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Dehghan Z, Darya G, Mehdinejadiani S, Derakhshanfar A. Comparison of two methods of sperm- and testis-mediated gene transfer in production of transgenic animals: A systematic review. Anim Genet 2024; 55:328-343. [PMID: 38361185 DOI: 10.1111/age.13404] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Transgenic (Tg) animal technology is one of the growing areas in biology. Various Tg technologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, are available for generating Tg animals. These include zygote microinjection, electroporation, viral infection, embryonic stem cell or spermatogonial stem cell-mediated production of Tg animals, sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT), and testis-mediated gene transfer (TMGT). However, there are currently no comprehensive studies comparing SMGT and TMGT methods, selecting appropriate gene delivery carriers (such as nanoparticles and liposomes), and determining the optimal route for gene delivery (SMGT and TMGT) for producing Tg animal. Here we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment comparing SMGT and TMGT methods, and to introduce the best carriers and gene transfer methods to sperm and testis to generate Tg animals in different species. From 2010 to 2022, 47 studies on SMGT and 25 studies on TMGT have been conducted. Mice and rats were the most commonly used species in SMGT and TMGT. Regarding the SMGT approach, nanoparticles, streptolysin-O, and virus packaging were found to be the best gene transfer methods for generating Tg mice. In the TMGT method, the best gene transfer methods for generating Tg mice and rats were virus packaging, dimethyl sulfoxide, electroporation, and liposome. Our study has shown that the efficiency of producing Tg animals varies depending on the species, gene carrier, and method of gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Dehghan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Darya
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Derakhshanfar
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Das A, Koner S, Majumdar SS, Ganguli N. Isolation and characterisation of promoters from mouse genome to drive post-meiotic germ cell-specific robust gene expression for functional genomics studies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:194994. [PMID: 37956710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The generation of spermatozoa from developing germ cells through mitotic and meiotic divisions is a highly regulated and complex process. Any defect in this process, may lead to subfertility/infertility. The role of different transcripts (mRNA/miRNA/lncRNA) in regulation of the pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis are being proposed based on various multiomics based approaches. Such differential gene-expression is regulated by promoter elements that are activated in a stage specific manner. To determine the role of these differentially expressed transcripts in the process of meiosis, a robust post-meiotic germ cell specific promoter is required. In the present study, we have isolated and characterized the expression of the mouse Proacrosin, SP10, and ELP promoters for driving post-meiotic germ cell specific gene-expression. Promoter regions of all these 3 genes were isolated and cloned to generate mammalian expression vector. The transgene expression in post-meiotic germ cells was assessed in mice using the testicular electroporation method in vitro as well as in vivo, using above promoters. It was also validated in goat seminiferous tubules, in vitro. We have also carried out a comparative analysis of the strength of these promoters to confirm their robustness that indicated Proacrosin to be the most robust promoter that can be useful for diving post-meiotic germ cells specific gene-expression. These promoters can be used to alter gene-expression specifically in post-meiotic germ cells for deciphering the role(s) of germ cell genes in spermatogenic progression or for expressing various genome editing tools for engineering the germ cell genome to understand basis of subfertility/infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Das
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Srimoyee Koner
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Adjunct Faculty, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
| | - Nirmalya Ganguli
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Adjunct Faculty, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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Gupta A, Vats A, Ghosal A, Mandal K, Sarkar R, Bhattacharya I, Das S, Pal R, Majumdar SS. Follicle-stimulating hormone-mediated decline in miR-92a-3p expression in pubertal mice Sertoli cells is crucial for germ cell differentiation and fertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:136. [PMID: 35181820 PMCID: PMC11072849 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04174-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (Sc) are the sole target of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testis and attain functional maturation post-birth to significantly augment germ cell (Gc) division and differentiation at puberty. Despite having an operational microRNA (miRNA) machinery, limited information is available on miRNA-mediated regulation of Sc maturation and male fertility. We have shown before that miR-92a-3p levels decline in pubertal rat Sc. In response to FSH treatment, the expressions of FSH Receptor, Claudin11 and Klf4 were found to be elevated in pubertal rat Sc coinciding with our finding of FSH-induced decline in miR-92a-3p levels. To investigate the association of miR-92a-3p and spermatogenesis, we generated transgenic mice where such pubertal decline of miR-92a-3p was prevented by its overexpression in pubertal Sc under proximal Rhox5 promoter, which is known to be activated specifically at puberty, in Sc. Our in vivo observations provided substantial evidence that FSH-induced decline in miR-92a-3p expression during Sc maturation acts as an essential prerequisite for the pubertal onset of spermatogenesis. Elevated expression of miR-92a-3p in post-pubertal testes results into functionally compromised Sc, leading to impairment of the blood-testis barrier formation and apoptosis of pre-meiotic Gc, ultimately culminating into infertility. Collectively, our data suggest that regulation of miR-92a-3p expression is crucial for Sc-mediated induction of active spermatogenesis at puberty and regulation of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Amandeep Vats
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anindita Ghosal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Kamal Mandal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Dept. of Zoology, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjeev Das
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi, 110067, India.
- Genes and Protein Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.
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Gupta A, Mandal K, Singh P, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Declining levels of miR-382-3p at puberty trigger the onset of spermatogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:192-207. [PMID: 34513304 PMCID: PMC8413679 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A major change in the transcriptome of testicular Sertoli cells (Scs) at the onset of puberty enables them to induce robust spermatogenesis. Through comprehensive literature mining, we generated a list of genes crucial for Sc functioning and computationally predicted the microRNAs regulating them. Differential expression analysis of microRNAs in infant and pubertal rat Scs showed that miR-382-3p levels decline significantly in pubertal Scs. Interestingly, miR-382-3p was found to regulate genes like Ar and Wt1, which are crucial for functional competence of Scs. We generated a transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which pubertal decline of miR-382-3p was prevented by its overexpression in pubertal Scs. Elevated miR-382-3p restricted the functional maturation of Scs at puberty, leading to infertility. Prevention of decline in miR-382-3p expression in pubertal Scs was responsible for defective blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation, severe testicular defects, low epididymal sperm counts and loss of fertility in these mice. This provided substantial evidence that decline in levels of miR-382-3p at puberty is the essential trigger for onset of robust spermatogenesis at puberty. Hence, sustained high levels of miR-382-3p in pubertal Scs could be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kamal Mandal
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Parminder Singh
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Subeer S. Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
- Genes and Protein Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Corresponding author: Subeer S. Majumdar, Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Pradhan BS, Bhattacharya I, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Pubertal down-regulation of Tetraspanin 8 in testicular Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 32687199 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The alarming decline in sperm count has become a global concern in the recent decades. The division and differentiation of male germ cells (Gc) into sperm are governed by Sertoli cells (Sc) upon their functional maturation during puberty. However, the roles of genes regulating pubertal maturation of Sc have not been fully determined. We have observed that Tetraspanin 8 (Tspan8) is down-regulated in Sc during puberty in rats. However, there has been no in vivo evidence for a causal link between the down-regulation of Tspan8 expression and the onset of spermatogenesis as yet. To investigate this, we generated a novel transgenic (Tg) rat, in which the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 was prevented specifically in Sc from puberty up to adulthood. Adult Tg male rats showed around 98% reduction in sperm count despite having a similar level of serum testosterone (T) as the controls. Functional maturation of Sc was impaired as indicated by elevated levels of Amh and low levels of Kitlg and Claudin11 transcripts. The integrity of the blood testis barrier was compromised due to poor expression of Gja1 and Gc apoptosis was discernible. This effect was due to a significant rise in both Mmp7 and phospho P38 MAPK in Tg rat testis. Taken together, we demonstrated that the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 in Sc during puberty is a prerequisite for establishing male fertility. This study divulges one of the aetiologies of certain forms of idiopathic male infertility where somatic cell defect, but not hormonal deficiency, is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Department of Zoology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Miyapur, Hyderabad 500049, Telengana, India
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Tiwari R, Ganguli N, Alam H, Sahu I, Vadivel CK, Sinha S, Patel S, Jamghare SN, Bane S, Thorat R, Majumdar SS, Vaidya MM. Generation of a tissue-specific transgenic model for K8 phosphomutants: A tool to investigate the role of K8 phosphorylation during skin carcinogenesis in vivo. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1720-1732. [PMID: 33847415 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Keratin 8/18, the predominant keratin pair of simple epithelia, is known to be aberrantly expressed in several squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), where its expression is often correlated with increased invasion, neoplastic progression, and poor prognosis. The majority of keratin 8/18 structural and regulatory functions are governed by posttranslational modifications, particularly phosphorylation. Apart from filament reorganization, cellular processes including cell cycle, cell growth, cellular stress, and apoptosis are known to be orchestrated by K8 phosphorylation at specific residues in the head and tail domains. Even though deregulation of K8 phosphorylation at two significant sites (Serine73 /Serine431 ) has been implicated in neoplastic progression of SCCs by various in vitro studies, including ours, it is reported to be highly context-dependent. Therefore, to delineate the precise role of Kereatin 8 phosphorylation in cancer initiation and progression, we have developed the tissue-specific transgenic mouse model expressing Keratin 8 wild type and phosphodead mutants under Keratin 14 promoter. Subjecting these mice to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-mediated skin carcinogenesis revealed that Keratin 8 phosphorylation may lead to an early onset of tumors compared to Keratin 8 wild-type expressing mice. Conclusively, the transgenic mouse model developed in the present study ascertained a positive impact of Keratin 8 phosphorylation on the neoplastic transformation of skin-squamous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Tiwari
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Hunain Alam
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Indrajit Sahu
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | | | - Shruti Sinha
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Shweta Patel
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Sayli Nitin Jamghare
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Sanjay Bane
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India
| | | | | | - Milind M Vaidya
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research, and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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Sarkar RK, Sen Sharma S, Mandal K, Wadhwa N, Kunj N, Gupta A, Pal R, Rai U, Majumdar SS. Homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is crucial to Sertoli cell mediated regulation of male fertility. Andrology 2020; 9:689-699. [PMID: 33145986 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility has become a global phenomenon and constantly declining sperm count in males in modern world pose a major threat to procreation of humans. Male fertility is critically dependent on proper functioning of testicular Sertoli cells. Defective Sertoli cell proliferation and/or impaired functional maturation may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility. Using high-throughput "omics" approach, we found binding sites for homeobox transcription factor MEIS1 on the promoters of several genes up-regulated in pubertal (mature) Sertoli cells, indicating that MEIS1 may be crucial for Sertoli cell-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis at and after puberty. OBJECTIVE To decipher the role of transcription factor MEIS1 in Sertoli cell maturation and spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sc-specific Meis1 knockdown (KD) transgenic mice were generated using pronuclear microinjection. Morphometric and histological analysis of the testes from transgenic mice was performed to identify defects in spermatogenesis. Epididymal sperm count and litter size were analyzed to determine the effect of Meis1 knockdown on fertility. RESULTS Sertoli cell (Sc)-specific Meis1 KD led to massive germ cell loss due to apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis. Unlike normal pubertal Sc, the levels of SOX9 in pubertal Sc of Meis1 KD were significantly high, like immature Sc. A significant reduction in epididymal sperm count was observed in these mice. The mice were found to be infertile or sub-fertile (with reduced litter size), depending on the extent of Meis1 inhibition. DISCUSSION The results of this study demonstrated for the first time, a role of Meis1 in Sc maturation and normal spermatogenic progression. Inhibition of Meis1 in Sc was associated with deregulated spermatogenesis and a consequent decline in fertility of the transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results provided substantial evidence that suboptimal Meis1 expression in Sc may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Kamal Mandal
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Neerja Wadhwa
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Neetu Kunj
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Umesh Rai
- Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
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Shukla M, Ganguli N, Sen Sharma S, Majumdar SS. Sertoli cell specific decline in NOR‐1 leads to germ cell apoptosis and reduced fertility. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6514-6526. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Shukla
- Cellular Endocrinology LaboratoryNational Institute of ImmunologyNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Nirmalya Ganguli
- Cellular Endocrinology LaboratoryNational Institute of ImmunologyNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- Cellular Endocrinology LaboratoryNational Institute of ImmunologyNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Subeer S. Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology LaboratoryNational Institute of ImmunologyNew DelhiDelhiIndia
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Intratesticular injection followed by electroporation allows gene transfer in caprine spermatogenic cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3169. [PMID: 29453369 PMCID: PMC5816633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21558-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of transgenic livestock is constrained due to the limited success of currently available methods for transgenesis. Testis mediated gene transfer (TMGT) is an emerging method that shows a high success rate in generating transgenic mice. In this study, we report a newly developed protocol for electroporation-aided TMGT to produce a transgenic goat. The injectable volume and concentration of the transgene were first standardized, and then electroporation conditions were optimized in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed by injecting a transgenic construct (pIRES2-EGFP; enhanced green fluorescent protein) into the testicular interstitium followed by electroporation. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting analyses confirmed the successful transfer of the transgene into seminiferous tubules and testicular cells. Furthermore, chromosomal integration of the transgene and its expression in sperm were evaluated d60 and d120 post-electroporation. Our protocol neither altered the seminal characteristics nor the fertilization capacity of the sperm cells. In vitro fertilization using transgenic sperm generated fluorescent embryos. Finally, natural mating of a pre-founder buck produced a transgenic baby goat. The present study demonstrates the first successful report of an electroporation-aided TMGT method for gene transfer in goats.
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Sertoli cell specific knockdown of RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR) alpha at puberty reduces sperm count in rats. Gene 2018; 641:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Defective Wnt3 expression by testicular Sertoli cells compromise male fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:351-363. [PMID: 29064078 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Testicular Sertoli cells make a niche for the division and differentiation of germ cells. Sertoli cells respond to increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) levels at the onset of puberty by producing paracrine factors which affect germ cells and trigger robust onset of spermatogenesis. Such paracrine support to germ cells is absent during infancy, despite Sertoli cells being exposed to high FSH and T within the infant testis. This situation is similar to certain cases of male idiopathic infertility where post-pubertal Sertoli cells fail to support germ cell division and differentiation in spite of endogenous or exogenous hormonal support. Defective Sertoli cells in such individuals may fail to express the full complement of their paracrine repertoire. Identification and supplementation with such factors may overcome Sertoli cells deficiencies and help trigger quantitatively and qualitatively normal differentiation of germ cells. To this end, we compared the transcriptome of FSH- and T-treated infant and pubertal monkey Sertoli cells by DNA microarray. Expression of Wnt3, a morphogen of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was higher in pubertal Sertoli cells relative to infant Sertoli cells. Transgenic mice were generated by us in which Wnt3 expression was curtailed specifically in post-pubertal Sertoli cells by shRNA. Subfertility and oligozoospermia were noticed in such animals with low Wnt3 expression in post-pubertal Sertoli cells along with diminished expression of Connexin43, a gap-junctional molecule essential for germ cell development. We report that the FSH- and T-targetedf Wnt3 governs Sertoli cell-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis and hence is crucial for fertility.
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Houlihan R, Grygoryev K, Williams J, Moore T, O'Mahony C. Finite-element modelling and preliminary validation of microneedle-based electrodes for enhanced tissue electroporation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2017:3572-3575. [PMID: 29060670 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2017.8037629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the use of microneedle-based electrodes for enhanced testis electroporation, with specific application to the production of transgenic mice. During the design phase, finite-element software has been used to construct a tissue model and to compare the relative performance of electrodes employing a) conventional flat plates, b) microneedle arrays, and c) invasive needles. Results indicate that microneedle-based electrodes can achieve internal tissue field strengths which are an order of magnitude higher than those generated using conventional flat electrodes, and which are comparable to fields produced using invasive needles. Using a double-sided etching process, conductive microneedle arrays were then fabricated and used in prototype electrodes. In a series of mouse model experiments involving injection of a DNA vector expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), the performance of flat and microneedle electrodes was compared by measuring GFP expression after electroporation. The main finding, supported by experimental and simulated data, is that use of microneedle-based electrodes significantly enhanced electroporation of testis.
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13
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Usmani A, Ganguli N, Jain SK, Ganguli N, Sarkar RK, Choubey M, Shukla M, Sarkar H, Majumdar SS. Robust generation of transgenic mice by simple hypotonic solution mediated delivery of transgene in testicular germ cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16076. [PMID: 27933305 PMCID: PMC5142465 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Our ability to decipher gene sequences has increased enormously with the advent of modern sequencing tools, but the ability to divulge functions of new genes have not increased correspondingly. This has caused a remarkable delay in functional interpretation of several newly found genes in tissue and age specific manner, limiting the pace of biological research. This is mainly due to lack of advancements in methodological tools for transgenesis. Predominantly practiced method of transgenesis by pronuclear DNA-microinjection is time consuming, tedious, and requires highly skilled persons for embryo-manipulation. Testicular electroporation mediated transgenesis requires use of electric current to testis. To this end, we have now developed an innovative technique for making transgenic mice by giving hypotonic shock to male germ cells for the gene delivery. Desired transgene was suspended in hypotonic Tris-HCl solution (pH 7.0) and simply injected in testis. This resulted in internalization of the transgene in dividing germ-cells residing at basal compartment of tubules leading to its integration in native genome of mice. Such males generated transgenic progeny by natural mating. Several transgenic animals can be generated with minimum skill within short span of time by this easily adaptable novel technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Usmani
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India; Department of Zoology, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, India
| | - Nirmalya Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Subodh K Jain
- Department of Zoology, Dr. H. S. Gour University , Sagar, India
| | - Nilanjana Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Sarkar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Mayank Choubey
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Mansi Shukla
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Hironmoy Sarkar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India; National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Pradhan BS, Majumdar SS. An Efficient Method for Generation of Transgenic Rats Avoiding Embryo Manipulation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e293. [PMID: 27111419 PMCID: PMC5014465 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although rats are preferred over mice as an animal model, transgenic animals are generated predominantly using mouse embryos. There are limitations in the generation of transgenic rat by embryo manipulation. Unlike mouse embryos, most of the rat embryos do not survive after male pronuclear DNA injection which reduces the efficiency of generation of transgenic rat by this method. More importantly, this method requires hundreds of eggs collected by killing several females for insertion of transgene to generate transgenic rat. To this end, we developed a noninvasive and deathless technique for generation of transgenic rats by integrating transgene into the genome of the spermatogonial cells by testicular injection of DNA followed by electroporation. After standardization of this technique using EGFP as a transgene, a transgenic disease model displaying alpha thalassemia was successfully generated using rats. This efficient method will ease the generation of transgenic rats without killing the lives of rats while simultaneously reducing the number of rats used for generation of transgenic animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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15
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Qin J, Xu H, Zhang P, Zhang C, Zhu Z, Qu R, Qin Y, Zeng W. An efficient strategy for generation of transgenic mice by lentiviral transduction of male germline stem cells in vivo. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2015; 6:59. [PMID: 26705472 PMCID: PMC4690335 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-015-0058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Male germline stem cells (MGSCs) are a subpopulation of germ cells in the testis tissue. MGSCs are capable of differentiation into spermatozoa and thus are perfect targets for genomic manipulation to generate transgenic animals. Method The present study was to optimize a protocol of production of transgenic mice through transduction of MGSCs in vivo using lentiviral-based vectors. The recombinant lentiviral vectors with either EF-1 or CMV promoter to drive the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgene were injected into seminiferous tubules or inter-tubular space of 7-day-old and 28-day-old mouse testes. At 5 or 6 wk post-surgery, these pre-founders were mated with wild-type C57BL/6J female mice (1.5 to 2.0-month-old). Results Sixty-seven percent of F1 generation and 55.56 % of F2 offspring were positive for eGFP transgene under the control of EF-1 promoter via PCR analysis. The transgenic pups were generated in an injection site-and age-independent manner. The expression of transgene was displayed in the progeny derived from lentiviral vector containing CMV promoter to drive transgene, but it was silenced or undetectable in the offspring derived from lentiviral vector with transgene under EF-1 promoter. The methylation level of gDNA in the promoter region of transgene was much higher in the samples derived lentiviral vectors with EF-1 promoter than that with CMV promoter, suggesting eGFP transgene was suppressed by DNA methylation in vivo. Conclusion This research reported here an effective strategy for generation of transgenic mice through transduction of MGSCs in vivo using lentivirus vectors with specific promoters, and the transgenic offspring were obtained in an injection site-and age-independent manner. This protocol could be applied to other animal species, leading to advancement of animal transgenesis in agricultural and biomedical fields. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-015-0058-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhou Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Haixia Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Conghui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Rongfeng Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Yuwei Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
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16
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Ganguli N, Ganguli N, Usmani A, Majumdar SS. Isolation and functional characterization of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) β-casein promoter for driving mammary epithelial cell-specific gene expression. J Biotechnol 2015; 198:53-9. [PMID: 25678138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins are produced in microbes, mammalian cell lines, and body fluids by applying recombinant DNA technology. They are required for compensating the deficiency of essential proteins in patients. Animal bioreactors producing such valuable bio-pharmaceuticals in body fluids have lately emerged as efficient and cost-effective expression systems. Promoters, along with other regulatory elements of genes coding for milk proteins, have been cloned from few species for directing the expression of desired proteins in the milk of farm animals. However, buffaloes, which are the second largest source of milk production in the world, have remained unexplored for such use. Since mammary epithelial cell-specific β-casein is the most abundantly expressed protein found in buffalo milk, we have isolated the promoter region and the transcriptional regulatory element along with exon 1, Intron 1 and partial exon 2 of the β-casein gene from the genome of the Indian river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and have characterized the same (GenBank accession no. KF612339). Mammary epithelial cells of buffalo and human (MCF7) expressed Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) upon transfection with the construct where egfp was cloned under the β-casein promoter. Transfected HEK-293 cells failed to express EGFP. Transgenic female mice generated using this construct expressed EGFP in the milk gland during lactation, without leaky expression in any other organs. This promoter also drove expression of recombinant human Interferonγ suggesting its use for expressing recombinant bio-pharmaceuticals in the milk of buffalo or other farm animals. Additionally, this may also allow breast gland-specific gene expression for remediation of breast gland-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Nilanjana Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Abul Usmani
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
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