1
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Cao H, Li L, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu X, Yang F, Dong W. The multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function: From spermatogenesis to fertilization. Theriogenology 2024; 214:98-106. [PMID: 37865020 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.019] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body. In recent years, studies have revealed its significant role in male reproduction, particularly in sperm function. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function, from spermatogenesis to fertilization. We discuss the impact of extracellular ATP on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-egg fusion, highlighting the complex regulatory mechanisms and potential clinical applications in the context of male infertility. By examining the latest research, we emphasize the crucial role of extracellular ATP in sperm function and propose future research directions to further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xianglin Liu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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2
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Huang Q, Man Y, Li W, Zhou Q, Yuan S, Yap YT, Nayak N, Zhang L, Song S, Dunbar J, Leff T, Yang X, Zhang Z. Inactivation of Cops5 in Smooth Muscle Cells Causes Abnormal Reproductive Hormone Homeostasis and Development in Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad062. [PMID: 37067025 PMCID: PMC10164660 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad062] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
COP9 constitutive photomorphogenic homolog subunit 5 (COPS5), also known as Jab1 or CSN5, has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular and developmental processes. By analyzing male germ cell-specific COPS5-deficient mice, we have demonstrated previously that COPS5 is essential to maintain male germ survival and acrosome biogenesis. To further determine the role of Cops5 in peritubular myoid cells, a smooth muscle lineage surrounding seminiferous tubules, we herein derived mice conditionally deficient for the Cops5 gene in smooth muscle cells using transgenic Myh11-Cre mice. Although these conditional Cops5-deficient mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratio and appeared to be normal within the first week after birth, the homozygous mice started to show growth retardation after 1 week. These mice also exhibited a variety of developmental and reproductive disorders, including failure of development of reproductive organs in both males and females, spermatogenesis defects, and impaired skeletal development and immune functions. Furthermore, conditional Cops5-deficient mice revealed dramatic impairment of the endocrine system associated with testicular functions, including a marked reduction in serum levels of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose, but not vasopressin. All homozygous mice died before age 67 days in the study. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that Cops5 in smooth muscle lineage plays an essential role in postnatal development and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yonghong Man
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Neha Nayak
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Shizheng Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Joseph Dunbar
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Todd Leff
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
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3
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Wegner S, Workman T, Park JJ, Harris S, Wallace J, Stanaway I, Hong S, Hansen B, Griffith WC, Faustman EM. A Dynamic In vitro developing testis model reflects structures and functions of testicular development in vivo. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 118:108362. [PMID: 37011698 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
To better define appropriate applications of our 3-dimensional testicular co-culture as a model for reproductive toxicology, we evaluated the ability of the model to capture structural and functional elements that can be targeted by reproductive toxicants. Testicular co-cultures were prepared from postnatal day 5 male rats and cultured with a Matrigel overlay. Following a 2-day acclimation period, we characterized functional pathway dynamics by evaluating morphology, protein expression, testosterone concentrations, and global gene expression at a range of timepoints from experimental days 0 to 21. Western blotting confirmed expression of Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, and spermatogonial cell-specific protein markers. Testosterone detected in cell culture media indicates active testosterone production. Quantitative pathway analysis identified Gene Ontology biological processes enriched among genes significantly changing over the course of 21 days. Processes enriched among genes significantly increasing through time include general developmental processes (morphogenesis, tissue remodeling, etc.), steroid regulation, Sertoli cell development, immune response, and stress and apoptosis. Processes enriched among genes significantly decreasing over time include several related to male reproductive development (seminiferous tubule development, male gonad development, Leydig cell differentiation, Sertoli cell differentiation), all of which appear to peak in expression between days 1 and 5 before decreasing at later timepoints. This analysis provides a temporal roadmap for specific biological process of interest for reproductive toxicology in the model and anchors the model to sensitive phases of in vivo development, helping to define the relevance of the model for in vivo processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Wegner
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomomi Workman
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie Juyoung Park
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean Harris
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Wallace
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ian Stanaway
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brad Hansen
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William C Griffith
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine M Faustman
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
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4
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Liebich A, Schmid N, Koupourtidou C, Herrmann C, Dietrich KG, Welter H, Ninkovic J, Mayerhofer A. The Molecular Signature of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223685. [PMID: 36429113 PMCID: PMC9688777 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells of the human testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. They are crucial for sperm transport, and they emerge as contributors to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. They are among the least known cell types of the human body. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing of cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), which had been isolated from testicular samples of donors with normal spermatogenesis. The significant overlap between our results and recently published ex vivo data indicates that HTPCs are a highly adequate cellular model to define and study these cells. Thus, based on the expression of several markers, HTPCs can be classified as testicular smooth muscle cells. Small differences between the in vivo/in vitro expressed genes may be due to cellular plasticity. Plasticity was also shown upon addition of FCS to the culture medium. Based on transcriptome similarities, four cellular states were identified. Further analyses confirmed the presence of known stem cell niche-relevant factors (e.g., GDNF) and identified unknown functions, e.g., the ability to produce retinoic acid. Therefore, HTPCs allow us to define the signature(s) and delineate the functions of human testicular peritubular cells. The data may also serve as a resource for future studies to better understand male (in)fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Liebich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-75859
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5
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Stepanov YK, Speidel JD, Herrmann C, Schmid N, Behr R, Köhn FM, Stöckl JB, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Profound Effects of Dexamethasone on the Immunological State, Synthesis and Secretion Capacity of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193164. [PMID: 36231125 PMCID: PMC9562650 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), forming a small compartment located between the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial areas of the testis, are not fully known but go beyond intratesticular sperm transport and include immunological roles. The expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) indicates that they may be regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs). Herein, we studied the consequences of the GC dexamethasone (Dex) in cultured HTPCs, which serves as a unique window into the human testis. We examined changes in cytokines, mainly by qPCR and ELISA. A holistic mass-spectrometry-based proteome analysis of cellular and secreted proteins was also performed. Dex, used in a therapeutic concentration, decreased the transcript level of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL6, IL8 and MCP1. An siRNA-mediated knockdown of GR reduced the actions on IL6. Changes in IL6 were confirmed by ELISA measurements. Of note, Dex also lowered GR levels. The proteomic results revealed strong responses after 24 h (31 significantly altered cellular proteins) and more pronounced ones after 72 h of Dex exposure (30 less abundant and 42 more abundant cellular proteins). Dex also altered the composition of the secretome (33 proteins decreased, 13 increased) after 72 h. Among the regulated proteins were extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane components (e.g., FBLN2, COL1A2 and COL3A1), as well as PTX3 and StAR. These results pinpoint novel, profound effects of Dex in HTPCs. If transferrable to the human testis, changes specifically in ECM and the immunological state of the testis may occur in men upon treatment with Dex for medical reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Dominik Speidel
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
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6
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Maynard JP, Sfanos KS. P2 purinergic receptor dysregulation in urologic disease. Purinergic Signal 2022; 18:267-287. [PMID: 35687210 PMCID: PMC9184359 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-022-09875-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
P2 purinergic receptors are involved in the normal function of the kidney, bladder, and prostate via signaling that occurs in response to extracellular nucleotides. Dysregulation of these receptors is common in pathological states and often associated with disease initiation, progression, or aggressiveness. Indeed, P2 purinergic receptor expression is altered across multiple urologic disorders including chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, interstitial cystitis, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. P2 purinergic receptors are likewise indirectly associated with these disorders via receptor-mediated inflammation and pain, a common characteristic across most urologic disorders. Furthermore, select P2 purinergic receptors are overexpressed in urologic cancer including renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma, and pre-clinical studies depict P2 purinergic receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we highlight the compelling evidence for the exploration of P2 purinergic receptors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in urologic cancers and other urologic disease. Likewise, there is currently optimism for P2 purinergic receptor-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with urologic diseases. Further exploration of the common pathways linking P2 purinergic receptor dysregulation to urologic disease might ultimately help in gaining new mechanistic insight into disease processes and therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janielle P Maynard
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Karen S Sfanos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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7
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Zhang X, Zhang Q, Shan Y, Xiao J, Cheng J, Ye F, Sai Y. Transcriptomic investigation of the effects of TDCPP on PC12 and GC2 cells with experimental validation. Gene X 2022; 822:146349. [PMID: 35182677 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
TDCPP is a flame retardant which has nervous and reproductive toxicity. Although there is a close association between nervous and reproductive system, the exact toxic mechanism of TDCPP in these systems is still seldom, especially in a genome scale. In this study, we explored the transcriptomic landscape of TDCPP in PC12 and GC2 cells using RNAseq method. A total of 465 co-differential expressed genes were found. These genes were mainly enriched in extra-cellular matrix, cell adhesion, cell cycle arrest, oxidoreductase activity GO terms, and PI3K/AKT, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction KEGG pathways. Hub genes (ANXA1, COL27A1, GAS6, GNB4 and THBS1) were extracted using STRING and confirmed by qPCR experiment. Vimentin, HSPA5 and Caspase3 were proved to be responsible to TDCPP in GC2 and PC12 cells. Knockdown assay in PC12 cells showed that these hub genes could also affect the protein expression of vimentin, HSPA5 and Caspase3. In summary, TDCPP might exert its toxic effect through disturbing focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction and PI3K/Akt pathways. One of the mechanisms could be influence on the cytoskeleton (vimentin), ER stress (HSPA5) and apoptosis (Caspase3). The sequence data in this study might be a useful resource for future TDCPP related researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qifu Zhang
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yaohui Shan
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jingsong Xiao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yan Sai
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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8
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Nie X, Munyoki SK, Sukhwani M, Schmid N, Missel A, Emery BR, DonorConnect, Stukenborg JB, Mayerhofer A, Orwig KE, Aston KI, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR, Guo J. Single-cell analysis of human testis aging and correlation with elevated body mass index. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1160-1176.e5. [PMID: 35504286 PMCID: PMC9090997 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Aging men display reduced reproductive health; however, testis aging is poorly understood at the molecular and genomic levels. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq to profile over 44,000 cells from both young and older men and examined age-related changes in germline development and in the testicular somatic cells. Age-related changes in spermatogonial stem cells appeared modest, whereas age-related dysregulation of spermatogenesis and somatic cells ranged from moderate to severe. Altered pathways included signaling and inflammation in multiple cell types, metabolic signaling in Sertoli cells, hedgehog signaling and testosterone production in Leydig cells, cell death and growth in testicular peritubular cells, and possible developmental regression in both Leydig and peritubular cells. Remarkably, the extent of dysregulation correlated with body mass index in older but not in younger men. Collectively, we reveal candidate molecular mechanisms underlying the complex testicular changes conferred by aging and their possible exacerbation by concurrent chronic conditions such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Annika Missel
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Emery
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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9
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Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as the essential source of cellular energy. Over the last two decades, however, ATP has also attracted increasing interest as an extracellular signal that activates purinergic plasma membrane receptors of the P2 family. P2 receptors are divided into two types: ATP-gated nonselective cation channels (P2X) and G protein-coupled receptors (P2Y), the latter being activated by a broad range of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, UTP, and UDP, among others). Purinergic signaling mechanisms are involved in numerous physiological events and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we address the growing body of evidence implicating purinergic signaling in male reproductive system functions. The life-long generation of fertile male germ cells is a highly complex, yet mechanistically poorly understood process. Given the relatively sparse innervation of the testis, spermatogenesis relies on both endocrine control and multi-directional paracrine communication. Therefore, a detailed understanding of such paracrine messengers, including ATP, is crucial to gain mechanistic insight into male reproduction..
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mundt
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Nadine Mundt,
| | - Lina Kenzler
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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10
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Belardin LB, Brochu K, Légaré C, Battistone MA, Breton S. Purinergic signaling in the male reproductive tract. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1049511. [PMID: 36419764 PMCID: PMC9676935 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1049511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body and they participate in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of cell function during normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Extracellular nucleotides activate several types of plasma membrane purinergic receptors that form three distinct families: P1 receptors are activated by adenosine, P2X receptors are activated by ATP, and P2Y receptors are activated by nucleotides including ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, and UDP-glucose. These specific pharmacological fingerprints and the distinct intracellular signaling pathways they trigger govern a large variety of cellular responses in an organ-specific manner. As such, purinergic signaling regulates several physiological cell functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation and death, smooth muscle contraction, vasodilatation, and transepithelial transport of water, solute, and protons, as well as pathological pathways such as inflammation. While purinergic signaling was first discovered more than 90 years ago, we are just starting to understand how deleterious signals mediated through purinergic receptors may be involved in male infertility. A large fraction of male infertility remains unexplained illustrating our poor understanding of male reproductive health. Purinergic signaling plays a variety of physiological and pathophysiological roles in the male reproductive system, but our knowledge in this context remains limited. This review focuses on the distribution of purinergic receptors in the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens, and their role in the establishment and maintenance of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kéliane Brochu
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria Agustina Battistone
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Breton,
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11
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Atli MO, Hitit M, Özbek M, Köse M, Bozkaya F. Cell-Specific Expression Pattern of Toll-Like Receptors and Their Roles in Animal Reproduction. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 276:65-93. [PMID: 35434748 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_584] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a part of the innate immune system, have critical roles in protection against infections and involve in basic pathology and physiology. Secreted molecules from the body or pathogens could be a ligand for induction of the TLR system. There are many immune and non-immune types of cells that express at a least single TLR on their surface or cytoplasm. Those cells may be a player in a defense system or in the physiological regulation mechanisms. Reproductive tract and organs contain different types of cells that have essential functions such as hormone production, providing an environment for embryo/fetus, germ cell production, etc. Although lower parts of reproductive organs are in a relationship with outsider contaminants (bacteria, viruses, etc.), upper parts should be sterile to provide a healthy pregnancy and germ cell production. In those areas, TLRs bear controller or regulator roles. In this chapter, we will provide current information about physiological functions of TLR in the cells of the reproductive organs and tract, and especially about their roles in follicle selection, maturation, follicular atresia, ovulation, corpus luteum (CL) formation and regression, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, sperm production, maturation, capacitation as well as the relationship between TLR polymorphism and reproduction in domestic animals. We will also discuss pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)-induced TLRs that involve in reproductive inflammation/pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Köse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Faruk Bozkaya
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanlıurfa, Turkey
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12
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Zhang L, Zhao X, Wang W. lncRNA and mRNA sequencing of the left testis in experimental varicocele rats treated with Morinda officinalis polysaccharide. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1136. [PMID: 34466146 PMCID: PMC8383328 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system. Morinda (M.) officinalis is a Chinese herbal medicine, whose main bioactive component M. officinalis polysaccharide (MOP) is believed to have a therapeutic effect on varicocele; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect are poorly understood. In the present study, 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups: i) Control group; ii) experimental varicocele group; and iii) 300 mg/kg MOP administration group. Analysis of mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in rat left testicular tissue was performed. The results suggested that a total of 144 mRNAs and 63 lncRNAs, 63 mRNAs and 148 lncRNAs, and 173 mRNAs and 54 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the varicocele non-treatment and control groups, the varicocele treatment and varicocele non-treatment groups, and the varicocele treatment and control groups, respectively. Following validation by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, the Yip1 domain family member 7 (YIPF7) gene was identified as a key mediator of varicocele pathogenesis and repair effect of MOP. Additionally, genes such as purinergic receptor P2X 4 (P2RX4), transmembrane protein 225B (TMEM255B) and Wnt family member 9B (WNT9B) were confirmed to be differentially expressed between the varicocele non-treatment and control groups. We hypothesize that TMEM255B could be a potential novel diagnostic biomarker for varicocele; WNT9B and P2RX4 likely play notable roles in the pathophysiology of the disease through the Wnt signaling pathway and regulation of transmembrane ion channels, respectively. In summary, the present study delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying varicocele pathogenesis and the therapeutic effect of MOP, identified a potential novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for varicocele, and provided feasible directions for further studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
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13
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Missel A, Walenta L, Eubler K, Mundt N, Heikelä H, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Popper B, Poutanen M, Strauss L, Köhn FM, Kunz L, Spehr M, Mayerhofer A. Testicular adenosine acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule: role of testicular peritubular cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6276438. [PMID: 33993290 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular ATP has been described to be involved in inflammatory cytokine production by human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs). The ectonucleotidases ENTPD1 and NT5E degrade ATP and have been reported in rodent testicular peritubular cells. We hypothesized that if a similar situation exists in human testis, ATP metabolites may contribute to cytokine production. Indeed, ENTPD1 and NT5E were found in situ and in vitro in HTPCs. Malachite green assays confirmed enzyme activities in HTPCs. Pharmacological inhibition of ENTPD1 (by POM-1) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines evoked by ATP treatment, suggesting that metabolites of ATP, including adenosine, are likely involved. We focused on adenosine and detected three of the four known adenosine receptors in HTPCs. One, A2B, was also found in situ in peritubular cells of human testicular sections. The A2B agonist BAY60-6583 significantly elevated levels of IL6 and CXCL8, a result also obtained with adenosine and its analogue NECA. Results of siRNA-mediated A2B down-regulation support a role of this receptor. In mouse peritubular cells, in contrast to HTPCs, all four of the known adenosine receptors were detected; when challenged with adenosine, cytokine expression levels significantly increased. Organotypic short-term testis cultures yielded comparable results and indicate an overall pro-inflammatory action of adenosine in the mouse testis. If transferable to the in vivo situation, our results may implicate that interference with the generation of ATP metabolites or interference with adenosine receptors could reduce inflammatory events in the testis. These novel insights may provide new avenues for treatment of sterile inflammation in male subfertility and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Missel
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Eubler
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nadine Mundt
- Institute of Biology II/Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416, MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hanna Heikelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Bastian Popper
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Core Facility Animal Models, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Lars Kunz
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Institute of Biology II/Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416, MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
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14
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Fleck D, Kenzler L, Mundt N, Strauch M, Uesaka N, Moosmann R, Bruentgens F, Missel A, Mayerhofer A, Merhof D, Spehr J, Spehr M. ATP activation of peritubular cells drives testicular sperm transport. eLife 2021; 10:e62885. [PMID: 33502316 PMCID: PMC7840184 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, the complex process of male germ cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, is the basis of male fertility. In the seminiferous tubules of the testes, spermatozoa are constantly generated from spermatogonial stem cells through a stereotyped sequence of mitotic and meiotic divisions. The basic physiological principles, however, that control both maturation and luminal transport of the still immotile spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules remain poorly, if at all, defined. Here, we show that coordinated contractions of smooth muscle-like testicular peritubular cells provide the propulsive force for luminal sperm transport toward the rete testis. Using a mouse model for in vivo imaging, we describe and quantify spontaneous tubular contractions and show a causal relationship between peritubular Ca2+ waves and peristaltic transport. Moreover, we identify P2 receptor-dependent purinergic signaling pathways as physiological triggers of tubular contractions both in vitro and in vivo. When challenged with extracellular ATP, transport of luminal content inside the seminiferous tubules displays stage-dependent directionality. We thus suggest that paracrine purinergic signaling coordinates peristaltic recurrent contractions of the mouse seminiferous tubules to propel immotile spermatozoa to the rete testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fleck
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Lina Kenzler
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Nadine Mundt
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Martin Strauch
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Naofumi Uesaka
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Department of Cognitive Neurobiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Robert Moosmann
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Felicitas Bruentgens
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Annika Missel
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenPlanegg-MartinsriedGermany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenPlanegg-MartinsriedGermany
| | - Dorit Merhof
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Jennifer Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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15
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Neto FTL, Flannigan R, Goldstein M. Regulation of Human Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:255-286. [PMID: 34453741 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis (HS) is an intricate network of sequential processes responsible for the production of the male gamete, the spermatozoon. These processes take place in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of the testis, which are small tubular structures considered the functional units of the testes. Each human testicle contains approximately 600-1200 STs [1], and are capable of producing up to 275 million spermatozoa per day [2].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Stöckl JB, Schmid N, Flenkenthaler F, Drummer C, Behr R, Mayerhofer A, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T. Proteomic Insights into Senescence of Testicular Peritubular Cells from a Nonhuman Primate Model. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112498. [PMID: 33213088 PMCID: PMC7698562 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related changes in the human testis may include morphological alterations, disturbed steroidogenesis, and impaired spermatogenesis. However, the specific impact of cell age remains poorly understood and difficult to assess. Testicular peritubular cells fulfill essential functions, including sperm transport, contributions to the spermatogonial stem cell niche, and paracrine interactions within the testis. To study their role in age-associated decline of testicular functions, we performed comprehensive proteome and secretome analyses of repeatedly passaged peritubular cells from Callithrix jacchus. This nonhuman primate model better reflects the human testicular biology than rodents and further gives access to young donors unavailable from humans. Among 5095 identified proteins, 583 were differentially abundant between samples with low and high passage numbers. The alterations indicate a reduced ability of senescent peritubular cells to contract and secrete proteins, as well as disturbances in nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling and a reduced capacity to handle reactive oxygen species. Since this in vitro model may not exactly mirror all molecular aspects of in vivo aging, we investigated the proteomes and secretomes of testicular peritubular cells from young and old donors. Even though the age-related alterations at the protein level were less pronounced, we found evidence for impaired protein secretion, altered NF-κB signaling, and reduced contractility of these in vivo aged peritubular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan B. Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Nina Schmid
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III—Cell Biology, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (N.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Charis Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.D.); (R.B.)
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.D.); (R.B.)
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III—Cell Biology, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (N.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Georg J. Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: (G.J.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: (G.J.A.); (T.F.)
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17
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Palmitic Acid Targets Human Testicular Peritubular Cells and Causes a Pro-Inflammatory Response. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082655. [PMID: 32824411 PMCID: PMC7463762 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082655] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitic acid (PA) is a major fatty acid, derived from diet and endogenous production, which is being linked to inflammation. While such actions of PA at the level of the testis remain difficult to examine, we reasoned that studies in human testicular cells may be instructive. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from men and cultured. They have contractile properties but also produce Interleukin 6 (IL6), express the inflammasome member NLRP3, and via glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), they contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. We found that PA at 100 µM significantly increased the levels of IL6, while NLRP3 or the related Interleukin 1 beta (IL1beta) were not affected. The contractility marker calponin (CNN1) and the growth factor GDNF were likewise not affected. ELISA studies confirmed the stimulatory PA actions on IL6. Hence, PA derived from diet and/or endogenous sources may be able to foster a pro-inflammatory milieu in the testis. A possible link of these results to diet and high fat intake and obesity is indicated by the about 12-fold elevated testicular levels of IL6 in testes of obese rhesus monkeys (n = 3), fed with a Western Style diet. They had elevated 2–5-fold increased body fat and increased circulating triglyceride levels. Further consequences of PA and obesity for testicular functions remain to be evaluated.
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18
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Uchida A, Sakib S, Labit E, Abbasi S, Scott RW, Underhill TM, Biernaskie J, Dobrinski I. Development and function of smooth muscle cells is modulated by Hic1 in mouse testis. Development 2020; 147:dev.185884. [PMID: 32554530 DOI: 10.1242/dev.185884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testis, contractile peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) regulate the transport of sperm and luminal fluid, while secreting growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins to support the spermatogonial stem cell niche. However, little is known about the role of testicular smooth muscle cells during postnatal testicular development. Here we report age-dependent expression of hypermethylated in cancer 1 (Hic1; also known as ZBTB29) in testicular smooth muscle cells, including PMCs and vascular smooth muscle cells, in the mouse. Postnatal deletion of Hic1 in smooth muscle cells led to their increased proliferation and resulted in dilatation of seminiferous tubules, with increased numbers of PMCs. These seminiferous tubules contained fewer Sertoli cells and more spermatogonia, and fibronectin was not detected in their basement membrane. The expression levels of genes encoding smooth muscle contractile proteins, Acta2 and Cnn1, were downregulated in the smooth muscle cells lacking Hic1, and the seminiferous tubules appeared to have reduced contractility. These data imply a role for Hic1 in determining the size of seminiferous tubules by regulating postnatal smooth muscle cell proliferation, subsequently affecting spermatogenesis in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Uchida
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Sadman Sakib
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sepideh Abbasi
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - R Wilder Scott
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - T Michael Underhill
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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19
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Gu X, Yang Y, Li T, Chen Z, Fu T, Pan J, Ou J, Yang Z. ATP mediates the interaction between human blastocyst and endometrium. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12737. [PMID: 31821660 PMCID: PMC7046473 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Embryo implantation needs a reciprocal interaction between competent embryo and receptive endometrium. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced by stressed or injured cells acts as an important signalling molecule. This study aims to investigate whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role in the dialogue of human blastocyst-endometrium. MATERIALS AND METHODS The concentration of lactate was analysed in culture medium from human embryos collected from in vitro fertilization patients. Extracellular ATP was measured by ATP Bioluminescent Assay Kit. Ishikawa cells and T-HESCs were treated with ATP, ATP receptor antagonist, ATP hydrolysis enzyme or inhibitors of ATP metabolic enzymes. The levels of gene expression were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunoassay. RESULTS We showed that injured human endometrial epithelial cells could rapidly release ATP into the extracellular environment as an important signalling molecule. In addition, blastocyst-derived lactate induces the release of non-lytic ATP from human endometrial receptive epithelial cells via connexins. Extracellular ATP stimulates the secretion of IL8 from epithelial cells to promote the process of in vitro decidualization. Extracellular ATP could also directly promote the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells via P2Y-purinoceptors. More importantly, the supernatants of injured epithelial cells clearly induce the decidualization of stromal cells in time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ATP should play an important role in human blastocyst-endometrium dialogue for the initiation of decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Wei Gu
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tao Li
- Center for Reproductive MedicineThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zi‐Cong Chen
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tao Fu
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ji‐Min Pan
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jian‐Ping Ou
- Center for Reproductive MedicineThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zeng‐Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
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20
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Schmid N, Flenkenthaler F, Stöckl JB, Dietrich KG, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Luckner M, Wanner G, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A. Insights into replicative senescence of human testicular peritubular cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15052. [PMID: 31636313 PMCID: PMC6803627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence for an age-related decline in male reproductive functions, yet how the human testis may age is not understood. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) transport sperm, contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche and immune surveillance, and can be isolated and studied in vitro. Consequences of replicative senescence of HTPCs were evaluated to gain partial insights into human testicular aging. To this end, early and advanced HTPC passages, in which replicative senescence was indicated by increased cell size, altered nuclear morphology, enhanced β-galactosidase activity, telomere attrition and reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were compared. These alterations are typical for senescent cells, in general. To examine HTPC-specific changes, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography was employed, which revealed a reduced mitochondrial network and an increased lysosome population. The results coincide with the data of a parallel proteomic analysis and indicate deranged proteostasis. The mRNA levels of typical contractility markers and growth factors, important for the SSC niche, were not significantly altered. A secretome analysis identified, however, elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), which may play a role in spermatogenesis. Testicular DPP4 may further represent a possible drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schmid
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- LMU München, Department Biology II, Division of Neurobiology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manja Luckner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wanner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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21
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Mayerhofer A. Peritubular cells of the human testis: prostaglandin E 2 and more. Andrology 2019; 8:898-902. [PMID: 31237067 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several layers of slender, smooth muscle-like, peritubular cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) form the peritubular compartment of the human testis. Peritubular cells are the least explored testicular cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from small testicular fragments of patients and studied in vitro. We have used this cellular model, in combination with human testicular samples, to examine how peritubular cells may contribute to male (in)fertility. RESULTS Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) retain contractile abilities in vitro and secrete many proteins. Among them are factors, which serve intra-testicular roles, for example, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), thought to be important for the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Studies in mutant mice indicated that peritubular cell-derived GDNF is crucial for lifelong spermatogenesis. Thus, peritubular cells are a functional part of the SSC niche. Peritubular cells of mice and men express androgen receptors (AR). In mouse peritubular cells, androgens enhanced GDNF production, but not in HTPCs. Rather, AR activation increased the levels of AR and smooth muscle proteins and thereby enhanced the smooth muscle-like phenotype. Following the lead of a proteomic analysis, which identified the key prostaglandin (PG)-synthesizing enzyme (PTGS1 = COX1), we found that HTPCs secrete PGE2 . COX1, and PGE2 receptors (EP1, 2, and 4) were identified in peritubular cells in situ, supporting in vivo relevance. In HTPCs, activation of EP1/4 increased GDNF and a smooth muscle protein. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which blocks PG synthesis. Added to HTPCs it reduced PGE2 and GDNF production and lowered smooth muscle protein levels. If applicable to the in vivo situation, the results suggest that ibuprofen and possibly other NSAIDs may impair important peritubular cell functions and consequently testicular functions. CONCLUSION The few examples highlighted, together with others not mentioned here, indicate that HTPCs provide an experimental window into the human testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology - Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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22
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Schmid N, Stöckl JB, Flenkenthaler F, Dietrich KG, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Drummer C, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Behr R, Mayerhofer A. Characterization of a non-human primate model for the study of testicular peritubular cells-comparison with human testicular peritubular cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:401-410. [PMID: 29846669 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are monkey testicular peritubular cells (MKTPCs) from the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) a suitable translational model for the study of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER MKTPCs can be isolated and propagated in vitro, retain characteristic markers for testicular peritubular cells and their proteome strongly (correlation coefficient of 0.78) overlaps with the proteome of HTPCs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Smooth-muscle-like peritubular cells form the wall of seminiferous tubules, transport sperm, are immunologically active, secrete a plethora of factors and may contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Mechanistic studies are hampered by heterogeneity of human samples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We established a culture method for MKTPCs and characterized these cells from six young adult animals (2-3 years). To examine whether they qualify as a translational model we also examined HTPCs from seven men and compared the proteomes of both groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used explant cultures to obtain MKTPCs, which express smooth muscle markers (calponin (CNN1), smooth muscle actin (ACTA2)), lack FSH-receptors (FSHR) and LH-receptors (LHCGR), but possess androgen receptors (AR). MKTPCs can be passaged at least up to eight times, without discernable phenotypic changes. Mass-spectrometry-based analyses of the MKTPC and HTPC proteomes were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We established a method for isolation and cultivation of MKTPCs, and provide a comprehensive analysis of their protein repertoire. The results let us conclude that MKTPCs are suitable as a non-human primate model to study peritubular cell functions. LARGE SCALE DATA List of identified proteins in MKTPCs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is accessible at the ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD009394). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro cellular non-human primate model used to provide a window into the role of these cells in the human testis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Previous studies with HTPCs from patients revealed a degree of heterogeneity, possibly due to age, lifestyle and medical history of the individual human donors. We anticipate that the new translational model, derived from young healthy non-human primates, may allow us to circumvent these issues and may lead to a better understanding of the role of peritubular cells. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETION OF INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (MA 1080/27-1; AR 362/9-1; BE 2296/8-1). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Schmid
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J B Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - K-G Dietrich
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J U Schwarzer
- Andrology Center, Lortzingstrasse 26, Munich, Germany
| | - F-M Köhn
- Andrologicum, Burgstrassse 7, Munich, Germany
| | - C Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - G J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - R Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
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23
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Mayerhofer A, Walenta L, Mayer C, Eubler K, Welter H. Human testicular peritubular cells, mast cells and testicular inflammation. Andrologia 2019; 50:e13055. [PMID: 30569646 DOI: 10.1111/and.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In man, the wall of seminiferous tubules forms a testicular compartment, which contains several layers of smooth muscle-like, "myoid", peritubular cells and extracellular matrix. Its architecture and its cellular composition change in male infertility associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Increased deposits of extracellular matrix, changes in the smooth muscle-like phenotype of peritubular cells and accumulation of immune cells, especially mast cells, are among the striking alterations. Taken together, the changes indicate that inflammatory events take place in particular within this compartment. This short review summarises recent studies, which pinpoint possible mechanisms of the interplay between peritubular cells and mast cells, which may contribute to sterile inflammation and impairments of testicular function. These insights are based mainly on cellular studies, for which we used isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), and on the examination of human testicular sections. Recent data on immunological properties of peritubular cells, unexpected roles of the extracellular matrix factor, biglycan, which is secreted by peritubular cells and functions of mast cell products (chymase, tryptase and ATP) are presented. We believe that the results may foster a better understanding of peritubular cells, their roles in the human testis and specifically their involvement in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mayerhofer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christine Mayer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Eubler
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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24
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Eubler K, Herrmann C, Tiefenbacher A, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Mayerhofer A. Ca 2+ Signaling and IL-8 Secretion in Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Involve the Cation Channel TRPV2. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092829. [PMID: 30235802 PMCID: PMC6165404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells are part of the wall of seminiferous tubules in the human testis and their contractile abilities are important for sperm transport. In addition, they have immunological roles. A proteomic analysis of isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) revealed expression of the transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2). This cation channel is linked to mechano-sensation and to immunological processes and inflammation in other organs. We verified expression of TRPV2 in peritubular cells in human sections by immunohistochemistry. It was also found in other testicular cells, including Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. In cultured HTPCs, application of cannabidiol (CBD), a known TRPV2 agonist, acutely induced a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These Ca2+ transients could be blocked both by ruthenium red, an unspecific Ca2+ channel blocker, and tranilast (TRA), an antagonist of TRPV2, and were also abolished when extracellular Ca2+ was removed. Taken together this indicates functional TRPV2 channels in peritubular cells. When applied for 24 to 48 h, CBD induced expression of proinflammatory factors. In particular, mRNA and secreted protein levels of the proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) were elevated. Via its known roles as a major mediator of the inflammatory response and as an angiogenic factor, this chemokine may play a role in testicular physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Eubler
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Astrid Tiefenbacher
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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25
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Walenta L, Schmid N, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Urbanski HF, Behr R, Strauss L, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. NLRP3 in somatic non-immune cells of rodent and primate testes. Reproduction 2018; 156:231-238. [PMID: 29907661 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NLRP3 is part of the NLRP3 inflammasome and a global sensor of cellular damage. It was recently discovered in rodent Sertoli cells. We investigated NLRP3 in mouse, human and non-human primate (marmoset and rhesus macaque) testes, employing immunohistochemistry. Sertoli cells of all species expressed NLRP3, and the expression preceded puberty. In addition, peritubular cells of the adult human testes expressed NLRP3. NLRP3 and associated genes (PYCARD, CASP1, IL1B) were also found in isolated human testicular peritubular cells and the mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Male infertility due to impairments of spermatogenesis may be related to sterile inflammatory events. We observed that the expression of NLRP3 was altered in the testes of patients suffering from mixed atrophy syndrome, in which tubules with impairments of spermatogenesis showed prominent NLRP3 staining. In order to explore a possible role of NLRP3 in male infertility, associated with sterile testicular inflammation, we studied a mouse model of male infertility. These human aromatase-expressing transgenic mice (AROM+) develop testicular inflammation and impaired spermatogenesis during aging, and the present data show that this is associated with strikingly elevated Nlrp3 expression in the testes compared to WT controls. Interference by aromatase inhibitor treatment significantly reduced increased Nlrp3 levels. Thus, throughout species NLRP3 is expressed by somatic cells of the testis, which are involved in testicular immune surveillance. We conclude that NLRP3 may be a novel player in testicular immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Walenta
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative DiseasesGerman Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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