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Cao J, El Mansouri F, Reynoso S, Liu Z, Zhu J, Taketo T. Inefficient Sox9 upregulation and absence of Rspo1 repression lead to sex reversal in the B6.XYTIR mouse gonad†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:985-999. [PMID: 38376238 PMCID: PMC11094394 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae018] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sry on the Y-chromosome upregulates Sox9, which in turn upregulates a set of genes such as Fgf9 to initiate testicular differentiation in the XY gonad. In the absence of Sry expression, genes such as Rspo1, Foxl2, and Runx1 support ovarian differentiation in the XX gonad. These two pathways antagonize each other to ensure the development of only one gonadal sex in normal development. In the B6.YTIR mouse, carrying the YTIR-chromosome on the B6 genetic background, Sry is expressed in a comparable manner with that in the B6.XY mouse, yet, only ovaries or ovotestes develop. We asked how testicular and ovarian differentiation pathways interact to determine the gonadal sex in the B6.YTIR mouse. Our results showed that (1) transcript levels of Sox9 were much lower than in B6.XY gonads while those of Rspo1 and Runx1 were as high as B6.XX gonads at 11.5 and 12.5 days postcoitum. (2) FOXL2-positive cells appeared in mosaic with SOX9-positive cells at 12.5 days postcoitum. (3) SOX9-positive cells formed testis cords in the central area while those disappeared to leave only FOXL2-positive cells in the poles or the entire area at 13.5 days postcoitum. (4) No difference was found at transcript levels of all genes between the left and right gonads up to 12.5 days postcoitum, although ovotestes developed much more frequently on the left than the right at 13.5 days postcoitum. These results suggest that inefficient Sox9 upregulation and the absence of Rspo1 repression prevent testicular differentiation in the B6.YTIR gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqin Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Guangling College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fatima El Mansouri
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sofia Reynoso
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Guangling College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teruko Taketo
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Wen F, Ding Y, Wang M, Du J, Zhang S, Kee K. FOXL2 and NR5A1 induce human fibroblasts into steroidogenic ovarian granulosa-like cells. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13589. [PMID: 38192172 PMCID: PMC11056703 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13589] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human granulosa cells in different stages are essential for maintaining normal ovarian function, and granulosa cell defect is the main cause of ovarian dysfunction. To address this problem, it is necessary to induce functional granulosa cells at different stages in vitro. In this study, we established a reprogramming method to induce early- and late-stage granulosa cells with different steroidogenic abilities. We used an AMH-fluorescence-reporter system to screen candidate factors for cellular reprogramming and generated human induced granulosa-like cells (hiGC) by overexpressing FOXL2 and NR5A1. AMH-EGFP+ hiGC resembled human cumulus cells in transcriptome profiling and secreted high levels of oestrogen and progesterone, similar to late-stage granulosa cells at antral or preovulatory stage. Moreover, we identified CD55 as a cell surface marker that can be used to isolate early-stage granulosa cells. CD55+ AMH-EGFP- hiGC secreted high levels of oestrogen but low levels of progesterone, and their transcriptome profiles were more similar to early-stage granulosa cells. More importantly, CD55+ hiGC transplantation alleviated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a mouse model. Therefore, hiGC provides a cellular model to study the developmental program of human granulosa cells and has potential to treat PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wen
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases; SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuxi Ding
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases; SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Mingming Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases; SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Du
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases; SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- The State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases; SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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3
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Chakravarthi VP, Dilower I, Ghosh S, Borosha S, Mohamadi R, Dahiya V, Vo K, Lee EB, Ratri A, Kumar V, Marsh CA, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Indian Hedgehog Expression in the First Wave of Ovarian Follicles. Cells 2024; 13:644. [PMID: 38607081 PMCID: PMC11011683 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070644] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased activation of ovarian primordial follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) rats becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8.5. To identify the ERβ-regulated genes that may control ovarian primordial follicle activation, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of ErβKO rat ovaries collected on postnatal days 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5. Compared to wildtype ovaries, ErβKO ovaries displayed dramatic downregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. IHH-regulated genes, including Hhip, Gli1, and Ptch1, were also downregulated in ErβKO ovaries. This was associated with a downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and Hsd17b1. The expression of Ihh remained very low in ErβKO ovaries despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known upregulators of Ihh expression in the granulosa cells of activated ovarian follicles. Strikingly, the downregulation of the Ihh gene in ErβKO ovaries began to disappear on postnatal day 16.5 and recovered on postnatal day 21.5. In rat ovaries, the first wave of primordial follicles is rapidly activated after their formation, whereas the second wave of primordial follicles remains dormant in the ovarian cortex and slowly starts activating after postnatal day 12.5. We localized the expression of Ihh mRNA in postnatal day 8.5 wildtype rat ovaries but not in the age-matched ErβKO ovaries. In postnatal day 21.5 ErβKO rat ovaries, we detected Ihh mRNA mainly in the activated follicles in the ovaries' peripheral regions. Our findings indicate that the expression of Ihh in the granulosa cells of the activated first wave of ovarian follicles depends on ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Iman Dilower
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Subhra Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Shaon Borosha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Ryan Mohamadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vinesh Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Kevin Vo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Anamika Ratri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Courtney A. Marsh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Patrick E. Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
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4
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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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5
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潘 子, 周 雪, 曹 志, 潘 剑. [Latest Findings on the Role of RUNX1 in Bone Development and Disorders]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:256-262. [PMID: 38645858 PMCID: PMC11026898 DOI: 10.12182/20240360103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX1) is a transcription factor closely involved in hematopoiesis. RUNX1 gene mutation plays an essential pathogenic role in the initiation and development of hematological tumors, especially in acute myeloid leukemia. Recent studies have shown that RUNX1 is also involved in the regulation of bone development and the pathological progression of bone-related diseases. RUNX1 promotes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes and osteoblasts and modulates the maturation and extracellular matrix formation of chondrocytes. The expression of RUNX1 in mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts is of great significance for maintaining normal bone development and the mass and quality of bones. RUNX1 also inhibits the differentiation and bone resorptive activities of osteoclasts, which may be influenced by sexual dimorphism. In addition, RUNX1 deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, delayed fracture healing, and osteoporosis, which was revealed by the RUNX1 conditional knockout modeling in mice. However, the roles of RUNX1 in regulating the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, the sexual dimorphism of activities of osteoclasts, as well as bone loss in diabetes mellitus, senescence, infection, chronic inflammation, etc, are still not fully understood. This review provides a systematic summary of the research progress concerning RUNX1 in the field of bone biology, offering new ideas for using RUNX1 as a potential target for bone related diseases, especially osteoarthritis, delayed fracture healing, and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 子建 潘
- 口腔疾病防治全国重点实验室 国家口腔医学中心 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 口腔颌面外科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - 雪儿 周
- 口腔疾病防治全国重点实验室 国家口腔医学中心 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 口腔颌面外科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - 志炜 曹
- 口腔疾病防治全国重点实验室 国家口腔医学中心 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 口腔颌面外科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - 剑 潘
- 口腔疾病防治全国重点实验室 国家口腔医学中心 国家口腔疾病临床医学研究中心 四川大学华西口腔医院 口腔颌面外科 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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6
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Stévant I, Gonen N, Poulat F. Transposable elements acquire time- and sex-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures along mouse fetal gonad development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1327410. [PMID: 38283992 PMCID: PMC10811072 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1327410] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination in mice is a complex and dynamic process, which is crucial for the development of functional reproductive organs. The expression of genes involved in this process is regulated by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that transposable elements (TEs), which are a class of mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis and organ development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of TEs in the regulation of gene expression during mouse embryonic gonadal development. Through bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify and characterize specific TEs that operate as regulatory elements for sex-specific genes, as well as their potential mechanisms of regulation. We identified TE loci expressed in a time- and sex-specific manner along fetal gonad development that correlate positively and negatively with nearby gene expression, suggesting that their expression is integrated to the gonadal regulatory network. Moreover, chromatin accessibility and histone post-transcriptional modification analyses in differentiating supporting cells revealed that TEs are acquiring a sex-specific signature for promoter-, enhancer-, and silencer-like elements, with some of them being proximal to critical sex-determining genes. Altogether, our study introduces TEs as the new potential players in the gene regulatory network that controls gonadal development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Chen B, Pei D. Genetic clues to reprogramming power and formation of mouse oocyte. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102110. [PMID: 37722148 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102110] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte features the unique capacity to reprogram not only sperm but also somatic nuclei to totipotency, yet the scarcity of oocytes has hindered the exploration and application of their reprogramming ability. In the meanwhile, the formation of oocytes, which involves extensive intracellular alterations and interactions, has also attracted tremendous interest. This review discusses developmental principles and regulatory mechanisms associated with ooplasm reprogramming and oocyte formation from a genetic perspective, with knowledge derived from mouse models. We also discuss future directions, especially to address the lack of insight into the regulatory networks that shape the identity of female germ cells or drive transitions in their developmental programs.
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Wamaitha SE, Nie X, Pandolfi EC, Wang X, Yang Y, Stukenborg JB, Cairns BR, Guo J, Clark AT. Single-cell analysis of the developing human ovary defines distinct insights into ovarian somatic and germline progenitors. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2097-2111.e3. [PMID: 37582368 PMCID: PMC10615783 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.014] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Formation of either an ovary or a testis during human embryonic life is one of the most important sex-specific events leading to the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics and sex assignment of babies at birth. Our study focused on the sex-specific and sex-indifferent characteristics of the prenatal ovarian stromal cells, cortical cords, and germline, with the discovery that the ovarian mesenchymal cells of the stroma are transcriptionally indistinguishable from the mesenchymal cells of the testicular interstitium. We found that first-wave pre-granulosa cells emerge at week 7 from early supporting gonadal cells with stromal identity and are spatially defined by KRT19 levels. We also identified rare transient state f0 spermatogonia cells within the ovarian cords between weeks 10 and 16. Taken together, our work illustrates a unique plasticity of the embryonic ovary during human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissy E Wamaitha
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erica C Pandolfi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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9
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Rozen EJ, Ozeroff CD, Allen MA. RUN(X) out of blood: emerging RUNX1 functions beyond hematopoiesis and links to Down syndrome. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:83. [PMID: 37670378 PMCID: PMC10481493 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RUNX1 is a transcription factor and a master regulator for the specification of the hematopoietic lineage during embryogenesis and postnatal megakaryopoiesis. Mutations and rearrangements on RUNX1 are key drivers of hematological malignancies. In humans, this gene is localized to the 'Down syndrome critical region' of chromosome 21, triplication of which is necessary and sufficient for most phenotypes that characterize Trisomy 21. MAIN BODY Individuals with Down syndrome show a higher predisposition to leukemias. Hence, RUNX1 overexpression was initially proposed as a critical player on Down syndrome-associated leukemogenesis. Less is known about the functions of RUNX1 in other tissues and organs, although growing reports show important implications in development or homeostasis of neural tissues, muscle, heart, bone, ovary, or the endothelium, among others. Even less is understood about the consequences on these tissues of RUNX1 gene dosage alterations in the context of Down syndrome. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on RUNX1 activities outside blood/leukemia, while suggesting for the first time their potential relation to specific Trisomy 21 co-occurring conditions. CONCLUSION Our concise review on the emerging RUNX1 roles in different tissues outside the hematopoietic context provides a number of well-funded hypotheses that will open new research avenues toward a better understanding of RUNX1-mediated transcription in health and disease, contributing to novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Down syndrome-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban J Rozen
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave., Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Christopher D Ozeroff
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave., Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1945 Colorado Ave., Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Mary Ann Allen
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave., Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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10
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Tsai YR, Liao YN, Kang HY. Current Advances in Cellular Approaches for Pathophysiology and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:2189. [PMID: 37681921 PMCID: PMC10487183 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent gynecological and endocrine disorder that results in irregular menstruation, incomplete follicular development, disrupted ovulation, and reduced fertility rates among affected women of reproductive age. While these symptoms can be managed through appropriate medication and lifestyle interventions, both etiology and treatment options remain limited. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in cellular approaches utilized for investigating the pathophysiology of PCOS through in vitro cell models, to avoid the confounding systemic effects such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy. The primary objective is to enhance the understanding of abnormalities in PCOS-associated folliculogenesis, particularly focusing on the aberrant roles of granulosa cells and other relevant cell types. Furthermore, this article encompasses analyses of the mechanisms and signaling pathways, microRNA expression and target genes altered in PCOS, and explores the pharmacological approaches considered as potential treatments. By summarizing the aforementioned key findings, this article not only allows us to appreciate the value of using in vitro cell models, but also provides guidance for selecting suitable research models to facilitate the identification of potential treatments and understand the pathophysiology of PCOS at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- An-Ten Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Kaohsiung City 802, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nung Liao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 833, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Center for Hormone and Reproductive Medicine Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 833, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 833, Taiwan
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11
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Chen Y, He Y, Liu S. RUNX1-Regulated Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2357. [PMID: 37760803 PMCID: PMC10525517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092357] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological death worldwide, and its poor prognosis and high mortality seriously affect the life of ovarian cancer patients. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) has been widely studied in hematological diseases and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of hematological diseases. In recent years, studies have reported the roles of RUNX1 in solid tumors, including the significantly increased expression of RUNX1 in ovarian cancer. In ovarian cancer, the dysregulation of the RUNX1 signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. At the same time, the decreased expression of RUNX1 in ovarian cancer can significantly improve the sensitivity of clinical chemotherapy and provide theoretical support for the subsequent diagnosis and treatment target of ovarian cancer, providing prognosis and treatment options to patients with ovarian cancer. However, the role of RUNX1 in ovarian cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this article reviews the relationship between RUNX1 and the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer, as well as the closely regulated signaling pathways, to provide some inspiration and theoretical support for future research on RUNX1 in ovarian cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying He
- School of Chemical Science & Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Shubai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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12
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Dinh DT, Breen J, Nicol B, Foot NJ, Bersten DC, Emery A, Smith KM, Wong YY, Barry SC, Yao HC, Robker RL, Russell DL. Progesterone receptor mediates ovulatory transcription through RUNX transcription factor interactions and chromatin remodelling. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5981-5996. [PMID: 37099375 PMCID: PMC10325896 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) plays diverse roles in reproductive tissues and thus coordinates mammalian fertility. In the ovary, rapid acute induction of PGR is the key determinant of ovulation through transcriptional control of a unique set of genes that culminates in follicle rupture. However, the molecular mechanisms for this specialized PGR function in ovulation is poorly understood. We have assembled a detailed genomic profile of PGR action through combined ATAC-seq, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis in wildtype and isoform-specific PGR null mice. We demonstrate that stimulating ovulation rapidly reprograms chromatin accessibility in two-thirds of sites, correlating with altered gene expression. An ovary-specific PGR action involving interaction with RUNX transcription factors was observed with 70% of PGR-bound regions also bound by RUNX1. These transcriptional complexes direct PGR binding to proximal promoter regions. Additionally, direct PGR binding to the canonical NR3C motif enable chromatin accessibility. Together these PGR actions mediate induction of essential ovulatory genes. Our findings highlight a novel PGR transcriptional mechanism specific to ovulation, providing new targets for infertility treatments or new contraceptives that block ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doan T Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - James Breen
- Indigenous Genomics, Telethon Kids Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Natalie J Foot
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - David C Bersten
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alaknanda Emery
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kirsten M Smith
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ying Y Wong
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Simon C Barry
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Humphrey H C Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
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13
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Yao HHC, Rodriguez KF. From Enrico Sertoli to freemartinism: the many phases of the master testis-determining cell†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:866-870. [PMID: 36951956 PMCID: PMC10266947 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad037] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, first identified in the adult testis by Enrico Sertoli in the mid-nineteenth century, are known for their role in fostering male germ cell differentiation and production of mature sperm. It was not until the late twentieth century with the discovery of the testis-determining gene SRY that Sertoli cells' new function as the master regulator of testis formation and maleness was unveiled. Fetal Sertoli cells facilitate the establishment of seminiferous cords, induce appearance of androgen-producing Leydig cells, and cause regression of the female reproductive tracts. Originally thought be a terminally differentiated cell type, adult Sertoli cells, at least in the mouse, retain their plasticity and ability to transdifferentiate into the ovarian counterpart, granulosa cells. In this review, we capture the many phases of Sertoli cell differentiation from their fate specification in fetal life to fate maintenance in adulthood. We also introduce the discovery of a new phase of fetal Sertoli cell differentiation via autocrine/paracrine factors with the freemartin characteristics. There remains much to learn about this intriguing cell type that lay the foundation for the maleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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14
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Pierson Smela MD, Kramme CC, Fortuna PRJ, Adams JL, Su R, Dong E, Kobayashi M, Brixi G, Kavirayuni VS, Tysinger E, Kohman RE, Shioda T, Chatterjee P, Church GM. Directed differentiation of human iPSCs to functional ovarian granulosa-like cells via transcription factor overexpression. eLife 2023; 12:e83291. [PMID: 36803359 PMCID: PMC9943069 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro model of human ovarian follicles would greatly benefit the study of female reproduction. Ovarian development requires the combination of germ cells and several types of somatic cells. Among these, granulosa cells play a key role in follicle formation and support for oogenesis. Whereas efficient protocols exist for generating human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), a method of generating granulosa cells has been elusive. Here, we report that simultaneous overexpression of two transcription factors (TFs) can direct the differentiation of hiPSCs to granulosa-like cells. We elucidate the regulatory effects of several granulosa-related TFs and establish that overexpression of NR5A1 and either RUNX1 or RUNX2 is sufficient to generate granulosa-like cells. Our granulosa-like cells have transcriptomes similar to human fetal ovarian cells and recapitulate key ovarian phenotypes including follicle formation and steroidogenesis. When aggregated with hPGCLCs, our cells form ovary-like organoids (ovaroids) and support hPGCLC development from the premigratory to the gonadal stage as measured by induction of DAZL expression. This model system will provide unique opportunities for studying human ovarian biology and may enable the development of therapies for female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrick D Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Christian C Kramme
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Patrick RJ Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Jessica L Adams
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rui Su
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Edward Dong
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Garyk Brixi
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Venkata Srikar Kavirayuni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Emma Tysinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Richie E Kohman
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - George M Church
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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15
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Laronda MM. Factors within the Developing Embryo and Ovarian Microenvironment That Influence Primordial Germ Cell Fate. Sex Dev 2023; 17:134-144. [PMID: 36646055 PMCID: PMC10349905 DOI: 10.1159/000528209] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primordial germ cell (PGC) fate is dictated by the designation, taxis, and influence of the surrounding embryonic somatic cells. Whereas gonadal sex determination results from a balance of factors within the tissue microenvironment. SUMMARY Our understanding of mammalian ovary development is formed in large part from developmental time courses established using murine models. Genomic tools where genes implicated in the PGC designation or gonadal sex determination have been modulated through complete or conditional knockouts in vivo, and studies in in situ models with inhibitors or cultures that alter the native gonadal environment have pieced together the interplay of pioneering transcription factors, co-regulators and chromosomes critical for the progression of PGCs to oocytes. Tools such as pluripotent stem cell derivation, genomic modifications, and aggregate differentiation cultures have yielded some insight into the human condition. Additional understanding of sex determination, both gonadal and anatomical, may be inferred from phenotypes that arise from de novo or inherited gene variants in humans who have differences in sex development. KEY MESSAGES This review highlights major factors critical for PGC specification and migration, and in ovarian gonad specification by reviewing seminal murine models. These pathways are compared to what is known about the human condition from expression profiles of fetal gonadal tissue, use of human pluripotent stem cells, or disorders resulting from disease variants. Many of these pathways are challenging to decipher in human tissues. However, the impact of new single-cell technologies and whole-genome sequencing to reveal disease variants of idiopathic reproductive tract phenotypes will help elucidate the mechanisms involved in human ovary development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M. Laronda
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, (IL,) USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, (IL,) USA
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16
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Gonen N, Eozenou C, Mitter R, Elzaiat M, Stévant I, Aviram R, Bernardo AS, Chervova A, Wankanit S, Frachon E, Commère PH, Brailly-Tabard S, Valon L, Barrio Cano L, Levayer R, Mazen I, Gobaa S, Smith JC, McElreavey K, Lovell-Badge R, Bashamboo A. In vitro cellular reprogramming to model gonad development and its disorders. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabn9793. [PMID: 36598988 PMCID: PMC9812383 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, mutually antagonistic signaling cascades determine gonadal fate toward a testicular or ovarian identity. Errors in this process result in disorders of sex development (DSDs), characterized by discordance between chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sex. The absence of an appropriate, accessible in vitro system is a major obstacle in understanding mechanisms of sex-determination/DSDs. Here, we describe protocols for differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent cells toward gonadal progenitors. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the in vitro-derived murine gonadal cells are equivalent to embryonic day 11.5 in vivo progenitors. Using similar conditions, Sertoli-like cells derived from 46,XY human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) exhibit sustained expression of testis-specific genes, secrete anti-Müllerian hormone, migrate, and form tubular structures. Cells derived from 46,XY DSD female hiPSCs, carrying an NR5A1 variant, show aberrant gene expression and absence of tubule formation. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated variant correction rescued the phenotype. This is a robust tool to understand mechanisms of sex determination and model DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Caroline Eozenou
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maëva Elzaiat
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Rona Aviram
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Andreia Sofia Bernardo
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Almira Chervova
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75724, France
| | - Somboon Wankanit
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Frachon
- Biomaterials and Microfluidics Core Facility, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Commère
- Cytometry and Biomarkers, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Brailly-Tabard
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenetics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Léo Valon
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Cell Death and Epithelial Homeostasis, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Laura Barrio Cano
- Cytometry and Biomarkers, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Cell Death and Epithelial Homeostasis, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Inas Mazen
- Genetics Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Gobaa
- Biomaterials and Microfluidics Core Facility, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - James C. Smith
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kenneth McElreavey
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Anu Bashamboo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
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17
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NGF regulates sertoli cell growth and prevents LPS-induced junction protein damage via PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling. Theriogenology 2023; 195:138-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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18
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Dissecting the fate of Foxl2-expressing cells in fetal ovary using lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics. Cell Discov 2022; 8:139. [PMID: 36575161 PMCID: PMC9794781 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonad somatic cells acquire sex-specific fates during sex determination. In XX gonad, a subset of somatic cells expresses Foxl2 after sex determination which is considered the progenitor of granulosa cells. However, whether these cells also contribute to other cell types at later developmental stages is unknown. In the present study, the cell fate of Foxl2-expressing cells in fetal ovaries was analyzed by lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics. We found that Foxl2-expressing cells gave rise to three cell types at later developmental stages, including granulosa cells, theca-interstitial cells, and stromal cells. Series single-cell RNA sequencing revealed FOXL2-positive cells were divided into two clusters at P0. One group further differentiated into granulosa cells and Theca-G (Theca-interstitial cells derived from granulosa) at P14. Another group was classified as stromal cell lineage, then a small portion of them further differentiated into 3β-HSD-positive Theca-S (Theca-interstitial cells derived from stroma). Cyp17a1 was expressed in Theca-S, but not in Theca-G. This study demonstrated that Folx2-expressing cells in XX gonad after sex determination are multipotent and theca-interstitial cells are derived from different progenitors. Our data provided an important resource, at single-cell resolution, for a better understanding of somatic cell differentiation in ovary development.
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19
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Application of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Ovarian Development. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010047. [PMID: 36671432 PMCID: PMC9855652 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovary is a female reproductive organ that plays a key role in fertility and the maintenance of endocrine homeostasis, which is of great importance to women's health. It is characterized by a high heterogeneity, with different cellular subpopulations primarily containing oocytes, granulosa cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and diverse immune cell types. Each has unique and important functions. From the fetal period to old age, the ovary experiences continuous structural and functional changes, with the gene expression of each cell type undergoing dramatic changes. In addition, ovarian development strongly relies on the communication between germ and somatic cells. Compared to traditional bulk RNA sequencing techniques, the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach has substantial advantages in analyzing individual cells within an ever-changing and complicated tissue, classifying them into cell types, characterizing single cells, delineating the cellular developmental trajectory, and studying cell-to-cell interactions. In this review, we present single-cell transcriptome mapping of the ovary, summarize the characteristics of the important constituent cells of the ovary and the critical cellular developmental processes, and describe key signaling pathways for cell-to-cell communication in the ovary, as revealed by scRNA-seq. This review will undoubtedly improve our understanding of the characteristics of ovarian cells and development, thus enabling the identification of novel therapeutic targets for ovarian-related diseases.
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20
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Zhou J, Yang YJ, Gan RH, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhang XJ, Gui JF, Zhou L. Foxl2a and Foxl2b are involved in midbrain-hindbrain boundary development in zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2022; 46:119286. [PMID: 36341978 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2022.119286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Foxl2 plays conserved central function in ovarian differentiation and maintenance in several fish species. However, its expression pattern and function in fish embryogenesis are still largely unknown. In this study, we first presented a sequential expression pattern of zebrafish foxl2a and foxl2b during embryo development. They were predominantly expressed in the cranial paraxial mesoderm (CPM) and cranial venous vasculature (CVV) during somitogenesis and subsequently expressed in the pharyngeal arches after 48 h post-fertilization (hpf). Then, we compared the brain structures among zebrafish wildtype (WT) and three homozygous foxl2 mutants (foxl2a-/-, foxl2b-/- and foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/-) and found the reduction of the fourth ventricle in the three foxl2 mutants, especially in foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/- mutant. Finally, we detected several key transcription factors involved in the gene regulatory network of midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) patterning, such as wnt1, en1b and pax2a. Their expression levels were obviously downregulated in MHB of foxl2a-/- and foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/- mutants. Thus, we suggest that Foxl2a and Foxl2b are involved in MHB and the fourth ventricle development in zebrafish. The current study provides insights into the molecular mechanism underlying development of brain ventricular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Jing Yang
- College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, China
| | - Rui-Hai Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Bridges K, Yao HHC, Nicol B. Loss of Runx1 Induces Granulosa Cell Defects and Development of Ovarian Tumors in the Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214442. [PMID: 36430923 PMCID: PMC9697285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations of the RUNX1 gene are associated with a variety of malignancies, including female-related cancers. The role of RUNX1 as either a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene is tissue-dependent and varies based on the cancer type. Both the amplification and deletion of the RUNX1 gene have been associated with ovarian cancer in humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of Runx1 loss on ovarian pathogenesis in mice. A conditional loss of Runx1 in the somatic cells of the ovary led to an increased prevalence of ovarian tumors in aged mice. By the age of 15 months, 27% of Runx1 knockout (KO) females developed ovarian tumors that presented characteristics of granulosa cell tumors. While ovaries from young adult mice did not display tumors, they all contained abnormal follicle-like lesions. The granulosa cells composing these follicle-like lesions were quiescent, displayed defects in differentiation and were organized in a rosette-like pattern. The RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed differentially expressed genes in Runx1 KO ovaries, including genes involved in metaplasia, ovarian cancer, epithelial cell development, tight junctions, cell-cell adhesion, and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Together, this study showed that Runx1 is required for normal granulosa cell differentiation and prevention of ovarian tumor development in mice.
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22
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Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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23
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McKey J, Anbarci DN, Bunce C, Ontiveros AE, Behringer RR, Capel B. Integration of mouse ovary morphogenesis with developmental dynamics of the oviduct, ovarian ligaments, and rete ovarii. eLife 2022; 11:e81088. [PMID: 36165446 PMCID: PMC9621696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81088] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphogenetic events during the development of the fetal ovary are crucial to the establishment of female fertility. However, the effects of structural rearrangements of the ovary and surrounding reproductive tissues on ovary morphogenesis remain largely uncharacterized. Using tissue clearing and lightsheet microscopy, we found that ovary folding correlated with regionalization into cortex and medulla. Relocation of the oviduct to the ventral aspect of the ovary led to ovary encapsulation, and mutual attachment of the ovary and oviduct to the cranial suspensory ligament likely triggered ovary folding. During this process, the rete ovarii (RO) elaborated into a convoluted tubular structure extending from the ovary into the ovarian capsule. Using genetic mouse models in which the oviduct and RO are perturbed, we found the oviduct is required for ovary encapsulation. This study reveals novel relationships among the ovary and surrounding tissues and paves the way for functional investigation of the relationship between architecture and differentiation of the mammalian ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer McKey
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Dilara N Anbarci
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Alejandra E Ontiveros
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
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24
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Alhasnani MA, Loeb S, Hall SJ, Caruolo Z, Simmonds F, Solano AE, Spade DJ. Interaction between mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and retinoic acid alters Sertoli cell development during fetal mouse testis cord morphogenesis. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100087. [PMID: 36189433 PMCID: PMC9520016 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (phthalates) are a class of industrial chemicals that cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, but there are significant gaps in knowledge of phthalate toxicity mechanisms. There is evidence that phthalates disrupt retinoic acid signaling in the fetal testis, potentially disrupting control of spatial and temporal patterns of testis development. Our goal was to determine how a phthalate would interact with retinoic acid signaling during fetal mouse testis development. We hypothesized that mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) would exacerbate the adverse effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on seminiferous cord development in the mouse fetal testis. To test this hypothesis, gestational day (GD) 14 C57BL/6 mouse testes were isolated and cultured on media containing MEHP, ATRA, or a combination of both compounds. Cultured testes were collected for global transcriptome analysis after one day in culture and for histology and immunofluorescent analysis of Sertoli cell differentiation after three days in culture. ATRA disrupted seminiferous cord morphogenesis and induced aberrant FOXL2 expression. MEHP alone had no significant effect on cord development, but combined exposure to MEHP and ATRA increased the number of FOXL2-positive cells, reduced seminiferous cord number, and increased testosterone levels, beyond the effect of ATRA alone. In RNA-seq analysis, ATRA treatment and MEHP treatment resulted in differential expression of genes 510 and 134 genes, respectively, including 70 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two treatments, including genes with known roles in fetal testis development. MEHP DEGs included RAR target genes, genes involved in angiogenesis, and developmental patterning genes, including members of the homeobox superfamily. These results support the hypothesis that MEHP modulates retinoic acid signaling in the mouse fetal testis and provide insight into potential mechanisms by which phthalates disrupt seminiferous cord morphogenesis.
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Key Words
- ATRA, All-trans retinoic acid. CAS # 302-79-4
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- Fetal testis development
- GD, gestational day
- GO, Gene Ontology
- IPA, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis
- ITCN, Image-based Tool for Counting Nuclei
- MEHP, mono-(2-ethylheyxl) phthalate. CAS # 4376-20-9
- MNGs, multinucleated germ cells
- PVC, polyvinyl chloride
- Phthalate toxicity
- Retinoic acid
- Sertoli cell
- TDS, testicular dysgenesis syndrome
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha A. Alhasnani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Skylar Loeb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Susan J. Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Zachary Caruolo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Faith Simmonds
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Amanda E. Solano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Daniel J. Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Box G-E5, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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25
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Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
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26
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Wright AD, Campbell Grant EH, Zipkin EF. A comparison of monitoring designs to assess wildlife community parameters across spatial scales. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2621. [PMID: 35389538 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dedicated long-term monitoring at appropriate spatial and temporal scales is necessary to understand biodiversity losses and develop effective conservation plans. Wildlife monitoring is often achieved by obtaining data at a combination of spatial scales, ranging from local to broad, to understand the status, trends, and drivers of individual species or whole communities and their dynamics. However, limited resources for monitoring necessitates tradeoffs in the scope and scale of data collection. Careful consideration of the spatial and temporal allocation of finite sampling effort is crucial for monitoring programs that span multiple spatial scales. Here we evaluate the ability of five monitoring designs-stratified random, weighted effort, indicator unit, rotating panel, and split panel-to recover parameter values that describe the status (occupancy), trends (change in occupancy), and drivers (spatially varying covariate and an autologistic term) of wildlife communities at two spatial scales. Using an amphibian monitoring program that spans a network of US national parks as a motivating example, we conducted a simulation study for a regional community occupancy sampling program to compare the monitoring designs across varying levels of sampling effort (ranging from 10% to 50%). We found that the stratified random design outperformed the other designs for most parameters of interest at both scales and was thus generally preferable in balancing the estimation of status, trends, and drivers across scales. However, we found that other designs had improved performance in specific situations. For example, the rotating panel design performed best at estimating spatial drivers at a regional level. Thus, our results highlight the nuanced scenarios in which various design strategies may be preferred and offer guidance as to how managers can balance common tradeoffs in large-scale and long-term monitoring programs in terms of the specific knowledge gained. Monitoring designs that improve accuracy in parameter estimates are needed to guide conservation policy and management decisions in the face of broad-scale environmental challenges, but the preferred design is sensitive to the specific objectives of a monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Wright
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Evan H Campbell Grant
- SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Turners Falls, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elise F Zipkin
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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27
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Rossitto M, Déjardin S, Rands CM, Le Gras S, Migale R, Rafiee MR, Neirijnck Y, Pruvost A, Nguyen AL, Bossis G, Cammas F, Le Gallic L, Wilhelm D, Lovell-Badge R, Boizet-Bonhoure B, Nef S, Poulat F. TRIM28-dependent SUMOylation protects the adult ovary from activation of the testicular pathway. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4412. [PMID: 35906245 PMCID: PMC9338040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sexual fate in mammals is determined during embryonic development and must be actively maintained in adulthood. In the mouse ovary, oestrogen receptors and FOXL2 protect ovarian granulosa cells from transdifferentiation into Sertoli cells, their testicular counterpart. However, the mechanism underlying their protective effect is unknown. Here, we show that TRIM28 is required to prevent female-to-male sex reversal of the mouse ovary after birth. We found that upon loss of Trim28, ovarian granulosa cells transdifferentiate to Sertoli cells through an intermediate cell type, different from gonadal embryonic progenitors. TRIM28 is recruited on chromatin in the proximity of FOXL2 to maintain the ovarian pathway and to repress testicular-specific genes. The role of TRIM28 in ovarian maintenance depends on its E3-SUMO ligase activity that regulates the sex-specific SUMOylation profile of ovarian-specific genes. Our study identifies TRIM28 as a key factor in protecting the adult ovary from the testicular pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stephanie Déjardin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Chris M Rands
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Le Gras
- GenomEast platform, IGBMC, 1, rue Laurent Fries, 67404 ILLKIRCH Cedex, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Roberta Migale
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 2 1AT, UK
| | | | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alain Pruvost
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anvi Laetitia Nguyen
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Cammas
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, IRCM, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Lionel Le Gallic
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France.
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28
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Rodriguez KF, Brown PR, Amato CM, Nicol B, Liu CF, Xu X, Yao HHC. Somatic cell fate maintenance in mouse fetal testes via autocrine/paracrine action of AMH and activin B. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4130. [PMID: 35840551 PMCID: PMC9287316 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fate determination and maintenance of fetal testes in most mammals occur cell autonomously as a result of the action of key transcription factors in Sertoli cells. However, the cases of freemartin, where an XX twin develops testis structures under the influence of an XY twin, imply that hormonal factor(s) from the XY embryo contribute to sex reversal of the XX twin. Here we show that in mouse XY embryos, Sertoli cell-derived anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and activin B together maintain Sertoli cell identity. Sertoli cells in the gonadal poles of XY embryos lacking both AMH and activin B transdifferentiate into their female counterpart granulosa cells, leading to ovotestis formation. The ovotestes remain to adulthood and produce both sperm and oocytes, although there are few of the former and the latter fail to mature. Finally, the ability of XY mice to masculinize ovaries is lost in the absence of these two factors. These results provide insight into fate maintenance of fetal testes through the action of putative freemartin factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paula R Brown
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ciro M Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chia-Feng Liu
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA.
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29
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Mohamed AR, Naval-Sanchez M, Menzies M, Evans B, King H, Reverter A, Kijas JW. Leveraging transcriptome and epigenome landscapes to infer regulatory networks during the onset of sexual maturation. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:413. [PMID: 35650521 PMCID: PMC9158274 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite sexual development being ubiquitous to vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this fundamental transition remain largely undocumented in many organisms. We designed a time course experiment that successfully sampled the period when Atlantic salmon commence their trajectory towards sexual maturation. Results Through deep RNA sequencing, we discovered key genes and pathways associated with maturation in the pituitary-ovarian axis. Analyzing DNA methylomes revealed a bias towards hypermethylation in ovary that implicated maturation-related genes. Co-analysis of DNA methylome and gene expression changes revealed chromatin remodeling genes and key transcription factors were both significantly hypermethylated and upregulated in the ovary during the onset of maturation. We also observed changes in chromatin state landscapes that were strongly correlated with fundamental remodeling of gene expression in liver. Finally, a multiomic integrated analysis revealed regulatory networks and identified hub genes including TRIM25 gene (encoding the estrogen-responsive finger protein) as a putative key regulator in the pituitary that underwent a 60-fold change in connectivity during the transition to maturation. Conclusion The study successfully documented transcriptome and epigenome changes that involved key genes and pathways acting in the pituitary – ovarian axis. Using a Systems Biology approach, we identified hub genes and their associated networks deemed crucial for onset of maturation. The results provide a comprehensive view of the spatiotemporal changes involved in a complex trait and opens the door to future efforts aiming to manipulate puberty in an economically important aquaculture species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08514-8.
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30
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Xie M, Hu X, Li L, Xiong Z, Zhang H, Zhuang Y, Huang Z, Liu J, Lian J, Huang C, Xie Q, Kang X, Fan Y, Bai X, Chen Z. Loss of Raptor induces Sertoli cells into an undifferentiated state in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1125-1138. [PMID: 35594452 PMCID: PMC9562113 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testis development is triggered by the expression of the sex-determining Y-chromosome gene SRY to commit the Sertoli cell (SC) fate at gonadal sex determination in the fetus. Several genes have been identified to be required to promote the testis pathway following SRY activation (i.e., SRY box 9 (SOX9)) in an embryo; however, it largely remains unknown about the genes and the mechanisms involved in stabilizing the testis pathway after birth and throughout adulthood. Herein, we report postnatal males with SC-specific deletion of Raptor demonstrated the absence of SC unique identity and adversely acquired granulosa cell-like characteristics, along with loss of tubular architecture and scattered distribution of SCs and germ cells. Subsequent genome-wide analysis by RNA sequencing revealed a profound decrease in the transcripts of testis genes (i.e., Sox9, Sox8, and anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)) and, conversely, an increase in ovary genes (i.e., LIM/Homeobox gene 9 (Lhx9), Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) and Follistatin (Fst)); these changes were further confirmed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Importantly, co-immunofluorescence demonstrated that Raptor deficiency induced SCs dedifferentiation into a progenitor state; the Raptor-mutant gonads showed some ovarian somatic cell features, accompanied by enhanced female steroidogenesis and elevated estrogen levels, yet the zona pellucida 3 (ZP3)-positive terminally feminized oocytes were not observed. In vitro experiments with primary SCs suggested that Raptor is likely involved in the fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-induced formation of cell junctions among SCs. Our results established that Raptor is required to maintain SC identity, stabilize the male pathway, and promote testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhi Xiong
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanbin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuge Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinsheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Center for Reproduction, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Yong Fan
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
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Chen H, Chen Q, Zhu Y, Yuan K, Li H, Zhang B, Jia Z, Zhou H, Fan M, Qiu Y, Zhuang Q, Lei Z, Li M, Huang W, Liang L, Yan Q, Wang C. MAP3K1 Variant Causes Hyperactivation of Wnt4/β-Catenin/FOXL2 Signaling Contributing to 46,XY Disorders/Differences of Sex Development. Front Genet 2022; 13:736988. [PMID: 35309143 PMCID: PMC8927045 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.736988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (46,XY DSD) are congenital conditions that result from abnormal gonadal development (gonadal dysgenesis) or abnormalities in androgen synthesis or action. During early embryonic development, several genes are involved in regulating the initiation and maintenance of testicular or ovarian-specific pathways. Recent reports have shown that MAP3K1 genes mediate the development of the 46,XY DSD, which present as complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis. Previous functional studies have demonstrated that some MAP3K1 variants result in the gain of protein function. However, data on possible mechanisms of MAP3K1 genes in modulating protein functions remain scant. Methods: This study identified a Han Chinese family with the 46,XY DSD. To assess the history and clinical manifestations for the 46,XY DSD patients, the physical, operational, ultra-sonographical, pathological, and other examinations were performed for family members. Variant analysis was conducted using both trio whole-exome sequencing (trio WES) and Sanger sequencing. On the other hand, we generated transiently transfected testicular teratoma cells (NT2/D1) and ovary-derived granular cells (KGN), with mutant or wild-type MAP3K1 gene. We then performed functional assays such as determination of steady-state levels of gender related factors, protein interaction and luciferase assay system. Results: Two affected siblings were diagnosed with 46,XY DSD. Our analysis showed a missense c.556A > G/p.R186G variant in the MAP3K1 gene. Functional assays demonstrated that the MAP3K1R186G variant was associated with significantly decreased affinity to ubiquitin (Ub; 43–49%) and increased affinity to RhoA, which was 3.19 ± 0.18 fold, compared to MAP3K1. The MAP3K1R186G led to hyperphosphorylation of p38 and GSK3β, and promoted hyperactivation of the Wnt4/β-catenin signaling. In addition, there was increased recruitment of β-catenin into the nucleus, which enhanced the expression of pro-ovarian transcription factor FOXL2 gene, thus contributing to the 46,XY DSD. Conclusion: Our study identified a missense MAP3K1 variant associated with 46,XY DSD. We demonstrated that MAP3K1R186G variant enhances binding to the RhoA and improves its own stability, resulting in the activation of the Wnt4/β-catenin/FOXL2 pathway. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of 46,XY DSD and promotes better clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Fuzhou Children’s Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huizhu Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Lishui City People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Bingtao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zexiao Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Fan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Zhuang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoying Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, The Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
| | - Qingfeng Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunlin Wang, , Qingfeng Yan, , Li Liang,
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Abstract
In 46,XY men, testis is determined by a genetic network(s) that both promotes testis formation and represses ovarian development. Disruption of this process results in a lack of testis-determination and affected individuals present with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD), a part of the spectrum of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development/Determination (DSD). A minority of all cases of GD are associated with pathogenic variants in key players of testis-determination, SRY, SOX9, MAP3K1 and NR5A1. However, most of the cases remain unexplained. Recently, unbiased exome sequencing approaches have revealed new genes and loci that may cause 46,XY GD. We critically evaluate the evidence to support causality of these factors and describe how functional studies are continuing to improve our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in genes that are established causes of GD. As genomic data continues to be generated from DSD cohorts, we propose several recommendations to help interpret the data and establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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33
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Zhao ZH, Wang XY, Schatten H, Sun QY. Single cell RNA sequencing techniques and applications in research of ovary development and related diseases. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 107:97-103. [PMID: 34896591 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.12.003] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ovary is a highly organized composite of germ cells and various types of somatic cells, whose communications dictate ovary development to generate functional oocytes. The differences between individual cells might have profound effects on ovary functions. Single cell RNA sequencing techniques are promising approaches to explore the cell type composition of organisms, the dynamics of transcriptomes, the regulatory network between genes and the signaling pathways between cell types at the single cell resolution. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently available single cell RNA sequencing techniques including Smart-seq2 and Drop-seq, as well as their applications in biological and clinical research to provide a better understanding on the molecular mechanisms underlying ovary development and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, United States
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
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34
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Poulat F. Non-Coding Genome, Transcription Factors, and Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:295-307. [PMID: 34727549 DOI: 10.1159/000519725] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadal sex determination is the process by which transcription factors drive the choice between the testicular and ovarian identity of undifferentiated somatic progenitors through activation of 2 different transcriptional programs. Studies in animal models suggest that sex determination always involves sex-specific transcription factors that activate or repress sex-specific genes. These transcription factors control their target genes by recognizing their regulatory elements in the non-coding genome and their binding motifs within their DNA sequence. In the last 20 years, the development of genomic approaches that allow identifying all the genomic targets of a transcription factor in eukaryotic cells gave the opportunity to globally understand the function of the nuclear proteins that control complex genetic programs. Here, the major transcription factors involved in male and female vertebrate sex determination and the genomic profiling data of mouse gonads that contributed to deciphering their transcriptional regulation role will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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35
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Chadès I, Pascal LV, Nicol S, Fletcher CS, Ferrer‐Mestres J. A primer on partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sam Nicol
- CSIRO Dutton Park Queensland Australia
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36
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Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the gonadal development-related gene response to environmental temperature in Mauremys mutica. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100925. [PMID: 34689019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The Asian yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) displays temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), in which incubation temperature during embryonic development determines the sexual fate of the individual. However, the mechanism of the sex determination/differentiation of Mauremys mutica remains a mystery. Here, we first analyzed the temperature-specific gonadal transcriptomes of Mauremys mutica prior to gonad formation and gonads during the thermosensitive period. We uncovered a list of candidates that respond to temperature stimuli enriched in several categories, such as heat shock protein family members dnajb6a, dnaja4, hspa8 and hsp90aa1, temperature sensor genes mmp17 and mmp28, and putative novel temperature-responsive genes tmco6, gria3 and eif3f. Notably, striking differences were identified in the expression profiles of genes underlying sexual development, such as tex15, insr, igf1r, cirbp, esr1, dmrt2 and Serpinh1. Moreover, we analyzed the similarity and divergence of the timecourse of gene expression among Mauremys mutica and two other reported TSD turtles (Trachemys scripta and Chrysemys picta). The shared genes revealed the common gonad-specific regulatory mechanisms existing in these three TSD turtles that initiate their sexual development. Therefore, our findings could provide basic data to elucidate the mechanisms of sex determination/differentiation of M. mutica, even contributing to further understanding of these mechanisms in other TSD turtles.
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37
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Secchi C, Belli M, Harrison TNH, Swift J, Ko C, Duleba AJ, Stupack D, Chang RJ, Shimasaki S. Effect of the spatial-temporal specific theca cell Cyp17 overexpression on the reproductive phenotype of the novel TC17 mouse. J Transl Med 2021; 19:428. [PMID: 34654452 PMCID: PMC8520195 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the ovarian follicle, the Theca Cells (TCs) have two main functions: preserving morphological integrity and, importantly, secreting steroid androgen hormones. TCs express the essential enzyme 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-desmolase (CYP17), which permits the conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone into androgens. Dysregulation of CYP17 enzyme activity due to an intrinsic ovarian defect is hypothesized to be a cause of hyperandrogenism in women. Androgen excess is observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) resulting from excess endogenous androgen production, and in transgender males undergoing exogenous testosterone therapy after female sex assignment at birth. However, the molecular and morphological effects of Cyp17 overexpression and androgen excess on folliculogenesis is unknown. Methods In this work, seeking a comprehensive profiling of the local outcomes of the androgen excess in the ovary, we generated a transgenic mouse model (TC17) with doxycycline (Dox)-induced Cyp17 overexpression in a local and temporal manner. TC17 mice were obtained by a combination of the Tet-dependent expression system and the Cre/LoxP gene control system. Results Ovaries of Dox-treated TC17 mice overexpressed Cyp17 specifically in TCs, inducing high testosterone levels. Surprisingly, TC17 ovarian morphology resembled the human ovarian features of testosterone-treated transgender men (partially impaired folliculogenesis, hypertrophic or luteinized stromal cells, atretic follicles, and collapsed clusters). We additionally assessed TC17 fertility denoting a perturbation of the normal reproductive functions (e.g., low pregnancy rate and numbers of pups per litter). Finally, RNAseq analysis permitted us to identify dysregulated genes (Lhcgr, Fshr, Runx1) and pathways (Extra Cellular Matrix and Steroid Synthesis). Conclusions Our novel mouse model is a versatile tool to provide innovative insights into study the effects of Cyp17 overexpression and hyperandrogenism in the ovary. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03103-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Secchi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Martina Belli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracy N H Harrison
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Swift
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Antoni J Duleba
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R Jeffrey Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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38
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Rotgers E, Nicol B, Rodriguez K, Rattan S, Flaws JA, Yao HHC. Constitutive expression of Steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1) disrupts ovarian functions, fertility, and metabolic homeostasis in female mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21770. [PMID: 34288113 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100304r] [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: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate various aspects of physiology, from reproductive functions to metabolic homeostasis. Steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1) plays a central role in the development of steroidogenic tissues and their ability to produce steroid hormones. Inactivation of Nr5a1 in the mouse results in a complete gonadal and adrenal agenesis, absence of gonadotropes in the pituitary and impaired development of ventromedial hypothalamus, which controls glucose and energy metabolism. In this study, we set out to examine the consequences of NR5A1 overexpression (NR5A1+) in the NR5A1-positive cell populations in female mice. Ovaries of NR5A1+ females presented defects such as multi-oocyte follicles and an accumulation of corpora lutea. These females were hyperandrogenic, had irregular estrous cycles with persistent metestrus and became prematurely infertile. Furthermore, the decline in fertility coincided with weight gain, increased adiposity, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, indicating defects in metabolic functions. In summary, excess NR5A1 expression causes hyperandrogenism, disruption of ovarian functions, premature infertility, and disorders of metabolic homeostasis. This NR5A1 overexpression mouse provides a novel model for studying not only the molecular actions of NR5A1, but also the crosstalk between endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Rotgers
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Saniya Rattan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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39
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Jiménez R, Burgos M, Barrionuevo FJ. Sex Maintenance in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12070999. [PMID: 34209938 PMCID: PMC8303465 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The crucial event in mammalian sexual differentiation occurs at the embryonic stage of sex determination, when the bipotential gonads differentiate as either testes or ovaries, according to the sex chromosome constitution of the embryo, XY or XX, respectively. Once differentiated, testes produce sexual hormones that induce the subsequent differentiation of the male reproductive tract. On the other hand, the lack of masculinizing hormones in XX embryos permits the formation of the female reproductive tract. It was long assumed that once the gonad is differentiated, this developmental decision is irreversible. However, several findings in the last decade have shown that this is not the case and that a continuous sex maintenance is needed. Deletion of Foxl2 in the adult ovary lead to ovary-to-testis transdifferentiation and deletion of either Dmrt1 or Sox9/Sox8 in the adult testis induces the opposite process. In both cases, mutant gonads were genetically reprogrammed, showing that both the male program in ovaries and the female program in testes must be actively repressed throughout the individual's life. In addition to these transcription factors, other genes and molecular pathways have also been shown to be involved in this antagonism. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the genetic basis of sex maintenance once the gonad is already differentiated.
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40
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Yuan Y, Deng Q, Wei X, Liu Y, Lan Q, Jiang Y, Yu Y, Guo P, Xu J, Yu C, Han L, Cheng M, Wu P, Zhang X, Lai Y, Volpe G, Esteban MA, Yang H, Liu C, Liu L. The Chromatin Accessibility Landscape of Adult Rat. Front Genet 2021; 12:651604. [PMID: 34108989 PMCID: PMC8181391 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.651604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yuan
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiuting Deng
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wei
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Liu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Yu Jiang
- First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yeya Yu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiangshan Xu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Yu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Han
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengnan Cheng
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Xiao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiwei Lai
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Giacomo Volpe
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Academician Workstation of BGI Synthetic Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanyu Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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41
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Frost ER, Taylor G, Baker MA, Lovell-Badge R, Sutherland JM. Establishing and maintaining fertility: the importance of cell cycle arrest. Genes Dev 2021; 35:619-634. [PMID: 33888561 PMCID: PMC8091977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348151.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Frost et al. summarize the current knowledge on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in mouse gonad development and highlight new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility. Development of the ovary or testis is required to establish reproductive competence. Gonad development relies on key cell fate decisions that occur early in embryonic development and are actively maintained. During gonad development, both germ cells and somatic cells proliferate extensively, a process facilitated by cell cycle regulation. This review focuses on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in mouse gonad development. We particularly highlight recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies that show the heterogeneity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This diversity highlights new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Güneş Taylor
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Baker
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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42
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Herman L, Legois B, Todeschini AL, Veitia RA. Genomic exploration of the targets of FOXL2 and ESR2 unveils their implication in cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21355. [PMID: 33749886 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002444r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
FOXL2 and ESR2 are key transcriptional regulators in ovarian granulosa cells. To explore their transcriptional roles and their interplay, we have depleted Foxl2 and Esr2 in mouse primary granulosa cells to assess their ability to bind their targets and/or to modulate gene expression and cellular functions. We show that FOXL2 is involved in a large number of regulatory actions essential for the maintenance of granulosa cell fate. A parallel ChIP-seq analysis showed that FOXL2 mainly binds to sites located in intergenic regions quite far from its targets. A bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that FOXL2-activated genes were enriched in peaks associated with the H3K27ac mark, whereas FOXL2-repressed genes were not, suggesting that FOXL2 can activate transcription through binding to enhancer sites. We also identified about 500 deregulated genes upon Esr2 silencing, of which one third are also targets of FOXL2. We provide evidence showing that both factors modulate, through a coherent feed-forward loop, a number of common targets. Many of the FOXL2/ESR2 targets are involved in cell motility and, consistently, granulosa cells depleted for either Foxl2 or Esr2 exhibit decreased migration, invasion and adhesion. This effect is paralleled by the depletion of their target Phactr1, involved in actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Our analysis expands the number of direct and indirect transcriptional targets of both FOXL2 and ESR2, which deserve investigation in the context of adult-type granulosa cell tumors whose molecular diagnostic hallmark is the presence of the C134W FOXL2 pathogenic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Herman
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Bérangère Legois
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Laure Todeschini
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, CNRS, Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie F. Jacob, Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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43
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Bian X, Xie Q, Zhou Y, Wu H, Cui J, Jia L, Suo L. Transcriptional changes of mouse ovary during follicle initial or cyclic recruitment mediated by extra hormone treatment. Life Sci 2021; 264:118654. [PMID: 33141043 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Folliculogenesis contains gonadotropin-independent and -dependent stage. Disruption in any of this process would induce failure in retrieving capable oocytes during clinical treatment. However, there is still limited understanding of the molecular components specifically regulating this process. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ovaries of P3, P20 and exogenous gonadotropin-treated P22 mice were sampled and underwent RNA-seq to investigate the transcriptome variance during mouse folliculogenesis. KEY FINDINGS In our dataset, 1883 and 626 DEGs were captured for each stage respectively, which were further clustered into eight expression patterns. Pathway enrichment analysis identified distinct biological processes enriched in two stages, with the most prominent being the pathways related to metabolism, gene expression, cell cycle, immune system and DNA methylation. Transcriptional regulator inference yielded eight master transcription factors (i.e. Runx1, Stat3, Sox3, Pou5f1, Gata4, Foxl2, Cebpb, and Esr1) driving folliculogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE Our study revealed the temporal transcriptional reprogramming and gene expression dynamics during folliculogenesis mediated by extra hormone treatment, which could provide novel insights to controlled ovarian stimulation in future infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Bian
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qin Xie
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yuxiao Zhou
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, SCSB, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Junqi Cui
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Liling Jia
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, SCSB, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Lun Suo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (D.M.M.); (A.J.P.)
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45
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Roly ZY, Godini R, Estermann MA, Major AT, Pocock R, Smith CA. Transcriptional landscape of the embryonic chicken Müllerian duct. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:688. [PMID: 33008304 PMCID: PMC7532620 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Müllerian ducts are paired embryonic tubes that give rise to the female reproductive tract in vertebrates. Many disorders of female reproduction can be attributed to anomalies of Müllerian duct development. However, the molecular genetics of Müllerian duct formation is poorly understood and most disorders of duct development have unknown etiology. In this study, we describe for the first time the transcriptional landscape of the embryonic Müllerian duct, using the chicken embryo as a model system. RNA sequencing was conducted at 1 day intervals during duct formation to identify developmentally-regulated genes, validated by in situ hybridization. Results This analysis detected hundreds of genes specifically up-regulated during duct morphogenesis. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed enrichment for developmental pathways associated with cell adhesion, cell migration and proliferation, ERK and WNT signaling, and, interestingly, axonal guidance. The latter included factors linked to neuronal cell migration or axonal outgrowth, such as Ephrin B2, netrin receptor, SLIT1 and class A semaphorins. A number of transcriptional modules were identified that centred around key hub genes specifying matrix-associated signaling factors; SPOCK1, HTRA3 and ADGRD1. Several novel regulators of the WNT and TFG-β signaling pathway were identified in Müllerian ducts, including APCDD1 and DKK1, BMP3 and TGFBI. A number of novel transcription factors were also identified, including OSR1, FOXE1, PRICKLE1, TSHZ3 and SMARCA2. In addition, over 100 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were expressed during duct formation. Conclusions This study provides a rich resource of new candidate genes for Müllerian duct development and its disorders. It also sheds light on the molecular pathways engaged during tubulogenesis, a fundamental process in embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahida Yesmin Roly
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Rasoul Godini
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Roger Pocock
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Nicol B, Rodriguez K, Yao HHC. Aberrant and constitutive expression of FOXL2 impairs ovarian development and functions in mice. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:966-977. [PMID: 32945847 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa146] [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: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development and functions of the ovary rely on appropriate signaling and communication between various ovarian cell types. FOXL2, a transcription factor that plays a key role at different stages of ovarian development, is associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and ovarian cancer as a result of its loss-of-function or mutations. In this study, we investigated the impact of aberrant, constitutive expression of FOXL2 in somatic cells of the ovary. Overexpression of FOXL2 that started during fetal life resulted in defects in nest breakdown and consequent formation of polyovular follicles. Granulosa cell differentiation was impaired and recruitment and differentiation of steroidogenic theca cells was compromised. As a consequence, adult ovaries overexpressing FOXL2 exhibited defects in compartmentalization of granulosa and theca cells, significant decreased steroidogenesis and lack of ovulation. These findings demonstrate that fine-tuned expression of FOXL2 is required for proper folliculogenesis and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Two distinct pathways of pregranulosa cell differentiation support follicle formation in the mouse ovary. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20015-20026. [PMID: 32759216 PMCID: PMC7443898 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005570117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper improves knowledge of the somatic and germ cells of the developing mouse ovary that assemble into ovarian follicles, by determining cellular gene expression, and tracing lineage relationships. The study covers the last week of fetal development through the first five days of postnatal development. During this time, many critically important processes take place, including sex determination, follicle assembly, and the initial events of meiosis. We report expression differences between pregranulosa cells of wave 1 follicles that function at puberty and wave 2 follicles that sustain fertility. These studies illuminate ovarian somatic cells and provide a resource to study the development, physiology, and evolutionary conservation of mammalian ovarian follicle formation. We sequenced more than 52,500 single cells from embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) postembryonic day 5 (P5) gonads and performed lineage tracing to analyze primordial follicles and wave 1 medullar follicles during mouse fetal and perinatal oogenesis. Germ cells clustered into six meiotic substages, as well as dying/nurse cells. Wnt-expressing bipotential precursors already present at E11.5 are followed at each developmental stage by two groups of ovarian pregranulosa (PG) cells. One PG group, bipotential pregranulosa (BPG) cells, derives directly from bipotential precursors, expresses Foxl2 early, and associates with cysts throughout the ovary by E12.5. A second PG group, epithelial pregranulosa (EPG) cells, arises in the ovarian surface epithelium, ingresses cortically by E12.5 or earlier, expresses Lgr5, but delays robust Foxl2 expression until after birth. By E19.5, EPG cells predominate in the cortex and differentiate into granulosa cells of quiescent primordial follicles. In contrast, medullar BPG cells differentiate along a distinct pathway to become wave 1 granulosa cells. Reflecting their separate somatic cellular lineages, second wave follicles were ablated by diptheria toxin treatment of Lgr5-DTR-EGFP mice at E16.5 while first wave follicles developed normally and supported fertility. These studies provide insights into ovarian somatic cells and a resource to study the development, physiology, and evolutionary conservation of mammalian ovarian follicles.
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Genome-wide investigation of Dmrt gene family in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Theriogenology 2020; 156:272-282. [PMID: 32791392 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Dmrt (Doublesex and Mab-3 related transcription factor) gene family is a class of crucial transcription factors characterized by a conserved DM (Doublesex/Mab-3) domain. Previous researches indicate this gene family is involved in various physiological processes, especially in sex determination/differentiation and gonad development. Despite the vital roles of the Dmrt gene family in physiological processes, the comprehensive characterization and analysis of the dmrt genes in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), one of the most commercially important marine fish in China, have not been described. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide systematic analysis of L. crocea dmrt genes through the bioinformatics method. A total of seven members of the Dmrt gene family including Lcdmrt1, Lcdmrt2a, Lcdmrt2b, Lcdmrt3, Lcdmrt4, Lcdmrt5, and Lcdmrt6 were excavated based on the genome data of L. crocea. Further analysis revealed that the dmrt genes of L. crocea were distributed unevenly across four chromosomes. There were three dmrt genes (Lcdmrt1, Lcdmrt2a, and Lcdmrt3) on 3rd chromosome, one (Lcdmrt6) on 13th chromosome, one (Lcdmrt4) on 14th chromosome, two on (Lcdmrt5 and Lcdmrt2b) 17th chromosome. The gene structure analysis indicated that the number of introns of different dmrt genes of L. crocea had some differences: Lcdmrt1 had four introns, Lcdmrt2a, Lcdmrt2b, and Lcdmrt6 had two introns, Lcdmrt3, Lcdmrt4, and Lcdmrt5 had only one intron. The expression pattern analysis with published gonad transcriptome datasets and further confirmed by qRT-PCR revealed that these members of the Dmrt gene family except for Lcdmrt4 were all sexually dimorphic and preferred expressing in testis. Furthermore, the expression pattern analysis also revealed that the expression level of Lcdmrt1 and Lcdmrt6 was significantly higher than that of other members, suggesting that these two genes may play a more important role in testis. Overall, our studies provide a comprehensive insight into the Dmrt gene family members and a basis for the further study of their biological functions in L. crocea.
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Testis formation in XX individuals resulting from novel pathogenic variants in Wilms' tumor 1 ( WT1) gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:13680-13688. [PMID: 32493750 PMCID: PMC7306989 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921676117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals is governed by antagonistic interactions of two genetic pathways, imbalance in which may lead to disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in human. Among 46,XX individuals with testicular DSD (TDSD) or ovotesticular DSD (OTDSD), testicular tissue is present in the gonad. Although the testis-determining gene SRY is present in many cases, the etiology is unknown in most SRY-negative patients. We performed exome sequencing on 78 individuals with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD of unknown genetic etiology and identified seven (8.97%) with heterozygous variants affecting the fourth zinc finger (ZF4) of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) (p.Ser478Thrfs*17, p.Pro481Leufs*15, p.Lys491Glu, p.Arg495Gln [x3], p.Arg495Gly). The variants were de novo in six families (P = 4.4 × 10-6), and the incidence of WT1 variants in 46,XX DSD is enriched compared to control populations (P < 1.8 × 10-4). The introduction of ZF4 mutants into a human granulosa cell line resulted in up-regulation of endogenous Sertoli cell transcripts and Wt1 Arg495Gly/Arg495Gly XX mice display masculinization of the fetal gonads. The phenotype could be explained by the ability of the mutated proteins to physically interact with and sequester a key pro-ovary factor β-CATENIN, which may lead to up-regulation of testis-specific pathway. Our data show that unlike previous association of WT1 and 46,XY DSD, ZF4 variants of WT1 are a relatively common cause of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD. This expands the spectrum of phenotypes associated with WT1 variants and shows that the WT1 protein affecting ZF4 can function as a protestis factor in an XX chromosomal context.
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