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Du L, Chen W, Zhang D, Cui Y, He Z. The functions and mechanisms of piRNAs in mediating mammalian spermatogenesis and their applications in reproductive medicine. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:379. [PMID: 39222270 PMCID: PMC11369131 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05399-6] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
As the most abundant small RNAs, piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been identified as a new class of non-coding RNAs with 24-32 nucleotides in length, and they are expressed at high levels in male germ cells. PiRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of several biological processes, including cell differentiation, development, and male reproduction. In this review, we focused on the functions and molecular mechanisms of piRNAs in controlling spermatogenesis, including genome stability, regulation of gene expression, and male germ cell development. The piRNA pathways include two major pathways, namely the pre-pachytene piRNA pathway and the pachytene piRNA pathway. In the pre-pachytene stage, piRNAs are involved in chromosome remodeling and gene expression regulation to maintain genome stability by inhibiting transposon activity. In the pachytene stage, piRNAs mediate the development of male germ cells via regulating gene expression by binding to mRNA and RNA cleavage. We further discussed the correlations between the abnormalities of piRNAs and male infertility and the prospective of piRNAs' applications in reproductive medicine and future studies. This review provides novel insights into mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenesis and offers new targets for diagnosing and treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Du
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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2
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Ishiguro KI. Mechanisms of meiosis initiation and meiotic prophase progression during spermatogenesis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101282. [PMID: 38797021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101282] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is a critical step for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Meiosis commences with pre-meiotic S phase that is subsequently followed by meiotic prophase. The meiotic prophase is characterized by the meiosis-specific chromosomal events such as chromosome recombination and homolog synapsis. Meiosis initiator (MEIOSIN) and stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) initiate meiosis by activating the meiotic genes by installing the meiotic prophase program at pre-meiotic S phase. This review highlights the mechanisms of meiotic initiation and meiotic prophase progression from the point of the gene expression program and its relevance to infertility. Furthermore, upstream pathways that regulate meiotic initiation will be discussed in the context of spermatogenic development, indicating the sexual differences in the mode of meiotic entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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3
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Yoshimura S, Shimada R, Kikuchi K, Kawagoe S, Abe H, Iisaka S, Fujimura S, Yasunaga KI, Usuki S, Tani N, Ohba T, Kondoh E, Saio T, Araki K, Ishiguro KI. Atypical heat shock transcription factor HSF5 is critical for male meiotic prophase under non-stress conditions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3330. [PMID: 38684656 PMCID: PMC11059408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiotic prophase progression is differently regulated in males and females. In males, pachytene transition during meiotic prophase is accompanied by robust alteration in gene expression. However, how gene expression is regulated differently to ensure meiotic prophase completion in males remains elusive. Herein, we identify HSF5 as a male germ cell-specific heat shock transcription factor (HSF) for meiotic prophase progression. Genetic analyzes and single-cell RNA-sequencing demonstrate that HSF5 is essential for progression beyond the pachytene stage under non-stress conditions rather than heat stress. Chromatin binding analysis in vivo and DNA-binding assays in vitro suggest that HSF5 binds to promoters in a subset of genes associated with chromatin organization. HSF5 recognizes a DNA motif different from typical heat shock elements recognized by other canonical HSFs. This study suggests that HSF5 is an atypical HSF that is required for the gene expression program for pachytene transition during meiotic prophase in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Yoshimura
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Koji Kikuchi
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Soichiro Kawagoe
- Division of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Hironori Abe
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sakie Iisaka
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sayoko Fujimura
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Yasunaga
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Naoki Tani
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Tomohide Saio
- Division of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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4
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Gao J, Qin Y, Schimenti JC. Gene regulation during meiosis. Trends Genet 2024; 40:326-336. [PMID: 38177041 PMCID: PMC11003842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.12.006] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for gamete production in all sexually reproducing organisms. It entails two successive cell divisions without DNA replication, producing haploid cells from diploid ones. This process involves complex morphological and molecular differentiation that varies across species and between sexes. Specialized genomic events like meiotic recombination and chromosome segregation are tightly regulated, including preparation for post-meiotic development. Research in model organisms, notably yeast, has shed light on the genetic and molecular aspects of meiosis and its regulation. Although mammalian meiosis research faces challenges, particularly in replicating gametogenesis in vitro, advances in genetic and genomic technologies are providing mechanistic insights. Here we review the genetics and molecular biology of meiotic gene expression control, focusing on mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gao
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yiwen Qin
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John C Schimenti
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Schumacher S, Klose L, Lambertz J, Lütjohann D, Biemann R, Kuerten S, Fester L. The mitochondrial protease PARL is required for spermatogenesis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:44. [PMID: 38182793 PMCID: PMC10770312 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05703-3] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial function plays an important role in the maintenance of male fertility. However, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial defect-related infertility remain mostly unclear. Here we show that a deficiency of PARL (Parl-/-), a mitochondrial protease, causes complete arrest of spermatogenesis during meiosis I. PARL deficiency led to severe downregulation of proteins of respiratory chain complex IV in testes that did not occur in other tested organs, causing a deficit in complex IV activity and ATP production. Furthermore, Parl-/- testes showed an almost complete loss of HSD17B3, a protein of the sER responsible for the last step in testosterone synthesis. While testosterone production appeared to be restored by overexpression of HSD17B12, loss of the canonical testosterone synthesis led to an upregulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and of LH-regulated responses. These results suggest an important impact of the downstream regulation of mitochondrial defects that manifest in a cell-type-specific manner and extend beyond mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schumacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Laura Klose
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica Lambertz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kuerten
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars Fester
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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6
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Key J, Gispert S, Koornneef L, Sleddens-Linkels E, Kohli A, Torres-Odio S, Koepf G, Amr S, Reichlmeir M, Harter PN, West AP, Münch C, Baarends WM, Auburger G. CLPP Depletion Causes Diplotene Arrest; Underlying Testis Mitochondrial Dysfunction Occurs with Accumulation of Perrault Proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2. Cells 2022; 12:52. [PMID: 36611846 PMCID: PMC9818230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Perrault syndrome (PRLTS) is autosomal, recessively inherited, and characterized by ovarian insufficiency with hearing loss. Among the genetic causes are mutations of matrix peptidase CLPP, which trigger additional azoospermia. Here, we analyzed the impact of CLPP deficiency on male mouse meiosis stages. Histology, immunocytology, different OMICS and biochemical approaches, and RT-qPCR were employed in CLPP-null mouse testis. Meiotic chromosome pairing and synapsis proceeded normally. However, the foci number of the crossover marker MLH1 was slightly reduced, and foci persisted in diplotene, most likely due to premature desynapsis, associated with an accumulation of the DNA damage marker γH2AX. No meiotic M-phase cells were detected. Proteome profiles identified strong deficits of proteins involved in male meiotic prophase (HSPA2, SHCBP1L, DMRT7, and HSF5), versus an accumulation of AURKAIP1. Histone H3 cleavage, mtDNA extrusion, and cGAMP increase suggested innate immunity activation. However, the deletion of downstream STING/IFNAR failed to alleviate pathology. As markers of underlying mitochondrial pathology, we observed an accumulation of PRLTS proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2. We propose that the loss of CLPP leads to the extrusion of mitochondrial nucleotide-binding proteins to cytosol and nucleus, affecting late meiotic prophase progression, and causing cell death prior to M-phase entry. This phenotype is more severe than in mito-mice or mutator-mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Key
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lieke Koornneef
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Sleddens-Linkels
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aneesha Kohli
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sylvia Torres-Odio
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Gabriele Koepf
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shady Amr
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marina Reichlmeir
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N. Harter
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger-Institute), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Strasse 7, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andrew Phillip West
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Christian Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Willy M. Baarends
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Yu T, Biasini A, Cecchini K, Saflund M, Mou H, Arif A, Eghbali A, de Rooij D, Weng Z, Zamore PD, Ozata DM. A-MYB/TCFL5 regulatory architecture ensures the production of pachytene piRNAs in placental mammals. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 29:rna.079472.122. [PMID: 36241367 PMCID: PMC9808571 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079472.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In male mice, the transcription factor A MYB initiates the transcription of pachytene piRNA genes during meiosis. Here, we report that A MYB activates the transcription factor Tcfl5 produced in pachytene spermatocytes. Subsequently, A MYB and TCFL5 reciprocally reinforce their own transcription to establish a positive feedback circuit that triggers pachytene piRNA production. TCFL5 regulates the expression of genes required for piRNA maturation and promotes transcription of evolutionarily young pachytene piRNA genes, whereas A-MYB activates the transcription of older pachytene piRNA genes. Intriguingly, pachytene piRNAs from TCFL5-dependent young loci initiates the production of piRNAs from A-MYB-dependent older loci ensuring the self-propagation of pachytene piRNAs. A MYB and TCFL5 act via a set of incoherent feedforward loops that drive regulation of gene expression by pachytene piRNAs during spermatogenesis. This regulatory architecture is conserved in rhesus macaque, suggesting that it was present in the last common ancestor of placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amena Arif
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
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