were achieved by using induced Ex/Mv that were derived from induced htNSCs through twice being exposed to several RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2 genome, a process that was designed not to involve protein translation of these RNA fragments. The increased antiviral effects of these induced Ex/Mv were associated with increased expression of piRNA species some of which could predictably target SARS-CoV-2 genome. Knockout of piRNA-interacting protein PIWIL2 in htNSCs led to reductions in both innate and induced antiviral effects of Ex/Mv in targeting SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, this study demonstrates a case suggesting Ex/Mv from certain cell types have innate and adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2, and the PIWI-piRNA system is important for these antiviral actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoeb Ikhlas
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Afia Usman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Dongkyeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Dongsheng Cai
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA .,Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
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33
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Gainetdinov I, Colpan C, Cecchini K, Arif A, Jouravleva K, Albosta P, Vega-Badillo J, Lee Y, Özata DM, Zamore PD. Terminal modification, sequence, length, and PIWI-protein identity determine piRNA stability. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4826-4842.e8. [PMID: 34626567 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In animals, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) silence transposons, fight viral infections, and regulate gene expression. piRNA biogenesis concludes with 3' terminal trimming and 2'-O-methylation. Both trimming and methylation influence piRNA stability. Our biochemical data show that multiple mechanisms destabilize unmethylated mouse piRNAs, depending on whether the piRNA 5' or 3' sequence is complementary to a trigger RNA. Unlike target-directed degradation of microRNAs, complementarity-dependent destabilization of piRNAs in mice and flies is blocked by 3' terminal 2'-O-methylation and does not require base pairing to both the piRNA seed and the 3' sequence. In flies, 2'-O-methylation also protects small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from complementarity-dependent destruction. By contrast, pre-piRNA trimming protects mouse piRNAs from a degradation pathway unaffected by trigger complementarity. In testis lysate and in vivo, internal or 3' terminal uridine- or guanine-rich tracts accelerate pre-piRNA decay. Loss of both trimming and 2'-O-methylation causes the mouse piRNA pathway to collapse, demonstrating that these modifications collaborate to stabilize piRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildar Gainetdinov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Cansu Colpan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Katharine Cecchini
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Amena Arif
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karina Jouravleva
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Paul Albosta
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Badillo
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yongjin Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Deniz M Özata
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Phillip D Zamore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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34
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The birth of piRNAs: how mammalian piRNAs are produced, originated, and evolved. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:293-311. [PMID: 34724117 PMCID: PMC9114089 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09927-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small noncoding RNAs 24–35 nucleotides long, are essential for animal fertility. They play critical roles in a range of functions, including transposable element suppression, gene expression regulation, imprinting, and viral defense. In mammals, piRNAs are the most abundant small RNAs in adult testes and the only small RNAs that direct epigenetic modification of chromatin in the nucleus. The production of piRNAs is a complex process from transcription to post-transcription, requiring unique machinery often distinct from the biogenesis of other RNAs. In mice, piRNA biogenesis occurs in specialized subcellular locations, involves dynamic developmental regulation, and displays sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, the genomic loci and sequences of piRNAs evolve much more rapidly than most of the genomic regions. Understanding piRNA biogenesis should reveal novel RNA regulations recognizing and processing piRNA precursors and the forces driving the gain and loss of piRNAs during animal evolution. Such findings may provide the basis for the development of engineered piRNAs capable of modulating epigenetic regulation, thereby offering possible single-dose RNA therapy without changing the genomic DNA. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis of piRNAs in mammalian adult testes that are derived from long non-coding RNAs. Although piRNA biogenesis is believed to be evolutionarily conserved from fruit flies to humans, recent studies argue for the existence of diverse, mammalian-specific RNA-processing pathways that convert precursor RNAs into piRNAs, perhaps associated with the unique features of mammalian piRNAs or germ cell development. We end with the discussion of major questions in the field, including substrate recognition and the birth of new piRNAs.
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35
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Kojima-Kita K, Kuramochi-Miyagawa S, Nakayama M, Miyata H, Jacobsen SE, Ikawa M, Koseki H, Nakano T. MORC3, a novel MIWI2 association partner, as an epigenetic regulator of piRNA dependent transposon silencing in male germ cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20472. [PMID: 34650118 PMCID: PMC8516955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98940-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The PIWI (P-element-induced wimpy testis)-interacting-RNA (piRNA) pathway plays a crucial role in the repression of TE (transposable element) expression via de novo DNA methylation in mouse embryonic male germ cells. Various proteins, including MIWI2 are involved in the process. TE silencing is ensured by piRNA-guided MIWI2 that recruits some effector proteins of the DNA methylation machinery to TE regions. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the methylation is complex and has not been fully elucidated. Here, we identified MORC3 as a novel associating partner of MIWI2 and also a nuclear effector of retrotransposon silencing via piRNA-dependent de novo DNA methylation in embryonic testis. Moreover, we show that MORC3 is important for transcription of piRNA precursors and subsequently affects piRNA production. Thus, we provide the first mechanistic insights into the role of this effector protein in the first stage of piRNA biogenesis in embryonic TE silencing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Kojima-Kita
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 2-2 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Satomi Kuramochi-Miyagawa
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 2-2 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 2-2 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Manabu Nakayama
- Laboratory of Medical Omics Research, Department of Frontier Research and Development, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 3-1 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 3-1 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toru Nakano
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 2-2 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Yamada-oka 2-2 Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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36
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Coupled protein synthesis and ribosome-guided piRNA processing on mRNAs. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5970. [PMID: 34645830 PMCID: PMC8514520 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting small RNAs (piRNAs) protect the germline genome and are essential for fertility. piRNAs originate from transposable element (TE) RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, or 3´ untranslated regions (3´UTRs) of protein-coding messenger genes, with the last being the least characterized of the three piRNA classes. Here, we demonstrate that the precursors of 3´UTR piRNAs are full-length mRNAs and that post-termination 80S ribosomes guide piRNA production on 3´UTRs in mice and chickens. At the pachytene stage, when other co-translational RNA surveillance pathways are sequestered, piRNA biogenesis degrades mRNAs right after pioneer rounds of translation and fine-tunes protein production from mRNAs. Although 3´UTR piRNA precursor mRNAs code for distinct proteins in mice and chickens, they all harbor embedded TEs and produce piRNAs that cleave TEs. Altogether, we discover a function of the piRNA pathway in fine-tuning protein production and reveal a conserved piRNA biogenesis mechanism that recognizes translating RNAs in amniotes.
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Factors Regulating the Activity of LINE1 Retrotransposons. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101562. [PMID: 34680956 PMCID: PMC8535693 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
LINE-1 (L1) is a class of autonomous mobile genetic elements that form somatic mosaicisms in various tissues of the organism. The activity of L1 retrotransposons is strictly controlled by many factors in somatic and germ cells at all stages of ontogenesis. Alteration of L1 activity was noted in a number of diseases: in neuropsychiatric and autoimmune diseases, as well as in various forms of cancer. Altered activity of L1 retrotransposons for some pathologies is associated with epigenetic changes and defects in the genes involved in their repression. This review discusses the molecular genetic mechanisms of the retrotransposition and regulation of the activity of L1 elements. The contribution of various factors controlling the expression and distribution of L1 elements in the genome occurs at all stages of the retrotransposition. The regulation of L1 elements at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and integration into the genome stages is described in detail. Finally, this review also focuses on the evolutionary aspects of L1 accumulation and their interplay with the host regulation system.
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Lite C, Sridhar VV, Sriram S, Juliet M, Arshad A, Arockiaraj J. Functional role of piRNAs in animal models and its prospects in aquaculture. REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE 2021; 13:2038-2052. [DOI: 10.1111/raq.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe recent advances in the field of aquaculture over the last decade has helped the cultured‐fish industry production sector to identify problems and choose the best approaches to achieve high‐volume production. Understanding the emerging roles of non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) in the regulation of fish physiology and health will assist in gaining knowledge on the possible applications of ncRNAs for the advancement of aquaculture. There is information available on the practical considerations of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification and ncRNAs, such as microRNA in aquaculture, for both fish and shellfish. Among the non‐coding RNAs, PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) is 24–31 bp long transcripts, which is primarily involved in silencing the germline transposons. Besides, the burgeoning reports and studies establish piRNAs' role in various aspects of biology. Till date, there are no reviews that summarize the recent findings available on piRNAs in animal models, especially on piRNAs biogenesis and biological action. To gain a better understanding and get an overview on the process of piRNA genesis among the different animals, this work reviews the literature available on the processes of piRNA biogenesis in animal models with special reference to aquatic animal model zebrafish. This review also presents a short discussion and prospects of piRNA’s application in relevance to the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Lite
- Endocrine and Exposome (E2) Laboratory Department of Zoology Madras Christian College Chennai India
| | - Vasisht Varsh Sridhar
- Department of Biotechnology School of Bioengineering SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India
| | - Swati Sriram
- Department of Biotechnology School of Bioengineering SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India
| | - Melita Juliet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery SRM Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India
| | - Aziz Arshad
- International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (I‐AQUAS) Universiti Putra Malaysia Port Dickson Malaysia
- Department of Aquaculture Faculty of Agriculture Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang Malaysia
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- SRM Research Institute SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India
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Pastore B, Hertz HL, Price IF, Tang W. pre-piRNA trimming and 2'-O-methylation protect piRNAs from 3' tailing and degradation in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109640. [PMID: 34469728 PMCID: PMC8459939 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway suppresses transposable elements and promotes fertility in diverse organisms. Maturation of piRNAs involves pre-piRNA trimming followed by 2'-O-methylation at their 3' termini. Here, we report that the 3' termini of Caenorhabditis elegans piRNAs are subject to nontemplated nucleotide addition, and piRNAs with 3' addition exhibit extensive base-pairing interaction with their target RNAs. Animals deficient for PARN-1 (pre-piRNA trimmer) and HENN-1 (2'-O-methyltransferase) accumulate piRNAs with 3' nontemplated nucleotides. In henn-1 mutants, piRNAs are shortened prior to 3' addition, whereas long isoforms of untrimmed piRNAs are preferentially modified in parn-1 mutant animals. Loss of either PARN-1 or HENN-1 results in modest reduction in steady-state levels of piRNAs. Deletion of both enzymes leads to depletion of piRNAs, desilenced piRNA targets, and impaired fecundity. Together, our findings suggest that pre-piRNA trimming and 2'-O-methylation act collaboratively to protect piRNAs from tailing and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Pastore
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hannah L Hertz
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ian F Price
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wen Tang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Non-Coding RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy: Focus on lncRNAs, circRNAs, and piRNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164161. [PMID: 34439315 PMCID: PMC8392713 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. In the United States, pancreatic cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer related death. The lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy contributes to the high mortality of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find novel and effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Long noncoding RNA, circular RNAs and piwi-interacting RNA are non-coding RNAs and could become new biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. We summarize the new findings on the roles of these non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignance with high mortality. The lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy contributes to the high mortality of this deadly disease. For a long time being, the alterations in coding RNAs have been considered as major targets for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, with the advances in high-throughput next generation of sequencing more alterations in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been discovered in different cancers. Further mechanistic studies have demonstrated that ncRNAs such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA), circular RNAs (circRNA) and piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) play vital roles in the regulation of tumorigenesis, tumor progression and prognosis. In recent years, increasing studies have focused on the roles of ncRNAs in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Novel findings have demonstrated that lncRNA, circRNA, and piRNA are critically involved in the regulation of gene expression and cellular signal transduction in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of roles of lncRNA, circRNA, and piRNA in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer, and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these ncRNAs and related signaling in pancreatic cancer therapy. The information provided here will help to find new strategies for better treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Nagirnaja L, Mørup N, Nielsen JE, Stakaitis R, Golubickaite I, Oud MS, Winge SB, Carvalho F, Aston KI, Khani F, van der Heijden GW, Marques CJ, Skakkebaek NE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Schlegel PN, Jørgensen N, Veltman JA, Lopes AM, Conrad DF, Almstrup K. Variant PNLDC1, Defective piRNA Processing, and Azoospermia. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:707-719. [PMID: 34347949 PMCID: PMC7615015 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2028973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are short (21 to 35 nucleotides in length) and noncoding and are found almost exclusively in germ cells, where they regulate aberrant expression of transposable elements and postmeiotic gene expression. Critical to the processing of piRNAs is the protein poly(A)-specific RNase-like domain containing 1 (PNLDC1), which trims their 3' ends and, when disrupted in mice, causes azoospermia and male infertility. METHODS We performed exome sequencing on DNA samples from 924 men who had received a diagnosis of nonobstructive azoospermia. Testicular-biopsy samples were analyzed by means of histologic and immunohistochemical tests, in situ hybridization, reverse-transcriptase-quantitative-polymerase-chain-reaction assay, and small-RNA sequencing. RESULTS Four unrelated men of Middle Eastern descent who had nonobstructive azoospermia were found to carry mutations in PNLDC1: the first patient had a biallelic stop-gain mutation, p.R452Ter (rs200629089; minor allele frequency, 0.00004); the second, a novel biallelic missense variant, p.P84S; the third, two compound heterozygous mutations consisting of p.M259T (rs141903829; minor allele frequency, 0.0007) and p.L35PfsTer3 (rs754159168; minor allele frequency, 0.00004); and the fourth, a novel biallelic canonical splice acceptor site variant, c.607-2A→T. Testicular histologic findings consistently showed error-prone meiosis and spermatogenic arrest with round spermatids of type Sa as the most advanced population of germ cells. Gene and protein expression of PNLDC1, as well as the piRNA-processing proteins PIWIL1, PIWIL4, MYBL1, and TDRKH, were greatly diminished in cells of the testes. Furthermore, the length distribution of piRNAs and the number of pachytene piRNAs was significantly altered in men carrying PNLDC1 mutations. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a direct mechanistic effect of faulty piRNA processing on meiosis and spermatogenesis in men, ultimately leading to male infertility. (Funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Nagirnaja
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Nina Mørup
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - John E Nielsen
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Rytis Stakaitis
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Ieva Golubickaite
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Manon S Oud
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Sofia B Winge
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Francesca Khani
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Godfried W van der Heijden
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - C Joana Marques
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Peter N Schlegel
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Joris A Veltman
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Donald F Conrad
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- From the Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton (L.N., D.F.C.); the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (D.F.C.); the Department of Growth and Reproduction (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.) and the International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (N.M., J.E.N., R.S., I.G., S.B.W., N.E.S., E.R.-D.M., N.J., K.A.), Rigshospitalet, and the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (K.A.), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; the Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute (R.S.), and the Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research (I.G.), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; the Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior (M.S.O., G.W.H.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.W.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M.), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (F.C., C.J.M., A.M.L.), and the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (A.M.L.) - all in Porto, Portugal; the Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (K.I.A.); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (F.K.) and Urology (P.N.S.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York; and the Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (J.A.V.)
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Shigematsu M, Kawamura T, Morichika K, Izumi N, Kiuchi T, Honda S, Pliatsika V, Matsubara R, Rigoutsos I, Katsuma S, Tomari Y, Kirino Y. RNase κ promotes robust piRNA production by generating 2',3'-cyclic phosphate-containing precursors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4498. [PMID: 34301931 PMCID: PMC8302750 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal germlines, PIWI proteins and the associated PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) protect genome integrity by silencing transposons. Here we report the extensive sequence and quantitative correlations between 2',3'-cyclic phosphate-containing RNAs (cP-RNAs), identified using cP-RNA-seq, and piRNAs in the Bombyx germ cell line and mouse testes. The cP-RNAs containing 5'-phosphate (P-cP-RNAs) identified by P-cP-RNA-seq harbor highly consistent 5'-end positions as the piRNAs and are loaded onto PIWI protein, suggesting their direct utilization as piRNA precursors. We identified Bombyx RNase Kappa (BmRNase κ) as a mitochondria-associated endoribonuclease which produces cP-RNAs during piRNA biogenesis. BmRNase κ-depletion elevated transposon levels and disrupted a piRNA-mediated sex determination in Bombyx embryos, indicating the crucial roles of BmRNase κ in piRNA biogenesis and embryonic development. Our results reveal a BmRNase κ-engaged piRNA biogenesis pathway, in which the generation of cP-RNAs promotes robust piRNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Shigematsu
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Takuya Kawamura
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keisuke Morichika
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natsuko Izumi
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kiuchi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shozo Honda
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Venetia Pliatsika
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryuma Matsubara
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isidore Rigoutsos
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susumu Katsuma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihide Tomari
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu M. Knockout Gene-Based Evidence for PIWI-Interacting RNA Pathway in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681188. [PMID: 34336834 PMCID: PMC8317503 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway mainly consists of evolutionarily conserved protein factors. Intriguingly, many mutations of piRNA pathway factors lead to meiotic arrest during spermatogenesis. The majority of piRNA factor-knockout animals show arrested meiosis in spermatogenesis, and only a few show post-meiosis male germ cell arrest. It is still unclear whether the majority of piRNA factors expressed in spermatids are involved in long interspersed nuclear element-1 repression after meiosis, but future conditional knockout research is expected to resolve this. In addition, recent hamster knockout studies showed that a piRNA factor is necessary for oocytes-in complete contrast to the findings in mice. This species discrepancy allows researchers to reexamine the function of piRNA in female germ cells. This mini-review focuses on the current knowledge of protein factors derived from mammalian knockout studies and summarizes their roles in the biogenesis and function of piRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Joosten J, Taşköprü E, Jansen PWTC, Pennings B, Vermeulen M, Van Rij RP. PIWI proteomics identifies Atari and Pasilla as piRNA biogenesis factors in Aedes mosquitoes. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109073. [PMID: 33951430 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As in most arthropods, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway in the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti is active in diverse biological processes in both soma and germline. To gain insights into piRNA biogenesis and effector complexes, we mapped the interactomes of the somatic PIWI proteins Ago3, Piwi4, Piwi5, and Piwi6 and identify numerous specific interactors as well as cofactors associated with multiple PIWI proteins. We describe the Piwi5 interactor AAEL014965, the direct ortholog of the Drosophila splicing factor pasilla. We find that Ae. aegypti Pasilla encodes a nuclear isoform and a cytoplasmic isoform, the latter of which is required for efficient piRNA production. In addition, we characterize a splice variant of the Tudor protein AAEL008101/Atari that associates with Ago3 and forms a scaffold for PIWI proteins and target RNAs to promote ping-pong amplification of piRNAs. Our study provides a useful resource for follow-up studies of somatic piRNA biogenesis, mechanism, and function in Aedes mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep Joosten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ezgi Taşköprü
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal W T C Jansen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Pennings
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald P Van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Wang X, Wen Y, Zhang J, Swanson G, Guo S, Cao C, Krawetz SA, Zhang Z, Yuan S. MFN2 interacts with nuage-associated proteins and is essential for male germ cell development by controlling mRNA fate during spermatogenesis. Development 2021; 148:dev.196295. [PMID: 33674260 DOI: 10.1242/dev.196295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in spermatogenesis and are regulated by several mitochondrial fusion proteins. However, their functional importance associated with their structure formation and mRNA fate regulation during spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here, we show that mitofusin 2 (MFN2), a mitochondrial fusion protein, interacts with nuage-associated proteins (including MIWI, DDX4, TDRKH and GASZ) in mice. Conditional mutation of Mfn2 in postnatal germ cells results in male sterility due to germ cell developmental defects. Moreover, MFN2 interacts with MFN1, another mitochondrial fusion protein with a high-sequence similarity to MFN2, in testes to facilitate spermatogenesis. Simultaneous mutation of Mfn1 and Mfn2 in testes causes very severe infertile phenotypes. Importantly, we show that MFN2 is enriched in polysome fractions of testes and interacts with MSY2, a germ cell-specific DNA/RNA-binding protein, to control gamete-specific mRNA (such as Spata19) translational activity during spermatogenesis. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that MFN2 interacts with nuage-associated proteins and MSY2 to regulate male germ cell development by controlling several gamete-specific mRNA fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Grace Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Shuangshuang Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
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Vrettos N, Maragkakis M, Alexiou P, Sgourdou P, Ibrahim F, Palmieri D, Kirino Y, Mourelatos Z. Modulation of Aub-TDRD interactions elucidates piRNA amplification and germplasm formation. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202000912. [PMID: 33376130 PMCID: PMC7772777 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aub guided by piRNAs ensures genome integrity by cleaving retrotransposons, and genome propagation by trapping mRNAs to form the germplasm that instructs germ cell formation. Arginines at the N-terminus of Aub (Aub-NTRs) interact with Tudor and other Tudor domain-containing proteins (TDRDs). Aub-TDRD interactions suppress active retrotransposons via piRNA amplification and form germplasm via generation of Aub-Tudor ribonucleoproteins. Here, we show that Aub-NTRs are dispensable for primary piRNA biogenesis but essential for piRNA amplification and that their symmetric dimethylation is required for germplasm formation and germ cell specification but largely redundant for piRNA amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Vrettos
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Manolis Maragkakis
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Paraskevi Sgourdou
- Departments of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fadia Ibrahim
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Palmieri
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zissimos Mourelatos
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Guan Y, Keeney S, Jain D, Wang PJ. yama, a mutant allele of Mov10l1, disrupts retrotransposon silencing and piRNA biogenesis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009265. [PMID: 33635934 PMCID: PMC7946307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in protecting germline genome integrity and promoting normal spermiogenic differentiation. In mammals, there are two populations of piRNAs: pre-pachytene and pachytene. Transposon-rich pre-pachytene piRNAs are expressed in fetal and perinatal germ cells and are required for retrotransposon silencing, whereas transposon-poor pachytene piRNAs are expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids and regulate mRNA transcript levels. MOV10L1, a germ cell-specific RNA helicase, is essential for the production of both populations of piRNAs. Although the requirement of the RNA helicase domain located in the MOV10L1 C-terminal region for piRNA biogenesis is well known, its large N-terminal region remains mysterious. Here we report a novel Mov10l1 mutation, named yama, in the Mov10l1 N-terminal region. The yama mutation results in a single amino acid substitution V229E. The yama mutation causes meiotic arrest, de-repression of transposable elements, and male sterility because of defects in pre-pachytene piRNA biogenesis. Moreover, restricting the Mov10l1 mutation effects to later stages in germ cell development by combining with a postnatal conditional deletion of a complementing wild-type allele causes absence of pachytene piRNAs, accumulation of piRNA precursors, polar conglomeration of piRNA pathway proteins in spermatocytes, and spermiogenic arrest. Mechanistically, the V229E substitution in MOV10L1 reduces its interaction with PLD6, an endonuclease that generates the 5′ ends of piRNA intermediates. Our results uncover an important role for the MOV10L1-PLD6 interaction in piRNA biogenesis throughout male germ cell development. Small non-coding RNAs play critical roles in silencing of exogenous viruses, endogenous retroviruses, and transposable elements, and also play multifaceted roles in controlling gene expression. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are found in gonads in diverse species from flies to humans. An evolutionarily conserved function of piRNAs is to silence transposable elements through an adaptive mechanism and thus to protect germline genome integrity. In mammals, piRNAs also provide a poorly understood function to regulate postmeiotic differentiation of spermatids. More than two dozen proteins are involved in the piRNA pathway. MOV10L1, a germ-cell-specific RNA helicase, binds to piRNA precursors to initiate piRNA biogenesis. Here we have identified a single amino acid substitution (V229E) in MOV10L1 in the yama mouse mutant. When constitutively expressed as the only source of MOV10L1 throughout germ cell development, the yama mutation abolishes piRNA biogenesis, de-silences transposable elements, and causes meiotic arrest. When the mutant phenotype is instead revealed only later in germ cell development by conditionally inactivating a wild-type copy of the gene, the point mutant abolishes formation of later classes of piRNAs and again disrupts germ cell development. Point mutations in MOV10L1 may thus contribute to male infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjuan Guan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Devanshi Jain
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJ); (PJW)
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJ); (PJW)
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Wang C, Lin H. Roles of piRNAs in transposon and pseudogene regulation of germline mRNAs and lncRNAs. Genome Biol 2021; 22:27. [PMID: 33419460 PMCID: PMC7792047 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins, a subfamily of PAZ/PIWI Domain family RNA-binding proteins, are best known for their function in silencing transposons and germline development by partnering with small noncoding RNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). However, recent studies have revealed multifaceted roles of the PIWI-piRNA pathway in regulating the expression of other major classes of RNAs in germ cells. In this review, we summarize how PIWI proteins and piRNAs regulate the expression of many disparate RNAs, describing a highly complex global genomic regulatory relationship at the RNA level through which piRNAs functionally connect all major constituents of the genome in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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Smejda M, Kądziołka D, Radczuk N, Krutyhołowa R, Chramiec-Głąbik A, Kędracka-Krok S, Jankowska U, Biela A, Glatt S. Same but different - Molecular comparison of human KTI12 and PSTK. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118945. [PMID: 33417976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kti12 and PSTK are closely related and highly similar proteins implicated in different aspects of tRNA metabolism. Kti12 has been identified as an essential regulatory factor of the Elongator complex, involved in the modification of uridine bases in eukaryotic tRNAs. PSTK phosphorylates the tRNASec-bound amino acid serine, which is required to synthesize selenocysteine. Kti12 and PSTK have previously been studied independently in various organisms, but only appear simultaneously in some animalia, including humans. As Kti12- and PSTK-related pathways are clinically relevant, it is of prime importance to understand their biological functions and mutual relationship in humans. Here, we use different tRNA substrates to directly compare the enzymatic activities of purified human KTI12 and human PSTK proteins. Our complementary Co-IP and BioID2 approaches in human cells confirm that Elongator is the main interaction partner of KTI12 but additionally indicate potential links to proteins involved in vesicular transport, RNA metabolism and deubiquitination. Moreover, we identify and validate a yet uncharacterized interaction between PSTK and γ-taxilin. Foremost, we demonstrate that human KTI12 and PSTK do not share interactors or influence their respective biological functions. Our data provide a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory networks controlling the activity of the human Elongator complex and selenocysteine biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Smejda
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominika Kądziołka
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Natalia Radczuk
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rościsław Krutyhołowa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Sylwia Kędracka-Krok
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Jankowska
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Biela
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Glatt
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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Pippadpally S, Venkatesh T. Deciphering piRNA biogenesis through cytoplasmic granules, mitochondria and exosomes. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 695:108597. [PMID: 32976825 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RNA systems biology is marked by a myriad of cellular processes mediated by small and long non-coding RNAs. Small non-coding RNAs include siRNAs (small interfering RNAs), miRNAs (microRNAs), tRFs(tRNA derived fragments), and piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs). piRNAs are vital for the maintenance of the germ-line integrity and repress the transposons either transcriptionally or post-transcriptionally. Studies based on model organisms have shown that defects in the piRNA pathway exhibit impaired gametogenesis and loss of fertility. piRNA biogenesis is marked by transcription of precursor molecules and their subsequent processing in the cytoplasm to generate mature piRNAs. Their biogenesis is unique and complex, which involves non-canonical transcription and self-amplification mechanisms such as the ping-pong cycle. piRNA biogenesis is different in somatic and germ cells and involves the role of cytoplasmic granules in addition to mitochondria. In this review, we discuss the biogenesis and maturation of piRNAs in various cytoplasmic granules such as Yb and nuage bodies. Also, we review the role of P bodies, stress granules, and P granules, and membrane-bound compartments such as mitochondria and exosomes in piRNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Pippadpally
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, 671316, India
| | - Thejaswini Venkatesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, 671316, India.
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