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Zhuang Y, Li C, Zhao F, Yan Y, Pan H, Zhan J, Behnisch T. E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Uhrf2 Knockout Reveals a Critical Role in Social Behavior and Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1543. [PMID: 38338822 PMCID: PMC10855348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031543] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The hippocampal formation, particularly the CA2 subregion, is critical for social memory formation and memory processing, relying on synaptic plasticity-a fundamental mechanism by which synapses strengthen. Given the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in various nervous system processes, including learning and memory, we were particularly interested in exploring the involvement of RING-type ubiquitin E3 ligases, such as UHRF2 (NIRF), in social behavior and synaptic plasticity. Our results revealed altered social behavior in mice with systemic Uhrf2 knockout, including changes in nest building, tube dominance, and the three-chamber social novelty test. In Uhrf2 knockout mice, the entorhinal cortex-CA2 circuit showed significant reductions in synaptic plasticity during paired-pulse facilitation and long-term potentiation, while the inability to evoke synaptic plasticity in the Schaffer-collateral CA2 synapses remained unaffected. These changes in synaptic plasticity correlated with significant changes in gene expression including genes related to vesicle trafficking and transcriptional regulation. The effects of Uhrf2 knockout on synaptic plasticity and the observed gene expression changes highlight UHRF2 as a regulator of learning and memory processes at both the cellular and systemic levels. Targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases, such as UHRF2, may hold therapeutic potential for memory-related disorders, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghan Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chuhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongjie Pan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianmin Zhan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Thomas Behnisch
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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2
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Huang Y, Li L, An G, Yang X, Cui M, Song X, Lin J, Zhang X, Yao Z, Wan C, Zhou C, Zhao J, Song K, Ren S, Xia X, Fu X, Lan Y, Hu X, Wang W, Wang M, Zheng Y, Miao K, Bai X, Hutchins AP, Chang G, Gao S, Zhao XY. Single-cell multi-omics sequencing of human spermatogenesis reveals a DNA demethylation event associated with male meiotic recombination. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1520-1534. [PMID: 37723297 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis is a highly ordered process; however, the roles of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in this process remain largely unknown. Here by simultaneously investigating the chromatin accessibility, DNA methylome and transcriptome landscapes using the modified single-cell chromatin overall omic-scale landscape sequencing approach, we revealed that the transcriptional changes throughout human spermatogenesis were correlated with chromatin accessibility changes. In particular, we identified a set of transcription factors and cis elements with potential functions. A round of DNA demethylation was uncovered upon meiosis initiation in human spermatogenesis, which was associated with male meiotic recombination and conserved between human and mouse. Aberrant DNA hypermethylation could be detected in leptotene spermatocytes of certain nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Functionally, the intervention of DNA demethylation affected male meiotic recombination and fertility. Our work provides multi-omics landscapes of human spermatogenesis at single-cell resolution and offers insights into the association between DNA demethylation and male meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xinyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Manman Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiuling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Cai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jiexiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ke Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xuesong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Kai Miao
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
| | - Shuai Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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3
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Kostyrko K, Román M, Lee AG, Simpson DR, Dinh PT, Leung SG, Marini KD, Kelly MR, Broyde J, Califano A, Jackson PK, Sweet-Cordero EA. UHRF1 is a mediator of KRAS driven oncogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3966. [PMID: 37407562 PMCID: PMC10322837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39591-2] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a frequent driver in lung cancer. To identify KRAS-specific vulnerabilities in lung cancer, we performed RNAi screens in primary spheroids derived from a Kras mutant mouse lung cancer model and discovered an epigenetic regulator Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1). In human lung cancer models UHRF1 knock-out selectively impaired growth and induced apoptosis only in KRAS mutant cells. Genome-wide methylation and gene expression analysis of UHRF1-depleted KRAS mutant cells revealed global DNA hypomethylation leading to upregulation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). A focused CRISPR/Cas9 screen validated several of these TSGs as mediators of UHRF1-driven tumorigenesis. In vivo, UHRF1 knock-out inhibited tumor growth of KRAS-driven mouse lung cancer models. Finally, in lung cancer patients high UHRF1 expression is anti-correlated with TSG expression and predicts worse outcomes for patients with KRAS mutant tumors. These results nominate UHRF1 as a KRAS-specific vulnerability and potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Kostyrko
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Marta Román
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alex G Lee
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David R Simpson
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Phuong T Dinh
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stanley G Leung
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kieren D Marini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marcus R Kelly
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Broyde
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter K Jackson
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - E Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Wei Y, Geng W, Zhang T, He H, Zhai J. N-acetylcysteine rescues meiotic arrest during spermatogenesis in mice exposed to BDE-209. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50952-50968. [PMID: 36807852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Deca-bromodiphenyl ethers (BDE-209) has been widely used in electronic devices and textiles as additives to flame retardants. Growing evidence showed that BDE-209 exposure leads to poorer sperm quality and male reproductive dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of BDE-209 exposure caused a decline in sperm quality remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on meiotic arrest in spermatocytes and decreased sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. In the study, mice were treated with NAC (150 mg/kg BW) 2 h before administrated with BDE-209 (80 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks. For the in vitro studies, spermatocyte cell line GC-2spd cells were pretreated with NAC (5 mM) 2 h before treated with BDE-209 (50 μM) for 24 h. We found that pretreatment with NAC attenuated the oxidative stress status induced by BDE-209 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, pretreatment with NAC rescued the testicular histology impairment and decreased the testicular organ coefficient in BDE-209-exposed mice. In addition, NAC supplement partially promoted meiotic prophase and improved sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. Furthermore, NAC pretreatment effectively improved DNA damage repair by recovering DMC1, RAD51, and MLH1. In conclusion, BDE-209 caused spermatogenesis dysfunction related to the meiotic arrest medicated by oxidative stress, decreasing sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- Department of Health Supervision, Administrative Committee of Hefei Xinzhan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Wenzhong Rd 999, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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5
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Zhou S, Dong J, Xiong M, Gan S, Wen Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Yuan S, Gui Y. UHRF1 interacts with snRNAs and regulates alternative splicing in mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1859-1873. [PMID: 35905740 PMCID: PMC9391524 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-long male fertility relies on exquisite homeostasis and the development of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs); however, the underlying molecular genetic and epigenetic regulation in this equilibrium process remains unclear. Here, we document that UHRF1 interacts with snRNAs to regulate pre-mRNA alternative splicing in SSCs and is required for the homeostasis of SSCs in mice. Genetic deficiency of UHRF1 in mouse prospermatogonia results in gradual loss of spermatogonial stem cells, eventually leading to Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and male infertility. Comparative RNA-seq data provide evidence that Uhrf1 ablation dysregulates previously reported SSC maintenance- and differentiation-related genes. We further found that UHRF1 could act as an alternative RNA splicing regulator and interact with Tle3 transcripts to regulate its splicing event in spermatogonia. Collectively, our data reveal a multifunctional role for UHRF1 in regulating gene expression programs and alternative splicing during SSC homeostasis, which may provide clues for treating human male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shiming Gan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Laboratory Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China.
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6
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UHRF1 establishes crosstalk between somatic and germ cells in male reproduction. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:377. [PMID: 35440090 PMCID: PMC9018721 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSertoli cells (SCs) support and nourish germ cells (GCs) through their crosstalk during spermatogenesis. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism that ensures SCs’ functions in this process remains unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1, a critical epigenetic regulator, is mainly expressed in human and mouse pre-mature SCs, and is essential for establishing Sertoli-Germ cell crosstalk. SC-specific UHRF1 knockout mice exhibit complete sterility with Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation aberrance, blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption, and immature germ cell (GC) sloughing. RNA sequencing and Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) revealed that many extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes (e.g., Timp1, Trf, and Spp1) appeared upregulated with the DNA hypomethylation status in UHRF1-deficient SCs. Strikingly, overexpression of Timp1, Trf, and Spp1 in SCs in vitro and in vivo could phenocopy the SC-specific UHRF1-deficient mice. Our data demonstrated that UHRF1 regulates the transcriptional program of ECM-related genes in SCs and establishes SC-GC crosstalk.
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Xiong M, Zhou S, Feng S, Gui Y, Li J, Wu Y, Dong J, Yuan S. UHRF1 is indispensable for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and interacts with the DNA damage response pathway in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:168-182. [PMID: 35284939 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac054] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During male meiosis, the constitutively unsynapsed XY chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), and the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is critical for MSCI establishment. Our previous study showed that UHRF1(ubiquitin-like, with PHD and ring finger domains 1) deletion led to meiotic arrest and male infertility; however, the underlying mechanisms of UHRF1 in the regulation of meiosis remain unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1 is required for MSCI and cooperates with the DDR pathway in male meiosis. UHRF1-deficient spermatocytes display aberrant pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage. In addition, UHRF1 deficiency leads to aberrant recruitment of ATR and FANCD2 on the sex chromosomes and disrupts the diffusion of ATR to the XY chromatin. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1 acts as a cofactor of BRCA1 to facilitate the recruitment of DDR factors onto sex chromosomes for MSCI establishment. Accordingly, deletion of UHRF1 leads to the failure of meiotic silencing on sex chromosomes, resulting in meiotic arrest. In addition to our previous findings, the present study reveals that UHRF1 participates in MSCI, ensuring the progression of male meiosis. This suggests a multifunctional role of UHRF1 in the male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.,Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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8
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Liu H, Wang LL, Xu QH, Wang J, Zhang YJ, Luo J, Liao AH. UHRF1 shapes both the trophoblast invasion and decidual macrophage differentiation in early pregnancy. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22247. [PMID: 35262949 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101647rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts play critical roles in establishment and maintenance of a normal pregnancy. Their dysfunction in early pregnancy is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases, including recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Epigenetic modifications dynamically change during pregnancy; however, the role of the epigenetic modifier UHRF1 in trophoblast regulation remains unknown. This is the first study to show that UHRF1 expression was localized in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and villi columns, and decreased in the villi of patients with RPL. The invasion and cell viability in a UHRF1 knockdown trophoblast cell line were significantly decreased. In addition, the mRNA expression profiles of Swan71 cells were partially altered by UHRF1 knockdown. The altered immune-related genes were screened out and the pro-inflammatory TH1-type chemokine/cytokines CXCL2 and IL-1β were identified as the most promising targets of UHRF1 in the trophoblasts, which were significantly increased in the UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells, villi, and serum from patients with RPL. The macrophages treated with the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells were polarized to the M1 phenotype and secreted high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might be driven by the activated MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and mediated by the increased expression of CXCR2 and IL-1R1 (CXCL2 and IL-1β receptors, respectively). In addition, the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells showed stronger chemotaxis to macrophages than those from the controls. Our findings highlight the previously unknown roles of UHRF1 as one of the key regulators on the trophoblasts and their cross-talk with local immune cells, and demonstrate a potential approach for RPL intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Han Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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9
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Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Proteolysis in Reproduction: Lessons From Gene-Modified Organism Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:876370. [PMID: 35600599 PMCID: PMC9114714 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.876370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of proteolysis are not limited to degrading unnecessary proteins. Proteolysis plays pivotal roles in various biological processes through cleaving peptide bonds to activate and inactivate proteins including enzymes, transcription factors, and receptors. As a wide range of cellular processes is regulated by proteolysis, abnormalities or dysregulation of such proteolytic processes therefore often cause diseases. Recent genetic studies have clarified the inclusion of proteases and protease inhibitors in various reproductive processes such as development of gonads, generation and activation of gametes, and physical interaction between gametes in various species including yeast, animals, and plants. Such studies not only clarify proteolysis-related factors but the biological processes regulated by proteolysis for successful reproduction. Here the physiological roles of proteases and proteolysis in reproduction will be reviewed based on findings using gene-modified organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
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10
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UHRF1 Suppresses HIV-1 Transcription and Promotes HIV-1 Latency by Competing with p-TEFb for Ubiquitination-Proteasomal Degradation of Tat. mBio 2021; 12:e0162521. [PMID: 34465029 PMCID: PMC8406157 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01625-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 remains incurable due to viral reservoirs, which lead to durably latent HIV infection. Identifying novel host factors and deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of latency are critical to discover new targets for the development of novel anti-HIV agents. Here, we show that ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1) modulates HIV-1 5'-long terminal repeat (LTR)-driven transcription of the viral genome as a novel HIV-1 restriction factor. Correspondingly, UHRF1 depletion reversed the latency of HIV-1 proviruses. Mechanistically, UHRF1 competed with positive transcription factor b (p-TEFb) for the binding to the cysteine-rich motifs of HIV-1 Tat via its TTD, PHD, and RING finger domains. Furthermore, UHRF1 mediated K48-linked ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Tat in RING-dependent ways, leading to the disruption of Tat/cyclin T1/CDK9 complex and consequential impediment of transcription elongation. In summary, our findings revealed that UHRF1 is an important mediator of HIV-1 latency by controlling Tat-mediated transcriptional activation, providing novel insights on host-pathogen interaction for modulating HIV-1 latency, beneficial for the development of anti-AIDS therapies. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 latency is systematically modulated by host factors and viral proteins. In our work, we identified a critical role of host factor ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1) in HIV-1 latency via the modulation of the viral protein Tat stability. By disrupting the Tat/cyclin T1/CDK9 complex, UHRF1 promotes the suppression of HIV-1 transcription and maintenance of HIV-1 latency. Our findings provide novel insights in controlling Tat expression via host-pathogen interaction for modulating HIV-1 latency. Based on our results, modulating UHRF1 expression or activity by specific inhibitors is a potential therapeutic strategy for latency reversal in HIV-1 patients.
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