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Bu T, Wang L, Wu X, Gao S, Li X, Yun D, Yang X, Li L, Cheng CY, Sun F. The Planar Cell Polarity Protein Fat1 in Sertoli Cell Function. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae041. [PMID: 38553880 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Fat (FAT atypical cadherin) and Dchs (Dachsous cadherin-related protein) in adjacent Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interfaces create an important intercellular bridge whose adhesive function is in turn supported by Fjx1, a nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinase. This concept is derived from earlier studies of Drosophila, which has been confirmed in this and earlier reports as well. Herein, we use the approach of knockdown of Fat1 by RNAi using primary cultures of Sertoli cells that mimicked the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vivo, and a series of coherent experiments including functional assays to monitor the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier and a functional in vitro TJ integrity assay to assess the role of Fat1 in the testis. It was shown that planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Fat1 affected Sertoli cell function through its modulation of actin and microtubule cytoskeletal function, altering their polymerization activity through the Fat1/Fjx1 complex. Furthermore, Fat1 is intimately associated with β-catenin and α-N-catenin, as well as with Prickle 1 of the Vangl1/Prickle 1 complex, another PCP core protein to support intercellular interactions to confer PCP. In summary, these findings support the notion that the Fat:Dchs and the Vangl2:Fzd PCP intercellular bridges are tightly associated with basal ES/TJ structural proteins to stabilize PCP function at the Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interface to sustain spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiwen Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Chuen Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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Xiao X, Han Y, Li Q, Zheng D, Cheng CY, Ni Y. Exploring the evolving function of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in junction dynamics during spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1281812. [PMID: 38260159 PMCID: PMC10801026 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1281812] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on immune, endothelial, and epithelial cells. Its ectodomain can be proteolytically cleaved to release a circulating soluble form called sICAM-1. Clinical studies demonstrate sICAM-1 is upregulated in various diseases and associated with disease severity. Research has identified sICAM-1 as a regulator of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and spermatogenesis. Overexpression of sICAM-1 weakened the BTB in vitro and in vivo, downregulated junction proteins including N-cadherin, γ-catenin, and connexin 43, and caused germ cell loss. This contrasts with barrier-strengthening effects of membrane-bound ICAM-1. sICAM-1 may act as a molecular switch enabling germ cells to open BTB and Sertoli-germ cell adhesion for transport across the seminiferous epithelium. While the mechanism remains unclear, reduced SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling was observed following sICAM-1 overexpression. SRC promotes BTB protein endocytosis and degradation, influences cytoskeletal dynamics, and affects cell polarity. As sICAM-1 overexpression phenocopies SRC inhibition, SRC may operate downstream of sICAM-1 in regulating BTB dynamics and spermatogenesis. Investigating sICAM-1's structure-function regions and downstream targets will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of junction disruption. This knowledge could enable strategies targeting sICAM-1/SRC to modulate BTB permeability and treat male infertility or diseases involving endothelial/epithelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
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3
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Bu T, Li X, Wang L, Wu X, Gao S, Yun D, Li L, Sun F, Cheng CY. Regulation of sertoli cell function by planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Fjx1. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 571:111936. [PMID: 37119967 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Four-jointed box kinase 1 (Fjx1) is a planar cell protein (PCP) and a member of the Fat (FAT atypical cadherin 1)/Dchs (Dachsous cadherin-related protein)/Fjx1 PCP complex. Fjx1 is also a non-receptor Ser/Thr protein kinase capable of phosphorylating Fat1 at is extracellular cadherin domains when it is transport across the Golgi system. As such, Fjx1 is a Golgi-based regulator of Fat1 function by determining its extracellular deposition. Herein, Fjx1 was found to localize across the Sertoli cell cytoplasm, partially co-localized with the microtubules (MTs) across the seminiferous epithelium. It was most notable at the apical ES (ectoplasmic specialization) and basal ES, displaying distinctive stage-specific expression. The apical ES and basal ES are the corresponding testis-specific cell adhesion ultrastructures at the Sertoli-elongated spermatid and Sertoli cell-cell interface, respectively, consistent with the role of Fjx1 as a Golgi-associated Ser/Thr kinase that modulates the Fat (and/or Dchs) integral membrane proteins. Its knockdown (KD) by RNAi using specific Fjx1 siRNA duplexes versus non-targeting negative control siRNA duplexes was found to perturb the Sertoli cell tight junction function, as well as perturbing the function and organization of MT and actin. While Fjx1 KD did not affect the steady-state levels of almost two dozens of BTB-associated Sertoli cell proteins, including structural and regulatory proteins, its KD was found to down-regulate Fat1 (but not Fat2, 3, and 4) and to up-regulate Dchs1 (but not Dchs2) expression. Based on results of biochemical analysis, Fjx1 KD was found to be capable of abolishing phosphorylation of its putative substrate Fat1 at its Ser/Thr sites, but not at its Tyr site, illustrating an intimate functional relationship of Fjx1 and Fat1 in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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Tang EI, Cheng CY. MARK2 and MARK4 Regulate Sertoli Cell BTB Dynamics Through Microtubule and Actin Cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6667645. [PMID: 35971301 PMCID: PMC10147390 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinases (MARKs) are nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinases known to regulate cell polarity and microtubule dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, invertebrates, vertebrates, and mammals. An earlier study has shown that MARK4 is present at the ectoplasmic specialization and blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes. Here, we report the function of MARK4 and another isoform MARK2 in Sertoli cells at the BTB. Knockdown of MARK2, MARK4, or MARK2 and MARK4 by RNAi using the corresponding siRNA duplexes without apparent off-target effects was shown to impair tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier at the Sertoli cell BTB. It also disrupted microtubule (MT)- and actin-based cytoskeletal organization within Sertoli cells. Although MARK2 and MARK4 were shown to share sequence homology, they likely regulated the Sertoli cell BTB and MT cytoskeleton differently. Disruption of the TJ-permeability barrier following knockdown of MARK4 was considerably more severe than loss of MARK2, though both perturbed the barrier. Similarly, loss of MARK2 affected MT organization in a different manner than the loss of MARK4. Knockdown of MARK2 caused MT bundles to be arranged around the cell periphery, whereas knockdown of MARK4 caused MTs to retract from the cell edge. These differences in effects on the TJ-permeability barrier are likely from the unique roles of MARK2 and MARK4 in regulating the MT cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
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5
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Yang Y, Yao M, Zeng J, Zheng D, Li Q, Ni Y, Xiao X. FYN regulates cell adhesion at the blood-testis barrier and the apical ectoplasmic specialization via its effect on Arp3 in the mouse testis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915274. [PMID: 36016954 PMCID: PMC9396411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FYN is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase of the SRC family that facilitates virus entry across epithelial tight junctions. However, the role of FYN in mammalian testes in maintaining the blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity and the adhesion of germ cells to Sertoli cells are not well defined. Here, we show that FYN is a component of the BTB and the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) at Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-spermatid interfaces, respectively, and is expressed extensively in mouse testes during postnatal development. FYN was shown to be structurally linked to the actin and microtubule-based cytoskeletons. An in vivo model was used to explore the modulatory effect of FYN on BTB and apical ES dynamics within the testes when adult mice were treated intraperitoneally with CdCl2 (3 mg/kg body weight). The CdCl2-induced epithelial restructuring was associated with a transient increase in the interaction between FYN and the actin branching/nucleation protein Arp3, as well as an induction of Arp3 phosphorylation, which possibly lead to actin cytoskeleton remodeling, resulting in BTB damage and germ cell loss in the seminiferous epithelium. Based on the results, we propose a model in which FYN and Arp3 form a protein complex that is responsible for junction reorganization events at the apical ES and the BTB. It is also possible for viruses to break through the BTB and enter the immunoprivileged testicular microenvironment via this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Yao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Xiao,
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Li L, Gao S, Wang L, Bu T, Chu J, Lv L, Tahir A, Mao B, Li H, Li X, Wang Y, Wu X, Ge R, Cheng CY. PCP Protein Inversin Regulates Testis Function Through Changes in Cytoskeletal Organization of Actin and Microtubules. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6519617. [PMID: 35106541 PMCID: PMC8870424 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Inversin is an integrated component of the Frizzled (Fzd)/Dishevelled (Dvl)/Diversin planar cell polarity (PCP) complex that is known to work in concert with the Van Gogh-like protein (eg, Vangl2)/Prickle PCP complex to support tissue and organ development including the brain, kidney, pancreas, and others. These PCP protein complexes are also recently shown to confer developing haploid spermatid PCP to support spermatogenesis in adult rat testes. However, with the exception of Dvl3 and Vangl2, other PCP proteins have not been investigated in the testis. Herein, we used the technique of RNA interference (RNAi) to examine the role of inversin (Invs) in Sertoli cell (SC) and testis function by corresponding studies in vitro and in vivo. When inversin was silenced by RNAi using specific small interfering RNA duplexes by transfecting primary cultures of SCs in vitro or testes in vivo, it was shown that inversin knockdown (KD) perturbed the SC tight junction-barrier function in vitro and in vivo using corresponding physiological and integrity assays. More important, inversin exerted its regulatory effects through changes in the organization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, including reducing the ability of their polymerization. These changes, in turn, induced defects in spermatogenesis by loss of spermatid polarity, disruptive distribution of blood-testis barrier-associated proteins at the SC-cell interface, appearance of multinucleated round spermatids, and defects in the release of sperm at spermiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Correspondence: Linxi Li, PhD, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jinjin Chu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Anam Tahir
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China. ;
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Venditti M, Ben Rhouma M, Romano MZ, Messaoudi I, Reiter RJ, Minucci S. Evidence of melatonin ameliorative effects on the blood-testis barrier and sperm quality alterations induced by cadmium in the rat testis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 226:112878. [PMID: 34634736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we further document the protective action of melatonin (MLT) in mitigating cadmium (Cd) effects on adult rat testis. Cd treatment provoked testicular injury, that was documented by histological and biomolecular alterations, i.e., decrease of serum and testicular testosterone concentration and modified sperm parameters. Mainly, both the cytoarchitecture of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and germ cell morphology were perturbed, as highlighted by impairment in structural (OCN, VANGL, Cx43) and regulative (Src and FAK) protein levels and/or activation. The study focused on the involvement of the autophagy pathway, that was enhanced especially in the Sertoli cells, probably in response to the disorganization of the BTB. Results obtained with the MLT co-treatment demonstrated that its administration decreased the level of oxidative damage caused by Cd, with reversal of all the observed changes. Moreover, the beneficial effects of MLT alone were evidenced by an increase of sperm quality, in term of motility and DNA integrity. The combined results, obtained in rat, strongly encourage to consider a role for MLT in improving also human testicular health, not only in men exposed to Cd, but also in those having fertility disorders, to ameliorate sperm quality and, consequently, reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
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Liu W, Li N, Zhang M, Arisha AH, Hua J. The role of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:750-755. [PMID: 34727865 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211102091513] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 and structural gene Y-linked (Eif2s3y) gene, the gene encoding eIF2γ protein, is located on the mouse Y chromosome short arm. The Eif2s3y gene is globally expressed in all tissues and plays an important role in regulating global and gene-specific mRNA translation initiation. During the process of protein translation initiation, Eif2s3x(its homolog) and Eif2s3y encoded eIF2γ perform similar functions. However, it has been noticed that Eif2s3y plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, including spermatogonia mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis of spermatids, which may account for infertility. In the period of spermatogenesis, the role of Eif2s3x and Eif2s3y are not equivalent. Importance of Eif2s3y has been observed in ESC and implicated in several aspects, including the pluripotency state and the proliferation rate. Here, we discuss the functional significance of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis and self-renewal of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig El_Sharkia 44519 . Egypt
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
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Planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins support spermatogenesis through cytoskeletal organization in the testis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:99-113. [PMID: 34059418 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Few reports are found in the literature regarding the role of planar cell polarity (PCP) in supporting spermatogenesis in the testis. Yet morphological studies reported decades earlier have illustrated the directional alignment of polarized developing spermatids, most notably step 17-19 spermatids in stage V-early VIII tubules in the testis, across the plane of the epithelium in seminiferous tubules of adult rats. Such morphological features have unequivocally demonstrated the presence of PCP in developing spermatids, analogous to the PCP noted in hair cells of the cochlea in mammals. Emerging evidence in recent years has shown that Sertoli and germ cells express numerous PCP proteins, mostly notably, the core PCP proteins, PCP effectors and PCP signaling proteins. In this review, we discuss recent findings in the field regarding the two core PCP protein complexes, namely the Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2)/Prickle (Pk) complex and the Frizzled (Fzd)/Dishevelled (Dvl) complex. These findings have illustrated that these PCP proteins exert their regulatory role to support spermatogenesis through changes in the organization of actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeletons in Sertoli cells. For instance, these PCP proteins confer PCP to developing spermatids. As such, developing haploid spermatids can be aligned and orderly packed within the limited space of the seminiferous tubules in the testes for the production of sperm via spermatogenesis. Thus, each adult male in the mouse, rat or human can produce an upward of 30, 50 or 300 million spermatozoa on a daily basis, respectively, throughout the adulthood. We also highlight critical areas of research that deserve attention in future studies. We also provide a hypothetical model by which PCP proteins support spermatogenesis based on recent studies in the testis. It is conceivable that the hypothetical model shown here will be updated as more data become available in future years, but this information can serve as the framework by investigators to unravel the role of PCP in spermatogenesis.
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10
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Galea GL, Maniou E, Edwards TJ, Marshall AR, Ampartzidis I, Greene NDE, Copp AJ. Cell non-autonomy amplifies disruption of neurulation by mosaic Vangl2 deletion in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1159. [PMID: 33608529 PMCID: PMC7895924 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21372-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-zygotic mutations that generate tissue mosaicism are increasingly associated with severe congenital defects, including those arising from failed neural tube closure. Here we report that neural fold elevation during mouse spinal neurulation is vulnerable to deletion of the VANGL planar cell polarity protein 2 (Vangl2) gene in as few as 16% of neuroepithelial cells. Vangl2-deleted cells are typically dispersed throughout the neuroepithelium, and each non-autonomously prevents apical constriction by an average of five Vangl2-replete neighbours. This inhibition of apical constriction involves diminished myosin-II localisation on neighbour cell borders and shortening of basally-extending microtubule tails, which are known to facilitate apical constriction. Vangl2-deleted neuroepithelial cells themselves continue to apically constrict and preferentially recruit myosin-II to their apical cell cortex rather than to apical cap localisations. Such non-autonomous effects can explain how post-zygotic mutations affecting a minority of cells can cause catastrophic failure of morphogenesis leading to clinically important birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Galea
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- Comparative Bioveterinary Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
| | - Eirini Maniou
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Timothy J Edwards
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Abigail R Marshall
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ioakeim Ampartzidis
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Nicholas D E Greene
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Copp
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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11
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Liu SW, Li HT, Ge RS, Cheng CY. NC1-peptide derived from collagen α3 (IV) chain is a blood-tissue barrier regulator: lesson from the testis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:123-128. [PMID: 32896837 PMCID: PMC7991810 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_44_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen α3 (IV) chains are one of the major constituent components of the basement membrane in the mammalian testis. Studies have shown that biologically active fragments, such as noncollagenase domain (NC1)-peptide, can be released from the C-terminal region of collagen α3 (IV) chains, possibly through the proteolytic action of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). NC1-peptide was shown to promote blood–testis barrier (BTB) remodeling and fully developed spermatid (e.g., sperm) release from the seminiferous epithelium because this bioactive peptide was capable of perturbing the organization of both actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons at the Sertoli cell–cell and also Sertoli–spermatid interface, the ultrastructure known as the basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and apical ES, respectively. More importantly, recent studies have shown that this NC1-peptide-induced effects on cytoskeletal organization in the testis are mediated through an activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/ribosomal protein S6/transforming retrovirus Akt1/2 protein (mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2) signaling cascade, involving an activation of cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42) GTPase, but not Ras homolog family member A GTPase (RhoA), and the participation of end-binding protein 1 (EB1), a microtubule plus (+) end tracking protein (+TIP), downstream. Herein, we critically evaluate these findings, providing a critical discussion by which the basement membrane modulates spermatogenesis through one of its locally generated regulatory peptides in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hui-Tao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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12
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Wang L, Yan M, Li H, Wu S, Ge R, Wong CKC, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. The Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive Adjudin Exerts its Effects via MAPs and Signaling Proteins mTORC1/rpS6 and FAK-Y407. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5936120. [PMID: 33094326 PMCID: PMC8244566 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adjudin, 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (formerly called AF-2364), is a nonhormonal male contraceptive, since it effectively induces reversible male infertility without perturbing the serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and inhibin B based on studies in rats and rabbits. Adjudin was shown to exert its effects preferentially by perturbing the testis-specific actin-rich adherens junction (AJ) at the Sertoli-spermatid interface known as apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES), thereby effectively inducing spermatid exfoliation. Adjudin did not perturb germ cell development nor germ cell function. Also, it had no effects on Sertoli cell-cell AJ called basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES), which, together with tight junction constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB), unless an acute dose of adjudin was used. Adjudin also did not perturb the population of spermatogonial stem cells nor Sertoli cells in the testis. However, the downstream signaling protein(s) utilized by adjudin to induce transient male infertility remains unexplored. Herein, using adult rats treated with adjudin and monitored changes in the phenotypes across the seminiferous epithelium between 6 and 96 h in parallel with the steady-state protein levels of an array of signaling and cytoskeletal regulatory proteins, recently shown to be involved in apical ES, basal ES and BTB function. It was shown that adjudin exerts its contraceptive effects through changes in microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and signaling proteins mTORC1/rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407. These findings are important to not only study adjudin-mediated male infertility but also the biology of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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13
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Wang L, Yan M, Wu S, Mao B, Wong CKC, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Microtubule Cytoskeleton and Spermatogenesis-Lesson From Studies of Toxicant Models. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:305-315. [PMID: 32647867 PMCID: PMC7548287 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that mammalian testes, in particular the Sertoli cells, are highly susceptible to exposure of environmental toxicants, such as cadmium, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phthalates, 2,5-hexanedione and bisphenol A. However, important studies conducted by reproductive toxicologists and/or biologists in the past have been treated as toxicology reports per se. Yet, many of these studies provided important mechanistic insights on the toxicant-induced testis injury and reproductive dysfunction, relevant to the biology of the testis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that findings obtained from toxicant models are exceedingly helpful tools to unravel the biology of testis function in particular spermatogenesis, including specific cellular events associated with spermatid transport to support spermiogenesis and spermiation. In this review, we critically evaluate some recent data, focusing primarily on the molecular structure and role of microtubules in cellular function, illustrating the importance of toxicant models to unravel the biology of microtubule cytoskeleton in supporting spermatogenesis, well beyond information on toxicology. These findings have opened up some potential areas of research which should be carefully evaluated in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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14
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Li L, Li H, Wang L, Wu S, Lv L, Tahir A, Xiao X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Ge R, Cheng CY. Role of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins in spermatogenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:71-87. [PMID: 32207344 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1742091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies on cell polarity proteins and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins date back to almost 40 years ago in Drosophila and C. elegans when these proteins were shown to be crucial to support apico-basal polarity and also directional alignment of polarity cells across the plane of an epithelium during morphogenesis. In adult mammals, cell polarity and PCP are most notable in cochlear hair cells. However, the role of these two groups of proteins to support spermatogenesis was not explored until a decade earlier when several proteins that confer cell polarity and PCP proteins were identified in the rat testis. Since then, there are several reports appearing in the literature to examine the role of both cell polarity and PCP in supporting spermatogenesis. Herein, we provide an overview regarding the role of cell polarity and PCP proteins in the testis, evaluating these findings in light of studies in other mammalian epithelial cells/tissues. Our goal is to provide a timely evaluation of these findings, and provide some thought provoking remarks to guide future studies based on an evolving concept in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Anam Tahir
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
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15
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Jarjour AA, Velichkova AN, Boyd A, Lord KM, Torsney C, Henderson DJ, Ffrench-Constant C. The formation of paranodal spirals at the ends of CNS myelin sheaths requires the planar polarity protein Vangl2. Glia 2020; 68:1840-1858. [PMID: 32125730 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During axonal ensheathment, noncompact myelin channels formed at lateral edges of the myelinating process become arranged into tight paranodal spirals that resemble loops when cut in cross section. These adhere to the axon, concentrating voltage-dependent sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier and patterning the surrounding axon into distinct molecular domains. The signals responsible for forming and maintaining the complex structure of paranodal myelin are poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that the planar cell polarity determinant Vangl2 organizes paranodal myelin. We show that Vangl2 is concentrated at paranodes and that, following conditional knockout of Vangl2 in oligodendrocytes, the paranodal spiral loosens, accompanied by disruption to the microtubule cytoskeleton and mislocalization of autotypic adhesion molecules between loops within the spiral. Adhesion of the spiral to the axon is unaffected. This results in disruptions to axonal patterning at nodes of Ranvier, paranodal axon diameter and conduction velocity. When taken together with our previous work showing that loss of the apico-basal polarity protein Scribble has the opposite phenotype-loss of axonal adhesion but no effect on loop-loop autotypic adhesion-our results identify a novel mechanism by which polarity proteins control the shape of nodes of Ranvier and regulate conduction in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Jarjour
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Atanaska N Velichkova
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Boyd
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kathryn M Lord
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carole Torsney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Deborah J Henderson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charles Ffrench-Constant
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Liu S, Li H, Wu S, Li L, Ge R, Cheng CY. NC1-peptide regulates spermatogenesis through changes in cytoskeletal organization mediated by EB1. FASEB J 2020; 34:3105-3128. [PMID: 31909540 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901968rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, different sets of cellular events take place across the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. For instance, remodeling of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) that facilitates the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the immunological barrier and the release of sperms at spermiation take place at the opposite ends of the epithelium simultaneously at stage VIII of the epithelial cycle. These cellular events are tightly coordinated via locally produced regulatory biomolecules. Studies have shown that collagen α3 (IV) chains, a major constituent component of the basement membrane, release the non-collagenous (NC) 1 domain, a 28-kDa peptide, designated NC1-peptide, from the C-terminal region, via the action of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9). NC1-peptide was found to be capable of inducing BTB remodeling and spermatid release across the epithelium. As such, the NC1-peptide is an endogenously produced biologically active peptide which coordinates these cellular events across the epithelium in stage VIII tubules. Herein, we used an animal model, wherein NC1-peptide cloned into the pCI-neo mammalian expression vector was overexpressed in the testis, to better understanding the molecular mechanism by which NC1-peptide regulated spermatogenic function. It was shown that NC1-peptide induced considerable downregulation on a number of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins, and studies have shown these polarity and PCP proteins modulate spermatid polarity and adhesion via their effects on microtubule (MT) and F-actin cytoskeletal organization across the epithelium. More important, NC1-peptide exerted its effects by downregulating the expression of microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking protein (+TIP) called EB1 (end-binding protein 1). We cloned the full-length EB1 cDNA for its overexpression in the testis, which was found to block the NC1-peptide-mediated disruptive effects on cytoskeletal organization in Sertoli cell epithelium and pertinent Sertoli cell functions. These findings thus illustrate that NC1-peptide is working in concert with EB1 to support spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renshan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Steinhauer J, Statman B, Fagan JK, Borck J, Surabhi S, Yarikipati P, Edelman D, Jenny A. Combover interacts with the axonemal component Rsp3 and is required for Drosophila sperm individualization. Development 2019; 146:dev179275. [PMID: 31391193 PMCID: PMC6765124 DOI: 10.1242/dev.179275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamete formation is key to survival of higher organisms. In male animals, spermatogenesis gives rise to interconnected spermatids that differentiate and individualize into mature sperm, each tightly enclosed by a plasma membrane. In Drosophila melanogaster, individualization of sister spermatids requires the formation of specialized actin cones that synchronously move along the sperm tails, removing inter-spermatid bridges and most of the cytoplasm. Here, we show that Combover (Cmb), originally identified as an effector of planar cell polarity (PCP) under control of Rho kinase, is essential for sperm individualization. cmb mutants are male sterile, with actin cones that fail to move in a synchronized manner along the flagella, despite being correctly formed and polarized initially. These defects are germline autonomous, independent of PCP genes, and can be rescued by wild-type Cmb, but not by a version of Cmb in which known Rho kinase phosphorylation sites are mutated. Furthermore, Cmb binds to the axonemal component Radial spoke protein 3, knockdown of which causes similar individualization defects, suggesting that Cmb coordinates the individualization machinery with the microtubular axonemes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Statman
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA
| | - Jeremy K Fagan
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology and Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jacob Borck
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA
| | - Satya Surabhi
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology and Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Prathibha Yarikipati
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology and Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Daniel Edelman
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA
| | - Andreas Jenny
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology and Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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18
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Planar cell polarity protein Dishevelled 3 (Dvl3) regulates ectoplasmic specialization (ES) dynamics in the testis through changes in cytoskeletal organization. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:194. [PMID: 30808893 PMCID: PMC6391420 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian testes, such as in rats, the directional alignment of polarized elongating/elongated spermatids, in particular step 17–19 spermatids, across the plane of seminiferous epithelium resembles planar cell polarity (PCP) found in hair cells of the cochlea. It is obvious that spermatid PCP is necessary to support the simultaneous development of maximal number of elongating/elongated spermatids to sustain the daily production of > 50 million sperm per adult rat. Studies have shown that the testis indeed expresses multiple PCP proteins necessary to support spermatid PCP. Herein, using physiological and biochemical assays, and morphological analysis, and with the technique of RNA interference (RNAi) to knockdown PCP protein Dishevelled (Dvl) 1 (Dvl1), Dvl2, Dvl3, or Dvl1/2/3, Dvl proteins, in particular Dvl3, it was shown that Dvl3 played a crucial role of support Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier function through changes in the organization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons. More important, an in vivo knockdown of Dvl1/2/3 in the testis, defects of spermatid polarity were remarkably noted across the seminiferous epithelium, concomitant with defects of spermatid adhesion and spermatid transport, leading to considerably defects in spermatogenesis. More important, Dvl1/2/3 triple knockdown in the testis also impeded the organization of actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons owing to disruptive spatial expression of actin- and MT-regulatory proteins. In summary, PCP Dishevelled proteins, in particular, Dvl3 is a regulator of Sertoli cell blood–testis barrier (BTB) and also spermatid PCP function through its effects on the actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons in Sertoli cells.
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19
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Mao BP, Li L, Yan M, Lian Q, Ge R, Cheng CY. Environmental toxicants and cell polarity in the testis. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:253-258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Li L, Mao B, Wu S, Lian Q, Ge RS, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Regulation of spermatid polarity by the actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 81:88-96. [PMID: 29410206 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
It is conceivable that spermatid apico-basal polarity and spermatid planar cell polarity (PCP) are utmost important to support spermatogenesis. The orderly arrangement of developing germ cells in particular spermatids during spermiogenesis are essential to obtain structural and nutrient supports from the fixed number of Sertoli cells across the limited space of seminiferous epithelium in the tubules following Sertoli cell differentiation by ∼17 day postpartum (dpp) in rodents and ∼12 years of age at puberty in humans. Yet few studies are found in the literature to investigate the role of these proteins to support spermatogenesis. Herein, we briefly summarize recent findings in the field, in particular emerging evidence that supports the concept that apico-basal polarity and PCP are conferred by the corresponding polarity proteins through their effects on the actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons. While much research is needed to bridge our gaps of understanding cell polarity, cytoskeletal function, and signaling proteins, a critical evaluation of some latest findings as summarized herein provides some important and also thought-provoking concepts to design better functional experiments to address this important, yet largely expored, research topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboarory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboarory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboarory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboarory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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