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Liao C, Walters BW, DiStasio M, Lesch BJ. Human-specific epigenomic states in spermatogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:577-588. [PMID: 38274996 PMCID: PMC10809009 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming increasingly common, affecting one in six people globally. Half of these cases can be attributed to male factors, many driven by abnormalities in the process of sperm development. Emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies, genetic screening of patient cohorts, and animal models highlights an important genetic contribution to spermatogenic defects, but comprehensive identification and characterization of the genes critical for male fertility remain lacking. High divergence of gene regulation in spermatogenic cells across species poses challenges for delineating the genetic pathways required for human spermatogenesis using common model organisms. In this study, we leveraged post-translational histone modification and gene transcription data for 15,491 genes in four mammalian species (human, rhesus macaque, mouse, and opossum), to identify human-specific patterns of gene regulation during spermatogenesis. We combined H3K27me3 ChIP-seq, H3K4me3 ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data to define epigenetic states for each gene at two stages of spermatogenesis, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, in each species. We identified 239 genes that are uniquely active, poised, or dynamically regulated in human spermatogenic cells distinct from the other three species. While some of these genes have been implicated in reproductive functions, many more have not yet been associated with human infertility and may be candidates for further molecular and epidemiologic studies. Our analysis offers an example of the opportunities provided by evolutionary and epigenomic data for broadly screening candidate genes implicated in reproduction, which might lead to discoveries of novel genetic targets for diagnosis and management of male infertility and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Marcello DiStasio
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Opthamology & Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bluma J. Lesch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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2
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Guerra-Carvalho B, Carrageta DF, Maurício T, Pereira SC, Barros A, Carvalho RA, Alves MG, Domingues P, Oliveira PF. Metabolomics analysis of human spermatozoa reveals impaired metabolic pathways in asthenozoospermia. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14289. [PMID: 39046266 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major health issue, affecting 15% of reproductive-age couples with male factors contributing to 50% of cases. Asthenozoospermia (AS), or low sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility with complex aetiology, involving genetic and metabolic alterations, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms behind low motility are unclear. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach to identify metabolic biomarkers and pathways involved in sperm motility. METHODS We compared the metabolome and lipidome of spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia (n = 44) and AS (n = 22) using untargeted LC-MS and the metabolome of seminal fluid using 1H-NMR. Additionally, we evaluated the seminal fluid redox status to assess the oxidative stress in the ejaculate. RESULTS We identified 112 metabolites and 209 lipids in spermatozoa and 27 metabolites in the seminal fluid of normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. PCA analysis of the spermatozoa's metabolomics and lipidomics data showed a clear separation between groups. Spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic men presented lower levels of several amino acids, and increased levels of energetic substrates and lysophospholipids. However, the metabolome and redox status of the seminal fluid was not altered inAS. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate impaired metabolic pathways associated with redox homeostasis and amino acid, energy and lipid metabolism in AS. Taken together, these findings suggest that the metabolome and lipidome of human spermatozoa are key factors influencing their motility and that oxidative stress exposure during spermatogenesis or sperm maturation may be in the aetiology of decreased motility in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Maurício
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara C Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui A Carvalho
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
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Amiri-Yekta A, Sen S, Hazane-Puch F, Tebbakh C, Roux-Buisson N, Cazin C, Thierry-Mieg N, Bouras A, Mohammad Ali SG, Hosseini SH, Goodarzian M, Gourabi H, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE. Whole genome sequencing identifies a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH segregating with non-obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian family. Clin Genet 2024; 106:625-631. [PMID: 38956960 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) resulting from primary spermatogenic failure represents one of the most severe forms of male infertility, largely because therapeutic options are very limited. Beyond their diagnostic value, genetic tests for NOA also hold prognostic potential. Specifically, genetic diagnosis enables the establishment of genotype-testicular phenotype correlations, which, in some cases, provide a negative predictive value for testicular sperm extraction (TESE), thereby preventing unnecessary surgical procedures. In this study, we employed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate two generations of an Iranian family with NOA and identified a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH (NM_001083965.2: c.562-2A>T). TDRKH encodes a conserved mitochondrial membrane-anchored factor essential for piRNA biogenesis in germ cells. In Tdrkh knockout mice, de-repression of retrotransposons in germ cells leads to spermatogenic arrest and male infertility. Previously, our team reported TDRKH involvement in human NOA cases through the investigation of a North African cohort. This current study marks the second report of TDRKH's role in NOA and human male infertility, underscoring the significance of the piRNA pathway in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, across both studies, we demonstrated that men carrying TDRKH variants, similar to knockout mice, exhibit complete spermatogenic arrest, correlating with failed testicular sperm retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharanya Sen
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Florence Hazane-Puch
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Unit of Molecular Genetics (Hereditary Diseases and Oncology), Grenoble, France
| | - Célia Tebbakh
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Roux-Buisson
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Unit of Molecular Genetics (Hereditary Diseases and Oncology), Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Ahmed Bouras
- Centre Léon Bérard, Laboratory of Constitutional Genetics for Frequent Cancer HCL-CLB, Lyon, France
| | - Sadighi-Gilani Mohammad Ali
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Goodarzian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
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4
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Chen GX, Sun Y, Yang R, Huang ZQ, Li HY, Zheng BH. Study on the influence of the sY1192 gene locus in the AZFb/c region on sperm quality and pregnancy outcome. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00256. [PMID: 39420567 DOI: 10.4103/aja202478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Y chromosome microdeletions are an important cause of male infertility. At present, research on the Y chromosome is mainly focused on analyzing the loss of large segments of the azoospermia factor a/b/c (AZFa/b/c) gene, and few studies have reported the impact of unit point deletion in the AZF band on fertility. This study analyzed the effect of sperm quality after sY1192 loss in 116 patients. The sY1192-independent deletion accounted for 41.4% (48/116). Eight patterns were found in the deletions associated with sY1192. The rate of sperm detection was similar in the semen of patients with the independent sY1192 deletion and the combined sY1192 deletions (52.1% vs 50.0%). The patients with only sY1192 gene loss had a higher probability of sperm detection than the patients whose sY1192 gene locus existed, but other gene loci were lost (52.1% vs 32.0%). The hormone levels were similar in patients with sY1192 deletion alone and in those with sY1192 deletion and other types of microdeletions in the presence of the sY1192 locus. After multiple intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts, the pregnancy rate of spouses of men with sY1192-independent deletions was similar to that of other types of microdeletions, but the fertilization and cleavage rates were higher. We observed that eight deletion patterns were observed for sY1192 microdeletions of AZFb/c, dominated by the independent deletion of sY1192. After ICSI, the fertilization rate and cleavage rate of the sY1192-independent microdeletion were higher than those of other Y chromosome microdeletion types, but there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang-Xin Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhi-Qing Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hai-Yan Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Bei-Hong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou 350001, China
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Arora M, Mehta P, Sethi S, Anifandis G, Samara M, Singh R. Genetic etiological spectrum of sperm morphological abnormalities. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03274-8. [PMID: 39417902 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03274-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Male infertility manifests in the form of a reduction in sperm count, sperm motility, or the loss of fertilizing ability. While the loss of sperm production can have mixed reasons, sperm structural defects, cumulatively known as teratozoospermia, have predominantly genetic bases. The aim of the present review is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the genetic mutations leading to sperm morphological deformities/teratozoospermia. METHODS We undertook literature review for genes involved in sperm morphological abnormalities. The genes were classified according to the type of sperm defects they cause and on the basis of the level of evidence determined by the number of human studies and the availability of a mouse knockout. RESULTS Mutations in the SUN5, CEP112, BRDT, DNAH6, PMFBP1, TSGA10, and SPATA20 genes result in acephalic sperm; mutations in the DPY19L2, SPATA16, PICK1, CCNB3, CHPT1, PIWIL4, and TDRD9 genes cause globozoospermia; mutations in the AURKC gene cause macrozoospermia; mutations in the WDR12 gene cause tapered sperm head; mutations in the RNF220 and ADCY10 genes result in small sperm head; mutations in the AMZ2 gene lead to vacuolated head formation; mutations in the CC2D1B and KIAA1210 genes lead to pyriform head formation; mutations in the SEPT14, ZPBP1, FBXO43, ZCWPW1, KATNAL2, PNLDC1, and CCIN genes cause amorphous head; mutations in the SEPT12, RBMX, and ACTL7A genes cause deformed acrosome formation; mutations in the DNAH1, DNAH2, DNAH6, DNAH17, FSIP2, CFAP43, AK7, CHAP251, CFAP65, ARMC2 and several other genes result in multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF). CONCLUSIONS Altogether, mutations in 31 genes have been reported to cause head defects and mutations in 62 genes are known to cause sperm tail defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvi Arora
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Shruti Sethi
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Mary Samara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Rajender Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Liu Z, Wang C, Chen H, Shen L, Long C, Wei G, Liu X. Deficiency in the Rab25 Gene Leads to a Decline in Male Fertility and Testicular Injury: Impact on the Regulation of Germ Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114285. [PMID: 39424096 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114285] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 10/13/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rab25 is a member of the Rab family, functioning as a regulatory molecule in intracellular transport. Although its involvement in cellular functions and disease development is well-established, its precise roles in male reproductive physiology remain elusive. METHODS To explore the specific roles of Rab25 in testicular development and spermatogenesis, we established the Rab25-/- mouse model and Rab25 knockdown germ cell line (GC-2). We compared the fertility, sperm analysis, and testicular tissues between Rab25-/- and wild-type male mice. To delve deeper into potential mechanisms, we employed immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, Western Blotting, CCK-8 assay, etc. to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis in testicular tissues and GC-2 cells. RESULTS Our findings indicated that Rab25 was expressed in germ cells and Leydig cells in the testes. Although the weight of Rab25-/- mice testes exhibited no significant changes, fertility was compromised, with a decrease in sperm quantity and reduced motility. HE staining revealed a disorganized arrangement of germ cells and vacuolization. Additionally, chromatin marginalization and nuclear pyknosis were observed in the Rab25-/- mice. In both Rab25-/- mice testes and Rab25 knockdown GC-2 cells, we found that germ cell proliferation was reduced, while apoptosis was increased. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our study proposes that Rab25 plays a vital role in spermatogenesis by regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhenmin Liu
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
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Zhang Y, Xing X, Huang L, Su Y, Liu G, Zhang X, Yang Y. WDR64, a testis-specific protein, is involved in the manchette and flagellum formation by interacting with ODF1. Heliyon 2024; 10:e38263. [PMID: 39386799 PMCID: PMC11462348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38263] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The WD40 repeat (WDR) domain is present in a wide range of proteins, providing sites for protein‒protein interactions. Recent studies have shown that WDR proteins play indispensable roles in spermatogenesis, such as in spermatocyte division, sperm head formation and flagellar assembly. In this study, we identified a novel testis-specific gene, WDR64, which has the typical characteristics of WD40 proteins with two β-propellers, and is highly conserved in Mammalia. RT-PCR and Western blot results revealed that WDR64 was highly expressed in testis. WDR64 protein was weakly expressed at postnatal Day 7, increased substantially at postnatal Day 28 and maintained at high levels thereafter. Further immunofluorescence demonstrated that WDR64 was localized posterior to the nucleus in steps 8-14 spermatids in line with the dynamic localization of manchette, moved to the flagella in steps 15-16 spermatids, and localized at the midpiece of the flagellum in mature spermatozoa. To explore the function of WDR64, we performed immunoprecipitation‒mass spectrometry (IP‒MS) to screen its interacting proteins and found that WDR64 interacted with ODF1 to form a complex. The WDR64/ODF1 complex is located at the manchette during nucleus shaping and finally at the midpiece of the mature spermatozoa tail, suggesting that it may be involved in the assembly of the manchette and flagella during spermiogenesis. Our findings provide the first understanding of the expression pattern of WDR64 and its potential molecular mechanism in spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaowei Xing
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyan Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Liu
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youbo Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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8
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Jiang D, Yang Y, Han X, Li Q, Li P, Xu Y, Chao L. Fluorene-9-bisphenol impaired male fertility through disrupting the testicular function and local microenvironment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116880. [PMID: 39142115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Past studies have observed that BHPF induces multi-organ toxicity, however, whether it induces damage to male reproductive system and the specific mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, male mice were given 0, 2, 10 or 50 mg/kg/day of BHPF by gavage for 35 days to observe its effect on reproductive organ and sperm quality. The results indicated that BHPF decreased sperm count and sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, our results demonstrated that BHPF triggered the proliferation inhibition and cell death of germ cells in vivo and in vitro. Also, BHPF reduced the expression of function markers for germ cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, indicating its damage to function of testis cells. Simultaneously, testicular microenvironment was found to be altered by BHPF, as presented with declined testosterone level and decreased expression of local microenvironment regulators. Overall, our findings indicated the detrimental effects of BHPF on male reproductive function in mice, suggesting testicular function and local microenvironment disturbance as mechanism underlying testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaojuan Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qianni Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, No. 27, East Section of Jiefang Road, Lin'yi, Shandong 276003, China
| | - Lan Chao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China.
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9
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Han H, Zhang Z, Xu B, Ding L, Yang H, He T, Du X, Pei X, Fu X. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms for male reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 100:105893. [PMID: 39002813 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105893] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), are ubiquitous pollution sources in human environments, posing significant biosafety and health risks. While recent studies, including our own, have illustrated that PS-NPs can breach the blood-testis barrier and impact germ cells, there remains a gap in understanding their effects on specific spermatogenic cells such as spermatocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Herein, we employed an integrated approach encompassing phenotype, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses to assess the molecular impact of PS-NPs on mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. Optimal exposure conditions were determined as 24 h with 50 nm PS-NPs at 12.5 μg/mL and 90 nm PS-NPs at 50 μg/mL for subsequent multi-omics analysis. Our findings revealed that PS-NPs significantly influenced proliferation and viability, causing alterations in transcriptome and metabolome profiles. Transcriptomics analysis of GC-2spd(ts) cells exposed to PS-NPs indicated the pivotal involvement of cell proliferation and cycle, autophagy, ferroptosis, and redox reaction pathways in PS-NP-induced effects on the proliferation and viability of GC-2spd(ts) cells. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis identified major changes in amino acid metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, and purine and pyrimidine metabolism following PS-NP exposure. CONCLUSION Our integrated approach, combining metabolomics and transcriptomics profiles with phenotype data, enhances our understanding of the adverse effects of PS-NPs on germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Han
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Liyang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tiantian He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xing Du
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Xufeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
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10
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Ochando I, Urbano A, Rueda J. Genetics in reproductive medicine. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:103092. [PMID: 39342776 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103092] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Thanks to advances in technology, genetic testing is now available to explore the causes of infertility and to assess the risk of a given couple passing on a genetic disorder to their offspring. This allows at-risk couples to make an informed decision when opting for assisted reproduction and allows professionals to offer pre-implantation diagnosis when appropriate. Genetic screening of an infertile couple has thus become standard practice for an appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic assessment. This review aims to highlight the conditions under which genetic screening plays a role in improving reproductive outcomes for infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ochando
- Nuuma Genetics, Hospital HLA Vistahermosa, Alicante, Spain; Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Antonio Urbano
- Nuuma Genetics, Hospital HLA Vistahermosa, Alicante, Spain; Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Joaquín Rueda
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
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11
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Dinh TH, Phuong Anh N, Thao DH, Duy LD, Bac ND, Quyet PV, Son TT, Lan Anh LT, Canh NX, Hai NV, Duong NT. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CFAP43 and TEX14 associated with idiopathic male infertility in a Vietnamese population. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39839. [PMID: 39331878 PMCID: PMC11441965 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial disease due to spermatogenesis impairment, with etiology remaining unknown for roughly one-third of infertile cases. Several studies have demonstrated that genetic variants are male infertility risk factors. CFAP43 and TEX14 are involved in the spermatogenesis process. The present study aimed to assess the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CFAP43 (rs17116635 and rs10883979) and TEX14 (rs79813370 and rs34818467) and idiopathic male infertility in a Vietnamese population. A cohort of 206 infertile men and 195 controls were recruited for the study. CFAP43 and TEX14 SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Genotypes of randomly selected samples, accounting for 10% of the total, were confirmed using Sanger sequencing. The obtained data were analyzed using statistical methods. The results showed that 4 SNPs (rs17116635, rs10883979, rs79813370, and rs34818467) were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE; P > .05). CFAP43 rs10883979 and TEX14 rs79813370 were associated with male infertility. For CFAP43 rs10883979, in the recessive model, the combination AA + AG was associated with male infertility when compared to the GG genotype (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.06-0.85; P = .02). For TEX14 rs79813370, a protective effect against infertility risk was identified in the presence of the T allele of rs79813370 when compared to the G allele (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.32-0.72; P < .001). Our results suggest that CFAP43 rs10883979 and TEX14 rs79813370 are likely associated with male infertility in the Vietnamese population, in which the G allele of rs79813370 may be a risk factor for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Huu Dinh
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Phuong Anh
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Huong Thao
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - La Duc Duy
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Duy Bac
- Department of Human Anatomy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham Van Quyet
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Military Institute of Clinical Embryology and Histology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trinh The Son
- Military Institute of Clinical Embryology and Histology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Luong Thi Lan Anh
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Hanoi Medical University, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Xuan Canh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nong Van Hai
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thuy Duong
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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12
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Zhang J, Lv J, Qin J, Zhang M, He X, Ma B, Wan Y, Gao Y, Wang M, Hong Z. Unraveling the mysteries of early embryonic arrest: genetic factors and molecular mechanisms. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03259-7. [PMID: 39325344 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03259-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic arrest (EEA) is a critical impediment in assisted reproductive technology (ART), affecting 40% of infertile patients by halting the development of early embryos from the zygote to blastocyst stage, resulting in a lack of viable embryos for successful pregnancy. Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanism underlying EEA remains elusive. This review synthesizes the latest research on the genetic and molecular factors contributing to EEA, with a focus on maternal, paternal, and embryonic factors. Maternal factors such as irregularities in follicular development and endometrial environment, along with mutations in genes like NLRP5, PADI6, KPNA7, IGF2, and TUBB8, have been implicated in EEA. Specifically, PATL2 mutations are hypothesized to disrupt the maternal-zygotic transition, impairing embryo development. Paternal contributions to EEA are linked to chromosomal variations, epigenetic modifications, and mutations in genes such as CFAP69, ACTL7A, and M1AP, which interfere with sperm development and lead to infertility. Aneuploidy may disrupt spindle assembly checkpoints and pathways including Wnt, MAPK, and Hippo signaling, thereby contributing to EEA. Additionally, key genes involved in embryonic genome activation-such as ZSCAN4, DUXB, DUXA, NANOGNB, DPPA4, GATA6, ARGFX, RBP7, and KLF5-alongside functional disruptions in epigenetic modifications, mitochondrial DNA, and small non-coding RNAs, play critical roles in the onset of EEA. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of EEA, offering a theoretical foundation for the diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Jing Lv
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Juling Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyi He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Binyu Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yingjing Wan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ying Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
| | - Zhidan Hong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
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13
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Pan Y, Chen X, Zhou H, Xu M, Li Y, Wang Q, Xu Z, Ren C, Liu L, Liu X. Identification and validation of SHC1 and FGFR1 as novel immune-related oxidative stress biomarkers of non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1356959. [PMID: 39391879 PMCID: PMC11466301 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a major contributor of male infertility. Herein, we used existing datasets to identify novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NOA, which could have great significance in the field of male infertility. Methods NOA datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. CIBERSORT was utilized to analyze the distributions of 22 immune cell populations. Hub genes were identified by applying weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), machine learning methods, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The expression of hub genes was verified in external datasets and was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to explore the important functions and pathways of hub genes. The mRNA-microRNA (miRNA)-transcription factors (TFs) regulatory network and potential drugs were predicted based on hub genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the testes of patients with NOA were applied for analyzing the distribution of hub genes in single-cell clusters. Furthermore, testis tissue samples were obtained from patients with NOA and obstructive azoospermia (OA) who underwent testicular biopsy. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to validate hub gene expression. Results Two immune-related oxidative stress hub genes (SHC1 and FGFR1) were identified. Both hub genes were highly expressed in NOA samples compared to control samples. ROC curve analysis showed a remarkable prediction ability (AUCs > 0.8). GSEA revealed that hub genes were predominantly enriched in toll-like receptor and Wnt signaling pathways. A total of 24 TFs, 82 miRNAs, and 111 potential drugs were predicted based on two hub genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing data in NOA patients indicated that SHC1 and FGFR1 were highly expressed in endothelial cells and Leydig cells, respectively. RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that mRNA and protein levels of both hub genes were significantly upregulated in NOA testis tissue samples, which agree with the findings from analysis of the microarray data. Conclusion It appears that SHC1 and FGFR1 could be significant immune-related oxidative stress biomarkers for detecting and managing patients with NOA. Our findings provide a novel viewpoint for illustrating potential pathogenesis in men suffering from infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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14
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Riera-Escamilla A, Nagirnaja L. Utility of exome sequencing in primary spermatogenic disorders: From research to diagnostics. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39300832 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary spermatogenic disorders represent a severe form of male infertility whereby sperm production is impaired due to testicular dysfunction, leading to reduced quality or quantity of spermatozoa. Gene-centered research has certainly demonstrated the importance of the genetic factor in the etiology of both poor sperm morphology or motility and reduced sperm count. In the last decade, next-generation sequencing has expanded the research to whole exome which has transformed our understanding of male infertility genetics, but uncertainty persists in its diagnostic yield, especially in large unrelated populations. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of exome sequencing in detecting genetic factors contributing to various traits of primary spermatogenic disorders, which is a crucial step before interpreting the diagnostic yield of the platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS We manually curated 415 manuscripts and included 19 research studies that predominantly performed whole exome sequencing in cohorts of unrelated cases with primary spermatogenic defects. RESULTS The detection rate, defined as the fraction of cases with an identifiable genetic cause, typically remained below 25% for quantitative defects of spermatozoa, whereas improved rates were observed for traits of abnormal sperm morphology/motility and in populations enriched with consanguineous families. Unlike the quantitative defects, the genetic architecture of the qualitative issues of spermatozoa featured a small number of recurrent genes describing a large fraction of studied cases. These observations were also in line with the lower biological complexity of the pathways affected by the reported genes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the variability in detection rates of exome sequencing across semen phenotypes, which may have an impact on the expectations of the diagnostic yield in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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15
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Motawi A, Crafa A, Hamoda T, Shah R, Agarwal A. The Andrological Landscape in the Twenty-First Century: Making Sense of the Advances in Male Infertility Management for the Busy Clinicians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1222. [PMID: 39338105 PMCID: PMC11431684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21091222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility represents a significant global problem due to its essential health, social, and economic implications. It is unsurprising that scientific research is very active in this area and that advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields are notable. This review presents the main diagnostic advances in male infertility, starting from the changes made in the latest WHO Manual of semen analysis and discussing the more molecular aspects inherent to "omics". Furthermore, the usefulness of artificial intelligence in male infertility diagnostics and the latest advances in varicocele diagnosis will be discussed. In particular, the diagnostic path of male infertility is increasingly moving towards a personalized approach to the search for the specific biomarkers of infertility and the prediction of treatment response. The treatment of male infertility remains empirical in many regards, but despite that, advances have been made to help formulate evidence-based recommendations. Varicocele, the most common correctable cause of male infertility, has been explored for expanded indications for repair. The following expanded indications were discussed: elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, hypogonadism, orchalgia, and the role of varicocele repair in non-obstructive azoospermia. Moving forward with the available data, we discussed the stepwise approach to surgical sperm retrieval techniques and the current measures that have been investigated for optimizing such patients before testicular sperm extraction. Finally, the key points and expert recommendations regarding the best practice for diagnosing and treating men with infertility were summarized to conclude this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Motawi
- Department of Andrology, Sexual Medicine and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11956, Egypt
- Global Andrology Forum (GAF), Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Global Andrology Forum (GAF), Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Taha Hamoda
- Global Andrology Forum (GAF), Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah P.O. Box 80215, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 2431436, Egypt
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum (GAF), Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai 400050, India
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum (GAF), Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
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16
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Veltman JA, Tüttelmann F. Why geneticists should care about male infertility. Nat Rev Genet 2024:10.1038/s41576-024-00773-3. [PMID: 39294342 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00773-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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17
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Verón GL, Manjon AA, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. Impact of heat waves on semen quality: A retrospective study in Argentina between 2005 and 2023. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173813. [PMID: 38848914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Heat waves, defined as periods with daily temperatures surpassing the historical average for a specific region, have become more frequent worldwide in recent years. Previous studies have reported a negative association between temperature and semen quality, but the focus has mainly been on Asian and European populations. The study included 54,926 men (18-60 years) undergoing routine semen analysis between 2005 and 2023 at CEUSA-LAEH andrology unit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hourly temperature readings were provided by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. R programming (R Studio v2022.07.2) was used to define heat waves, calculate key characteristics, visualize results, and perform statistical tests at the IBYME laboratory. During the period studied, a total of 124 days had heat waves (defined after at least 3 consecutive days with 32.3 °C and 22 °C). Men exposed to heat waves during spermatogenesis exhibited lower sperm number (concentration and count; P < 0.0001) and decreased normal morphology (percentage of normal sperm and normal motile count; P < 0.05) compared to those not exposed. These differences were most pronounced between semen samples from years with several heat waves (2013, 2023) and none (2005, 2007, 2016), displaying 4-5 times higher fold changes (P < 0.05). Further analysis employing multiple regression revealed a significantly negative association between semen quality and heat wave length, suggesting that a prolonged exposure may be more detrimental than an acute exposure. Subsequent analysis focusing on prolonged exposure (≥6-days heat wave) during spermatogenesis revealed a negative (P < 0.05) association between early exposure (spermatocytogenesis: 64-90 days prior semen collection) and semen quality. This study underscores the negative association between early exposure to heat waves during sperm development and semen quality, raising concerns about its possible association with the worldwide declining male fertility. A comprehensive collaborative approach is crucial, involving global governmental policies, sustainable practices, and coordinated efforts across scientific, healthcare, and policy domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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18
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Tomizawa SI, Fellows R, Ono M, Kuroha K, Dočkal I, Kobayashi Y, Minamizawa K, Natsume K, Nakajima K, Hoshi I, Matsuda S, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Aoto K, Saitsu H, Ohbo K. The non-canonical bivalent gene Wfdc15a controls spermatogenic protease and immune homeostasis. Development 2024; 151:dev202834. [PMID: 39222051 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202834] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by chromosomal abnormalities, mutations and epigenetic defects. Epigenetic modifiers pre-program hundreds of spermatogenic genes in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) for expression later in spermatids, but it remains mostly unclear whether and how those genes are involved in fertility. Here, we report that Wfdc15a, a WFDC family protease inhibitor pre-programmed by KMT2B, is essential for spermatogenesis. We found that Wfdc15a is a non-canonical bivalent gene carrying both H3K4me3 and facultative H3K9me3 in SSCs, but is later activated along with the loss of H3K9me3 and acquisition of H3K27ac during meiosis. We show that WFDC15A deficiency causes defective spermiogenesis at the beginning of spermatid elongation. Notably, depletion of WFDC15A causes substantial disturbance of the testicular protease-antiprotease network and leads to an orchitis-like inflammatory response associated with TNFα expression in round spermatids. Together, our results reveal a unique epigenetic program regulating innate immunity crucial for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Tomizawa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Rachel Fellows
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Michio Ono
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazushige Kuroha
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ivana Dočkal
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuki Kobayashi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Keisuke Minamizawa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Koji Natsume
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kuniko Nakajima
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ikue Hoshi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shion Matsuda
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Kazushi Aoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Central Laboratory, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Ohbo
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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19
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Zhou H, Yin Z, Ni B, Lin J, Luo S, Xie W. Whole exome sequencing analysis of 167 men with primary infertility. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:230. [PMID: 39267058 PMCID: PMC11391607 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-02005-3] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenic failure is one of the leading causes of male infertility and its genetic etiology has not yet been fully understood. METHODS The study screened a cohort of patients (n = 167) with primary male infertility in contrast to 210 normally fertile men using whole exome sequencing (WES). The expression analysis of the candidate genes based on public single cell sequencing data was performed using the R language Seurat package. RESULTS No pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) related to male infertility were identified using the the GATK-gCNV tool. Accordingly, variants of 17 known causative (five X-linked and twelve autosomal) genes, including ACTRT1, ADAD2, AR, BCORL1, CFAP47, CFAP54, DNAH17, DNAH6, DNAH7, DNAH8, DNAH9, FSIP2, MSH4, SLC9C1, TDRD9, TTC21A, and WNK3, were identified in 23 patients. Variants of 12 candidate (seven X-linked and five autosomal) genes were identified, among which CHTF18, DDB1, DNAH12, FANCB, GALNT3, OPHN1, SCML2, UPF3A, and ZMYM3 had altered fertility and semen characteristics in previously described knockout mouse models, whereas MAGEC1,RBMXL3, and ZNF185 were recurrently detected in patients with male factor infertility. The human testis single cell-sequencing database reveals that CHTF18, DDB1 and MAGEC1 are preferentially expressed in spermatogonial stem cells. DNAH12 and GALNT3 are found primarily in spermatocytes and early spermatids. UPF3A is present at a high level throughout spermatogenesis except in elongating spermatids. The testicular expression profiles of these candidate genes underlie their potential roles in spermatogenesis and the pathogenesis of male infertility. CONCLUSION WES is an effective tool in the genetic diagnosis of primary male infertility. Our findings provide useful information on precise treatment, genetic counseling, and birth defect prevention for male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zhaochu Yin
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Bin Ni
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Jiwu Lin
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shuwei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 53 Xiangchun Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Wanqin Xie
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 53 Xiangchun Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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20
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Severi G, Ambrosini E, Caramanna L, Monti L, Magini P, Innella G. Familial DMRT1-related non-obstructive azoospermia: a case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03250-2. [PMID: 39259317 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03250-2] [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: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report an exceptional case of male-to-male transmission of genetically based non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and varicocele through a naturally obtained pregnancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A father and his son were both diagnosed with NOA after centrifugation and varicocele. The father has no other clinical concerns apart from infertility, detected after many attempts of having another child, but given his urological situation (bilateral varicocele and NOA) assisted reproductive techniques were discouraged. After genetic counseling, several genetic-chromosomal analyses were carried out in the son (karyotype, chromosome Y microdeletions, CFTR screening, NGS infertility panels, and finally array-CGH). RESULTS After a series of inconclusive tests, array-CGH detected a deletion of 224-283 kb (del9p24.3) involving part of the KANK1 and DMRT1 genes, inherited from the father. Haploinsufficiency of DMRT1 was therefore considered the determining factor in the development of azoospermia in the family by a loss of function mechanism. CONCLUSION The confirmation of father-to-son transmission of a deletion including DMRT1 represents an important point for clinicians dealing with male infertility, even when complete azoospermia is repetitively detected, and must be of hope for a relevant portion of men. Inclusion criteria for the access to assisted reproductive techniques may also be reconsidered and worthy of a greater number of clinical insights. Finally, since DMRT1 alterations have been associated with NOA and abnormal testicular development, but not specifically with varicocele, further studies are required to validate this issue, as varicocele may have played a crucial role in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Severi
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Ambrosini
- Medical Genetics Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Caramanna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Monti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pamela Magini
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Innella
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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Guo S, Tang D, Chen Y, Yu H, Gu M, Geng H, Fang J, Wu B, Ruan L, Li K, Xu C, Gao Y, Tan Q, Duan Z, Wu H, Hua R, Guo R, Wei Z, Zhou P, Xu Y, Cao Y, He X, Sha Y, Lv M. Association of novel DNAH11 variants with asthenoteratozoospermia lead to male infertility. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:97. [PMID: 39256880 PMCID: PMC11389119 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00658-w] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bi-allelic variants in DNAH11 have been identified as causative factors in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, leading to abnormal respiratory cilia. Nonetheless, the specific impact of these variants on human sperm flagellar and their involvement in male infertility remain largely unknown. METHODS A collaborative effort involving two Chinese reproductive centers conducted a study with 975 unrelated infertile men. Whole-exome sequencing was employed for variant screening, and Sanger sequencing confirmed the identified variants. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses of sperm were conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Western Blot Analysis and Immunofluorescence Analysis were utilized to assess protein levels and localization. ICSI was performed to evaluate its efficacy in achieving favorable pregnancy outcomes for individuals with DNAH11 variants. RESULTS In this study, we identified seven novel variants in the DNAH11 gene in four asthenoteratozoospermia subjects. These variants led the absence of DNAH11 proteins and ultrastructure defects in sperm flagella, particularly affecting the outer dynein arms (ODAs) and adjacent structures. The levels of ODA protein DNAI2 and axoneme related proteins were down regulated, instead of inner dynein arms (IDA) proteins DNAH1 and DNAH6. Two out of four individuals with DNAH11 variants achieved clinical pregnancies through ICSI. The findings confirm the association between male infertility and bi-allelic deleterious variants in DNAH11, resulting in the aberrant assembly of sperm flagella and contributing to asthenoteratozoospermia. Importantly, ICSI emerges as an effective intervention for overcoming reproductive challenges caused by DNAH11 gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senzhao Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuge Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajun Fang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Baoyan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Lewen Ruan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China.
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
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22
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Zhou Z, Qi Q, Wang WH, Dong J, Xu JJ, Feng YM, Zou ZC, Chen L, Ma JZ, Yao B. A novel homozygous mutation of CFAP300 identified in a Chinese patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00243. [PMID: 39254424 DOI: 10.4103/aja202477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a clinically rare, genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous condition characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, male infertility, tympanitis, and laterality abnormalities. PCD is typically resulted from variants in genes encoding assembly or structural proteins that are indispensable for the movement of motile cilia. Here, we identified a novel nonsense mutation, c.466G>T, in cilia- and flagella-associated protein 300 (CFAP300) resulting in a stop codon (p.Glu156 *) through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The proband had a PCD phenotype with laterality defects and immotile sperm flagella displaying a combined loss of the inner dynein arm (IDA) and outer dynein arm (ODA). Bioinformatic programs predicted that the mutation is deleterious. Successful pregnancy was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our results expand the spectrum of CFAP300 variants in PCD and provide reproductive guidance for infertile couples suffering from PCD caused by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wen-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Juan-Juan Xu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yu-Ming Feng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhi-Chuan Zou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210007, China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210007, China
| | - Jin-Zhao Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210007, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing 210007, China
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23
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Zhi X, Du L, Zhang P, Guo X, Li W, Wang Y, He Q, Wu P, Lei X, Qu B. BPA induces testicular damage in male rodents via apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 193:114984. [PMID: 39245402 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114984] [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: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), chemically known as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, is one of the most common endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment. Long-term or high-dose exposure to BPA may lead to testicular damage and adversely affect male reproductive function. In vivo studies on rodents have demonstrated that BPA triggers apoptosis in testicular cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Further in vitro studies on spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells have all confirmed the pro-apoptotic effects of BPA. Given these findings, apoptosis is considered a primary mode of cell death induced by BPA in testicular tissue. In addition, BPA promotes autophagy by altering the activity of the Akt/mTOR pathway and upregulating the expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins. Recent studies have also identified ferroptosis as a significant contributing factor to BPA-induced testicular damage, further complicating the landscape of BPA's effects. This review summarizes natural substances that mitigate BPA-induced testicular damage by inhibiting these cell death pathways. These findings not only highlight potential therapeutic strategies but also underscore the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity, particularly as it pertains to human health risk assessment and the development of more effective BPA management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhi
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Lehui Du
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xingdong Guo
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- The 81st Group Army Hospital of Chinese PLA, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiduo He
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Peien Wu
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Lei
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Baolin Qu
- The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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24
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Hubbard L, Rambhatla A, Glina S. Nonobstructive azoospermia: an etiologic review. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00240. [PMID: 39243180 DOI: 10.4103/aja202472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Azoospermia is the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in two or more semen analyses after centrifugation. Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe form of male factor infertility accounting for 10%-15% of cases and stems from an impairment to spermatogenesis. Understanding of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis has allowed NOA to be subcategorized by anatomic and/or pathophysiologic level. The etiologies of NOA, and therefore, the differential diagnoses when considering NOA as a cause of male factor infertility, can be subcategorized and condensed into several distinct classifications. Etiologies of NOA include primary hypogonadism, secondary hypogonadism, defects in androgen synthesis and/or response, defective spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, or a mixed picture thereof. This review includes up-to-date clinical, diagnostic, cellular, and histologic features pertaining to the multitude of NOA etiologies. This in turn will provide a framework by which physicians practicing infertility can augment their clinical decision-making, patient counseling, thereby improving upon the management of men with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Hubbard
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sidney Glina
- Department of Urology, ABC Medical School, Av Lauro Gomes, 2000, Santo André, SP 09060-870, Brazil
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25
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Yang C, Ning X, Wang B, Tian T, Chen Y, Ma L, Wang L. Association between spectrum of mycotoxins and semen quality: A cross-sectional study in Beijing, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135124. [PMID: 38981237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to mycotoxins is unavoidable in daily life through ingestion, dermal, and inhalation routes. Toxicological studies found that exposure to mycotoxins might affect male reproductive function. However, there is still a lack of population evidence. We aimed to assess the association of individual and joint exposure to spectrum of mycotoxins with semen quality. The present study included 192 participants in Beijing, China. We measured conventional semen parameters and assessed semen quality. Sixty-seven traditional or emerging mycotoxins were determined to describe the spectrum of mycotoxins. The participants were widely exposed to multiple mycotoxins, and nearly half were simultaneously exposed to more than six mycotoxins. After adjusting potential confounders, logistic regression indicated that the number and concentration of plasma mycotoxin were correlated to the risk of low semen quality. Plasma beauvericin and citrinin concentrations were associated with lower semen quality. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression showed similar results to logistic regression. Quantile-based g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression models found that the mixture of mycotoxins was harmful to semen quality, especially in sperm motility. In conclusion, both individual and mixture of mycotoxin exposure were correlated with lower semen quality. More regulations and measures should be taken to reduce mycotoxin contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao Ning
- Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, National Institute of Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Le Ma
- Department of Urology Surgery, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China.
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Chen JH, Landback P, Arsala D, Guzzetta A, Xia S, Atlas J, Sosa D, Zhang YE, Cheng J, Shen B, Long M. Evolutionarily new genes in humans with disease phenotypes reveal functional enrichment patterns shaped by adaptive innovation and sexual selection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.14.567139. [PMID: 38045239 PMCID: PMC10690195 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
New genes (or young genes) are genetic novelties pivotal in mammalian evolution. However, their phenotypic impacts and evolutionary patterns over time remain elusive in humans due to the technical and ethical complexities of functional studies. Integrating gene age dating with Mendelian disease phenotyping, our research shows a gradual rise in disease gene proportion as gene age increases. Logistic regression modeling indicates that this increase in older genes may be related to their longer sequence lengths and higher burdens of deleterious de novo germline variants (DNVs). We also find a steady integration of new genes with biomedical phenotypes into the human genome over macroevolutionary timescales (~0.07% per million years). Despite this stable pace, we observe distinct patterns in phenotypic enrichment, pleiotropy, and selective pressures across gene ages. Notably, young genes show significant enrichment in diseases related to the male reproductive system, indicating strong sexual selection. Young genes also exhibit disease-related functions in tissues and systems potentially linked to human phenotypic innovations, such as increased brain size, musculoskeletal phenotypes, and color vision. We further reveal a logistic growth pattern of pleiotropy over evolutionary time, indicating a diminishing marginal growth of new functions for older genes due to intensifying selective constraints over time. We propose a "pleiotropy-barrier" model that delineates higher potentials for phenotypic innovation in young genes compared to older genes, a process that is subject to natural selection. Our study demonstrates that evolutionarily new genes are critical in influencing human reproductive evolution and adaptive phenotypic innovations driven by sexual and natural selection, with low pleiotropy as a selective advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hai Chen
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China University Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Patrick Landback
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Deanna Arsala
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Alexander Guzzetta
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Shengqian Xia
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jared Atlas
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Dylan Sosa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Yong E. Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingqiu Cheng
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China University Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China University Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Manyuan Long
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
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27
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Ghieh F, Passet B, Poumerol E, Castille J, Calvel P, Vilotte JL, Sellem E, Jouneau L, Mambu-Mambueni H, Garchon HJ, Pailhoux E, Vialard F, Mandon-Pépin B. A partial deletion within the meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 of Tex11 is not associated with infertility in mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309974. [PMID: 39231187 PMCID: PMC11373865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309974] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia (the complete absence of spermatozoa in the semen) is a common cause of male infertility. The etiology of azoospermia is poorly understood. Whole-genome analysis of azoospermic men has identified a number of candidate genes, such as the X-linked testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) gene. Using a comparative genomic hybridization array, an exonic deletion (exons 10-12) of TEX11 had previously been identified in two non-apparent azoospermic patients. However, the putative impact of this genetic alteration on spermatogenesis and the azoospermia phenotype had not been validated functionally. We therefore used a CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mouse model (Tex11Ex9-11del/Y) with a partial TEX11 deletion that mimicked the human mutation. Surprisingly, the mutant male Tex11Ex9-11del/Y mice were fertile. The sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were normal. Similarly, the mutant mouse line's testis transcriptome was normal, and the expression of spermatogenesis genes was not altered. These results suggest that the mouse equivalent of the partial deletion observed in two infertile male with azoospermia has no impact on spermatogenesis or fertility in mice, at least of a FVB/N genetic background and until 10 months of age. Mimicking a human mutation does not necessarily lead to the same human phenotype in mice, highlighting significant differences species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ghieh
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Johan Castille
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pierre Calvel
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE/Eliance, Paris, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | - Eric Pailhoux
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint- Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pépin
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
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28
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Crafa A, Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Mongioì LM, Vignera SL, Calogero AE. Predictive parameters of the efficacy of varicocele repair: a review. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:441-450. [PMID: 38783663 PMCID: PMC11449413 DOI: 10.4103/aja202420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Varicocele has a prevalence of 15% in the population and represents a primary cause of infertility in 40% of cases and a secondary cause in approximately 80% of cases. It is considered the major correctable cause of male infertility. Despite its high prevalence in the infertile population, a large number of patients with varicocele do not experience reproductive difficulties. For this reason, it is still highly debated which parameters could be used to predict which patients with varicocele will be most likely to benefit from its repair. The main international and European guidelines state that treatment should only be considered in infertile patients with abnormal sperm quality. However, these guidelines do not help physicians to identify which of these patients may benefit from the treatment. Therefore, this narrative review collects the evidence in the literature on the usefulness of some factors as predictors of improvement, highlighting how some of them may be effective in an initial selection of patients to be treated, while others are promising but further studies are needed. Finally, a brief consideration on the possible role of artificial intelligence is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
- Glickman Urology and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Laura M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Chen D, Fan G, Xu Y, Luo P, Chen Q, Chen X, Guo Z, Zhu X, Gao Y. A novel homozygous mutation in the DNAAF3 gene leads to severe asthenozoospermia and teratospermia. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e70092. [PMID: 39289782 PMCID: PMC11408122 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.70092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by ultrastructural defects in the cilia or flagella of cells, causing respiratory abnormalities, sinusitis, visceral transposition, and male infertility. DNAAF3 plays an important role in the assembly and transportation of axonemal dynein complexes in cilia or flagella and has been shown to be associated with PCD. To date, only two cases of PCD with infertility associated with DNAAF3 mutations have been reported, and no mouse models for this gene have been successfully constructed. This study was conducted on an infertile Chinese male patient with a history of bronchitis. Examination of the patient's semen revealed severe asthenozoospermia and teratospermia. Whole exome sequencing revealed a new homozygous loss-of-function DNAAF3 mutation. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology was used to construct the same mutation in C57/B6 mice, revealing that homozygous C57/B6 mice were characterized by severe hydrocephalus and early death. The results of this study expand the mutation spectrum of DNAAF3 and confirm its correlation with PCD pathogenesis. This study provides new insights on the mechanisms underlying male infertility related to DNAAF3 mutation and PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjia Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guoqing Fan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qinyun Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuren Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zexin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xianqing Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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30
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Zhang YT, Shen G, Zhuo LC, Yang X, Wang SY, Ruan TC, Jiang C, Wang X, Wang Y, Yang YH, Shen Y. Novel variations in TENT5D lead to teratozoospermia in infertile patients. Andrology 2024; 12:1336-1346. [PMID: 38228861 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13589] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Teratozoospermia is the main pathogenic factor of male infertility. However, the genetic etiology of teratozoospermia is largely unknown. This study aims to clarify the relationship between novel variations in TENT5D and teratozoospermia in infertile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two infertile patients were enrolled. Routine semen analysis of patients and normal controls was conducted with the WHO guidelines. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify pathogenic variants in the two patients. Morphology and ultrastructure analysis of spermatozoa in the two patients was determined by Papanicolaou staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functional effect of the identified variants was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The expression of TENT5D in different germ cells was detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Two new hemizygous variations, c.101C > T (p.P34L) and c.125A > T (p.D42V), in TENT5D were detected in two patients with male infertility. Morphology analysis showed abnormalities in spermatozoa morphology in the two patients, including multiple heads, headless, multiple tails, coiled, and/or bent flagella. Ultrastructure analysis showed that most of the spermatozoa exhibited missing or irregularly arranged '9+2' structures. Further functional experiments confirmed the abrogated TENT5D protein expression in patients. In addition, both p.P34L and p.D42V substitutions resulted in a conformational change of the TENT5D protein. We precisely analyzed the subcellular localization of TENT5D in germ cells in humans and mice. And we found that TENT5D was predominantly detected in the head and flagellum of elongating spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed further evidence of a relationship between TENT5D mutation and human male infertility, providing new genetic insight for use in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Teng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang-Chai Zhuo
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tie-Chao Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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31
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Yan B, Wang J, Zhou Y, Pei L, Zhang F, Gao B, Wang H. The application of mean number of DNA breakpoints in sperm cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 116:104937. [PMID: 38942068 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104937] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Growing concerns over declining male semen quality and rising infertility have shifted attention to male fertility. Sperm cryopreservation emerges as a crucial tool in preserving male fertility, especially for patients who need proactive preservation, such as cancer patients before undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Although cryopreservation does not directly address infertility, effective preservation can support future fertility. However, the process may compromise sperm DNA integrity. Despite their impairment, damaged sperm often retain vitality and may still have the potential to fertilize an egg. Nonetheless, if damaged sperm fertilize an egg, excessive DNA damage could impede embryo implantation and development, despite the egg's repair capabilities. Consequently, precise detection of sperm DNA damage is crucial and urgent. To better address the issue of sperm DNA damage detection, we have introduced a novel fluorescence biosensor technology known as the TDT/SD Probe. This technology utilizes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and strand displacement probes to accurately detect the number of sperm DNA breakage points during the cryopreservation process. Experimental results reveal that the number of sperm DNA breakpoints significantly increases after both sperm vitrification (8.17 × 105) and conventional slow freezing (10.80 × 105), compared to the DNA breakpoints of fresh semen samples (5.19 × 105). However, sperm vitrification has the least impact on sperm breakage points. This research provides innovative means for further optimizing sperm preservation techniques by offering a novel DNA damage detection method, enabling more precise assessment of sperm DNA damage during the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Yan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China; Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Liguo Pei
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Women and Children Healthcare Hospital, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Bianbian Gao
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China.
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32
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Gao Y, Xu S, Qiao J, Wang C, Wang K, Sun J, Liu L, Li L, Liang M, Hu K. AZIN2 is associated with apoptosis of germ cells in undescended testis. Cells Dev 2024; 179:203925. [PMID: 38797332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203925] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Undescended testis (UDT), known as cryptorchidism (CRY), is a common congenital disorder in which one or both testicles do not descend normally into the scrotum. A unilateral UDT model was established by inducing UDT in mice through surgery. The results showed that the testis in the UDT model group was abnormal; the lumen of the seminiferous tubule was atrophic; apoptosis, necrosis and shedding were observed in many of the germ cells; the level of sex hormones was abnormal; and mature sperm was reduced. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the testicular tissue of UDT model mice. Through analysis and verification of differential genes, AZIN2 was identified as playing a key role in the decline in male fertility caused by cryptorchidism. AZIN2 expression and spermine content was down-regulated in the testis of the UDT group. We then used a combination of hypoxanthine and xanthine to create a GC-1 cell damage model. In this model, AZIN2 expression and spermine content was down-regulated. When si-Azin2 transfected GC-1 cells, cell viability and proliferation were decreased. However, in the GC-1 cell damage model transfected with Azin2 over-expressed plasmid, AZIN2 expression and spermine content was up-regulated, reversing the cell damage caused by hypoxanthine and xanthine, and restoring the proliferation ability of GC-1 cells. These results indicate that in UDT, down-regulated AZIN2 expression is a factor in testicular damage. This discussion of the connection between AZIN2 and germ cells has important clinical significance as it provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumin Xu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Qiao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junpei Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Leina Li
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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33
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Liu M, Wang L, Li Y, Zhi E, Shen G, Jiang X, Li D, Zhao X, Ruan T, Jiang C, Wang X, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Wu B, Ou N, Zhao G, Dai S, Zhou R, Yang L, Yang Y, Liu H, Shen Y. HSF5 Deficiency Causes Male Infertility Involving Spermatogenic Arrest at Meiotic Prophase I in Humans and Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402412. [PMID: 38958533 PMCID: PMC11434121 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that generates gametes for sexual reproduction. However, the factors and underlying mechanisms involving meiotic progression remain largely unknown, especially in humans. Here, it is first showed that HSF5 is associated with human spermatogenesis. Patients with a pathogenic variant of HSF5 are completely infertile. Testicular histologic findings in the patients reveal rare postmeiotic germ cells resulting from meiotic prophase I arrest. Hsf5 knockout (KO) mice confirms that the loss of HSF5 causes defects in meiotic recombination, crossover formation, sex chromosome synapsis, and sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), which may contribute to spermatocyte arrest at the late pachytene stage. Importantly, spermatogenic arrest can be rescued by compensatory HSF5 adeno-associated virus injection into KO mouse testes. Mechanistically, integrated analysis of RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data revealed that HSF5 predominantly binds to promoters of key genes involved in crossover formation (e.g., HFM1, MSH5 and MLH3), synapsis (e.g., SYCP1, SYCP2 and SYCE3), recombination (TEX15), and MSCI (MDC1) and further regulates their transcription during meiotic progression. Taken together, the study demonstrates that HSF5 modulates the transcriptome to ensure meiotic progression in humans and mice. These findings will aid in genetic diagnosis of and potential treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and HealthInstitute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyInstitute of Reproduction and DevelopmentObstetrics and Gynecology HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOEDepartment of PediatricsWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- UrologyUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200000China
| | - Gan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiaohui Jiang
- Human Sperm BankKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and ChildrenMinistry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- NHC Key Laboratory of ChronobiologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Dingming Li
- Human Sperm BankKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and ChildrenMinistry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xinya Zhao
- West China School of preclinical medicine and forensic medicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of PediatricsWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOEDepartment of PediatricsWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and HealthInstitute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyInstitute of Reproduction and DevelopmentObstetrics and Gynecology HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Guicheng Zhao
- Human Sperm BankKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and ChildrenMinistry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Siyu Dai
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and ImmunologyWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- West China School of preclinical medicine and forensic medicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University HospitalKey Laboratory of ObstetricGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of ChronobiologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and ImmunologyWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyGynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- NHC Key Laboratory of ChronobiologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
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Li Q, Huang Y, Zhang S, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Dai J. Homozygous ACTL9 mutations cause irregular mitochondrial sheath arrangement and abnormal flagellum assembly in spermatozoa and male infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2271-2278. [PMID: 38963606 PMCID: PMC11405356 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03171-0] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify novel variants in ACTL9 and new phenotypes responsible for male infertility. METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples for whole-exome sequencing (WES). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to test the motility of spermatozoa. The ultrastructure of flagella and the mitochondrial sheath were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunostaining was used to validate the localization and expression of ACTL9 and ACTL7A. An Actl9-mutated mouse model was used to validate the phenotypes by CASA and TEM. RESULTS We identified novel homozygous variants in ACTL9 in two independent Chinese families. Spermatozoa with ACTL9 mutations showed decreased CASA parameters and a higher proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, exhibiting coiled flagella and a thickened midpiece. The spermatozoa were characterized by chaotic or irregular '9+2' structures and irregular mitochondrial sheath arrangements in the flagellum. Actl9 knock-in mice also showed abnormal CASA parameters and irregular '9+2' structures in flagella. CONCLUSIONS Our study expands the mutation spectrum and phenotypic spectrum of ACTL9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yilian Huang
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shen Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, 410078, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410078, China.
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Li Y, Wang Y, Tan YQ, Yue Q, Guo Y, Yan R, Meng L, Zhai H, Tong L, Yuan Z, Li W, Wang C, Han S, Ren S, Yan Y, Wang W, Gao L, Tan C, Hu T, Zhang H, Liu L, Yang P, Jiang W, Ye Y, Tan H, Wang Y, Lu C, Li X, Xie J, Yuan G, Cui Y, Shen B, Wang C, Guan Y, Li W, Shi Q, Lin G, Ni T, Sun Z, Ye L, Vourekas A, Guo X, Lin M, Zheng K. The landscape of RNA-binding proteins in mammalian spermatogenesis. Science 2024:eadj8172. [PMID: 39208083 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj8172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite continuous expansion of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) world, there is a lack of systematic understanding of RBPs in mammalian testis, which harbors one of the most complex tissue transcriptomes. We adapted RNA interactome capture to mouse male germ cells, building an RBP atlas characterized by multiple layers of dynamics along spermatogenesis. Trapping of RNA-crosslinked peptides showed that the glutamic acid-arginine (ER) patch, a residue-coevolved polyampholytic element present in coiled-coils, enhances RNA binding of its host RBPs. Deletion of this element in NONO (non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein) led to a defective mitosis-to-meiosis transition due to compromised NONO-RNA interactions. Whole-exome sequencing of over 1000 infertile men revealed a prominent role of RBPs in the human genetic architecture of male infertility and identified risk ER patch variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruoyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Huicong Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lingxiu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shenglin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Sen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yitong Yan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Weixu Wang
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich 85764, Germany
| | - Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tongyao Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Liya Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Pinglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wanyin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yiting Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chenyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gege Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Anastasios Vourekas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Changzhou Medical Center, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Wang W, Feng Y, Dong J, Zhou Z, Jing J, Li Z, Chen L, Lin X, Ma J, Yao B. A Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation in TDRD9 Causes Oligozoospermia. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01665-x. [PMID: 39174853 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Oligozoospermia is an important cause of male infertility for which treatment options are limited. Spermatogenesis is complex, and the causes of oligozoospermia remain largely unknown. Because genetic mutations are important factors of oligozoospermia pathogenesis, our study aimed to explore the genetic causes of oligozoospermia. Whole- exome sequencing (WES) was performed on one proband from a Chinese family who was diagnosed with oligozoospermia. The pathogenic mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and a minigene assay was used to determine the effect of the identified splicing mutation. We identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the TDRD9 gene, comprising a splicing mutation (c.1115 + 3A > G) and a frameshift mutation (c.958delC), in the proband; neither of these mutations were found in 50 unrelated healthy people. In addition, a minigene assay demonstrated that the frameshift produced partially truncated protein, and the splicing mutation led to a frameshift mutation and premature termination due to abnormal alternative splicing of TDRD9. These findings indicate that deleterious compound heterozygous mutation in TDRD9 could lead to oligozoospermia, highlighting the crucial role of TDRD9 in spermatogenesis and further clarifying the genetic causes of male infertility resulting from oligozoospermia. Our study expands the spectrum of TDRD9-related phenotypes and provides a new specific target for future genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuming Feng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zixiong Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinzhao Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Bing Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
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Li J, Schilit SL, Liang S, Qin N, Teng X, Zhang J. Novel Loss-of-Function SYCP2 Variants in Infertile Males Upgrade the Gene-Disease Clinical Validity Classification for SYCP2 and Male Infertility to Strong. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1092. [PMID: 39202451 PMCID: PMC11353295 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081092] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 7% of the male population, and about 15% of these cases are predicted to have a genetic etiology. One gene implicated in autosomal dominant male infertility, SYCP2, encodes a protein critical for the synapsis of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis. However, the clinical validity of the gene-disease pair was previously categorized as on the border of limited and moderate due to few reported cases. This study investigates the genetic cause of infertility for three unrelated Chinese patients with oligoasthenozoospermia. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and subsequent Sanger sequencing revealed novel heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) variants in SYCP2 (c.89dup, c.946_947del, and c.4378_4379del). These cases, combined with the previously reported cases, provide strong genetic evidence supporting an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The experimental evidence also demonstrates a critical role for SYCP2 in spermatogenesis. Collectively, this updated assessment of the genetic and experimental evidence upgrades the gene-disease association strength of SYCP2 and autosomal dominant male infertility from on the border of limited and moderate to strong. The reclassification improves SYCP2 variant interpretation and qualifies it for the inclusion on diagnostic male infertility gene panels and prioritization in whole exome or genome studies for related phenotypes. These findings therefore improve the clinical interpretation of SYCP2 LOF variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | | | - Shanshan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Ningxin Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
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Guo L, Guo A, Lan X, Tian S, Sun F, Su Y, Chen ZJ, Cao Y, Li Y. Oligoasthenospermia is correlated with increased preeclampsia incidence in subfertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. F&S SCIENCE 2024:S2666-335X(24)00055-7. [PMID: 39153572 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether intergroup differences in the risk of maternal pregnancy complications after in vitro fertilization (IVF) vary with male factor. DESIGN A post hoc exploratory secondary analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, controlled noninferiority trial (NCT03118141). SETTING Academic fertility centers. PATIENT(S) A total of 1,131 subfertile women with complete recording of their male partner's semen parameters during the trial were enrolled. All participants underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection followed by frozen embryo transfer (ET) as part of their assisted reproductive technology treatment protocol. INTERVENTION(S) Women were divided into the oligoasthenospermia (n = 405) and normospermia (n = 726) groups according to the quality of male sperm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pregnancy complications, principally including the incidence of preeclampsia. RESULT(S) Notably, we found that the risk of maternal preeclampsia was significantly higher in the oligoasthenospermia group than in the normospermia group. After adjustments for confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the incidence of preeclampsia in the oligoasthenospermia group was still significantly higher than that in the normospermia group (6.55% vs. 3.60%; odds ratio, 0.529; 95% confidence interval, 0.282-0.992). However, there were no significant differences in terms of embryo quality, cumulative live birth rate, other pregnancy complications, or neonatal outcomes between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION(S) Oligoasthenospermia was associated with a higher risk of maternal preeclampsia in subfertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment. In clinical practice, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the sperm quality and quantity of male partners before IVF-ET. Further research is needed to establish the causal relationships between semen quality and adverse pregnancy complications, particularly preeclampsia, and explore potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Anliang Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangxin Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, Xue X, Zhou J, Qiu Z, Wang B, Ou G, Zhou Q. Male infertility risk and plasma lipidome: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1412684. [PMID: 39205681 PMCID: PMC11349629 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1412684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, the decline in sperm quality in men has become a global trend. There is a close relationship between sperm quality and pregnancy outcome. There is a large body of literature supporting the role of plasma lipidome in male infertility, while the complex mechanisms between them and male infertility are still less clear. Systematic study of the causal relationship between plasma lipidome and MI can help to provide new therapeutic ideas and targets for male infertility. Methods In this study, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on Genome-wide association studies pooled data of 179 causal relationships between plasma lipidome and male infertility. We used employed the inverse variance weighted method as the main analysis to assess causality between exposure and outcome, in addition to MR-Egger, Weighted median as complementary methods, and tests for multiplicity and heterogeneity. Results We identified 13 plasma lipidome comprising 4 types of plasma lipidome that were associated with male infertility. Among these, 9 plasma lipidome were found to be protective factors, while 4 were risk factors. Notably, the largest proportion of these plasma lipidome were triglyceride types, with Sphingomyelin (d40:1) exhibiting the strongest association with male infertility. Conclusion These findings contribute to the current better understanding of male infertility and provide new perspectives on the underlying etiology of male infertility as well as prevention and treatment strategies. In addition, clinical trial validation is needed to assess the potential of these plasma lipidome as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyu Xue
- College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Tuina, and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Andrology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zerui Qiu
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Biao Wang
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Guangyang Ou
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Andrology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Liu W, Sun X, Li F, Jiang Q, An J, Wu Y, Yang J, Qin M, Zhao Y, Tang Y, Wu T, Yan Z, Jiang D, Liu R, Li W, Zhi X, Chen C. An essential role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF126 in ensuring meiosis I completion during spermatogenesis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00333-3. [PMID: 39142440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.08.011] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homologous recombination repair during meiosis is essential for the exchange of genetic information between sister chromosomes, underpinning spermatogenesis and, consequently, fertility. The disruption of this process can lead to infertility, highlighting the importance of identifying the molecular actors involved. OBJECTIVES This study aims to elucidate the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Rnf126 in spermatogenesis and its impact on fertility, particularly through its involvement in meiotic homologous recombination repair. METHODS We used heterozygous and homozygous Rnf126 deletion models in mouse testes to examine the consequences on testicular health, sperm count, and the process of spermatogenesis. Additionally, we explored the association between RNF126 gene missense variants and nonobstructive male infertility in patients, with a focus on their functional impact on the protein's ubiquitin ligase activity. RESULTS Rnf126 deletion led to testicular atrophy, disrupted seminiferous tubule structure, reduced sperm count, and spermatogenesis arrest at meiotic prophase I. Furthermore, male mice exhibited impaired homologous recombination repair and increased apoptosis within the seminiferous tubules. We identified four missense variants of the RNF126 (V68M, R241H, E261A, D253N) associated with male infertility. Specifically, the E261A and D253N variants, located in the RING domain, directly compromised the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of RNF126. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of RNF126 in maintaining spermatogenesis and fertility, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. The identified RNF126 variants present novel targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in treating nonobstructive male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China; Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fubing Li
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qiuyun Jiang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jianting An
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of the Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Meng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yongjia Tang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310063, China
| | - Tingyue Wu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dewei Jiang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xu Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China; Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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Crafa A, Russo M, Cannarella R, Gül M, Compagnone M, Mongioì LM, Cannarella V, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Predictability of varicocele repair success: preliminary results of a machine learning-based approach. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00218. [PMID: 39118538 DOI: 10.4103/aja202438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a prevalent condition in the infertile male population. However, to date, which patients may benefit most from varicocele repair is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether certain preintervention sperm parameters are predictive of successful varicocele repair, defined as an improvement in total motile sperm count (TMSC). We performed a retrospective study on 111 patients with varicocele who had undergone varicocele repair, collected from the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, University of Catania (Catania, Italy), and the Unit of Urology at the Selcuk University School of Medicine (Konya, Türkiye). The predictive analysis was conducted through the use of the Brain Project, an innovative tool that allows a complete and totally unbiased search of mathematical expressions that relate the object of study to the various parameters available. Varicocele repair was considered successful when TMSC increased by at least 50% of the preintervention value. For patients with preintervention TMSC below 5 × 106, improvement was considered clinically relevant when the increase exceeded 50% and the absolute TMSC value was >5 × 106. From the preintervention TMSC alone, we found a model that predicts patients who appear to benefit little from varicocele repair with a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 81.8%. Varicocele grade and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels did not play a predictive role, but it should be noted that all patients enrolled in this study were selected with intermediate- or high-grade varicocele and normal FSH levels. In conclusion, preintervention TMSC is predictive of the success of varicocele repair in terms of TMSC improvement in patients with intermediate- or high-grade varicoceles and normal FSH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
- INFN-Section of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya 42750, Türkiye
| | - Michele Compagnone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Laura M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Vittorio Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Han X, Tian H, Yang L, Ji Y. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationships between the gut microbiota and male reproductive diseases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18306. [PMID: 39112529 PMCID: PMC11306555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut bacteria might play an important role in male reproductive disorders, such as male infertility and sperm abnormalities; however, their causal role is unclear. Herein, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighting, Simple mode, and Weighted mode were used to test the causal relationship between gut microbes and male reproductive diseases. The MR results were validated using various metrics. The MR results were also consolidated using reverse causality speculation, conducted using two-way MR analysis and Steiger filtering. Biological function was analysed using enrichment analyses. The results suggested that eight intestinal microflorae were causally associated with male infertility. The Eubacterium oxidoreducens group was associated with an increased risk of male infertility, while the family Bacteroidaceae was negatively associated with male reproductive diseases. Eight intestinal microflorae were causally associated with abnormal spermatozoa. The family Streptococcaceae was associated with a high risk of abnormal spermatozoa, whereas the family Porphyromonadaceae was associated with a low risk of abnormal spermatozoa. No pleiotropy was observed, this study identified a high correlation between the gut flora and the likelihood of male reproductive diseases. Future research will attempt to advance microbial-focused treatments for such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Han
- Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University), Taiyuan, China.
| | - Hui Tian
- Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ji
- Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Moradi A, Ghaffari Novin M, Bayat M. A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Different Light Wavelength Ranges (Blue, Green, Red, and Near-Infrared) on Sperm Cell Characteristics in Vitro and in Vivo. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01657-x. [PMID: 39095677 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01657-x] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Around 7% of the male population in the world are entangle with considerable situation which is known as male infertility. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is the application of low-level laser radiation, that recently used to increase or promote the various cell functions including, proliferation, differentiation, ATP production, gene expressions, regulation of reactive oxygen spices (ROS), and also boost the tissue healing and reduction of inflammation. This systematic review's main idea is a comprehensive appraisal of the literatures on subjects of PBMT consequences in four light ranges wavelength (blue, green, red, near-infrared (NIR)) on sperm cell characteristics, in vitro and in vivo. In this study, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were used for abstracts and full-text scientific papers published from 2003-2023 that reported the application of PBM on sperm cells. Criteria's for inclusion and exclusion to review were applied. Finally, the studies that matched with our goals were included, classified, and reported in detail. Also, searched studies were subdivided into the effects of four ranges of light irradiation, including the blue light range (400-500 nm), green light range (500-600 nm), red light range (600-780 nm), and NIR light range (780-3000 nm) of laser irradiation on human or animal sperm cells, in situations of in vitro or in vivo. Searches with our keywords results in 137 papers. After primary analysis, some articles were excluded because they were review articles or incomplete and unrelated studies. Finally, we use the 63 articles for this systematic review. Our category tables were based on the light range of irradiation, source of sperm cells (human or animal cells) and being in vitro or in vivo. Six% of publications reported the effects of blue, 10% green, 53% red and 31% NIR, light on sperm cell. In general, most of these studies showed that PBMT exerted a positive effect on the sperm cell motility. The various effects of PBMT in different wavelength ranges, as mentioned in this review, provide more insights for its potential applications in improving sperm characteristics. PBMT as a treatment method has significant effectiveness for treatment of different medical problems. Due to the lack of reporting data in this field, there is a need for future studies to assessment the biochemical and molecular effects of PBMT on sperm cells for the possible application of this treatment to the human sperm cells before the ART process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Moradi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bayat
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Noveratech LLC of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Geng H, Wang K, Liang D, Ni X, Yu H, Tang D, Lv M, Wu H, Li K, Shen Q, Gao Y, Xu C, Zhou P, Wei Z, Cao Y, Sha Y, Yang X, He X. Further evidence from DNAH12 supports favorable fertility outcomes of infertile males with dynein axonemal heavy chain gene family variants. iScience 2024; 27:110366. [PMID: 39071892 PMCID: PMC11278020 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110366] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major concern affecting reproductive health. Biallelic deleterious variants of most DNAH gene family members have been linked to male infertility, with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) being an efficacious way to achieve offspring. However, the association between DNAH12 and male infertility is still limited. Here, we identified one homozygous variant and two compound heterozygous variants in DNAH12 from three infertile Chinese men. Semen analysis revealed severe asthenozoospermia, abnormal morphology, and structure of sperm flagella. Furthermore, the Dnah12 knock-out mouse revealed severe spermatogenesis failure and validated the same male infertility phenotype. Favorable fertility outcomes were achieved through ICSI in three human individuals and Dnah12 knock-out mice. Collectively, our study indicated that biallelic variants of DNAH12 can induce male infertility in both human beings and mice. Notably, evidence from DNAH12 enhanced that ICSI was an optimal intervention to achieve favorable fertility outcomes for infertile males with DNAH gene family variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
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Ruan T, Zhou R, Yang Y, Guo J, Jiang C, Wang X, Shen G, Dai S, Chen S, Shen Y. Deficiency of IQCH causes male infertility in humans and mice. eLife 2024; 12:RP88905. [PMID: 39028117 PMCID: PMC11259432 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88905] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
IQ motif-containing proteins can be recognized by calmodulin (CaM) and are essential for many biological processes. However, the role of IQ motif-containing proteins in spermatogenesis is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the novel gene IQ motif-containing H (IQCH) in a Chinese family with male infertility characterized by a cracked flagellar axoneme and abnormal mitochondrial structure. To verify the function of IQCH, Iqch knockout (KO) mice were generated via CRISPR-Cas9 technology. As expected, the Iqch KO male mice exhibited impaired fertility, which was related to deficient acrosome activity and abnormal structures of the axoneme and mitochondria, mirroring the patient phenotypes. Mechanistically, IQCH can bind to CaM and subsequently regulate the expression of RNA-binding proteins (especially HNRPAB), which are indispensable for spermatogenesis. Overall, this study revealed the function of IQCH, expanded the role of IQ motif-containing proteins in reproductive processes, and provided important guidance for genetic counseling and genetic diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiechao Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junchen Guo
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong (SCU-CUHK) Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, Department of Obstetric and Gynaecologic, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Gan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Suren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Tirumalasetty MB, Bhattacharya I, Mohiuddin MS, Baki VB, Choubey M. Understanding testicular single cell transcriptional atlas: from developmental complications to male infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1394812. [PMID: 39055054 PMCID: PMC11269108 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1394812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multi-step biological process where mitotically active diploid (2n) spermatogonia differentiate into haploid (n) spermatozoa via regulated meiotic programming. The alarming rise in male infertility has become a global concern during the past decade thereby demanding an extensive profiling of testicular gene expression. Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized our empathy towards complex biological events including spermatogenesis. However, despite multiple attempts made in the past to reveal the testicular transcriptional signature(s) either with bulk tissues or at the single-cell, level, comprehensive reviews on testicular transcriptomics and associated disorders are limited. Notably, technologies explicating the genome-wide gene expression patterns during various stages of spermatogenic progression provide the dynamic molecular landscape of testicular transcription. Our review discusses the advantages of single-cell RNA-sequencing (Sc-RNA-seq) over bulk RNA-seq concerning testicular tissues. Additionally, we highlight the cellular heterogeneity, spatial transcriptomics, dynamic gene expression and cell-to-cell interactions with distinct cell populations within the testes including germ cells (Gc), Sertoli cells (Sc), Peritubular cells (PTc), Leydig cells (Lc), etc. Furthermore, we provide a summary of key finding of single-cell transcriptomic studies that have shed light on developmental mechanisms implicated in testicular disorders and male infertility. These insights emphasize the pivotal roles of Sc-RNA-seq in advancing our knowledge regarding testicular transcriptional landscape and may serve as a potential resource to formulate future clinical interventions for male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, Kerala, India
| | - Mohammad Sarif Mohiuddin
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Vijaya Bhaskar Baki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Mayank Choubey
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
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Bao Z, Wang Y, Wang R, Dong F, Li T, Chan WY, Chen ZJ, L G, Liu H, Chen X. Pathogenic TDRD12 variants cause defective piRNA pathway and male infertility in humans and mice. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00156-5. [PMID: 38960314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyou Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Renxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fan Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200000, China; CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gang L
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hongbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200000, China.
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Chatziparasidou A, Kyrgiafini MA, Sarafidou T, Moutou KA, Mamuris Z. Genetic Insights into Azoospermia and Severe Oligozoospermia: Discovering Seven SNPs through GWAS and In Silico Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6522-6532. [PMID: 39057031 PMCID: PMC11276099 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia represent the most extreme forms of male infertility. Despite their prevalence, the genetic foundations of these conditions are not well understood, with only a limited number of genetic factors identified so far. This study aimed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to both azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 280 Greek males with normal semen parameters and 85 Greek males diagnosed with either azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Following rigorous quality control measures, our analysis identified seven SNPs associated with azoospermia/severe oligozoospermia. An in silico functional annotation was subsequently used to further investigate their role. These SNPs, found in regions not previously associated with male reproductive disorders, suggest novel genetic pathways that may contribute to these forms of infertility and pave the way for future studies. Additionally, this study sheds light on the significant role of noncoding RNAs in the pathogenesis of male infertility, with three of the identified SNPs situated in long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs). Our findings highlight the intricate genetic landscape of azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia, underlining the necessity for more detailed studies to fully grasp the underlying mechanisms and their potential for informing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Chatziparasidou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Embryolab IVF Unit, St. 173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos, Kalamaria, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Theologia Sarafidou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Katerina A. Moutou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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49
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Crafa A, Cannarella R, Calogero AE, Gunes S, Agarwal A. Behind the Genetics: The Role of Epigenetics in Infertility-Related Testicular Dysfunction. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:803. [PMID: 39063558 PMCID: PMC11277947 DOI: 10.3390/life14070803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, we have witnessed a progressive decline in male fertility. This is partly related to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., obesity and diabetes mellitus) and risky lifestyle behaviors. These conditions alter male fertility through various non-genetic mechanisms. However, there is increasing evidence that they are also capable of causing sperm epigenetic alterations, which, in turn, can cause infertility. Furthermore, these modifications could be transmitted to offspring, altering their general and reproductive health. Therefore, these epigenetic modifications could represent one of the causes of the progressive decline in sperm count recorded in recent decades. This review focuses on highlighting epigenetic modifications at the sperm level induced by non-genetic causes of infertility. In detail, the effects on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression profiles of non-coding RNAs are evaluated. Finally, a focus on the risk of transgenerational inheritance is presented. Our narrative review aims to demonstrate how certain conditions can alter gene expression, potentially leading to the transmission of anomalies to future generations. It emphasizes the importance of the early detection and treatment of reversible conditions (such as obesity and varicocele) and the modification of risky lifestyle behaviors. Addressing these issues is crucial for individual health, in preserving fertility, and in ensuring the well-being of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (R.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55280 Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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50
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Pasquini M, Chiani F, Gambadoro A, Di Pietro C, Paoletti R, Orsini T, Putti S, Scavizzi F, La Sala G, Ermakova O. The Odad3 Gene Is Necessary for Spermatozoa Development and Male Fertility in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:1053. [PMID: 38920681 PMCID: PMC11201558 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121053] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Odad3 gene loss-of-function mutation leads to Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), a disease caused by motile cilia dysfunction. Previously, we demonstrated that knockout of the Odad3 gene in mice replicates several features of PCD, such as hydrocephalus, defects in left-right body symmetry, and male infertility, with a complete absence of sperm in the reproductive tract. The majority of Odad3 knockout animals die before sexual maturation due to severe hydrocephalus and failure to thrive, which precludes fertility studies. Here, we performed the expression analysis of the Odad3 gene during gonad development and in adult testes. We showed that Odad3 starts its expression during the first wave of spermatogenesis, specifically at the meiotic stage, and that its expression is restricted to the germ cells in the adult testes, suggesting that Odad3 plays a role in spermatozoa formation. Subsequently, we conditionally deleted the Odad3 gene in adult males and demonstrated that even partial ablation of the Odad3 gene leads to asthenoteratozoospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) in mice. The analysis of the seminiferous tubules in Odad3-deficient mice revealed defects in spermatogenesis with accumulation of seminiferous tubules at the spermiogenesis and spermiation phases. Furthermore, analysis of fertility in heterozygous Odad3+/- knockout mice revealed a reduction in sperm count and motility as well as abnormal sperm morphology. Additionally, Odad3+/- males exhibited a shorter fertile lifespan. Overall, these results suggest the important role of Odad3 and Odad3 gene dosage in male fertility. These findings may have an impact on the genetic and fertility counseling practice of PCD patients carrying Odad3 loss-of-function mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pasquini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Alessia Gambadoro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Renata Paoletti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Sabrina Putti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Scavizzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Olga Ermakova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (M.P.); (F.C.); (A.G.); (C.D.P.); (R.P.); (T.O.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA), INFRAFRONTIER, Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
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