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Bush SJ, Nikola R, Han S, Suzuki S, Yoshida S, Simons BD, Goriely A. Adult Human, but Not Rodent, Spermatogonial Stem Cells Retain States with a Foetal-like Signature. Cells 2024; 13:742. [PMID: 38727278 PMCID: PMC11083513 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves a complex process of cellular differentiation maintained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Being critical to male reproduction, it is generally assumed that spermatogenesis starts and ends in equivalent transcriptional states in related species. Based on single-cell gene expression profiling, it has been proposed that undifferentiated human spermatogonia can be subclassified into four heterogenous subtypes, termed states 0, 0A, 0B, and 1. To increase the resolution of the undifferentiated compartment and trace the origin of the spermatogenic trajectory, we re-analysed the single-cell (sc) RNA-sequencing libraries of 34 post-pubescent human testes to generate an integrated atlas of germ cell differentiation. We then used this atlas to perform comparative analyses of the putative SSC transcriptome both across human development (using 28 foetal and pre-pubertal scRNA-seq libraries) and across species (including data from sheep, pig, buffalo, rhesus and cynomolgus macaque, rat, and mouse). Alongside its detailed characterisation, we show that the transcriptional heterogeneity of the undifferentiated spermatogonial cell compartment varies not only between species but across development. Our findings associate 'state 0B' with a suppressive transcriptomic programme that, in adult humans, acts to functionally oppose proliferation and maintain cells in a ready-to-react state. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that human foetal germ cells-which are mitotically arrested-can be characterised solely as state 0B. While germ cells with a state 0B signature are also present in foetal mice (and are likely conserved at this stage throughout mammals), they are not maintained into adulthood. We conjecture that in rodents, the foetal-like state 0B differentiates at birth into the renewing SSC population, whereas in humans it is maintained as a reserve population, supporting testicular homeostasis over a longer reproductive lifespan while reducing mutagenic load. Together, these results suggest that SSCs adopt differing evolutionary strategies across species to ensure fertility and genome integrity over vastly differing life histories and reproductive timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Bush
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rafail Nikola
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Seungmin Han
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D. Simons
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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2
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Suzuki A, Uranishi K, Nishimoto M, Mizuno Y, Mizuno S, Takahashi S, Eisenman RN, Okuda A. MAX controls meiotic entry in sexually undifferentiated germ cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5236. [PMID: 38433229 PMCID: PMC10909893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55506-7] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs physiologically only in germ cells. We previously demonstrated that MYC-associated factor X (MAX) blocks the ectopic onset of meiosis in embryonic and germline stem cells in culture systems. Here, we investigated the Max gene's role in mouse primordial germ cells. Although Max is generally ubiquitously expressed, we revealed that sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells had abundant MAX protein because of their higher Max gene expression than somatic cells. Moreover, our data revealed that this high MAX protein level in female germ cells declined significantly around physiological meiotic onset. Max disruption in sexually undifferentiated germ cells led to ectopic and precocious expression of meiosis-related genes, including Meiosin, the gatekeeper of meiotic onset, in both male and female germ cells. However, Max-null male and female germ cells did not complete the entire meiotic process, but stalled during its early stages and were eventually eliminated by apoptosis. Additionally, our meta-analyses identified a regulatory region that supports the high Max expression in sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells. These results indicate the strong connection between the Max gene and physiological onset of meiosis in vivo through dynamic alteration of its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Suzuki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Kousuke Uranishi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Masazumi Nishimoto
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mizuno
- Division of Morphological Science, Biomedical Research Center, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan.
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3
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Tang Y, Zhang B, Shi H, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Li J, Wang Z, Gun S. Cloning, expression analysis and localization of DAZL gene implicated in germ cell development of male Hezuo pig. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4000-4014. [PMID: 37671929 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2249953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is essential for mammalian testicular function and spermatogenesis. To explore the molecular characterization, expression patterns, and cellular localization of the DAZL in Hezuo pig testes, testicular tissue was isolated from Hezuo pig at five development stages including 30 days old (30 d), 90 days old (90 d), 120 days old (120 d), 180 days old (180 d), and 240 days old (240 d). DAZL cDNA was first cloned using the RT-PCR method, and its molecular characterization was analyzed using relevant bioinformatics software. Subsequently, the expression patterns and cellular localization of DAZL were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The cloning and sequence analysis showed that the Hezuo pig DAZL cDNA fragment contained 888 bp open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding 295 amino acid residues and exhibited high identities with some other mammals. The qRT-PCR and Western blot results indicated that DAZL was specifically expressed in Hezuo pig testes, and DAZL levels of both mRNA and protein were expressed at all five reproductive stages of Hezuo pig testes, with extremely significant higher expression levels in 90 d, 120 d, 180 d, and 240 d than those in 30 d (p < 0.01). Additionally, immunohistochemistry results revealed that DAZL protein was mainly localized in gonocytes at 30 d testes, primary spermatocytes, and spermatozoon at other developmental stages, and Leydig cells throughout five development stages. Together, these results suggested that DAZL may play an important role by regulating the proliferation or differentiation of gonocytes, development of primary spermatocytes and spermatozoon, and functional maintenance of Leydig cells in testicular development and spermatogenesis of Hezuo pig. Nevertheless, the specific regulatory mechanisms underlying these phenomena still requires further investigated and verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiyou Li
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zike Wang
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, China
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4
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Pittokopitou S, Mavrogianni D, Pergialiotis V, Pappa KI, Antsaklis P, Theodora M, Sindos M, Papapanagiotou A, Domali A, Stavros S, Drakakis P, Daskalakis G. Expression of Stemness Markers in the Cervical Smear of Patients with Cervical Insufficiency. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081183. [PMID: 37190092 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081183] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of stem cells has been previously described in human precancerous and malignant cervical cultures. Previous studies have shown a direct interplay of the stem cell niche, which is present in practically every tissue with the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we sought to determine the expression of stemness markers in cytological specimens collected from the ectocervix among women with cervical insufficiency during the second trimester of pregnancy and women with normal cervical length. A prospective cohort of 59 women was enrolled of whom 41 were diagnosed with cervical insufficiency. The expression of OCT-4 and NANOG was higher in the cervical insufficiency group compared to the control group (-5.03 (-6.27, -3.72) vs. -5.81 (-7.67, -5.02) p = 0.040 for OCT4) and (-7.47 (-8.78, -6.27) vs. -8.5 (-10.75, -7.14), p = 0.035 for NANOG. Differences in the DAZL gene were not significantly different (5.94 (4.82, 7.14) vs. 6.98 (5.87, 7.43) p = 0.097). Pearson correlation analysis indicated the existence of a moderate correlation of OCT-4 and Nanog with cervical length. Considering this information, the enhanced activity of stemness biomarkers among pregnant women diagnosed with cervical insufficiency may be predisposed to cervical insufficiency, and its predictive accuracy remains to be noted in larger population sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savvia Pittokopitou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Mavrogianni
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi I Pappa
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Sindos
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Papapanagiotou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrial University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Domali
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Peter Drakakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
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Ruthig VA, Hatkevich T, Hardy J, Friedersdorf MB, Mayère C, Nef S, Keene JD, Capel B. The RNA binding protein DND1 is elevated in a subpopulation of pro-spermatogonia and targets chromatin modifiers and translational machinery during late gestation. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010656. [PMID: 36857387 PMCID: PMC10010562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
DND1 is essential to maintain germ cell identity. Loss of Dnd1 function results in germ cell differentiation to teratomas in some inbred strains of mice or to somatic fates in zebrafish. Using our knock-in mouse line in which a functional fusion protein between DND1 and GFP is expressed from the endogenous locus (Dnd1GFP), we distinguished two male germ cell (MGC) populations during late gestation cell cycle arrest (G0), consistent with recent reports of heterogeneity among MGCs. Most MGCs express lower levels of DND1-GFP (DND1-GFP-lo), but some MGCs express elevated levels of DND1-GFP (DND1-GFP-hi). A RNA-seq time course confirmed high Dnd1 transcript levels in DND1-GFP-hi cells along with 5-10-fold higher levels for multiple epigenetic regulators. Using antibodies against DND1-GFP for RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-sequencing, we identified multiple epigenetic and translational regulators that are binding targets of DND1 during G0 including DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), histone deacetylases (Hdacs), Tudor domain proteins (Tdrds), actin dependent regulators (Smarcs), and a group of ribosomal and Golgi proteins. These data suggest that in DND1-GFP-hi cells, DND1 hosts coordinating mRNA regulons that consist of functionally related and localized groups of epigenetic enzymes and translational components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Ruthig
- Sexual Medicine Lab, Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Talia Hatkevich
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Josiah Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jack D. Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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6
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Hirano T, Wright D, Suzuki A, Saga Y. A cooperative mechanism of target RNA selection via germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins NANOS2 and DND1. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110894. [PMID: 35705038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ-cell-specific RNA-binding protein (RBP) NANOS2 plays a pivotal role in male gonocyte differentiation and spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Although NANOS2 interacts with the CNOT deadenylation complex and Dead end 1 (DND1) to repress target RNAs, the molecular mechanisms underlying target mRNA selection remain unclear because of the limited cell resource in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous NANOS2-DND1 suppresses target mRNAs in somatic cells. Using this somatic cell system, we find that NANOS2 interacts with RNA-bound DND1 and recruits the CNOT complex to the mRNAs. However, a fusion construct composed of the CNOT1-binding site of NANOS2 (NIM) and DND1 fails to repress the target gene expression. Therefore, NANOS2 is required not only for recruitment of the CNOT complex but also for selecting the target mRNA with DND1. This study reveals that NANOS2 functions as a second-layer RBP for the target recognition and functional adaptation of DND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Hirano
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Danelle Wright
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501 Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Division for Development of Genetic-Engineered Mouse Resource, Genetic Resource Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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7
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Spiller C, Bowles J. Instructing Mouse Germ Cells to Adopt a Female Fate. Sex Dev 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35320803 DOI: 10.1159/000523763] [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] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells are critical for the survival of our species. They are the only cells that undergo meiosis - the reductive form of cell division that is necessary for genetic reassortment of chromosomes and production of the haploid gametes, the sperm and eggs. Remarkably, the initial female/male fate decision in fetal germ cells does not depend on whether they are chromosomally XX or XY; rather, initial sexual fate is imposed by influences from the surrounding tissue. In mammals, the female germline is particularly precious: despite recent suggestions that germline stem cells exist in the ovary, it is still generally accepted that the ovarian reserve is finite, and its size is dependant on germ cells of the fetal ovary initiating meiosis in a timely manner. SUMMARY Prior to 2006, evidence suggested that gonadal germ cells initiate meiotic prophase I by default, but more recent data support a key role for the signalling molecule retinoic acid (RA) in instructing female germ cell fate. Newer findings also support a key meiosis-inducing role for another signalling molecule, bone morphogenic protein (BMP). Nonetheless, many questions remain. KEY MESSAGES Here, we review knowledge thus far regarding extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of a female germ cell fate, focusing on the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Lan KC, Wang HJ, Wang TJ, Lin HJ, Chang YC, Kang HY. Y-chromosome genes associated with sertoli cell-only syndrome identified by array comparative genome hybridization. Biomed J 2022; 46:100524. [PMID: 35358715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise contribution of each chromosome gene or gene family in achieving male fertility is still the subject of debate. Most studies have examined male populations with heterogeneous causes of infertility, and have therefore reached controversial or uncertain conclusions. This study uses Y-chromosome array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to examine a population of males with a uniform sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) infertility phenotype. METHODS Initial analysis of gene copy number variations in 8 SCOS patients, with determination of the log-ratio of probe signal intensity against a DNA reference, was performed using the Y-chromosome NimbleGen aCGH. To confirm the role of candidate genes, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare 19 patients who had SCOS non-obstructive azoospermia with 15 patients who had obstructive azoospermia but normal spermatogenesis. RESULTS Our initial aCGH experiments identified CDY1a and CDY1b double deletions in all 8 patients who had total germ cell depletion. However, 5 patients had DAZ1/2 and DAZ3/4 deletions, 1 patient had a DAZ2 and DAZ3/4 deletion, and 2 patients had no DAZ1/2 or DAZ3/4 deletions. Examination of testicular mRNA expression in another 19 patients with SCOS indicated all patients had no detectable levels of CDY1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CDY1 deletion in SCOS patients, and analysis of the expression of DAZ and CDY1 genes using aCGH and quantitative RT-PCR, may be useful to predict the presence of mature spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Jen Wang
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jou Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jung Lin
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chiao Chang
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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9
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Zhang L, Li Y, Hu Y, Chen M, Cen C, Chen M, Lin L, Zhou J, Wang M, Cui X, Tang F, Gao F. Somatic cell-derived BMPs induce premature meiosis in male germ cells during the embryonic stage by upregulating Dazl expression. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22131. [PMID: 34985827 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101585r] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although germ cell fate is believed to be determined by signaling factors from differentiated somatic cells, the molecular mechanism behind this process remains obscure. In this study, premature meiosis in male germ cells was observed during the embryonic stage by conditional activation of β-catenin in Sertoli cells. Somatic and germ cell transcriptome results indicated that the BMP signaling pathway was enriched after β-catenin activation. In addition, we observed a decreased DNA methylation within a reduction of DNMT3A in germ cells of β-catenin activated testes and reversed increase after inhibiting BMP signaling pathway with LDN-193189. We also found that Dazl expression was increased in β-catenin activated testes and decreased after LDN treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrates that male germ cells entered meiosis prematurely during the embryonic stage after β-catenin activated in Sertoli cells. BMP signaling pathway involved in germ cell meiosis initiation by mediating DNA methylation to induce meiotic genes expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Changhuo Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Limei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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10
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Chen J, Gao C, Lin X, Ning Y, He W, Zheng C, Zhang D, Yan L, Jiang B, Zhao Y, Hossen MA, Han C. The microRNA miR-202 prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during mouse spermatogenesis. Development 2021; 148:273742. [PMID: 34913465 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during spermatogenesis are tightly regulated by a number of genes, including those encoding enzymes for miRNA biogenesis. However, whether and how single miRNAs regulate these processes remain unclear. Here, we report that miR-202, a member of the let-7 family, prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation in spermatogenesis by regulating the timely expression of many genes, including those for key regulators such as STRA8 and DMRT6. In miR-202 knockout (KO) mice, the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool is reduced, accompanied by age-dependent decline of fertility. In KO mice, SYCP3, STRA8 and DMRT6 are expressed earlier than in wild-type littermates, and Dmrt6 mRNA is a direct target of miR-202-5p. Moreover, the precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation were also observed in KO spermatogonial stem cells when cultured and induced in vitro, and could be partially rescued by the knockdown of Dmrt6. Therefore, we have not only shown that miR-202 is a regulator of meiotic initiation but also identified a previously unknown module in the underlying regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chenxu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 Anhui, China
| | - Binjie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Md Alim Hossen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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11
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Shimada R, Koike H, Hirano T, Kato Y, Saga Y. NANOS2 suppresses the cell cycle by repressing mTORC1 activators in embryonic male germ cells. iScience 2021; 24:102890. [PMID: 34401671 PMCID: PMC8350546 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During murine germ cell development, male germ cells enter the mitotically arrested G0 stage, which is an initial step of sexually dimorphic differentiation. The male-specific RNA-binding protein NANOS2 has a key role in suppressing the cell cycle in germ cells. However, the detailed mechanism of how NANOS2 regulates the cell cycle remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we extracted the cell cycle state of each germ cell in wild-type and Nanos2-KO testes and revealed that Nanos2 expression starts in mitotic cells and induces mitotic arrest. We identified Rheb, a regulator of mTORC1, and Ptma as possible targets of NANOS2. We propose that repression of the cell cycle is a primary function of NANOS2 and that it is mediated via the suppression of mTORC1 activity through the repression of Rheb in a post-transcriptional manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Hiroko Koike
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Takamasa Hirano
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Division for the Development of Genetically Engineered Mouse Resources, Genetic Resource Center, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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12
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Webster NJ, Maywald RL, Benton SM, Dawson EP, Murillo OD, LaPlante EL, Milosavljevic A, Lanza DG, Heaney JD. Testicular germ cell tumors arise in the absence of sex-specific differentiation. Development 2021; 148:260592. [PMID: 33912935 DOI: 10.1242/dev.197111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In response to signals from the embryonic testis, the germ cell intrinsic factor NANOS2 coordinates a transcriptional program necessary for the differentiation of pluripotent-like primordial germ cells toward a unipotent spermatogonial stem cell fate. Emerging evidence indicates that genetic risk factors contribute to testicular germ cell tumor initiation by disrupting sex-specific differentiation. Here, using the 129.MOLF-Chr19 mouse model of testicular teratomas and a NANOS2 reporter allele, we report that the developmental phenotypes required for tumorigenesis, including failure to enter mitotic arrest, retention of pluripotency and delayed sex-specific differentiation, were exclusive to a subpopulation of germ cells failing to express NANOS2. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that embryonic day 15.5 NANOS2-deficient germ cells and embryonal carcinoma cells developed a transcriptional profile enriched for MYC signaling, NODAL signaling and primed pluripotency. Moreover, lineage-tracing experiments demonstrated that embryonal carcinoma cells arose exclusively from germ cells failing to express NANOS2. Our results indicate that NANOS2 is the nexus through which several genetic risk factors influence tumor susceptibility. We propose that, in the absence of sex specification, signals native to the developing testis drive germ cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Webster
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca L Maywald
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan M Benton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily P Dawson
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Oscar D Murillo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily L LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Denise G Lanza
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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Wright D, Kiso M, Saga Y. Genetic and structural analysis of the in vivo functional redundancy between murine NANOS2 and NANOS3. Development 2021; 148:dev191916. [PMID: 33199444 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
NANOS2 and NANOS3 are evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins involved in murine germ cell development. NANOS3 is required for protection from apoptosis during migration and gonadal colonization in both sexes, whereas NANOS2 is male-specific and required for the male-type differentiation of germ cells. Ectopic NANOS2 rescues the functions of NANOS3, but NANOS3 cannot rescue NANOS2 function, even though its expression is upregulated in Nanos2-null conditions. It is unknown why NANOS3 cannot rescue NANOS2 function and it is unclear whether NANOS3 plays any role in male germ cell differentiation. To address these questions, we made conditional Nanos3/Nanos2 knockout mice and chimeric mice expressing chimeric NANOS proteins. Conditional double knockout of Nanos2 and Nanos3 led to the rapid loss of germ cells, and in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that DND1 and NANOS2 binding is dependent on the specific NANOS2 zinc-finger structure. Moreover, murine NANOS3 failed to bind CNOT1, an interactor of NANOS2 at its N-terminal. Collectively, our study suggests that the inability of NANOS3 to rescue NANOS2 function is due to poor DND1 recruitment and CNOT1 binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danelle Wright
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Makoto Kiso
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, Mammalian Development Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, Mammalian Development Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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14
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Wu X, Luo C, Hu L, Chen X, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Unraveling epigenomic abnormality in azoospermic human males by WGBS, RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:789-802. [PMID: 32056059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine associations between genomic DNA methylation in testicular cells and azoospermia in human males. METHODS This was a case-control study investigating the differences and conservations in DNA methylation, genome-wide DNA methylation, and bulk RNA-Seq for transcriptome profiling using testicular biopsy tissues from NOA and OA patients. Differential methylation and different conserved methylation regions associated with azoospermia were identified by comparing genomic DNA methylation of testicular seminiferous cells derived from NOA and OA patients. RESULTS The genome methylation modification of testicular cells from NOA patients was disordered, and the reproductive-related gene expression was significantly different. CONCLUSION Our findings not only provide valuable knowledge of human spermatogenesis but also paved the way for the identification of genes/proteins involved in male germ cell development. The approach presented in this report provides a powerful tool to identify responsible biomolecules, and/or cellular changes (e.g., epigenetic abnormality) that induce male reproductive dysfunction such as OA and NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, USA.
| | - Fei Sun
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Cerván-Martín M, Castilla JA, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Genetic Landscape of Nonobstructive Azoospermia and New Perspectives for the Clinic. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020300. [PMID: 31973052 PMCID: PMC7074441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe expression of male infertility, involving around 1% of the male population and 10% of infertile men. This condition is characterised by the inability of the testis to produce sperm cells, and it is considered to have an important genetic component. During the last two decades, different genetic anomalies, including microdeletions of the Y chromosome, karyotype defects, and missense mutations in genes involved in the reproductive function, have been described as the primary cause of NOA in many infertile men. However, these alterations only explain around 25% of azoospermic cases, with the remaining patients showing an idiopathic origin. Recent studies clearly suggest that the so-called idiopathic NOA has a complex aetiology with a polygenic inheritance, which may alter the spermatogenic process. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA, the use of the new technologies for genetic analysis has enabled a considerable increase in knowledge during the last years. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the genetic basis of NOA, with a special focus on the possible application of the recent insights in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Calle Maestro Bretón 1, 18004 Granada, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-000 (ext 20170)
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16
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Retinoic Acid and Germ Cell Development in the Ovary and Testis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120775. [PMID: 31771306 PMCID: PMC6995559 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, is critical for the production of oocytes and sperm in mammals. These gametes derive from primordial germ cells, which colonize the nascent gonad, and later undertake sexual differentiation to produce oocytes or sperm. During fetal development, germ cells in the ovary initiate meiosis in response to RA, whereas those in the testis do not yet initiate meiosis, as they are insulated from RA, and undergo cell cycle arrest. After birth, male germ cells resume proliferation and undergo a transition to spermatogonia, which are destined to develop into haploid spermatozoa via spermatogenesis. Recent findings indicate that RA levels change periodically in adult testes to direct not only meiotic initiation, but also other key developmental transitions to ensure that spermatogenesis is precisely organized for the prodigious output of sperm. This review focuses on how female and male germ cells develop in the ovary and testis, respectively, and the role of RA in this process.
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17
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Yadu N, Kumar PG. Retinoic acid signaling in regulation of meiosis during embryonic development in mice. Genesis 2019; 57:e23327. [PMID: 31313882 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the embryonic gonads of mice, the genetic and epigenetic regulatory programs for germ cell sex specification and meiosis induction or suppression are intertwined. The quest for garnering comprehensive understanding of these programs has led to the emergence of retinoic acid (RA) as an important extrinsic factor, which regulates initiation of meiosis in female fetal germ cells that have attained a permissive epigenetic ground state. In contrast, germ cells in fetal testis are protected from the exposure to RA due to the activity of CYP26B1, an RA metabolizing enzyme, which is highly expressed in fetal testis. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms operating in fetal gonads of mice, which enable regulation of meiosis via RA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomesh Yadu
- Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Pradeep G Kumar
- Division of Molecular Reproduction, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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18
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Expression and intracellular localization of Nanos2-homologue protein in primordial germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:82-88. [PMID: 30888312 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SummaryThe decision by germ cells to differentiate and undergo either oogenesis or spermatogenesis takes place during embryonic development and Nanos plays an important role in this process. The present study was designed to investigate the expression patterns in rat of Nanos2-homologue protein in primordial germ cells (PGCs) over different embryonic developmental days as well as in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Embryos from three different embryonic days (E8.5, E10.5, E11.5) and SSCs were isolated and used to detect Nanos2-homologue protein using immunocytochemistry, western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry. Interestingly, Nanos2 expression was detected in PGCs at day E11.5 onwards and up to colonization of PGCs in the genital ridge of fetal gonads. No Nanos2 expression was found in PGCs during early embryonic days (E8.5 and 10.5). Furthermore, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence data revealed that Nanos2 expression was restricted within a subpopulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia (As, single type A SSCs and Apr, paired type A SSCs). The same results were confirmed by our western blot and RT-PCR data, as Nanos2 protein and transcripts were detected only in PGCs from day E11.5 and in undifferentiated spermatogonia (As and Apr). Furthermore, Nanos2-positive cells were also immunodetected and sorted using flow cytometry from the THY1-positive SSCs population, and this strengthened the idea that these cells are stem cells. Our findings suggested that stage-specific expression of Nanos2 occurred on different embryonic developmental days, while during the postnatal period Nanos2 expression is restricted to As and Apr SSCs.
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19
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Abstract
Germ cells are the stem cells of the species. Thus, it is critical that we have a good understanding of how they are specified, how the somatic cells instruct and support them, how they commit to one or other sex, and how they ultimately develop into functional gametes. Here, we focus on specifics of how sexual fate is determined during fetal life. Because the majority of relevant experimental work has been done using the mouse model, we focus on that species. We review evidence regarding the identity of instructive signals from the somatic cells, and the molecular responses that occur in germ cells in response to those extrinsic signals. In this way we aim to clarify progress to date regarding the mechanisms underlying the mitotic to meiosis switch in germ cells of the fetal ovary, and those involved in adopting and securing male fate in germ cells of the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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20
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ES-mediated chimera analysis revealed requirement of DDX6 for NANOS2 localization and function in mouse germ cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:515. [PMID: 30679547 PMCID: PMC6345806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36502-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In embryonic male germ cells, the RNA-binding protein NANOS2 recruits its target RNAs to processing bodies (P-bodies), where they are repressed. This process is necessary to promote male-type germ cell differentiation. However, it remains unclear whether all NANOS2 functions depend on P-bodies. To address this question, we established ES cell lines containing a germ cell-specific inducible Cre and reporter together with the floxed Ddx6 allele. We deleted the Ddx6 gene by administering tamoxifen to chimeric embryos containing germ cells derived from recombinant ES cells. DDX6-null germ cells exhibited both similar and distinct defects from those observed in NANOS2-null germ cells. These results demonstrate that NANOS2 function is carried out via both P-body-dependent and -independent mechanisms. RNA-seq analyses further supported the phenotypic differences between DDX6-null and NANOS2-null germ cells, and indicated distinct molecular cascades involved in NANOS2-mediated gene regulation.
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21
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Novel components of germline sex determination acting downstream of foxl3 in medaka. Dev Biol 2019; 445:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Sajek M, Janecki DM, Smialek MJ, Ginter-Matuszewska B, Spik A, Oczkowski S, Ilaslan E, Kusz-Zamelczyk K, Kotecki M, Blazewicz J, Jaruzelska J. PUM1 and PUM2 exhibit different modes of regulation for SIAH1 that involve cooperativity with NANOS paralogues. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:147-161. [PMID: 30269240 PMCID: PMC11105465 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2926-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pumilio (PUM) proteins are RNA-binding proteins that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression in many organisms. Their PUF domain recognizes specific PUM-binding elements (PBE) in the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs while engaging protein cofactors such as NANOS that repress the expression of target mRNAs through the recruitment of effector complexes. Although the general process whereby PUM recognizes individual mRNAs has been studied extensively, the particulars of the mechanism underlying PUM-NANOS cooperation in mRNA regulation and the functional overlap among PUM and NANOS paralogues in mammals have not been elucidated. Here, using the novel PUM1 and PUM2 mRNA target SIAH1 as a model, we show mechanistic differences between PUM1 and PUM2 and between NANOS1, 2, and 3 paralogues in the regulation of SIAH1. Specifically, unlike PUM2, PUM1 exhibited PBE-independent repression of SIAH1 3'UTR-dependent luciferase expression. Concordantly, the PUF domains of PUM1 and PUM2 showed different EMSA complex formation patterns with SIAH1 3'UTRs. Importantly, we show direct binding of NANOS3, but not NANOS2, to SIAH1 3'UTR, which did not require PBEs or the PUF domain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report, showing that an NANOS protein directly binds RNA. Finally, using NANOS1 and NANOS3 constructs carrying mutations identified in infertile patients, we show that these mutations disrupt repression of the SIAH1-luciferase reporter and that the central region in NANOS1 appears to contribute to the regulation of SIAH1. Our findings highlight the mechanistic versatility of the PUM/NANOS machinery in mammalian posttranscriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Sajek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Damian Mikolaj Janecki
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Jerzy Smialek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Ginter-Matuszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Anna Spik
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Slawomir Oczkowski
- Institute of Computing Sciences, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Erkut Ilaslan
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kamila Kusz-Zamelczyk
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kotecki
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacek Blazewicz
- Institute of Computing Sciences, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Jaruzelska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
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Li H, Liang Z, Yang J, Wang D, Wang H, Zhu M, Geng B, Xu EY. DAZL is a master translational regulator of murine spermatogenesis. Natl Sci Rev 2018; 6:455-468. [PMID: 31355046 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwy163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of DAZ-like (DAZL) is a hallmark of vertebrate germ cells, and is essential for embryonic germ cell development and differentiation, yet the gametogenic function of DAZL has not been fully characterized and most of its in vivo direct targets remain unknown. We showed that postnatal stage-specific deletion of Dazl in mouse germ cells did not affect female fertility, but caused complete male sterility with gradual loss of spermatogonial stem cells, meiotic arrest and spermatid arrest. Using the genome-wide high-throughput sequencing of RNAs isolated by cross-linking immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry approach, we found that DAZL bound to a large number of testicular mRNA transcripts (at least 3008) at the 3'-untranslated region and interacted with translation proteins including poly(A) binding protein. In the absence of DAZL, polysome-associated target transcripts, but not their total transcripts, were significantly decreased, resulting in a drastic reduction of an array of spermatogenic proteins and thus developmental arrest. Thus, DAZL is a master translational regulator essential for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhuqing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hanben Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mengyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Baobao Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Eugene Yujun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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24
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Huang Z, Tang D, Gao J, Dou X, Cheng P, Peng D, Zhang Y, Mao J, Zhang L, Zhang X. miR-34c disrupts spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis in cryptorchid testes by targeting Nanos2. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:97. [PMID: 30322389 PMCID: PMC6190564 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism as a common genitourinary malformation with the serious complication of male infertility draws widespread attention. With several reported miRNAs playing critical roles in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), we aimed to explore the fundamental function of the highly conserved miR-34c in cryptorchidism. METHODS To explore whether miR-34c participates in spermatogenesis by regulating Nanos2, we examined the effect of overexpression and inhibition for miR-34c on Nanos2 expression in GC-1 cells. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-34c and Nanos2 with cryptorchidism in humans and mice were examined. Furthermore, the homeostasis of SSCs was evaluated through counting the number of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) positive spermatogonia in murine cryptorchid testes. RESULTS In the present study, we show that miR-34c could inhibit the expression of Nanos2 in GC-1 cells. Meanwhile, miR-34c significantly decreased in both the testicular tissues of patients with cryptorchidism and surgery-induced murine model of cryptorchidism. Western blot revealed that the protein level of Nanos2 was up-regulated and showed to be negatively correlated to the expression of miR-34c in our model. The abnormal expression of miR-34c/Nanos2 disrupted the balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation, eventually damaging the spermatogenesis of cryptorchid testes. CONCLUSIONS The miR-34c/Nanos2 pathway provides new insight into the mechanism of male infertility caused by cryptorchidism. Our results indicate that miR-34c may serve as a biological marker for treatment of infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Huang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fReproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
- 0000 0000 9490 772Xgrid.186775.aAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Jingjing Gao
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Xianming Dou
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Peng Cheng
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Dangwei Peng
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Yao Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Jun Mao
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Li Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
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25
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Fukuda K, Masuda A, Naka T, Suzuki A, Kato Y, Saga Y. Requirement of the 3'-UTR-dependent suppression of DAZL in oocytes for pre-implantation mouse development. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007436. [PMID: 29883445 PMCID: PMC6010300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional oocytes are produced through complex molecular and cellular processes. In particular, the contribution of post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is crucial for controlling proper gene expression during this process. DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like) is one of the RBPs required for the sexual differentiation of primordial germ cells and for the progression of meiosis in ovulated oocytes. However, the involvement of DAZL in the development of follicular oocytes is still unknown. Here, we show that Dazl is translationally suppressed in a 3'-UTR-dependent manner in follicular oocytes, and this suppression is required for normal pre-implantation development. We found that suppression of DAZL occurred in postnatal oocytes concomitant with the formation of primordial follicles, whereas Dazl mRNA was continuously expressed throughout oocyte development, raising the possibility that DAZL is dispensable for the survival and growth of follicular oocytes. Indeed, follicular oocyte-specific knockout of Dazl resulted in the production of normal number of pups. On the other hand, genetically modified female mice that overexpress DAZL produced fewer numbers of pups than the control due to defective pre-implantation development. Our data suggest that post-transcriptional suppression of DAZL in oocytes is an important mechanism controlling gene expression in the development of functional oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurumi Fukuda
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Aki Masuda
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takuma Naka
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (YS)
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (YS)
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26
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Nagaoka SI, Saitou M. Reconstitution of Female Germ Cell Fate Determination and Meiotic Initiation in Mammals. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2017; 82:213-222. [PMID: 29208639 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2017.82.033803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a fundamental process that underpins sexual reproduction. In mammals, the execution of meiosis is tightly integrated within the complex processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating meiotic initiation remains challenging. We have recently developed in vitro culture strategies to induce mouse pluripotent stem cells into germ cells, which successfully contribute to both oogenesis and spermatogenesis and to fertile offspring. The culture strategies faithfully recapitulate transcriptional and epigenetic dynamics as well as signaling principles for germ cell specification, proliferation, and female sex determination/meiotic induction, providing a valuable platform for studies to illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying such critical processes. Here, we review mammalian gametogenesis with a focus on the implementation of meiosis and, based on our recent studies, discuss new insights into the mechanisms for meiotic initiation and germ cell sex determination in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- So I Nagaoka
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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27
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Morais RDVS, Crespo D, Nóbrega RH, Lemos MS, van de Kant HJG, de França LR, Male R, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Antagonistic regulation of spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Igf3 and Amh. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017. [PMID: 28645700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fsh-mediated regulation of zebrafish spermatogenesis includes modulating the expression of testicular growth factors. Here, we study if and how two Sertoli cell-derived Fsh-responsive growth factors, anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh; inhibiting steroidogenesis and germ cell differentiation) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3; stimulating germ cell differentiation), cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development. In dose response and time course experiments with primary testis tissue cultures, Fsh up-regulated igf3 transcript levels and down-regulated amh transcript levels; igf3 transcript levels were more rapidly up-regulated and responded to lower Fsh concentrations than were required to decrease amh mRNA levels. Quantification of immunoreactive Amh and Igf3 on testis sections showed that Fsh increased slightly Igf3 staining but decreased clearly Amh staining. Studying the direct interaction of the two growth factors showed that Amh compromised Igf3-stimulated proliferation of type A (both undifferentiated [Aund] and differentiating [Adiff]) spermatogonia. Also the proliferation of those Sertoli cells associated with Aund spermatogonia was reduced by Amh. To gain more insight into how Amh inhibits germ cell development, we examined Amh-induced changes in testicular gene expression by RNA sequencing. The majority (69%) of the differentially expressed genes was down-regulated by Amh, including several stimulators of spermatogenesis, such as igf3 and steroidogenesis-related genes. At the same time, Amh increased the expression of inhibitory signals, such as inha and id3, or facilitated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling. Evaluating one of the potentially inhibitory signals, we indeed found in tissue culture experiments that PGE2 promoted the accumulation of Aund at the expense of Adiff and B spermatogonia. Our data suggest that an important aspect of Fsh bioactivity in stimulating spermatogenesis is implemented by restricting the different inhibitory effects of Amh and by counterbalancing them with stimulatory signals, such as Igf3.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D V S Morais
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - D Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R H Nóbrega
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Morphology (R.H.N.), Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, 18618-970 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - M S Lemos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - H J G van de Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L R de França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil; National Institute of Amazonian Research (L.R.F.), Manaus, Brazil
| | - R Male
- Department of Molecular Biology (R.M.), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - J Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - R W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology (R.W.S.), Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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28
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Li H, Su B, Qin G, Ye Z, Alsaqufi A, Perera DA, Shang M, Odin R, Vo K, Drescher D, Robinson D, Zhang D, Abass N, Dunham RA. Salt Sensitive Tet-Off-Like Systems to Knockdown Primordial Germ Cell Genes for Repressible Transgenic Sterilization in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15060155. [PMID: 28561774 PMCID: PMC5484105 DOI: 10.3390/md15060155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Repressible knockdown approaches were investigated for transgenic sterilization in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Two primordial germ cell (PGC) marker genes, nanos and dead end, were targeted for knockdown, and an off-target gene, vasa, was monitored. Two potentially salt sensitive repressible promoters, zebrafish adenylosuccinate synthase 2 (ADSS) and zebrafish racemase (Rm), were each coupled with four knockdown strategies: ds-sh RNA targeting the 5′ end (N1) or 3′ end (N2) of channel catfish nanos, full-length cDNA sequence of channel catfish nanos for overexpression (cDNA) and ds-sh RNA targeting channel catfish dead end (DND). Each construct had an untreated group and treated group with sodium chloride as the repressor compound. Spawning rates of full-sibling P1 fish exposed or not exposed to the constructs as treated and untreated embryos were 93% and 59%, respectively, indicating potential sterilization of fish and repression of the constructs. Although the mRNA expression data of PGC marker genes were inconsistent in P1 fish, most F1 individuals were able to downregulate the target genes in untreated groups and repress the knockdown process in treated groups. The results indicate that repressible transgenic sterilization is feasible for reproductive control of fish, but more data from F2 or F3 are needed for evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbo Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- National and Local United Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Harbin 150070, China.
| | - Guyu Qin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Zhi Ye
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Ahmed Alsaqufi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- Department of Aquaculture and Animal production, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Dayan A Perera
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- Research and Development Corporation, Gus R. Douglass Institute, West Virginia State University, WV 25112, USA.
| | - Mei Shang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- National and Local United Engineering Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Breeding, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Harbin 150070, China.
| | - Ramjie Odin
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Khoi Vo
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - David Drescher
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Dalton Robinson
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Dan Zhang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Nermeen Abass
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
- Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture Saba-Basha, Alexandria University, Alexandria City, P.O. Box 2153, Egypt.
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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29
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Suzuki A, Hirasaki M, Okuda A. Does MAX open up a new avenue for meiotic research? Dev Growth Differ 2017; 59:61-69. [PMID: 28220481 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is a central event of sexual reproduction. Like somatic cells, germ cells conduct mitosis to increase their cell number, but unlike somatic cells, germ cells switch their cell division mode from mitosis to meiosis at a certain point in gametogenesis. However, the molecular basis of this switch remains elusive. In this review article, we give an overview of the onset of mammalian meiosis, including our recent finding that MYC Associated Factor X (MAX) prevents ectopic and precocious meiosis in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and germ cells, respectively. We present a hypothetical model of a MAX-centered molecular network that regulates meiotic entry in mammals and propose that inducible Max knockout ESCs provide an excellent platform for exploring the molecular mechanisms of meiosis initiation, while excluding other aspects of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Suzuki
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Masataka Hirasaki
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
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30
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Panula S, Reda A, Stukenborg JB, Ramathal C, Sukhwani M, Albalushi H, Edsgärd D, Nakamura M, Söder O, Orwig KE, Yamanaka S, Reijo Pera RA, Hovatta O. Over Expression of NANOS3 and DAZL in Human Embryonic Stem Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165268. [PMID: 27768780 PMCID: PMC5074499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying human germ cell development are largely unknown, partly due to the scarcity of primordial germ cells and the inaccessibility of the human germline to genetic analysis. Human embryonic stem cells can differentiate to germ cells in vitro and can be genetically modified to study the genetic requirements for germ cell development. Here, we studied NANOS3 and DAZL, which have critical roles in germ cell development in several species, via their over expression in human embryonic stem cells using global transcriptional analysis, in vitro germ cell differentiation, and in vivo germ cell formation assay by xenotransplantation. We found that NANOS3 over expression prolonged pluripotency and delayed differentiation. In addition, we observed a possible connection of NANOS3 with inhibition of apoptosis. For DAZL, our results suggest a post-transcriptional regulation mechanism in hES cells. In addition, we found that DAZL suppressed the translation of OCT4, and affected the transcription of several genes associated with germ cells, cell cycle arrest, and cell migration. Furthermore, DAZL over expressed cells formed spermatogonia-like colonies in a rare instance upon xenotransplantation. These data can be used to further elucidate the role of NANOS3 and DAZL in germ cell development both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Panula
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Reda
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cyril Ramathal
- Department of Genetics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States of America
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States of America
| | - Halima Albalushi
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Daniel Edsgärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michiko Nakamura
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Olle Söder
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States of America
| | - Shinya Yamanaka
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States of America
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- Department of Genetics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, United States of America
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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