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Squatrito M, Vervier J, Bindels J, Bernet L, Blacher S, Nisolle M, Munaut C. Impaired fertility in adenomyosis: a murine model reveals endometrial receptivity and progesterone resistance imbalances. Reproduction 2024; 167:e240019. [PMID: 38451875 PMCID: PMC11056956 DOI: 10.1530/rep-24-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In brief The impact of adenomyosis on reproductive health needs to be fully understood. By using a murine model, this study provides novel insights into the nuanced mechanisms associated with fertility challenges and offers a foundation for targeted interventions. Abstract This study investigates the intricate relationship between adenomyosis and reproductive health using a murine model, offering novel insights into this prevalent gynecological disorder. Adenomyosis, characterized by the invasive growth of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, is believed to negatively impact fertility. However, the challenge lies in disentangling this influence, as adenomyosis often coexists with other gynecological diseases. A tamoxifen-induced mice model presents a significant advantage by enabling the specific study of adenomyosis, devoid of confounding influences of concurrent gynecological diseases such as endometriosis. Focusing exclusively on adenomyosis, our study aims to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms underlying fertility issues, focusing on estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicle development, and overall fertility. Our findings uncover disruptions in estrous cyclicity, characterized by an increased duration of time spent in the estrus phase in adenomyosis-induced mice. These disturbances are potentially linked to observed compromised folliculogenesis and the remarkable reduction in litter number and size in mice affected by adenomyosis. Moreover, this study unveils potential drivers of subfertility such as progesterone resistance and altered endometrial receptivity. Within the uteri of mice with adenomyosis, reduced expression of the progesterone receptor and a decreased expression of two implantation-related markers (HoxA10 and integrin β3) were observed. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the nuanced complexities of adenomyosis-associated reproductive challenges, providing a foundation for targeted interventions in addressing fertility issues related to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyne Squatrito
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Vervier
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital de la Citadelle, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jules Bindels
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laëtitia Bernet
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michelle Nisolle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital de la Citadelle, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Carine Munaut
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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Shen Q, Zhao X, Ji Y, Chai P. Deletion of cis-regulatory Element in FOXL2 Promoter in a Chinese Family of Type II Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus Inversus Syndrome with Polydactyly. J Craniofac Surg 2024; 35:e52-e56. [PMID: 37938073 PMCID: PMC10749674 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000009801] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a relatively uncommon autosomal-dominant genetic disorder, primarily attributed to mutations in the forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) gene. Albeit the involvement of protein-coding regions of FOXL2 has been observed in the majority of BPES cases, whether deficiencies in regulatory elements lead to the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Herein, an autosomal-dominant BPES type II family was included. Peripheral venous blood has been collected, and genomic DNA has been extracted from leukocytes. A whole exome sequencing analysis has been performed and analyzed (Deposited in NODE database: OER422653). The promoter region of FOXL2 was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the activity of this region. In this study, we present a Chinese family diagnosed with type II BPES, characterized by the presence of small palpebral fissures, ptosis, telecanthus, and epicanthus inversus. Notably, all male individuals within the family display polydactyly. A 225-bp deletion in the 556-bp 5'-upstream to transcription start site of FOXL2 , decorated by multiple histone modifications, was identified in affected members of the family. This deletion significantly decreased FOXL2 promoter activity, as measured by the luciferase assay. Conclusively, a novel 255-bp-deletion of the FOXL2 promoter was identified in Chinese families with BPES. Our results expand the spectrum of known FOXL2 mutations and provide additional insight into the genotype-phenotype relationships of the BPES pathogenesis. In addition, this study indicates the important role of genetic screening of cis-regulatory elements in testing heritable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongrong Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Oulhen N, Morita S, Pieplow C, Onorato TM, Foster S, Wessel G. Conservation and contrast in cell states of echinoderm ovaries. Mol Reprod Dev 2023:10.1002/mrd.23721. [PMID: 38054259 PMCID: PMC11153327 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Echinoderms produce functional gametes throughout their lifespan, in some cases exceeding 200 years. The histology and ultrastructure of echinoderm ovaries has been described but how these ovaries function and maintain the production of high-quality gametes remains a mystery. Here, we present the first single cell RNA sequencing data sets of mature ovaries from two sea urchin species (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus [Sp] and Lytechinus variegatus [Lv]), and one sea star species (Patiria miniata [Pm]). We find 14 cell states in the Sp ovary, 16 cell states in the Lv ovary and 13 cell states in the ovary of the sea star. This resource is essential to understand the structure and functional biology of the ovary in echinoderms, and better informs decisions in the utilization of in situ RNA hybridization probes selective for various cell types. We link key genes with cell clusters in validation of this approach. This resource also aids in the identification of the stem cells for prolonged and continuous gamete production, is a foundation for testing changes in the annual reproductive cycle, and is essential for understanding the evolution of reproduction of this important phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Oulhen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Shumpei Morita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Asamushi Research Center for Marine Biology, Tohoku University, Aomori, 039-3501, Japan
| | - Cosmo Pieplow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Thomas M. Onorato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - Stephany Foster
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Gary Wessel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Wu GMJ, Chen ACH, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166351. [PMID: 37325555 PMCID: PMC10267358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genie Min Ju Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
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