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Duan X, Wang H, Cao Z, Su N, Wang Y, Zheng Y. Deficiency of ValRS-m Causes Male Infertility in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7489. [PMID: 39000597 PMCID: PMC11242588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Drosophila spermatogenesis involves the renewal of germline stem cells, meiosis of spermatocytes, and morphological transformation of spermatids into mature sperm. We previously demonstrated that Ocnus (ocn) plays an essential role in spermatogenesis. The ValRS-m (Valyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial) gene was down-regulated in ocn RNAi testes. Here, we found that ValRS-m-knockdown induced complete sterility in male flies. The depletion of ValRS-m blocked mitochondrial behavior and ATP synthesis, thus inhibiting the transition from spermatogonia to spermatocytes, and eventually, inducing the accumulation of spermatogonia during spermatogenesis. To understand the intrinsic reason for this, we further conducted transcriptome-sequencing analysis for control and ValRS-m-knockdown testes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two groups were selected with a fold change of ≥2 or ≤1/2. Compared with the control group, 4725 genes were down-regulated (dDEGs) and 2985 genes were up-regulated (uDEGs) in the ValRS-m RNAi group. The dDEGs were mainly concentrated in the glycolytic pathway and pyruvate metabolic pathway, and the uDEGs were primarily related to ribosomal biogenesis. A total of 28 DEGs associated with mitochondria and 6 meiosis-related genes were verified to be suppressed when ValRS-m was deficient. Overall, these results suggest that ValRS-m plays a wide and vital role in mitochondrial behavior and spermatogonia differentiation in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (X.D.); (H.W.); (Z.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Haolin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (X.D.); (H.W.); (Z.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Zhixian Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (X.D.); (H.W.); (Z.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Na Su
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China;
| | - Yufeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (X.D.); (H.W.); (Z.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ya Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China;
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2
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Cheng X, Jiang T, Huang Q, Ji L, Li J, Kong X, Zhu X, He X, Deng X, Wu T, Yu H, Shi Y, Liu L, Zhao X, Wang X, Chen H, Yu J. Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Leads to Specific Disorders of Spermatid Elongation via Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Drosophila Testes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23613-23623. [PMID: 38854533 PMCID: PMC11154731 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been extensively utilized in various applications. However, the regulatory mechanism behind the reproductive toxicity induced by TiO2 NP exposure remains largely elusive. In this study, we employed a Drosophila model to assess potential testicular injuries during spermatogenesis and conducted bulk RNA-Seq analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results reveal that while prolonged exposure to lower concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0.45 mg/mL) for 30 days did not manifest reproductive toxicity, exposure at concentrations of 0.9 and 1.8 mg/mL significantly impaired spermatid elongation in Drosophila testes. Notably, bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed that TiO2 NP exposure affected multiple metabolic pathways including carbohydrate metabolism and cytochrome P450. Importantly, the intervention of glutathione (GSH) significantly protected against reproductive toxicity induced by TiO2 NP exposure, as it restored the number of Orb-positive spermatid clusters in Drosophila testes. Our study provides novel insights into the specific detrimental effects of TiO2 NP exposure on spermatid elongation through multiple metabolic alterations in Drosophila testes and highlights the protective role of GSH in countering this toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiuwen Kong
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xuxin He
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaonan Deng
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department
of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key
Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center
for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity
and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
- Nantong
Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226018, China
- Nantong
Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong 226018, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute
of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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3
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Verma S, Lin X, Coulson-Thomas VJ. The Potential Reversible Transition between Stem Cells and Transient-Amplifying Cells: The Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38727284 PMCID: PMC11083486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) undergo asymmetric division, producing transit-amplifying cells (TACs) with increased proliferative potential that move into tissues and ultimately differentiate into a specialized cell type. Thus, TACs represent an intermediary state between stem cells and differentiated cells. In the cornea, a population of stem cells resides in the limbal region, named the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). As LESCs proliferate, they generate TACs that move centripetally into the cornea and differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. Upon limbal injury, research suggests a population of progenitor-like cells that exists within the cornea can move centrifugally into the limbus, where they dedifferentiate into LESCs. Herein, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the mechanism that governs the differentiation of LESCs into TACs, and thereafter, into corneal epithelial cells. We also outline the evidence in support of the existence of progenitor-like cells in the cornea and whether TACs could represent a population of cells with progenitor-like capabilities within the cornea. Furthermore, to gain further insights into the dynamics of TACs in the cornea, we outline the most recent findings in other organ systems that support the hypothesis that TACs can dedifferentiate into SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
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4
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Cui H, Huang Q, Li J, Zhou P, Wang Z, Cai J, Feng C, Deng X, Gu H, He X, Tang J, Wang X, Zhao X, Yu J, Chen X. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to evaluate antimony exposure effects on cell-lineage communications within the Drosophila testicular niche. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115948. [PMID: 38184976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The increasing production and prevalence of antimony (Sb)-related products raise concerns regarding its potential hazards to reproductive health. Upon environmental exposure, Sb reportedly induces testicular toxicity during spermatogenesis; moreover, it is known to affect various testicular cell populations, particularly germline stem cell populations. However, the cell-cell communication resulting from Sb exposure within the testicular niche remains poorly understood. To address this gap, herein we analyzed testicular single-cell RNA sequencing data from Sb-exposed Drosophila. Our findings revealed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and WNT signaling pathways were associated with the stem cell niche in Drosophila testes, which may disrupt the homeostasis of the testicular niche in Drosophila. Furthermore, we identified several ligand-receptor pairs, facilitating the elucidation of intercellular crosstalk involved in Sb-mediated reproductive toxicology. We employed scRNA-seq analysis and conducted functional verification to investigate the expression patterns of core downstream factors associated with EGFR and WNT signatures in the testes under the influence of Sb exposure. Altogether, our results shed light on the potential mechanisms of Sb exposure-mediated testicular cell-lineage communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Cui
- Department of Urology, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Peiyao Zhou
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaying Cai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chenrui Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaonan Deng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Han Gu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xuxin He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Huang Q, Chen X, Yu H, Ji L, Shi Y, Cheng X, Chen H, Yu J. Structure and molecular basis of spermatid elongation in the Drosophila testis. Open Biol 2023; 13:230136. [PMID: 37935354 PMCID: PMC10645079 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230136] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatid elongation is a crucial event in the late stage of spermatogenesis in the Drosophila testis, eventually leading to the formation of mature sperm after meiosis. During spermatogenesis, significant structural and morphological changes take place in a cluster of post-meiotic germ cells, which are enclosed in a microenvironment surrounded by somatic cyst cells. Microtubule-based axoneme assembly, formation of individualization complexes and mitochondria maintenance are key processes involved in the differentiation of elongated spermatids. They provide important structural foundations for accessing male fertility. How these structures are constructed and maintained are basic questions in the Drosophila testis. Although the roles of several genes in different structures during the development of elongated spermatids have been elucidated, the relationships between them have not been widely studied. In addition, the genetic basis of spermatid elongation and the regulatory mechanisms involved have not been thoroughly investigated. In the present review, we focus on current knowledge with regard to spermatid axoneme assembly, individualization complex and mitochondria maintenance. We also touch upon promising directions for future research to unravel the underlying mechanisms of spermatid elongation in the Drosophila testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, People's Republic of China
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6
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Wu YB, Li SY, Liu JY, Xue JJ, Xu JF, Chen T, Cao TY, Zhou H, Wu TT, Dong CL, Qian WF, Qiao LW, Hou SY, Wang T, Shen C. Long non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 promotes ovarian cancer progression through targeting PTK2/β-catenin pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:696. [PMID: 37875515 PMCID: PMC10598275 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06214-z] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor among women, ovarian cancer poses a serious threat to their health. This study demonstrates that long non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 is over-expressed in ovarian cancer tissues using patient sample and tissue microarrays. In addition, NRSN2-AS1 is shown to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NRSN2-AS1 stabilizes protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) to activate the β-catenin pathway via repressing MG-53-mediated ubiquitinated degradation of PTK2, thereby facilitating ovarian cancer progression. Rescue experiments verify the function of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis and the effects of MG53 on this axis in ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the key role of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis for the first time and explores its potential clinical applications in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Shen-Yi Li
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jin-Yan Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xue
- Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Jin-Fu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Tian-Yue Cao
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Tian-Tian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chun-Lin Dong
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei-Feng Qian
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Long-Wei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Shun-Yu Hou
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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7
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Reza E, Azizi H, Skutella T. Sox2 Localization During Spermatogenesis and Its Association with other Spermatogenesis Markers Using Protein-Protein Network Analysis. J Reprod Infertil 2023; 24:171-180. [PMID: 37663428 PMCID: PMC10471949 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v24i3.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sox2 (SRY box2) is an essential transcription factor that plays a vital role in spermatogenesis and regulates the genes in this process. Sox2 is important for pluripotency, self-renewal, and even spermatogonial stem cell differentiation. This gene is found in pluripotent and specialized cells, and it is involved in their biological activities. Methods Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed during spermatogenesis using NCBI, STRING, and Cytoscape databases. Then, after isolating spermatogonial stem cells from 6 C57BL/6 mice, mouse embryonic stem cells and ES-like cells were prepared. In the following, Sox2 expression was examined in differentiated and undifferentiated spermatogonia by immunohistochemistry (IMH), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and Fluidigm PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Finally, the results were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at the significance level of p<0.05. Results The results of this experiment showed that contrary to expectations, Sox2 has cytoplasmic expression in undifferentiated cells and nuclear expression in differentiated cells in in vitro conditions. In addition, the expression of Sox2 increased during differentiation. Fluidigm PCR showed a significantly higher expression of Sox2 (p<0.05) in differentiated compared to undifferentiated spermatogonia. Sox2 has an interaction with other genes during spermatogenesis such as Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, Stra8, Smad1, Tcf3, and Osm. Conclusion Sox2, which is known as a pluripotency marker, has a vital role in spermatogenesis and could be a differential marker. Sox2 has strong connections with other genes such as Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, Tcf3, Osm, Stra8, Lim2, Smad1, Gdnf, and Kit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Reza
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Yu J, Li Z, Fu Y, Sun F, Chen X, Huang Q, He L, Yu H, Ji L, Cheng X, Shi Y, Shen C, Zheng B, Sun F. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals the transcriptional landscape of ND-42 mediated spermatid elongation via mitochondrial derivative maintenance in Drosophila testes. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102671. [PMID: 36933391 PMCID: PMC10036812 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, mitochondria extend along the whole length of spermatid tail and offer a structural platform for microtubule reorganization and synchronized spermatid individualization, that eventually helps to generate mature sperm in Drosophila. However, the regulatory mechanism of spermatid mitochondria during elongation remains largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 42 kDa subunit (ND-42) was essential for male fertility and spermatid elongation in Drosophila. Moreover, ND-42 depletion led to mitochondrial disorders in Drosophila testes. Based on single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified 15 distinct cell clusters, including several unanticipated transitional subpopulations or differentiative stages for testicular germ cell complexity in Drosophila testes. Enrichments of the transcriptional regulatory network in the late-stage cell populations revealed key roles of ND-42 in mitochondria and its related biological processes during spermatid elongation. Notably, we demonstrated that ND-42 depletion led to maintenance defects of the major mitochondrial derivative and the minor mitochondrial derivative by affecting mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial-encoded genes. Our study proposes a novel regulatory mechanism of ND-42 for spermatid mitochondrial derivative maintenance, contributing to a better understanding of spermatid elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Zhiran Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yangbo Fu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Feiteng Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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9
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Yu J, Fu Y, Li Z, Huang Q, Tang J, Sun C, Zhou P, He L, Sun F, Cheng X, Ji L, Yu H, Shi Y, Gu Z, Sun F, Zhao X. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell landscape following antimony exposure during spermatogenesis in Drosophila testes. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:86. [PMID: 36894529 PMCID: PMC9998446 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01391-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimony (Sb), is thought to induce testicular toxicity, although this remains controversial. This study investigated the effects of Sb exposure during spermatogenesis in the Drosophila testis and the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanism at single-cell resolution. Firstly, we found that flies exposed to Sb for 10 days led to dose-dependent reproductive toxicity during spermatogenesis. Protein expression and RNA levels were measured by immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to characterize testicular cell composition and identify the transcriptional regulatory network after Sb exposure in Drosophila testes. scRNA-seq analysis revealed that Sb exposure influenced various testicular cell populations, especially in GSCs_to_Early_Spermatogonia and Spermatids clusters. Importantly, carbon metabolism was involved in GSCs/early spermatogonia maintenance and positively related with SCP-Containing Proteins, S-LAPs, and Mst84D signatures. Moreover, Seminal Fluid Proteins, Mst57D, and Serpin signatures were highly positively correlated with spermatid maturation. Pseudotime trajectory analysis revealed three novel states for the complexity of germ cell differentiation, and many novel genes (e.g., Dup98B) were found to be expressed in state-biased manners during spermatogenesis. Collectively, this study indicates that Sb exposure negatively impacts GSC maintenance and spermatid elongation, damaging spermatogenesis homeostasis via multiple signatures in Drosophila testes and therefore supporting Sb-mediated testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yangbo Fu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Zhiran Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Peiyao Zhou
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Feiteng Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xinmeng Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Li Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
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RpS3 Is Required for Spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040573. [PMID: 36831240 PMCID: PMC9954509 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal proteins (RPs) constitute the ribosome, thus participating in the protein biosynthesis process. Emerging studies have suggested that many RPs exhibit different expression levels across various tissues and function in a context-dependent manner for animal development. Drosophila melanogaster RpS3 encodes the ribosomal protein S3, one component of the 40S subunit of ribosomes. We found that RpS3 is highly expressed in the reproductive organs of adult flies and its depletion in male germline cells led to severe defects in sperm production and male fertility. Immunofluorescence staining showed that RpS3 knockdown had little effect on early germ cell differentiation, but strongly disrupted the spermatid elongation and individualization processes. Furthermore, we observed abnormal morphology and activity of mitochondrial derivatives in the elongating spermatids of RpS3-knockdown testes, which could cause the failure of axoneme elongation. We also found that RpS3 RNAi inhibited the formation of the individualization complex that takes charge of disassociating the spermatid bundle. In addition, excessive apoptotic cells were detected in the RpS3-knockdown testes, possibly to clean the defective spermatids. Together, our data demonstrated that RpS3 plays an important role in regulating spermatid elongation and individualization processes and, therefore, is required for normal Drosophila spermatogenesis.
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Cyst stem cell lineage eIF5 non-autonomously prevents testicular germ cell tumor formation via eIF1A/eIF2γ-mediated pre-initiation complex. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:351. [PMID: 35883200 PMCID: PMC9327282 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell niche maintains stem cell population identity and is essential for the homeostasis of self-renewal and differentiation in Drosophila testes. However, the mechanisms of CySC lineage signals-mediated soma-germline communications in response to external stimuli are unclear. METHODS Pre-initiation complex functions were evaluated by UAS-Gal4-mediated cell effects. RNA sequencing was conducted in NC and eIF5 siRNA-treated cells. Genetic interaction analysis was used to indicate the relationships between eIF5 and eIF1A/eIF2γ in Drosophila testes. RESULTS Here, we demonstrated that in CySCs, translation initiation factor eIF5 mediates cyst cell differentiation and the non-autonomously affected germ cell differentiation process. CySCs lacking eIF5 displayed unbalanced cell proliferation and apoptosis, forming testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) during spermatogenesis. eIF5 transcriptional regulation network analysis identified multiple metabolic processes and several key factors that might be involved in germ cell differentiation and TGCT formation. Importantly, knockdown of eIF1A and eIF2γ, key components of pre-initiation complex, mimicked the phenotype of knocking down eIF5 in the stem cell niche of Drosophila testes. Genetic interaction analysis indicated that eIF5 was sufficient to rescue the phenotype of tumorlike structures induced by down-regulating eIF1A or eIF2γ in CySCs. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that CySC lineage eIF5, together with eIF1A or eIF2γ, mediates soma-germline communications for the stem cell niche homeostasis in Drosophila testes, providing new insights for the prevention of TGCTs.
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