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Saini T, Chauhan A, Ahmad SF, Kumar A, Vaishnav S, Singh S, Mehrotra A, Bhushan B, Gaur GK, Dutt T. Elucidation of population stratifying markers and selective sweeps in crossbred Landlly pig population using genome-wide SNP data. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:170-185. [PMID: 38485788 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapendra Saini
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | - Anuj Chauhan
- Swine Production Farm, LPM Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India.
| | - Sheikh Firdous Ahmad
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | - Sakshi Vaishnav
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | - Shivani Singh
- Swine Production Farm, LPM Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | | | - Bharat Bhushan
- Animal Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
| | - G K Gaur
- Swine Production Farm, LPM Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
- ADG Animal Production & Breeding, ICAR, New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Triveni Dutt
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
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Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
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Muranishi Y, Kobori Y, Katoh-Fukui Y, Tamaoka S, Hattori A, Osaka A, Okada H, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Kawai T, Ogata-Kawata H, Iwahata T, Saito K, Kon M, Shinohara N, Fukami M. Systematic molecular analyses for 115 karyotypically normal men with isolated non-obstructive azoospermia. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1131-1140. [PMID: 38511217 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae057] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do copy-number variations (CNVs) in the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions and monogenic mutations play a major role in the development of isolated (non-syndromic) non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in Japanese men with a normal 46, XY karyotype? SUMMARY ANSWER Deleterious CNVs in the AZF regions and damaging sequence variants in eight genes likely constitute at least 8% and approximately 8% of the genetic causes, respectively, while variants in other genes play only a minor role. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sex chromosomal abnormalities, AZF-linked microdeletions, and monogenic mutations have been implicated in isolated NOA. More than 160 genes have been reported as causative/susceptibility/candidate genes for NOA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Systematic molecular analyses were conducted for 115 patients with isolated NOA and a normal 46, XY karyotype, who visited our hospital between 2017 and 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We studied 115 unrelated Japanese patients. AZF-linked CNVs were examined using sequence-tagged PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and nucleotide variants were screened using whole exome sequencing (WES). An optimized sequence kernel association test (SKAT-O), a gene-based association study using WES data, was performed to identify novel disease-associated genes in the genome. The results were compared to those of previous studies and our in-house control data. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Thirteen types of AZF-linked CNVs, including the hitherto unreported gr/gr triplication and partial AZFb deletion, were identified in 63 (54.8%) cases. When the gr/gr deletion, a common polymorphism in Japan, was excluded from data analyses, the total frequency of CNVs was 23/75 (30.7%). This frequency is higher than that of the reference data in Japan and China (11.1% and 14.7%, respectively). Known NOA-causative AZF-linked CNVs were found in nine (7.8%) cases. Rare damaging variants in known causative genes (DMRT1, PLK4, SYCP2, TEX11, and USP26) and hemizygous/multiple-heterozygous damaging variants in known spermatogenesis-associated genes (TAF7L, DNAH2, and DNAH17) were identified in nine cases (7.8% in total). Some patients carried rare damaging variants in multiple genes. SKAT-O detected no genes whose rare damaging variants were significantly accumulated in the patient group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of participants was relatively small, and the clinical information of each patient was fragmentary. Moreover, the pathogenicity of identified variants was assessed only by in silico analyses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study showed that various AZF-linked CNVs are present in more than half of Japanese NOA patients. These results broadened the structural variations of AZF-linked CNVs, which should be considered for the molecular diagnosis of spermatogenic failure. Furthermore, the results of this study highlight the etiological heterogeneity and possible oligogenicity of isolated NOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by Grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (21K19283 and 21H0246), the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (22ek0109464h0003), the National Center for Child Health and Development, the Canon Foundation, the Japan Endocrine Society, and the Takeda Science Foundation. The results of this study were based on samples and patient data obtained from the International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Kobori
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Yuko Katoh-Fukui
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tamaoka
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hattori
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Osaka
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okada
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kawai
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ogata-Kawata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Iwahata
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Saito
- Department of Comprehensive Reproductive Medicine, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kon
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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Hosea R, Duan W, Meliala ITS, Li W, Wei M, Hillary S, Zhao H, Miyagishi M, Wu S, Kasim V. YY2/BUB3 Axis promotes SAC Hyperactivation and Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression via Regulating Chromosomal Instability. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2308690. [PMID: 38682484 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a crucial safeguard mechanism of mitosis fidelity that ensures equal division of duplicated chromosomes to the two progeny cells. Impaired SAC can lead to chromosomal instability (CIN), a well-recognized hallmark of cancer that facilitates tumor progression; paradoxically, high CIN levels are associated with better therapeutic response and prognosis. However, the mechanism by which CIN determines tumor cell survival and therapeutic response remains poorly understood. Here, using a cross-omics approach, YY2 is identified as a mitotic regulator that promotes SAC activity by activating the transcription of budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 3 (BUB3), a component of SAC. While both conditions induce CIN, a defect in YY2/SAC activity enhances mitosis and tumor growth. Meanwhile, hyperactivation of SAC mediated by YY2/BUB3 triggers a delay in mitosis and suppresses growth. Furthermore, it is revealed that YY2/BUB3-mediated excessive CIN causes higher cell death rates and drug sensitivity, whereas residual tumor cells that survived DNA damage-based therapy have moderate CIN and increased drug resistance. These results provide insights into the role of SAC activity and CIN levels in influencing tumor cell survival and drug response, as well as suggest a novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategy that combines SAC activity modulators and DNA-damage agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Wei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Ian Timothy Sembiring Meliala
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Wenfang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Mankun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Sharon Hillary
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Hezhao Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
| | - Makoto Miyagishi
- Life Science Innovation, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0006, Japan
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, P. R. China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
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Shao ZM, Zhu YT, Gu M, Guo SC, Yu H, Li KK, Tang DD, Xu YP, Lv MR. Novel variants in DNAH6 cause male infertility associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and ICSI outcomes. Asian J Androl 2023; 26:00129336-990000000-00113. [PMID: 37594300 PMCID: PMC10846836 DOI: 10.4103/aja202328] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in the dynein axonemal heavy chain gene, dynein axonemal heavy chain 6 (DNAH6), lead to multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella. Recent studies have reported that these deficiencies may result in sperm head deformation. However, whether DNAH6 is also involved in human acrosome biogenesis remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate DNAH6 gene variants and their potential functions in the formation of defective sperm heads and flagella. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on a cohort of 375 patients with asthenoteratozoospermia from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (Hefei, China). Hematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to analyze the sperm morphology and ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to examine the effects of genetic variants. We identified three novel deleterious variants in DNAH6 among three unrelated families. The absence of inner dynein arms and radial spokes was observed in the sperm of patients with DNAH6 variants. Additionally, deficiencies in the acrosome, abnormal chromatin compaction, and vacuole-containing sperm heads were observed in these patients with DNAH6 variants. The decreased levels of the component proteins in these defective structures were further confirmed in sperm from patients with DNAH6 variants using Western blot. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, the partner of one patient with a DNAH6 variant achieved successful pregnancy. Overall, novel variants in DNAH6 genes that contribute to defects in the sperm head and flagella were identified, and the findings indicated ICSI as an effective clinical treatment for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Mei Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
| | - Yu-Tong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sen-Chao Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
| | - Kuo-Kuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dong-Dong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Ping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Rong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
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Ding X, Singh P, Schimenti K, Tran TN, Fragoza R, Hardy J, Orwig KE, Olszewska M, Kurpisz MK, Yatsenko AN, Conrad DF, Yu H, Schimenti JC. In vivo versus in silico assessment of potentially pathogenic missense variants in human reproductive genes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219925120. [PMID: 37459509 PMCID: PMC10372637 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219925120] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a heterogeneous condition, with genetic causes thought to underlie a substantial fraction of cases. Genome sequencing is becoming increasingly important for genetic diagnosis of diseases including idiopathic infertility; however, most rare or minor alleles identified in patients are variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Interpreting the functional impacts of VUS is challenging but profoundly important for clinical management and genetic counseling. To determine the consequences of these variants in key fertility genes, we functionally evaluated 11 missense variants in the genes ANKRD31, BRDT, DMC1, EXO1, FKBP6, MCM9, M1AP, MEI1, MSH4 and SEPT12 by generating genome-edited mouse models. Nine variants were classified as deleterious by most functional prediction algorithms, and two disrupted a protein-protein interaction (PPI) in the yeast two hybrid (Y2H) assay. Though these genes are essential for normal meiosis or spermiogenesis in mice, only one variant, observed in the MCM9 gene of a male infertility patient, compromised fertility or gametogenesis in the mouse models. To explore the disconnect between predictions and outcomes, we compared pathogenicity calls of missense variants made by ten widely used algorithms to 1) those annotated in ClinVar and 2) those evaluated in mice. All the algorithms performed poorly in terms of predicting the effects of human missense variants modeled in mice. These studies emphasize caution in the genetic diagnoses of infertile patients based primarily on pathogenicity prediction algorithms and emphasize the need for alternative and efficient in vitro or in vivo functional validation models for more effective and accurate VUS description to either pathogenic or benign categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbao Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Priti Singh
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Kerry Schimenti
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Tina N. Tran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Robert Fragoza
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Jimmaline Hardy
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan60-479, Poland
| | - Maciej K. Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan60-479, Poland
| | - Alexander N. Yatsenko
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Oregon Health & Science University, Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR97006
| | - Haiyuan Yu
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - John C. Schimenti
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
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Gershoni M, Braun T, Hauser R, Barda S, Lehavi O, Malcov M, Frumkin T, Kalma Y, Pietrokovski S, Arama E, Kleiman SE. A pathogenic variant in the uncharacterized RNF212B gene results in severe aneuploidy male infertility and repeated IVF failure. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100189. [PMID: 37124137 PMCID: PMC10133878 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100189] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative and qualitative spermatogenic impairments are major causes of men's infertility. Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) is effective, some couples persistently fail to conceive. To identify causal variants in patients with severe male infertility factor and repeated IVF failures, we sequenced the exome of two consanguineous family members who underwent several failed IVF cycles and were diagnosed with low sperm count and motility. We identified a rare homozygous nonsense mutation in a previously uncharacterized gene, RNF212B, as the causative variant. Recurrence was identified in another unrelated, infertile patient who also faced repeated failed IVF treatments. scRNA-seq demonstrated meiosis-specific expression of RNF212B. Sequence analysis located a protein domain known to be associated with aneuploidy, which can explain multiple IVF failures. Accordingly, FISH analysis revealed a high aneuploidy rate in the patients' sperm cells and their IVF embryos. Finally, inactivation of the Drosophila orthologs significantly reduced male fertility. Given that members of the evolutionary conserved RNF212 gene family are involved in meiotic recombination and crossover maturation, our findings indicate a critical role of RNF212B in meiosis, genome stability, and in human fertility. Since recombination is completely absent in Drosophila males, our findings may indicate an additional unrelated role for the RNF212-like paralogs in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Gershoni
- ARO-The Volcani Center Institute of Animal Science, Bet Dagan, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Tslil Braun
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Hauser
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimi Barda
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Lehavi
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mira Malcov
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tsvia Frumkin
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Eli Arama
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Sandra E. Kleiman
- Racine IVF Unit and Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Corresponding author
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8
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Huang F, Zeng J, Liu D, Zhang J, Liang B, Gao J, Yan R, Shi X, Chen J, Song W, Huang HL. A novel frameshift mutation in DNAH6 associated with male infertility and asthenoteratozoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1122004. [PMID: 37424858 PMCID: PMC10324608 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthenoteratozoospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Several genes have been identified as genetic causative factors, but there is a considerable genetic heterogeneity underlying asthenoteratozoospermia. In this study, we performed a genetic analysis of two brothers from a consanguineous Uighur family in China to identify gene mutations causative for asthenoteratozoospermia-related male infertility. Methods Two related patients with asthenoteratozoospermia from a large consanguineous family were sequenced by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify disease-causing genes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed ultrastructural abnormalities of spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis were used to assess the expression of the mutant messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. Results A novel homozygous frameshift mutation (c.2823dupT, p.Val942Cysfs*21) in DNAH6 was identified in both affected individuals and was predicted to be pathogenic. Papanicolaou staining and electron microscopy revealed multiple morphological and ultrastructural abnormalities of affected spermatozoa. qRT-PCR and IF analysis showed abnormal expression of DNAH6 in affected sperm, probably due to premature termination code and decay of abnormal 3' untranslated region (UTR) region of mRNA. Furthermore, intracytoplasmic sperm injection could achieve successful fertilization in infertile men with DNAH6 mutations. Discussion The novel frameshift mutation identified in DNAH6 may contribute to asthenoteratozoospermia. These findings expand the spectrum of genetic mutations and phenotypes associated with asthenoteratozoospermia and may be useful for genetic and reproductive counseling in male infertility.
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9
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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10
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Chen Y, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhu F, Yan L, Tang W, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Jiang H, Qiao J. Deciphering the Molecular Characteristics of Human Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia from the Perspective of Germ Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2206852. [PMID: 37083227 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility, accounting for 10-15% of infertile men worldwide. Among these, more than 70% of cases are idiopathic NOA (iNOA), whose pathogenesis and molecular basis remain unknown. This work profiles 3696 human testicular single-cell transcriptomes from 17 iNOA patients, which are classified into four classes with different arrest periods and variable cell proportions based on the gene expression patterns and pathological features. Genes related to the cell cycle, energy production, and gamete generation show obvious abnormalities in iNOA germ cells. This work identifies several candidate causal genes for iNOA, including CD164, LELP1, and TEX38, which are significantly downregulated in iNOA germ cells. Notably, CD164 knockdown promotes apoptosis in spermatogonia. Cellular communications between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells are disturbed in iNOA patients. Moreover, BOD1L2, C1orf194, and KRTCAP2 are found to indicate testicular spermatogenic capacity in a variety of testicular diseases, such as Y-chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter syndrome. In general, this study analyzes the pathogenesis of iNOA from the perspective of germ cell development, transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks, as well as germ cell and somatic cell interactions, which provides new ideas for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Feiyin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, 100871, China
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11
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Wang X, Liu X, Qu M, Li H. Sertoli cell-only syndrome: advances, challenges, and perspectives in genetics and mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:67. [PMID: 36814036 PMCID: PMC11072804 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in spermatogenesis, which affects men's physical and mental health. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe histological phenotype of male infertility characterized by the depletion of germ cells with only Sertoli cells remaining in the seminiferous tubules. Most SCOS cases cannot be explained by the already known genetic causes including karyotype abnormalities and microdeletions of the Y chromosome. With the development of sequencing technology, studies on screening new genetic causes for SCOS are growing in recent years. Directly sequencing of target genes in sporadic cases and whole-exome sequencing applied in familial cases have identified several genes associated with SCOS. Analyses of the testicular transcriptome, proteome, and epigenetics in SCOS patients provide explanations regarding the molecular mechanisms of SCOS. In this review, we discuss the possible relationship between defective germline development and SCOS based on mouse models with SCO phenotype. We also summarize the advances and challenges in the exploration of genetic causes and mechanisms of SCOS. Knowing the genetic factors of SCOS offers a better understanding of SCO and human spermatogenesis, and it also has practical significance for improving diagnosis, making appropriate medical decisions, and genetic counseling. For therapeutic implications, SCOS research, along with the achievements in stem cell technologies and gene therapy, build the foundation to develop novel therapies for SCOS patients to produce functional spermatozoa, giving them hope to father children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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12
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Batiha O, Burghel GJ, Alkofahi A, Alsharu E, Smith H, Alobaidi B, Al-Smadi M, Awamlah N, Hussein L, Abdelnour A, Sheth H, Veltman J. Screening by single-molecule molecular inversion probes targeted sequencing panel of candidate genes of infertility in azoospermic infertile Jordanian males. HUM FERTIL 2022; 25:939-946. [PMID: 34190021 PMCID: PMC7614817 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1946173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a common health problem that affects around 1 in 6 couples in the United States, where half of these cases are attributed to male factors. Genetics play an important role in infertility and it is estimated that up to 50% of cases are due to genetic factors. Despite this, many male infertility cases are still idiopathic. This study aimed to identify the presence of possibly pathogenic rare variants in a set of candidate genes related to azoospermia in 69 Jordanian men using a next-generation sequencing-based panel covering more than a hundred male infertility related genes. A total of 9 variants were found and validated. Among them, two variants included reported pathogenic variants in CFTR and one novel pathogenic variant in the USP9Y gene. We also report the detection of 6 other variants with uncertain significance in other genes. Interestingly, male cases with CFTR variants did not show the expected cystic fibrosis phenotypes except for infertility. This work helps to uncover the contribution of additional genetic factors to the aetiology of male infertility and highlights the importance to obtain more reliable information about the presence of genetic variation in the Jordanian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamah Batiha
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - George J Burghel
- The Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ayesha Alkofahi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Emad Alsharu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hannah Smith
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Bilal Alobaidi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mohammad Al-Smadi
- Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Harsh Sheth
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,FRIGE's Institute of Human Genetics, FRIGE House, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Joris Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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13
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Gerhold AR, Labbé JC, Singh R. Uncoupling cell division and cytokinesis during germline development in metazoans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1001689. [PMID: 36407108 PMCID: PMC9669650 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical eukaryotic cell cycle ends with cytokinesis, which physically divides the mother cell in two and allows the cycle to resume in the newly individualized daughter cells. However, during germline development in nearly all metazoans, dividing germ cells undergo incomplete cytokinesis and germ cells stay connected by intercellular bridges which allow the exchange of cytoplasm and organelles between cells. The near ubiquity of incomplete cytokinesis in animal germ lines suggests that this is an ancient feature that is fundamental for the development and function of this tissue. While cytokinesis has been studied for several decades, the mechanisms that enable regulated incomplete cytokinesis in germ cells are only beginning to emerge. Here we review the current knowledge on the regulation of germ cell intercellular bridge formation, focusing on findings made using mouse, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans as experimental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R. Gerhold
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Abigail R. Gerhold, ; Jean-Claude Labbé,
| | - Jean-Claude Labbé
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Abigail R. Gerhold, ; Jean-Claude Labbé,
| | - Ramya Singh
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Montréal, QC, Canada
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14
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Levkova M, Radanova M, Angelova L. Potential role of dynein-related genes in the etiology of male infertility: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Andrology 2022; 10:1484-1499. [PMID: 36057791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynein-related genes may have a role in the etiology of male infertility, particularly in cases of impaired sperm motility. OBJECTIVES The goal of this review is to compile a list of the most important dynein-related candidate genes that may contribute to male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases were searched using the keywords "dynein", "male", "infertility" and by applying strict inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was also performed by using the eligible case-control studies. The odd ratios (OR), the Z-test score, and the level of significance were determined using a fixed model with a p value of 0.05. Funnel plots were used to check for publication bias. RESULTS There were 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of fifteen genes responsible for the production of dynein structural proteins, the production of dynein assembling factors, and potentially associated with male infertility. A total of five case-control studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Variants in the dynein-related genes were linked to an increased the risk of male infertility (OR = 21.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 8.34 - 55.50, Z test = 6.35, p < 0.05). The percentage of heterogeneity, I2 , was 47.00%. The lack of variants in the dynein genes was an advantage and this was statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results from the present review illustrate that pathogenic variants in genes both for dynein synthesis and for dynein assembly factors could be associated with isolated cases of male infertility without any other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The genes addressed in this study, which are involved in both the production and assembly of dynein, could be used as molecular targets for future research into the etiology of sperm motility problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Levkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Marina Hospital, Hristo Smirnenski Blv 1, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Radanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University Varna, Tzar Osvoboditel Str 84b, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Angelova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
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15
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Wang Y, Liu L, Tan C, Meng G, Meng L, Nie H, Du J, Lu GX, Lin G, He WB, Tan YQ. Novel MEIOB variants cause primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:936264. [PMID: 35991565 PMCID: PMC9388730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.936264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a global health concern. MEIOB has been found to be associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but its variants have not been reported in Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic aetiology of POI or NOA in three Han Chinese families.Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify candidate pathogenic variants in three consanguineous Chinese infertile families with POI or NOA. Sanger sequencing was performed to validate these variants in the proband of family I and her affected family members. In vitro functional analyses were performed to confirm the effects of these variants.Results: Two novel homozygous frameshift variants (c.258_259del and c.1072_1073del) and one novel homozygous nonsense variant (c.814C > T) in the MEIOB gene were identified in three consanguineous Han Chinese families. In vitro functional analyses revealed that these variants produced truncated proteins and affected their function.Conclusion: We identified three novel MEIOB loss-of-function variants in local Chinese patients for the first time and confirmed their pathogenicity using in vitro functional analyses. These results extend the mutation spectrum of the MEIOB gene and have important significance for genetic counselling in these families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wang
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiquan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Bin He, ; Yue-Qiu Tan,
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Bin He, ; Yue-Qiu Tan,
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16
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Huang Y, Tian R, Xu J, Ji Z, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Yang C, Li P, Zhi E, Bai H, Han S, Luo J, Zhao J, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Li Z, Yao C. Novel copy number variations within SYCE1 caused meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 35718780 PMCID: PMC9208180 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for majority of NOA remain unknown. Methods Two Chinese NOA-affected patients were recruited to identify the genetic causal factor of infertility. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the two patients with NOA. Sanger sequencing and CNV array were used to ascertain the WES results. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the affected cases. Results Novel heterozygous deletion (LOH) within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135111754_135427143del) and heterozygous loss of function (LoF) variant in SYCE1 (NM_001143763: c.689_690 del:p.F230fs) were identified in one NOA-affected patient. While homozygous deletion within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135340247_135379115del) was detected in the other patient with meiotic arrest. H&E and IF staining demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at pachytene stage in the two patients with NOA, suggesting these two novel CNVs within SYCE1 could lead to meiotic defect and NOA. Conclusions We identified that two novel CNVs within SYCE1 are associated with meiotic arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study expands the knowledge of variants in SYCE1 and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiologies of NOA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Junwei Xu
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Non-invasive Molecular Biomarkers for Predicting Outcomes of Micro-TESE in Patients with Idiopathic Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e22. [PMID: 35659383 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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18
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Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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19
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Ma H, Fan S, Zhang H, Shi Q. Identification of pathogenic mutations from nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:85-94. [PMID: 35532179 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac089] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 25% of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases are caused by single genetic anomalies, including chromosome aberrations and gene mutations. The identification of these mutations in NOA patients has always been a research hot spot in the area of human infertility. However, compared with more than 600 genes reported to be essential for fertility in mice, mutations in approximately 75 genes have been confirmed to be pathogenic in patients with male infertility, in which only 14 were identified from NOA patients. The small proportion suggested that there is much room to improve the methodology of mutation screening and functional verification. Fortunately, recent advances in whole exome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 have greatly promoted research on the etiology of human infertility and made improvements possible. In this review, we summarized the pathogenic mutations found in NOA patients and the efforts we have made to improve the efficiency of mutation screening from NOA patients and functional verification with the application of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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20
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Zhang H, Li W, Jiang Y, Li J, Chen M, Wang R, Zhao J, Peng Z, Huang H, Liu R. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Genes Associated With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872179. [PMID: 35495142 PMCID: PMC9043847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects nearly 1% of men; however, the landscape of the causative genes is largely unknown. Objective: To explore the genetic etiology which is the fundamental cause of NOA, a prospective case-control study and parental–proband trio linkage analysis were performed. Materials: A total of 133 patients with clinicopathological NOA and 343 fertile controls were recruited from a single large academic fertility center located in Northeast China; in addition, eleven trio families were available and enrolled. Results: Whole exome sequencing-based rare variant association study between the cases and controls was performed using the gene burden association testing. Linkage analysis on the trio families was also interrogated. In total, 648 genes were identified to be associated with NOA (three of which were previously reported), out of which six novel genes were found further associated based on the linkage analysis in the trio families, and involved in the meiosis-related network. Discussion and Conclusion: The six currently identified genes potentially account for a fraction (3.76%, 5 out of 133 patients) of the heritability of unidentified NOA, and combining the six novel genes and the three previously reported genes together would potentially account for an overall 6.77% (9 out of 133 patients) heritability of unidentified NOA in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ruixue Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Peng
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
| | - Ruizhi Liu
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
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21
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Tang D, Li K, Geng H, Xu C, Lv M, Gao Y, Wang G, Yu H, Shao Z, Shen Q, Jiang H, Zhang X, He X, Cao Y. Identification of deleterious variants in patients with male infertility due to idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:63. [PMID: 35366911 PMCID: PMC8976310 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00936-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type of male infertility, affecting 1% of men worldwide. Most of its etiologies remain idiopathic. Although genetic studies have identified dozens of NOA genes, monogenic mutations can also account for a small proportion of idiopathic NOA cases. Hence, this genetic study was conducted to explore the causes of monogenic variants of NOA in a cohort of Chinese patients. METHODS Following the screening using chromosomal karyotyping, Y chromosome microdeletion analyses, and sex hormone assessments, subsequent whole-exome sequencing analysis was performed in 55 unrelated idiopathic NOA patients with male infertility to explore potential deleterious variants associated with spermatogenesis. We also performed Sanger sequencing to demonstrate the variants. Testicular biopsy or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction was also performed to confirm the diagnosis of NOA and identify spermatozoa. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess the histopathology of spermatogenesis. RESULTS Abnormal testicular pathological phenotypes included Sertoli cell-only syndrome, maturation arrest, and hypospermatogenesis. Using bioinformatics analysis, we detected novel variants in two recessive genes, FANCA (NM_000135, c.3263C > T, c.1729C > G) and SYCE1 (NM_001143763, c.689_690del); one X-linked gene, TEX11 (NM_031276, c.466A > G, c.559_560del); and two dominant genes, DMRT1 (NM_021951, c.425C > T, c.340G > A) and PLK4 (NM_001190799, c.2785A > G), in eight patients, which corresponded to 14.55% (8/55) of the patients. CONCLUSION This study presented some novel variants of known pathogenic genes for NOA. Further, it expanded the variant spectrum of NOA patients, which might advance clinical genetic counseling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, No 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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22
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Gerlevik U, Ergoren MC, Sezerman OU, Temel SG. Structural analysis of M1AP variants associated with severely impaired spermatogenesis causing male infertility. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12947. [PMID: 35341049 PMCID: PMC8944341 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired meiosis can result in absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This condition, namely non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), is one of the reasons of male infertility. Despite the low number of studies on meiosis 1-associated protein (M1AP) in the literature, M1AP is known to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Recently, seven variants (five missense, one frameshift, one splice-site) have been reported in the M1AP gene as associated with NOA, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia in two separate studies. However, all missense variants were evaluated as variant of uncertain significance by these studies. Therefore, we aimed to analyze their structural impacts on the M1AP protein that could lead to NOA. Methods We firstly performed an evolutionary conservation analysis for the variant positions. Afterwards, a comprehensive molecular modelling study was performed for the M1AP structure. By utilizing this model, protein dynamics were sampled for the wild-type and variants by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results All variant positions are highly conserved, indicating that they are potentially important for function. In MD simulations, none of the variants led to a general misfolding or loss of stability in the protein structure, but they did cause severe modifications in the conformational dynamics of M1AP, particularly through changes in local interactions affecting flexibility, hinge and secondary structure. Conclusions Due to critical perturbations in protein dynamics, we propose that these variants may cause NOA by affecting important interactions regulating meiosis, particularly in wild-type M1AP deficiency since the variants are reported to be homozygous or bi-allelic in the infertile individuals. Our results provided reasonable insights about the M1AP structure and the effects of the variants to the structure and dynamics, which should be further investigated by experimental studies to validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Gerlevik
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus,DESAM Institute, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Osman Uğur Sezerman
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sehime Gulsun Temel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey,Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey,Department of Translational Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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23
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Yao C, Hou D, Ji Z, Pang D, Li P, Tian R, Zhang Y, Ou N, Bai H, Zhi E, Huang Y, Qin Y, Zhao J, Wang C, Zhou Z, Guo T, Li Z. Bi‐allelic
SPATA22
Variants Cause Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Non‐obstructive Azoospermia Due to Meiotic Arrest. Clin Genet 2022; 101:507-516. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- School of Life Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai China
| | - Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- School of Life Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Dongmei Pang
- Jimo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Qingdao China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- School of Life Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Laboratory Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
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Hou D, Yao C, Xu B, Luo W, Ke H, Li Z, Qin Y, Guo T. Variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 Identified in Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:724-734. [PMID: 34718620 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) are the most severe diseases causing irreversible infertility in females and males, respectively. The contribution of synaptonemal complex (SC) gene variations in the pathogenesis of sporadic patients with POI and NOA has not been systematically illustrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of SC genes in the pathogenesis of sporadic POI and NOA. DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. INTERVENTION(S) The variations of SC genes were filtered in the in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations following recessive inheritance mode were selected according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effects of the variations were verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ACMG classification and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Two homozygous variations of C14ORF39 and 2 recessive variations of SYCE1 were first identified in sporadic patients with POI and NOA, respectively. Functional studies showed the C14ORF39 variations significantly accelerated the protein degradation and the variations in SYCE1 disrupted its interaction with SYCP1 or C14ORF39, both of which affected SC assembly and meiosis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identified novel pathogenic variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 in sporadic patients with POI or NOA, highlighting the essential role of SC genes in the maintenance of ovarian and testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
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25
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Zhang Y, Li P, Liu N, Jing T, Ji Z, Yang C, Zhao L, Tian R, Chen H, Huang Y, Zhi E, Ou N, Bai H, Zhou Y, Li Z, Yao C. Novel Bi-Allelic Variants of FANCM Cause Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 12:799886. [PMID: 34976027 PMCID: PMC8714797 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.799886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for the majority of NOA remain unknown. FANCM is a member of Fanconi Anemia (FA) core complex, whose defects are associated with cell hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL)-inducing agents. It was reported that variants in FANCM (MIM: 609644) might cause azoospermia or oligospermia. However, there is still a lack of evidence to explain the association between different FANCM variants and male infertility phenotypes. Herein, we identified compound heterozygous variants in FANCM in two NOA-affected brothers (c. 1778delG:p. R593Qfs*76 and c. 1663G > T:p. V555F), and a homozygous variant in FANCM (c. 1972C > T:p. R658X) in a sporadic case with NOA, respectively. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry showed Sertoli cell-only Syndrome (SCOS) in the three patients with NOA. Collectively, our study expands the knowledge of variants in FANCM, and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiology of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zhang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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26
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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27
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Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is determined by exhaustion of follicles in the ovaries, which leads to infertility before the age of 40 years. It is characterized by a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Therefore, we will mainly discuss the genetic basis of POI in this review. We identified 107 genes related to POI etiology in mammals described by several independent groups. Thirty-four of these genes (AARS2, AIRE, ANTXR1, ATM, BMPR1B, CLPP, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, DCAF17, EIF2B, ERAL1, FANCA, FANCC, FMR1, FOXL2, GALT, GNAS, HARS2, HSD17B4, LARS2, LMNA, MGME1, NBN, PMM2, POLG, PREPL, RCBTB1, RECQL2/3/4, STAR, TWNK, and XRCC4/9) have been linked to syndromic POI and are mainly implicated in metabolism function and meiosis/DNA repair. In addition, the majority of genes associated with nonsyndromic POI, widely expanded by high-throughput techniques over the last decade, have been implicated in ovarian development and meiosis/DNA repair pathways (ATG7, ATG9, ANKRD31, BMP8B, BMP15, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPR2, BNC1, BRCA2, CPEB1, C14ORF39, DAZL, DIAPH2, DMC1, ERCC6, FANCL, FANCM, FIGLA, FSHR, GATA4, GDF9, GJA4, HELQ, HSF2BP, HFM1, INSL3, LHCGR, LHX8, MCM8, MCM9, MEIOB, MSH4, MSH5, NANOS3, NOBOX, NOTCH2, NR5A1, NUP107, PGRMC1, POLR3H, PRDM1, PRDM9, PSMC3IP, SOHLH1, SOHLH2, SPIDR, STAG3, SYCE1, TP63, UBR2, WDR62, and XRCC2), whereas a few are related to metabolic functions (EIF4ENIF1, KHDRBS1, MRPS22, POLR2C). Some genes, such as STRA8, FOXO3A, KIT, KITL, WNT4, and FANCE, have been shown to cause ovarian insufficiency in rodents, but mutations in these genes have yet to be elucidated in women affected by POI. Lastly, some genes have been rarely implicated in its etiology (AMH, AMHR2, ERRC2, ESR1, INHA, LMN4, POF1B, POU5F1, REC8, SMC1B). Considering the heterogeneous genetic and familial background of this disorder, we hope that an overview of literature data would reinforce that genetic screening of those patients is worthwhile and helpful for better genetic counseling and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malheiros França
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Section of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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28
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Salvarci A, Balasar M. Different group of non-obstructive intermittent azoospermias among non-obstructive azoospermia patients: A ten-year retrospective cohort study with control group. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14335. [PMID: 34866223 DOI: 10.1111/and.14335] [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: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified patients among non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases in whom spermatozoa could not be detected despite treatment, but intermittent ejaculatory spermatozoon was found in their follow-up. NOA was observed in the retrospective screening at a rate of 15.35% among infertile men (n = 1976/12,871), while non-obstructive intermittent azoospermia (NO-IA) was detected at a rate of 6.8% among NO-IA (n = 135/1976) and 1.1% among all infertile men (n = 135/12,871). Spermatozoon was identified in the form of cryptospermia or extreme oligospermia in 58.13 (13.6-92.3) weeks on average in n = 55/135 patients among NO-IA. Pregnancy and live birth were achieved at a rate of 43.6% (n = 24/55) and 29% (n = 16/55), respectively, in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. NO-IA was composed of a group with no genetic pathological diagnosis, with lower follicle-stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone and clinical varicocele rates compared with those of NOA (<0.05) and higher testicular volumes and pathological scores (<0.05). A major activity was observed in total testosterone, lutenizing hormone, testicular volumes and the logistic regression of pathological scores (<0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Salvarci
- Department of Urology, Novafertile/Medicana Hospital IVF Centers and Medicana Hospital Affiliated with KTO Medical Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Balasar
- Department of Urology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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29
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Pathogenic variations in Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA) are associated with human male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1781-1788. [PMID: 34413498 PMCID: PMC8632907 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00946-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples, half of which are caused by a male factor. Male infertility can be caused by both, qualitative and quantitative defects, leading to Oligo- astheno-terato-zoospermia (OAT; impairment in ejaculate sperm cell concentration, motility and morphology). Azoospermia defined as complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculation. While hundreds of genes are involved in spermatogenesis the genetic etiology of men's infertility remains incomplete.We identified a hemizygous stop gain pathogenic variation (PV) in the X-linked Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA), in an Azoospermic patient by exome sequencing. Assessment of the prevalence of pathogenic variations in this gene in infertile males by exome sequence data of 11 additional unrelated patients identified a probable hemizygous causative missense PV in GCNA in a severe OAT patient. Expression of GCNA in the patients' testes biopsies and the stage of spermatogonial developmental arrest were determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The Azoospermic patient presented spermatogenic maturation arrest with an almost complete absence of early and late primary spermatocytes and thus the complete absence of sperm. GCNA is critical for genome integrity and its loss results in genomic instability and infertility in Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, and mouse. PVs in GCNA appear to be incompatible with male fertility in humans as well: A stop-gain PV caused Azoospermia and a missense PV caused severe OAT with very low fertilization rates and no pregnancy in numerous IVF treatments.
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30
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Qu W, Liu C, Xu YT, Xu YM, Luo MC. The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:572-579. [PMID: 34708719 PMCID: PMC8577251 DOI: 10.4103/aja202191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ya-Ting Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu-Min Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Meng-Cheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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31
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Wu Y, Li Y, Murtaza G, Zhou J, Jiao Y, Gong C, Hu C, Han Q, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Shi B, Ma H, Jiang X, Shi Q. Whole-exome sequencing of consanguineous families with infertile men and women identifies homologous mutations in SPATA22 and MEIOB. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2793-2804. [PMID: 34392356 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveal pathogenic mutations in two consanguineous Pakistani families with infertile patients? SUMMARY ANSWER A homozygous spermatogenesis associated 22 (SPATA22) frameshift mutation (c.203del), which disrupts the interaction with meiosis specific with OB-fold (MEIOB), and a MEIOB splicing mutation (c.683-1G>A) that led to loss of MEIOB protein cause familial infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY MEIOB and SPATA22, direct binding partners and functional collaborators, form a meiosis-specific heterodimer that regulates meiotic recombination. The protein stability and the axial localization of MEIOB and SPATA22 depend on each other. Meiob and Spata22 knockout mice have the same phenotypes: mutant spermatocytes can initiate meiotic recombination but are unable to complete DSB repair, leading to crossover formation failure, meiotic prophase arrest, and sterility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed WES for the patients and controls in two consanguineous Pakistani families to screen for mutations. The pathogenicity of the identified mutations was assessed by in vitro assay and mutant mouse model. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two consanguineous Pakistani families with four patients (three men and one woman) suffering from primary infertility were recruited. SPATA22 and MEIOB mutations were screened from the WES data, followed by functional verification in cultured cells and mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A homozygous SPATA22 frameshift mutation (c.203del) was identified in a patient with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) from a consanguineous Pakistani family and a homozygous MEIOB splicing mutation (c.683-1G>A) was identified in two patients with NOA and one infertile woman from another consanguineous Pakistani family. The SPATA22 mutation destroyed the interaction with MEIOB. The MEIOB splicing mutation induced Exon 9 skipping, which causes a 32aa deletion in the oligonucleotide-binding domain without affecting the interaction between MEIOB and SPATA22. Furthermore, analyses of the Meiob mutant mice modelling the patients' mutation revealed that the MEIOB splicing mutation leads to loss of MEIOB proteins, abolished SPATA22 recruitment on chromosome axes, and meiotic arrest due to meiotic recombination failure. Thus, our study suggests that SPATA22 and MEIOB may both be causative genes for human infertility. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As SPATA22 and MEIOB are interdependent and essential for meiotic recombination, screening for mutations of SPATA22 and MEIOB in both infertile men and women in larger cohorts is important to further reveal the role of the SPATA22 and MEIOB heterodimer in human fertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings provide direct clinical and functional evidence that mutations in SPATA22 and MEIOB can cause meiotic recombination failure, supporting a role for these mutations in human infertility and their potential use as targets for genetic diagnosis of human infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900, 2018YFC1003700, and 2019YFA0802600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31890780, 31630050, 32061143006, 82071709, and 31871514), the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB19000000). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuying Jiao
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chenjia Gong
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiqi Han
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Baolu Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Saebnia N, Neshati Z, Bahrami AR. Role of microRNAs in etiology of azoospermia and their application as non-invasive biomarkers in diagnosis of azoospermic patients. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102207. [PMID: 34407467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is a common cause of male infertility without any sperm in the semen and consists of ∼1% of all males and ∼15% of infertile ones. Currently, no accurate non-invasive diagnostic method exists for patients with azoospermia and testis biopsy is mandatory to determine if any spermatozoa exist in the testes. Studies have clarified that the expression of some distinct microRNAs shows alterations in azoospermic patients. MicroRNAs play critical roles during spermatogenesis and their dysregulation can defect this process. Here, we review studied microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of azoospermia and their target genes. Moreover, we will imply the utility of seminal plasma microRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for azoospermia. We hope such studies could help patients with azoospermia in both diagnosis and treatment, in order that they could father their own biological children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Saebnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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An M, Liu Y, Zhang M, Hu K, Jin Y, Xu S, Wang H, Lu M. Targeted next-generation sequencing panel screening of 668 Chinese patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1997-2005. [PMID: 33728612 PMCID: PMC8417191 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed (1) to determine the molecular diagnosis rate and the recurrent causative genes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel screening and (2) to discuss whether these genes help in the prognosis for microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). METHODS We used NGS panels to screen 668 Chinese men with NOA. Micro-TESE outcomes for six patients with pathogenic mutations were followed up. Functional assays were performed for two NR5A1 variants identified: p.I224V and p.R281C. RESULTS Targeted NGS panel sequencing could explain 4/189 (2.1% by panel 1) or 10/479 (2.1% by panel 2) of the patients with NOA after exclusion of karyotype abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions. Almost all mutations detected were newly described except for NR5A1 p.R281C and TEX11 p.M156V. Two missense NR5A1 mutations-p.R281C and p.I244V-were proved to be deleterious by in vitro functional assays. Mutations in TEX11, TEX14, and NR5A1 genes are recurrent causes of NOA, but each gene explains only a very small percentage (less than 4/668; 0.6%). Only the patient with NR5A1 mutations produced viable spermatozoa through micro-TESE, but other patients with TEX11 and TEX14 had poor micro-TESE prognoses. CONCLUSIONS A targeted NGS panel is a feasible diagnostic method for patients with NOA. Because each gene implicated explains only a small proportion of such cases, more genes should be included to further increase the diagnostic rate. Considering previous reports, we suggest that only a few genes that are directly linked to meiosis can indicate poor micro-TESE prognosis, such as TEX11, TEX14, and SYCE1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao An
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidong Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiran Xu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mujun Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China.
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Verrilli L, Johnstone E, Allen-Brady K, Welt C. Shared genetics between nonobstructive azoospermia and primary ovarian insufficiency. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:204-213. [PMID: 36177363 PMCID: PMC9518791 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) both represent disease states of early, and often complete, failure of gametogenesis. Because oogenesis and spermatogenesis share the same conserved steps in meiosis I, it is possible that inherited defects in meiosis I could lead to shared causes of both POI and NOA. Currently, known genes that contribute to both POI and NOA are limited. In this review article, we provide a systematic review of genetic mutations in which both POI and NOA phenotypes exist. EVIDENCE REVIEW A PubMed literature review was conducted from January 1, 2000 through October 2020. We included all studies that demonstrated human cases of POI or NOA due to a specific genetic mutation either within the same family or in separate families. RESULTS We identified 33 papers that encompassed 10 genes of interest with mutations implicated in both NOA and POI. The genes were all involved in processes of meiosis I. CONCLUSION Mutations in genes involved in processes of meiosis I may cause both NOA and POI. Identifying these unique phenotypes among shared genotypes leads to biologic plausibility that the key error occurs early in gametogenesis with an etiology shared among both male and female offspring. From a clinical standpoint, this shared relationship may help us better understand and identify individuals at high risk for gonadal failure within families and suggests that clinicians obtain history for opposite sex family members when approaching a new diagnosis of POI or NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Verrilli
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Erica Johnstone
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Kristina Allen-Brady
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, 296 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
| | - Corrine Welt
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
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Verma P, Parte P. Revisiting the Characteristics of Testicular Germ Cell Lines GC-1(spg) and GC-2(spd)ts. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:941-952. [PMID: 34125394 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multifaceted and meticulously orchestrated process involving meiosis, chromatin build up, transcriptional and translational hushing, and spermiogenesis. Male germ cell lines GC-1spg (GC-1) and GC-2(spd)ts (GC-2) provide a useful resource to comprehend the molecular events occurring during such a tightly regulated process. Using cDNA microarray, expression profiling of GC-1 and GC-2 cell lines was done to precisely understand their characteristics and uniqueness. Our observations indicate that whilst both the cell lines are indeed of testicular origin, GC-2 is not haploid as was originally thought. Data analysis of the 23,351 transcripts detected in GC-1 and 20,992 in GC-2 cell lines demonstrates an 80% transcript overlap between GC-1 and GC-2 cells and ~ 40% similarity of both with the primary spermatocyte transcriptome. 3152 and 793 transcripts exclusive to GC-1 and GC-2, respectively, were identified. The presence of transcripts for 36 genes was validated in these cell lines including those showing testis-specific expression, as well as genes not reported previously. Overall, this study provides the transcriptome database of GC-1 and GC-2 cells. Analysis of the data demonstrates the transcriptomic transitions between GC-1 and GC-2 thus providing a glimpse to the process of germ cell differentiation from type B spermatogonium into preleptotene spermatocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Verma
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Sha Y, Liu W, Wei X, Zhu X, Tang B, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang X. Pathogenic variants of ATG4D in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia identified using whole-exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2021; 100:280-291. [PMID: 33988247 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility, and it is primarily associated with genetic defects. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 236 patients with NOA and identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of autophagy-related 4D cysteine peptidase (ATG4D) in two siblings from a consanguineous family and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4D in two sporadic cases. The expression of LC3B, a regulator of autophagic activity, was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissues was increased. Transfection of GC-2spd cells with a ATG4D mutant plasmid (Flag-Atg4dmut ) significantly decreased the expression level of Lc3b and increased the rate of apoptosis. Moreover, a pathogenic variant in X-linked ATG4A and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4B were identified in one patient each. All novel variants were segregated by disease phenotype and were predicted to be pathogenic. Our findings revealed that autophagy-related cysteine peptidase family genes may play crucial roles in human spermatogenesis and identified ATG4D as a novel candidate gene for male infertility due to NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Centre for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bowen Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Centre of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Kolmykov S, Vasiliev G, Osadchuk L, Kleschev M, Osadchuk A. Whole-Exome Sequencing Analysis of Human Semen Quality in Russian Multiethnic Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:662846. [PMID: 34178030 PMCID: PMC8232892 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.662846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The global trend toward the reduction of human spermatogenic function observed in many countries, including Russia, raised the problem of extensive screening and monitoring of male fertility and elucidation of its genetic and ethnic mechanisms. Recently, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was developed as a powerful tool for genetic analysis of complex traits. We present here the first Russian WES study for identification of new genes associated with semen quality. The experimental 3 × 2 design of the WES study was based on the analysis of 157 samples including three ethnic groups—Slavs (59), Buryats (n = 49), and Yakuts (n = 49), and two different semen quality groups—pathozoospermia (n = 95) and normospermia (n = 62). Additionally, our WES study group was negative for complete AZF microdeletions of the Y-chromosome. The normospermia group included men with normal sperm parameters in accordance with the WHO-recommended reference limit. The pathozoospermia group included men with impaired semen quality, namely, with any combined parameters of sperm concentration <15 × 106/ml, and/or progressive motility <32%, and/or normal morphology <4%. The WES was performed for all 157 samples. Subsequent calling and filtering of variants were carried out according to the GATK Best Practices recommendations. On the genotyping stage, the samples were combined into four cohorts: three sets corresponded to three ethnic groups, and the fourth set contained all the 157 whole-exome samples. Association of the obtained polymorphisms with semen quality parameters was investigated using the χ2 test. To prioritize the obtained variants associated with pathozoospermia, their effects were determined using Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor. Moreover, polymorphisms located in genes expressed in the testis were revealed based on the genomic annotation. As a result, the nine potential SNP markers rs6971091, rs557806, rs610308, rs556052, rs1289658, rs278981, rs1129172, rs12268007, and rs17228441 were selected for subsequent verification on our previously collected population sample (about 1,500 males). The selected variants located in seven genes FAM71F1, PPP1R15A, TRIM45, PRAME, RBM47, WDFY4, and FSIP2 that are expressed in the testis and play an important role in cell proliferation, meiosis, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semyon Kolmykov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Computational Biology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Gennady Vasiliev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ludmila Osadchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Kleschev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Osadchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Oud MS, Houston BJ, Volozonoka L, Mastrorosa FK, Holt GS, Alobaidi BKS, deVries PF, Astuti G, Ramos L, Mclachlan RI, O’Bryan MK, Veltman JA, Chemes HE, Sheth H. Exome sequencing reveals variants in known and novel candidate genes for severe sperm motility disorders. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2597-2611. [PMID: 34089056 PMCID: PMC8373475 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the causative genetic variants in patients with male infertility due to severe sperm motility disorders? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified high confidence disease-causing variants in multiple genes previously associated with severe sperm motility disorders in 10 out of 21 patients (48%) and variants in novel candidate genes in seven additional patients (33%). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Severe sperm motility disorders are a form of male infertility characterised by immotile sperm often in combination with a spectrum of structural abnormalities of the sperm flagellum that do not affect viability. Currently, depending on the clinical sub-categorisation, up to 50% of causality in patients with severe sperm motility disorders can be explained by pathogenic variants in at least 22 genes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed exome sequencing in 21 patients with severe sperm motility disorders from two different clinics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD Two groups of infertile men, one from Argentina (n = 9) and one from Australia (n = 12), with clinically defined severe sperm motility disorders (motility <5%) and normal morphology values of 0–4%, were included. All patients in the Argentine cohort were diagnosed with DFS-MMAF, based on light and transmission electron microscopy. Sperm ultrastructural information was not available for the Australian cohort. Exome sequencing was performed in all 21 patients and variants with an allele frequency of <1% in the gnomAD population were prioritised and interpreted. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE In 10 of 21 patients (48%), we identified pathogenic variants in known sperm assembly genes: CFAP43 (3 patients); CFAP44 (2 patients), CFAP58 (1 patient), QRICH2 (2 patients), DNAH1 (1 patient) and DNAH6 (1 patient). The diagnostic rate did not differ markedly between the Argentinian and the Australian cohort (55% and 42%, respectively). Furthermore, we identified patients with variants in the novel human candidate sperm motility genes: DNAH12, DRC1, MDC1, PACRG, SSPL2C and TPTE2. One patient presented with variants in four candidate genes and it remains unclear which variants were responsible for the severe sperm motility defect in this patient. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, we described patients with either a homozygous or two heterozygous candidate pathogenic variants in genes linked to sperm motility disorders. Due to unavailability of parental DNA, we have not assessed the frequency of de novo or maternally inherited dominant variants and could not determine the parental origin of the mutations to establish in all cases that the mutations are present on both alleles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results confirm the likely causal role of variants in six known genes for sperm motility and we demonstrate that exome sequencing is an effective method to diagnose patients with severe sperm motility disorders (10/21 diagnosed; 48%). Furthermore, our analysis revealed six novel candidate genes for severe sperm motility disorders. Genome-wide sequencing of additional patient cohorts and re-analysis of exome data of currently unsolved cases may reveal additional variants in these novel candidate genes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported in part by funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1120356) to M.K.O.B., J.A.V. and R.I.M.L., The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (918-15-667) to J.A.V., the Royal Society and Wolfson Foundation (WM160091) to J.A.V., as well as an Investigator Award in Science from the Wellcome Trust (209451) to J.A.V. and Grants from the National Research Council of Argentina (PIP 0900 and 4584) and ANPCyT (PICT 9591) to H.E.C. and a UUKi Rutherford Fund Fellowship awarded to B.J.H.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B J Houston
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Monash, Australia
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - L Volozonoka
- Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F K Mastrorosa
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G S Holt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B K S Alobaidi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - P F deVries
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G Astuti
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - L Ramos
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R I Mclachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M K O’Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Monash, Australia
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - J A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Correspondence address. Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP, UK. E-mail:
| | - H E Chemes
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” CEDIE-CONICET-FEI, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H Sheth
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Genetics, Ahmedabad, India
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Li Y, Wu Y, Zhou J, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Ma H, Jiang X, Shi Q. A recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation causes male infertility resulting from decreased meiotic recombination. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1436-1445. [PMID: 33713115 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are mutations in the zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein 7 gene (ZSWIM7) associated with human male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER The homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 causes decreased meiotic recombination, spermatogenesis arrest, and infertility in men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ZSWIM7 is a SWIM domain-containing Shu2/SWS1 protein family member and a subunit of the Shu complex. Zswim7 knockout mice were infertile due to impaired meiotic recombination. However, so far there is no direct evidence that mutations of ZSWIM7 cause human infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Screening for mutations of ZSWIM7 was performed using in-house whole-exome sequencing data from 60 men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Mice with a corresponding Zswim7 mutation were generated for functional verification. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sixty Chinese patients, who were from different regions of China, were enrolled. All the patients were diagnosed with NOA owing to spermatocyte maturation arrest based on histopathological analyses and/or immunostaining of spermatocyte chromosome spreads. ZSWIM7 mutations were screened from the whole-exome sequencing data of these patients, followed by functional verification in mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 was found in two out of the 60 unrelated NOA patients. Both patients displayed small testicular size and spermatocyte maturation arrest in testis histology. Spermatocyte chromosome spreads of one patient revealed meiotic maturation arrest in a pachytene-like stage, with incomplete synapsis and decreased meiotic recombination. Male mice carrying a homozygous mutation similar to that of our patients were generated and also displayed reduced recombination, meiotic arrest and azoospermia, paralleling the spermatogenesis defects in our patients. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As Zswim7 is also essential for meiosis in female mice, future studies should evaluate the ZSWIM7 mutations more in depth and in larger cohorts of infertile patients, including males and females, to validate the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings provide direct clinical and functional evidence that the recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation (c.231_232del) causes decreased meiotic recombination and leads to male infertility, illustrating the genotype-phenotype correlations of meiotic recombination defects in humans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31890780, 31630050, 32061143006, 82071709, and 31871514), the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB19000000), and the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900 and 2019YFA0802600). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yufan Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Yamamoto R, Hwang J, Ishikawa T, Kon T, Sale WS. Composition and function of ciliary inner-dynein-arm subunits studied in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:77-96. [PMID: 33876572 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Motile cilia (also interchangeably called "flagella") are conserved organelles extending from the surface of many animal cells and play essential functions in eukaryotes, including cell motility and environmental sensing. Large motor complexes, the ciliary dyneins, are present on ciliary outer-doublet microtubules and drive movement of cilia. Ciliary dyneins are classified into two general types: the outer dynein arms (ODAs) and the inner dynein arms (IDAs). While ODAs are important for generation of force and regulation of ciliary beat frequency, IDAs are essential for control of the size and shape of the bend, features collectively referred to as waveform. Also, recent studies have revealed unexpected links between IDA components and human diseases. In spite of their importance, studies on IDAs have been difficult since they are very complex and composed for several types of IDA motors, each unique in composition and location in the axoneme. Thanks in part to genetic, biochemical, and structural analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we are beginning to understand the organization and function of the ciliary IDAs. In this review, we summarize the composition of Chlamydomonas IDAs particularly focusing on each subunit, and discuss the assembly, conservation, and functional role(s) of these IDA subunits. Furthermore, we raise several additional questions/challenges regarding IDAs, and discuss future perspectives of IDA studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Yamamoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Juyeon Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Takashi Ishikawa
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen PSI, Switzerland.,Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Takahide Kon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Winfield S Sale
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Bellil H, Ghieh F, Hermel E, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Human testis-expressed (TEX) genes: a review focused on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:9. [PMID: 33882832 PMCID: PMC8061069 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by a multitude of genes. The identification and characterization of male-germ-cell-specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms through which the cells develop. The term “TEX gene” was coined by Wang et al. (Nat Genet. 2001; 27: 422–6) after they used cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify new transcripts that were present only in purified mouse spermatogonia. TEX (Testis expressed) orthologues have been found in other vertebrates (mammals, birds, and reptiles), invertebrates, and yeasts. To date, 69 TEX genes have been described in different species and different tissues. To evaluate the expression of each TEX/tex gene, we compiled data from 7 different RNA-Seq mRNA databases in humans, and 4 in the mouse according to the expression atlas database. Various studies have highlighted a role for many of these genes in spermatogenesis. Here, we review current knowledge on the TEX genes and their roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization in humans and, comparatively, in other species (notably the mouse). As expected, TEX genes appear to have a major role in reproduction in general and in spermatogenesis in humans but also in all mammals such as the mouse. Most of them are expressed specifically or predominantly in the testis. As most of the TEX genes are highly conserved in mammals, defects in the male (gene mutations in humans and gene-null mice) lead to infertility. In the future, cumulative data on the human TEX genes’ physiological functions and pathophysiological dysfunctions should become available and is likely to confirm the essential role of this family in the reproductive process. Thirteen TEX genes are now referenced in the OMIM database, and 3 have been linked to a specific phenotype. TEX11 (on Xq13.1) is currently the gene most frequently reported as being associated with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hela Bellil
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emeline Hermel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pepin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France. .,Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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42
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Genetics of Azoospermia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063264. [PMID: 33806855 PMCID: PMC8004677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia affects 1% of men, and it can be due to: (i) hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, (ii) primary quantitative spermatogenic disturbances, (iii) urogenital duct obstruction. Known genetic factors contribute to all these categories, and genetic testing is part of the routine diagnostic workup of azoospermic men. The diagnostic yield of genetic tests in azoospermia is different in the different etiological categories, with the highest in Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (90%) and the lowest in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) due to primary testicular failure (~30%). Whole-Exome Sequencing allowed the discovery of an increasing number of monogenic defects of NOA with a current list of 38 candidate genes. These genes are of potential clinical relevance for future gene panel-based screening. We classified these genes according to the associated-testicular histology underlying the NOA phenotype. The validation and the discovery of novel NOA genes will radically improve patient management. Interestingly, approximately 37% of candidate genes are shared in human male and female gonadal failure, implying that genetic counselling should be extended also to female family members of NOA patients.
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43
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Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Hamzeiy H, Baghbanzadeh A, Pashazadeh F, Sakhinia E. Genetic basis of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in infertile men: a systematic scoping review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:573-586. [PMID: 33452591 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02008-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is known as a severe type of teratozoospermia, defined as semen composed of mostly headless spermatozoa that affect male fertility. In this regard, this systematic review aimed to discuss gene variants associated with acephalic spermatozoa phenotype as well as the clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment for the acephalic spermatozoa-associated male infertility. METHODS A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid databases until May 17, 2020. This systematic scoping review was reported in terms of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. RESULTS Twenty articles were included in this systematic review. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing have helped in the identification of variants in SUN5, PMFBP1, BRDT, TSGA10, DNAH6, HOOK1, and CEP112 genes as possible causes of this phenotype in humans. The results of the ICSI are conflicting due to both positive and negative reports of ICSI outcomes. CONCLUSION ASS has a genetic origin, and several genetic alterations related to the pathogenesis of this anomaly have been recently identified. Notably, only SUN5 and PMFBP1 mutations are well-known to be implicated in ASS. Accordingly, more functional studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of other variants. ICSI could provide a promising treatment for acephalic spermatozoa-associated male infertility. Besides the importance of sperm head-tail junction integrity, some other factors, whether within the sperm cell or female factors, may be involved in the ICSI outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Mazaheri Moghaddam
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Madiheh Mazaheri Moghaddam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Hamzeiy
- Tabriz Genetic Analysis Centre (TGAC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Genomize Inc., Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Pashazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Sakhinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Tabriz Genetic Analysis Centre (TGAC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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44
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Wu X, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Male Infertility in Humans: An Update on Non-obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) and Obstructive Azoospermia (OA). ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:161-173. [PMID: 34453736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) are two common causes of infertility that affect a considerable number of men. However, few studies were performed to understand the molecular etiology of these disorders. Studies based on bioinformatics and genetic analyses in recent years, however, have yielded insightful information and have identified a number of genes that are involved in these disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these findings. We also discuss findings based on epigenetic modifications of sperm DNAs that affect a number of genes pertinent to NOA and OA. The information summarized in this Chapter should be helpful to investigators in future functional studies of NOA and OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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45
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Paolacci S, Barbagallo F, Guerri G, Bertelli M, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Next-generation sequencing: toward an increase in the diagnostic yield in patients with apparently idiopathic spermatogenic failure. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:24-29. [PMID: 32655042 PMCID: PMC7831827 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_25_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of patients with idiopathic spermatogenic failure (SPGF; oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA]) do not receive a diagnosis despite an extensive diagnostic workup. Recent evidence has shown that the etiology remains undefined in up to 75% of these patients. A number of genes involved in germ-cell proliferation, spermatocyte meiotic divisions, and spermatid development have been called into play in the pathogenesis of idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA. However, this evidence mainly comes from case reports. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the molecular causes of SPGF. To accomplish this, 15 genes (USP9Y, NR5A1, KLHL10, ZMYND15, PLK4, TEX15, TEX11, MEIOB, SOHLH1, HSF2, SYCP3, TAF4B, NANOS1, SYCE1, and RHOXF2) involved in idiopathic SPGF were simultaneously analyzed in a cohort of 25 patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA, accurately selected after a thorough diagnostic workup. After next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, we identified the presence of rare variants in the NR5A1 and TEX11 genes with a pathogenic role in 3/25 (12.0%) patients. Seventeen other different variants were identified, and among them, 13 have never been reported before. Eleven out of 17 variants were likely pathogenic and deserve functional or segregation studies. The genes most frequently mutated were MEIOB, followed by USP9Y, KLHL10, NR5A1, and SOHLH1. No alterations were found in the SYCP3, TAF4B, NANOS1, SYCE1, or RHOXF2 genes. In conclusion, NGS technology, by screening a specific custom-made panel of genes, could help increase the diagnostic rate in patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Li L, Yang R, Yin C, Kee K. Studying human reproductive biology through single-cell analysis and in vitro differentiation of stem cells into germ cell-like cells. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:670-688. [PMID: 32464645 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human reproductive development has been limited by the scarcity of human samples and ethical constraints. Recently, in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into germ cells and single-cell analyses have opened new avenues to directly study human germ cells and identify unique mechanisms in human reproductive development. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to collate novel findings and insightful discoveries with these new methodologies, aiming at introducing researchers and clinicians to the use of these tools to study human reproductive biology and develop treatments for infertility. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search articles and reviews with the following main keywords: in vitro differentiation, human stem cells, single-cell analysis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, germ cells and other key terms related to these subjects. The search period included all publications from 2000 until now. OUTCOMES Single-cell analyses of human gonads have identified many important gene markers at different developmental stages and in subpopulations of cells. To validate the functional roles of these gene markers, researchers have used the in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent cells into germ cells and confirmed that some genetic requirements are unique in human germ cells and are not conserved in mouse models. Moreover, transcriptional regulatory networks and the interaction of germ and somatic cells in gonads were elucidated in these studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Single-cell analyses allow researchers to identify gene markers and potential regulatory networks using limited clinical samples. On the other hand, in vitro differentiation methods provide clinical researchers with tools to examine these newly identify gene markers and study the causative effects of mutations previously associated with infertility. Combining these two methodologies, researchers can identify gene markers and networks which are essential and unique in human reproductive development, thereby producing more accurate diagnostic tools for assessing reproductive disorders and developing treatments for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Risako Yang
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - Chenghong Yin
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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47
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Guo R, Xu Y, Leu NA, Zhang L, Fuchs SY, Ye L, Wang P. The ssDNA-binding protein MEIOB acts as a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiotic recombination. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12219-12233. [PMID: 33166385 PMCID: PMC7708077 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination enables reciprocal exchange of genetic information between parental chromosomes and is essential for fertility. MEIOB, a meiosis-specific ssDNA-binding protein, regulates early meiotic recombination. Here we report that the human infertility-associated missense mutation (N64I) in MEIOB causes protein degradation and reduced crossover formation in mouse testes. Although the MEIOB N64I substitution is associated with human infertility, the point mutant mice are fertile despite meiotic defects. Meiob mutagenesis identifies serine 67 as a critical residue for MEIOB. Biochemically, these two mutations (N64I and S67 deletion) cause self-aggregation of MEIOB and sharply reduced protein half-life. Molecular genetic analyses of both point mutants reveal an important role for MEIOB in crossover formation in late meiotic recombination. Furthermore, we find that the MEIOB protein levels directly correlate with the severity of meiotic defects. Our results demonstrate that MEIOB regulates meiotic recombination in a dosage-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Serge Y Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Beurois J, Cazin C, Kherraf ZE, Martinez G, Celse T, Touré A, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Coutton C. Genetics of teratozoospermia: Back to the head. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101473. [PMID: 33183966 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are polarized cells with a head and a flagellum joined by the connecting piece. Head integrity is critical for normal sperm function, and head defects consistently lead to male infertility. Abnormalities of the sperm head are among the most severe and characteristic sperm defects. Patients presenting with a monomorphic head sperm defects such as globozoospermia or marcrozoospermia were analyzed permitting to identify several key genes for spermatogenesis such as AURKC and DPY19L2. The study of patients with other specific sperm head defects such as acephalic spermatozoa have also enabled the identification of new infertility genes such as SUN5. Here, we review the genetic causes leading to morphological defects of sperm head. Advances in the genetics of male infertility are necessary to improve the management of infertility and will pave the road towards future strategies of treatments, especially for patients with the most severe phenotype as sperm head defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Beurois
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Tristan Celse
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France.
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Capalbo A, Poli M, Riera-Escamilla A, Shukla V, Kudo Høffding M, Krausz C, Hoffmann ER, Simon C. Preconception genome medicine: current state and future perspectives to improve infertility diagnosis and reproductive and health outcomes based on individual genomic data. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:254-279. [PMID: 33197264 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our genetic code is now readable, writable and hackable. The recent escalation of genome-wide sequencing (GS) applications in population diagnostics will not only enable the assessment of risks of transmitting well-defined monogenic disorders at preconceptional stages (i.e. carrier screening), but also facilitate identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting reproductive fitness. Through GS, the acquisition and curation of reproductive-related findings will warrant the expansion of genetic assessment to new areas of genomic prediction of reproductive phenotypes, pharmacogenomics and molecular embryology, further boosting our knowledge and therapeutic tools for treating infertility and improving women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this article, we review current knowledge and potential development of preconception genome analysis aimed at detecting reproductive and individual health risks (recessive genetic disease and medically actionable secondary findings) as well as anticipating specific reproductive outcomes, particularly in the context of IVF. The extension of reproductive genetic risk assessment to the general population and IVF couples will lead to the identification of couples who carry recessive mutations, as well as sub-lethal conditions prior to conception. This approach will provide increased reproductive autonomy to couples, particularly in those cases where preimplantation genetic testing is an available option to avoid the transmission of undesirable conditions. In addition, GS on prospective infertility patients will enable genome-wide association studies specific for infertility phenotypes such as predisposition to premature ovarian failure, increased risk of aneuploidies, complete oocyte immaturity or blastocyst development failure, thus empowering the development of true reproductive precision medicine. SEARCH METHODS Searches of the literature on PubMed Central included combinations of the following MeSH terms: human, genetics, genomics, variants, male, female, fertility, next generation sequencing, genome exome sequencing, expanded carrier screening, secondary findings, pharmacogenomics, controlled ovarian stimulation, preconception, genetics, genome-wide association studies, GWAS. OUTCOMES Through PubMed Central queries, we identified a total of 1409 articles. The full list of articles was assessed for date of publication, limiting the search to studies published within the last 15 years (2004 onwards due to escalating research output of next-generation sequencing studies from that date). The remaining articles' titles were assessed for pertinence to the topic, leaving a total of 644 articles. The use of preconception GS has the potential to identify inheritable genetic conditions concealed in the genome of around 4% of couples looking to conceive. Genomic information during reproductive age will also be useful to anticipate late-onset medically actionable conditions with strong genetic background in around 2-4% of all individuals. Genetic variants correlated with differential response to pharmaceutical treatment in IVF, and clear genotype-phenotype associations are found for aberrant sperm types, oocyte maturation, fertilization or pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. All currently known capabilities of GS at the preconception stage are reviewed along with persisting and forthcoming barriers for the implementation of precise reproductive medicine. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The expansion of sequencing analysis to additional monogenic and polygenic traits may enable the development of cost-effective preconception tests capable of identifying underlying genetic causes of infertility, which have been defined as 'unexplained' until now, thus leading to the development of a true personalized genomic medicine framework in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy.,Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vallari Shukla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology BIDMC, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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50
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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