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Wang P, Liu Z, Zhang X, Huo H, Wang L, Dai H, Yang F, Zhao G, Huo J. Integrated analysis of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles reveals regulatory pathways associated with pig testis function. Genomics 2024; 116:110819. [PMID: 38432498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110819] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) are known to play pivotal roles in mammalian testicular function and spermatogenesis. However, their impact on porcine male reproduction has yet to be well unraveled. Here, we sequenced and identified lncRNA and miRNA expressed in the testes of Chinese indigenous Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) and introduced Western Duroc (DU) and Large White (LW) pigs. By pairwise comparison (BMI vs DU, BMI vs LW, and DU vs LW), we found the gene expression differences in the testes between Chinese local pigs and introduced Western commercial breeds were more striking than those between introduced commercial breeds. Furthermore, we found 1622 co-differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs), 122 co-differentially expressed lncRNAs (co-DELs), 39 co-differentially expressed miRNAs (co-DEMs) in BMI vs introduced commercial breeds (DU and LW). Functional analysis revealed that these co-DEGs and co-DELs/co-DEMs target genes were enriched in male sexual function pathways, including MAPK, AMPK, TGF-β/Smad, Hippo, NF-kappa B, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Additionally, we established 10,536 lncRNA-mRNA, 11,248 miRNA-mRNA pairs, and 62 ceRNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) networks. The ssc-miR-1343 had the most interactive factors in the ceRNA network, including 20 mRNAs and 3 lncRNAs, consisting of 56 ceRNA pairs. These factors played extremely important roles in the regulation of testis function as key nodes in the interactive regulatory network. Our results provide insight into the functional roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs in porcine testis and offer a valuable resource for understanding the differences between Chinese indigenous and introduced Western pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- College of Life Science, Lyuliang University, Lvliang 033001, China
| | - Hailong Huo
- Yunnan Open University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lina Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Hongmei Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Fuhua Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Guiying Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China.
| | - Jinlong Huo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China.
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2
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Zhang C, Lu D, Niu T, Sun Z, Wang Y, Han X, Xiong B, Shen W, Sun Q, Zhao Y, Zhang W, Feng Y. LncRNA5251 inhibits spermatogenesis via modification of cell-cell junctions. Biol Direct 2023; 18:31. [PMID: 37316926 PMCID: PMC10268499 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00381-x] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factors-caused decline in total fertility has raised significant concern worldwide. LncRNAs have been identified to play various roles in biological systems, including spermatogenesis. This study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA5251 in mouse spermatogenesis. METHODS The expression of lncRNA5251 was modulated in mouse testes in vivo or spermatogonial stem cells (C18-4 cells) in vitro by shRNA. RESULTS The sperm motility in two generations mice after modulation of lncRNA5251 (muF0 and muF1) was decreased significantly after overexpression of lncRNA5251. GO enrichment analysis found that knockdown lncRNA5251 increased the expression of genes related to cell junctions, and genes important for spermatogenesis in mouse testes. Meanwhile, overexpressing lncRNA5251 decreased the gene and/or protein expression of important genes for spermatogenesis and immune pathways in mouse testes. In vitro, knockdown lncRNA5251 increased the expression of genes for cell junction, and the protein levels of some cell junction proteins such as CX37, OCLN, JAM1, VCAM1 and CADM2 in C18-4 cells. LncRNA5251 is involved in spermatogenesis by modulation of cell junctions. CONCLUSION This will provide a theoretical basis for improving male reproductive ability via lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
- Urology Department, Shenzhen University general hospital, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Dongxin Lu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Tong Niu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Urology Department, Shenzhen University general hospital, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yandi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Bohui Xiong
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
| | - Qingyuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, 6150, Australia
| | - Weidong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China.
| | - Yanni Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, P. R. China.
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3
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Zhong D, Yao C, Zhang L, Wang J, Liu Q, Shi D, Jiang M, Li H. Comprehensive analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles of GC-1spg cells with m6A methylation knockdown. Gene 2023; 871:147430. [PMID: 37062454 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147430] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that requires many regulatory mechanisms to form healthy sperm. Numerous studies have also proved that m6A methylation modification and lncRNA are essential for normal spermatogenesis. However, the mutual regulation of m6A methylation and lncRNA in spermatogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we knocked down METTL3 in GC-1spg cells and found that a reduction in METTL3 increased cell proliferation. Further, we examined the lncRNA expression profiles of normal spermatogonia and spermatogonia with knocked down METTL3. We detected 30,924 lncRNAs, of which 34 were up-regulated and 77 down-regulated. The results of the MeRIP-qPCR experiment showed that ENSMUST00000186472, MSTRG.8019.3 and ENSMUST00000202148 had m6A methylation sites and were regulated by METTL3. We constructed ceRNA networks for these 3 lncRNAs. And we identified that these 3 lncRNAs might act as miRNA sponges to regulate some genes related to spermatogenesis. This study focuses on exploring the regulatory mechanisms of m6A methylation on lncRNAs in spermatogonia and provides some epigenetic theories for subsequent studies on the expression mechanisms of lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Chengxuan Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Liyin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Qingyou Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Mingsheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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4
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Disruption of male fertility-critical Dcaf17 dysregulates mouse testis transcriptome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21456. [PMID: 36509865 PMCID: PMC9744869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian spermatogenesis, the ubiquitin proteasome system maintains protein homoeostasis (proteastasis) and spermatogenic cellular functions. DCAF17 is a substrate receptor in the ubiquitin CRL4 E3 Ligase complex, absence of which causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in mice resulting in male infertility. To determine the molecular phenomenon underlying the infertility phenotype caused by disrupting Dcaf17, we performed RNA-sequencing-based gene expression profiling of 3-weeks and 8-weeks old Dcaf17 wild type and Dcaf17 disrupted mutant mice testes. At three weeks, 44% and 56% differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up- and down-regulated, respectively, with 32% and 68% DEGs were up- and down-regulated, respectively at 8 weeks. DEGs include protein coding genes and lncRNAs distributed across all autosomes and the X chromosome. Gene ontology analysis revealed major biological processes including proteolysis, regulation of transcription and chromatin remodelling are affected due to Dcaf17 disruption. We found that Dcaf17 disruption up-regulated several somatic genes, while germline-associated genes were down-regulated. Up to 10% of upregulated, and 12% of downregulated, genes were implicated in male reproductive phenotypes. Moreover, a large proportion of the up-regulated genes were highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while the majority of downregulated genes were predominantly expressed in round spermatids. Collectively, these data show that the Dcaf17 disruption affects directly or indirectly testicular proteastasis and transcriptional signature in mouse.
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5
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Overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia impairs spermatogenesis in partial seminiferous tubules. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101930. [PMID: 35691049 PMCID: PMC9192819 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to regulate reproduction in mammals. Our previous study revealed that the expression level of lncRNA-Gm2044 was obviously elevated in nonobstructive azoospermia with spermatogonial arrest. Here, a transgenic mouse model of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia using the Stra8 promoter was constructed to explore the roles of upregulated lncRNA-Gm2044 in male fertility. Testicular morphology and fertility weren't affected in transgenic mice expressing lncRNA-Gm2044. However, overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia partially impaired spermatogenesis in the transgenic mice. Then, transcriptome sequencing was executed to find the potential signaling pathway repressing spermatogenesis in germ cells of lncRNA-Gm2044 transgenic mice. Through quantitative analysis of differentially expressed genes, 442 upregulated mRNAs and 147 downregulated mRNAs were displayed in male germ cells of Gm2044-transgenic mice (Gm2044-Tg) compared with non-transgenic mice (Non-Tg). Using gene ontology (GO) analysis, differentially expressed genes were shown to play vital roles in RNA_metabolic_process, Central_element, Enzyme_binding, and Intracellular_bridge. Using Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, differentially expressed genes were shown to participate in RNA_transport, Cell_cycle, Renin-angiotensin_system, and Chemokine_signaling_pathway. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that Acrosome_assembly and Sperm_plasma_membrane were involved in the overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 blocking spermatogenesis. Furthermore, some of the most differentially expressed mRNAs were verified by RT-qPCR. In addition, we determined that the lncRNA-Gm2044 has no ability to translate into peptides by the bioinformatics method and molecular experiment. Thus, lncRNA-Gm2044 is a novel molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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6
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Yuan H, Sun J, Wang S, Xiang Z, Yang F, Yan Y, Duan Y, Li L, Wu X, Si W. Primary culture of germ cells that portray stem cell characteristics and recipient preparation for autologous transplantation in the rhesus monkey. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1567-1578. [PMID: 35104031 PMCID: PMC8899175 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal cancer patients prior to oncologic treatment is an emerging issue, and non‐human primates are considered to constitute suitable models due to the limited availability of human testicular tissues. However, the feasibility of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) propagation in vitro and autologous testicular germ cell transplantation in vivo requires further exploration in monkeys. Herein, we characterized germ cells in macaque testes at 6 months (M), 18 M and 60 M of age, and effectively isolated the spermatogenic cells (including the spermatogonia) from macaque testes with high purity (over 80%) using combined approaches of STA‐PUT separation, Percoll gradients and differential plating. We also generated recipient monkey testes with ablated endogenous spermatogenesis using the alkylating agent busulfan in six macaques, and successfully mimicked autologous cell transplantation in the testes under ultrasonographic guidance. The use of trypan blue led to successful intratubular injection in 4 of 4 testes. Although SSCs in culture showed no significant propagation, we were able to maintain monkey testicular germ cells with stem cell characteristics for up to 3 weeks. Collectively, these data provided meaningful information for future fertility preservation and SSC studies on both non‐human primates and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqin Yuan
- Cancer Center of Nanjing GaoChun People's Hospital, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ziyi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaping Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanchao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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7
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Abstract
Recently an explosion in the discovery of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was obtained by high-throughput sequencing. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses, in conjugation with research for epigenetic modifications of chromatins, identified a novel type of non-protein coding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides named lncRNAs . They are gradually emerging as functional and critical participants in many physiological processes. Here we gave an overview of the characteristics, biological functions, and working mechanism for this new class of noncoding RNA molecules.
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8
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Peral-Sanchez I, Hojeij B, Ojeda DA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Willaime-Morawek S. Epigenetics in the Uterine Environment: How Maternal Diet and ART May Influence the Epigenome in the Offspring with Long-Term Health Consequences. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:31. [PMID: 35052371 PMCID: PMC8774448 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of non-communicable disease is closely linked with environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours, including the adherence to a poor maternal diet from the earliest preimplantation period of the life course onwards. Epigenetic variations caused by a compromised maternal nutritional status can affect embryonic development. This review summarises the main epigenetic modifications in mammals, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA. These epigenetic changes can compromise the health of the offspring later in life. We discuss different types of nutritional stressors in human and animal models, such as maternal undernutrition, seasonal diets, low-protein diet, high-fat diet, and synthetic folic acid supplement use, and how these nutritional exposures epigenetically affect target genes and their outcomes. In addition, we review the concept of thrifty genes during the preimplantation period, and some examples that relate to epigenetic change and diet. Finally, we discuss different examples of maternal diets, their effect on outcomes, and their relationship with assisted reproductive technology (ART), including their implications on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Peral-Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Batoul Hojeij
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
| | - Diego A. Ojeda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
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9
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Long Noncoding RNAs: Recent Insights into Their Role in Male Infertility and Their Potential as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413579. [PMID: 34948376 PMCID: PMC8708977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are composed of nucleotides located in the nucleus and cytoplasm; these are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and are greater than 200 nt in length. LncRNAs fulfill important functions in a variety of biological processes, including genome imprinting, cell differentiation, apoptosis, stem cell pluripotency, X chromosome inactivation and nuclear transport. As high throughput sequencing technology develops, a substantial number of lncRNAs have been found to be related to a variety of biological processes, such as development of the testes, maintaining the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, and regulating spermatocyte meiosis. These indicate that lncRNAs can be used as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for male infertility. However, only a few comprehensive reviews have described the role of lncRNAs in male reproduction. In this paper, we summarize recent findings relating to the role of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis, their potential as biomarkers for male infertility and the relationship between reproductive arrest and transgenerational effects. Finally, we suggest specific targets for the treatment of male infertility from the perspective of lncRNAs.
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10
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He C, Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Li L, Liao Y, Hu K, Liang M. Roles of Noncoding RNA in Reproduction. Front Genet 2021; 12:777510. [PMID: 34956326 PMCID: PMC8695933 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.777510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization predicts that infertility will be the third major health threat after cancer and cardiovascular disease, and will become a hot topic in medical research. Studies have shown that epigenetic changes are an important component of gametogenesis and related reproductive diseases. Epigenetic regulation of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) is appropriate and is a research hotspot in the biomedical field; these include long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA). As vital members of the intracellular gene regulatory network, they affect various life activities of cells. LncRNA functions as a molecular bait, molecular signal and molecular scaffold in the body through molecular guidance. miRNAs are critical regulators of gene expression; they mainly control the stability or translation of their target mRNA after transcription. piRNA functions mainly through silencing genomic transposable elements and the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in animal germ cells. Current studies have shown that these ncRNAs also play significant roles in the reproductive system and are involved in the regulation of essential cellular events in spermatogenesis and follicular development. The abnormal expression of ncRNA is closely linked to testicular germ cell tumors, poly cystic ovary syndrome and other diseases. This paper briefly presents the research on the reproductive process and reproductive diseases involving ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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11
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Liu W, Zhao Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Ding J, Li Y, Tian Y, Wang H, Liu W, Lu Z. A Novel Meiosis-Related lncRNA, Rbakdn, Contributes to Spermatogenesis by Stabilizing Ptbp2. Front Genet 2021; 12:752495. [PMID: 34707642 PMCID: PMC8542969 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.752495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatocyte meiosis is the cornerstone of mammalian production. Thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be functional in various cellular processes, but the function of lncRNAs in meiosis remains largely unknown. Here, we profiled lncRNAs in spermatocytes at stage I of meiosis and identified a testis-specific lncRNA, Rbakdn, as a vital regulator of meiosis. Rbakdn is dynamically expressed during meiosis I, and Rbakdn knockdown inhibits meiosis in vitro. Furthermore, Rbakdn knockdown in testes in mice by intratesticular injection disturbs meiosis, reduces testicular volume, and increases apoptosis of spermatocytes, resulting in vacuolation of the seminiferous tubules. Rbakdn can bind to Ptbp2, an RNA-binding protein that is important in the regulation of the alternative splicing of many genes in spermatogenesis. Rbakdn knockdown leads to a decrease in Ptbp2 through the ubiquitination degradation pathway, indicating that Rbakdn maintains the stability of Ptbp2. In conclusion, our study identified an lncRNA, Rbakdn, with a crucial role in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yinan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiancheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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12
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Howl J, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. All you need to know about sperm RNAs. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:67-91. [PMID: 34624094 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis generates a small and highly specialised type of cell that is apparently incapable of transcription and translation. For many years, this dogma was supported by the assumption that (i) the compact sperm nucleus, resulting from the substitution of histones by protamine during spermatogenesis, renders the genome inaccessible to the transcriptional machinery; and (ii) the loss of most organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, limits or prevents translational activity. Despite these observations, several types of coding and non-coding RNAs have been identified in human sperm. Their functional roles, particularly during fertilisation and embryonic development, are only now becoming apparent. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aimed to summarise current knowledge of the origin, types and functional roles of sperm RNAs, and to evaluate the clinical benefits of employing these transcripts as biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive outcomes. The possible contribution of sperm RNAs to intergenerational or transgenerational phenotypic inheritance is also addressed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted using the search terms 'sperm' AND 'RNA'. Searches focussed upon articles written in English and published prior to August 2020. OUTCOMES The development of more sensitive and accurate RNA technologies, including RNA sequencing, has enabled the identification and characterisation of numerous transcripts in human sperm. Though a majority of these RNAs likely arise during spermatogenesis, other data support an epididymal origin of RNA transmitted to maturing sperm by extracellular vesicles. A minority may also be synthesised by de novo transcription in mature sperm, since a small portion of the sperm genome remains packed by histones. This complex RNA population has important roles in paternal chromatin packaging, sperm maturation and capacitation, fertilisation, early embryogenesis and developmental maintenance. In recent years, additional lines of evidence from animal models support a role for sperm RNAs in intergenerational or transgenerational inheritance, modulating both the genotype and phenotype of progeny. Importantly, several reports indicate that the sperm RNA content of fertile and infertile men differs considerably and is strongly modulated by the environment, lifestyle and pathological states. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Transcriptional profiling has considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers. Understanding the role of sperm transcripts and comparing the sperm RNA fingerprint of fertile and infertile men could help to elucidate the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. Such data might also provide a molecular explanation for several causes of idiopathic male fertility. Ultimately, transcriptional profiling may be employed to optimise ART procedures and overcome some of the underlying causes of male infertility, ensuring the birth of healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,i3S-Institute for Innovation and Health Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Manuel A S Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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13
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Zhang B, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Shi H, Tang Y, Ji Y, Zhang J, Gun S. Identification and Characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in Testes of Landrace and Hezuo Boars. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082263. [PMID: 34438721 PMCID: PMC8388364 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Precocious puberty is an excellent reproductive trait in domestic animals, which can generate higher breeding benefits in livestock production. However, regulators associated with this sexual maturation process remain largely unknown. Chinese Hezuo (HZ) boars are known for their early sexual maturity. In this work, the characteristics of precocious puberty in HZ pigs were confirmed by histological analysis, and some important long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA were identified in the testes of immature (30-day-old) and mature (120-day-old) HZ boars, which could play a key role in precocious puberty. These results will provide a theoretical basis for further research on the regulatory mechanism of precocious puberty, which is important for accelerating the breeding process of highly fertile animals. Abstract Chinese HZ boars are typical plateau miniature boars characterized by precocious puberty, which is closely related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNA is involved in the testicular development and regulation of spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the lncRNA precocious regulation in testicular development and spermatogenesis on early sexual maturity of HZ boars. Thus, we investigated the expression and characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in 30-day-old and 120-day-old HZ boar testes using transcriptome to explore precocious puberty. Landrace (LC) boar was treated as the control. Histological analyses indicated that HZ boar underwent puberty development at an earlier stage than LC boar and had achieved sexual maturity at 120 days old. RNA-Seq yielded a total of 187 lncRNAs and 984 mRNAs; these molecules were identified as possible candidates for precocious puberty. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNA and their targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the PI3K-Akt, TGF-beta and Wnt pathways. Further screening, some lncRNA (such as LOC102166140, LOC110259451, and MSTRG.15011.2), and mRNA (such as PDCL2, HSD17B4, SHCBP1L, CYP21A2, and SPATA3) were found to be possibly associated with precocious puberty, which would add to our understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of precocious puberty. This study provided valuable information for further study of the role of lncRNA and mRNA in the process of precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yanan Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Juanli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-931-763-1804
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14
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Ma H, Yu J, Xie J, Liu D, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Wang C. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in male mice testes at the onset of puberty after low dose lead exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 422:115556. [PMID: 33932463 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many researchers have studied the relationship between lead (Pb) and testis injury, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The participation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological processes has been proposed. To comprehensively gain insight into the molecular toxicity of Pb, expression patterns are analysed through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in male mice treated with 200 mg/L of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days at the onset of puberty. A total of 614 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were included (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), of which 288 were up-regulated, and 326 were down-regulated. A total of 2295 DE mRNAs (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), including 1202 up-regulated and 1093 down-regulated ones, were found in the testes of Pb-exposed group. Functional analysis results showed that several lncRNAs might be implicated in the bio-pathway of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Finally, seven pairs of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression were established in mice testes and confirmed by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the DE genes were also altered in Sertoli cells. Therefore, our research might be helpful for future exploring the effects of Pb exposure on lncRNA in testis, as well as its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Duanya Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
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15
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Cai S, Quan S, Yang G, Chen M, Ye Q, Wang G, Yu H, Wang Y, Qiao S, Zeng X. Nutritional Status Impacts Epigenetic Regulation in Early Embryo Development: A Scoping Review. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1877-1892. [PMID: 33873200 PMCID: PMC8483970 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing maternal age and the use of assisted reproductive technology in various countries worldwide, the influence of epigenetic modification on embryonic development is increasingly notable and prominent. Epigenetic modification disorders caused by various nutritional imbalance would cause embryonic development abnormalities and even have an indelible impact on health in adulthood. In this scoping review, we summarize the main epigenetic modifications in mammals and the synergies among different epigenetic modifications, especially DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and histone methylation. We performed an in-depth analysis of the regulation of various epigenetic modifications on mammals from zygote formation to cleavage stage and blastocyst stage, and reviewed the modifications of key sites and their potential molecular mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the effects of nutrition (protein, lipids, and one-carbon metabolism) on epigenetic modification in embryos and emphasize the importance of various nutrients in embryonic development and epigenetics during pregnancy. Failures in epigenetic regulation have been implicated in mammalian and human early embryo loss and disease. With the use of reproductive technologies, it is becoming even more important to establish developmentally competent embryos. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the extent to which embryos are sensitive to these epigenetic modifications and nutrition status. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of early embryo development will help us make better use of reproductive technologies and nutrition regulation to improve reproductive health in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meixia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianhong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-feed Additives, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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16
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Long, Noncoding RNA Dysregulation in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071604. [PMID: 33807183 PMCID: PMC8037018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Developing effective therapies for glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain cancer, remains challenging due to the heterogeneity within tumors and therapeutic resistance that drives recurrence. Noncoding RNAs are transcribed from a large proportion of the genome and remain largely unexplored in their contribution to the evolution of GBM tumors. Here, we will review the general mechanisms of long, noncoding RNAs and the current knowledge of how these impact heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance in GBM. A better understanding of the molecular drivers required for these aggressive tumors is necessary to improve the management and outcomes of this challenging disease. Abstract Transcription occurs across more than 70% of the human genome and more than half of currently annotated genes produce functional noncoding RNAs. Of these transcripts, the majority—long, noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)—are greater than 200 nucleotides in length and are necessary for various roles in the cell. It is increasingly appreciated that these lncRNAs are relevant in both health and disease states, with the brain expressing the largest number of lncRNAs compared to other organs. Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, fatal brain tumor that demonstrates remarkable intratumoral heterogeneity, which has made the development of effective therapies challenging. The cooperation between genetic and epigenetic alterations drives rapid adaptation that allows therapeutic evasion and recurrence. Given the large repertoire of lncRNAs in normal brain tissue and the well-described roles of lncRNAs in molecular and cellular processes, these transcripts are important to consider in the context of GBM heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Herein, we review the general mechanisms and biological roles of lncRNAs, with a focus on GBM, as well as RNA-based therapeutics currently in development.
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17
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Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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18
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Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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19
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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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20
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Li K, Xu J, Luo Y, Zou D, Han R, Zhong S, Zhao Q, Mang X, Li M, Si Y, Lu Y, Li P, Jin C, Wang Z, Wang F, Miao S, Wen B, Wang L, Ma Y, Yu J, Song W. Panoramic transcriptome analysis and functional screening of long noncoding RNAs in mouse spermatogenesis. Genome Res 2020; 31:13-26. [PMID: 33328167 PMCID: PMC7849387 DOI: 10.1101/gr.264333.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as diverse functional regulators involved in mammalian development; however, large-scale functional investigation of lncRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis in vivo is lacking. Here, we delineated the global lncRNA expression landscape in mouse spermatogenesis and identified 968 germ cell signature lncRNAs. By combining bioinformatics and functional screening, we identified three functional lncRNAs (Gm4665, 1700027A15Rik, and 1700052I22Rik) that directly influence spermatogenesis in vivo. Knocking down Gm4665 hampered the development of round spermatids into elongating spermatids and disrupted key spermatogenic gene expression. Mechanistically, lncRNA Gm4665 localized in the nucleus of round spermatids and occupied the genomic regulatory region of important spermatogenic genes including Ip6k1 and Akap3. These findings provide a valuable resource and framework for future functional analysis of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis and their potential roles in other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiayue Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanyun Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ruiqin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shunshun Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanmin Si
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanni Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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21
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He L, He Q, Qiao L, Huang S, Dai Z, Yang T, Liu L, Zhao Z. LncWNT3‐IT affects the proliferation of Sertoli cells by regulating the expression of the WNT3 gene in goat testis. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1061-1071. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lina He
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Qijie He
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Lei Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Siyi Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Zinuo Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Tianyuan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Lingbin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
| | - Zhongquan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology Southwest University Chongqing China
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22
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Anyanwu BO, Orisakwe OE. Current mechanistic perspectives on male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:204-244. [PMID: 32648503 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1782116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals have led to various deleterious damages to the biological system of which infertility is one of them. Infertility is a global public health concern, affecting 15% of all couples of reproductive age. Out of the 100% cases of reported infertility among couples, 40% of the cases are related to male factors; including decreased semen quality. This review focuses on the recent mechanistic perspectives of heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity. The associated toxic metal-mediated mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity include ion mimicry, disruption of cell signaling pathways, oxidative stress, altered gene expression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, disruption of testis/blood barrier, inflammation and endocrine disruption. The current literature suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mediate paternal intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and thus has a direct functional importance, as well as possess novel biomarker potential, for male reproductive toxicity. To identify the specific ncRNAs with the most profound impacts on heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity should be thrust of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brilliance Onyinyechi Anyanwu
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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23
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Satoh Y, Takei N, Kawamura S, Takahashi N, Kotani T, Kimura AP. A novel testis-specific long noncoding RNA, Tesra, activates the Prss42/Tessp-2 gene during mouse spermatogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:833-848. [PMID: 30379984 PMCID: PMC6437258 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of spermatogenesis is precisely controlled by meiotic stage-specific genes, but the molecular mechanism for activation of such genes is still elusive. Here we found a novel testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), Tesra, that was specifically expressed in the mouse testis at the Prss/Tessp gene cluster on chromosome 9. Tesra was transcribed downstream of Prss44/Tessp-4, starting within the gene, as a 4435-nucleotide transcript and developmentally activated at a stage similar to that for Prss/Tessp genes. By in situ hybridization, Tesra was found to be localized in and around germ cells and Leydig cells, being consistent with biochemical data showing its existence in cytoplasmic, nuclear, and extracellular fractions. Based on the finding of more signals in nuclei of pachytene spermatocytes, we explored the possibility that Tesra plays a role in transcriptional activation of Prss/Tessp genes. By a ChIRP assay, the Tesra transcript was found to bind to the Prss42/Tessp-2 promoter region in testicular germ cells, and transient overexpression of Tesra significantly activated endogenous Prss42/Tessp-2 expression and increased Prss42/Tessp-2 promoter activity in a reporter construct. These findings suggest that Tesra activates the Prss42/Tessp-2 gene by binding to the promoter. Finally, we investigated whether Tesra co-functioned with enhancers adjacent to another lncRNA, lncRNA-HSVIII. In the Tet-on system, Tesra transcription significantly increased activity of one enhancer, but Tesra and the enhancer were not interdependent. Collectively, our results proposed a potential function of an lncRNA, Tesra, in transcriptional activation and suggest a novel relationship between an lncRNA and an enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Satoh
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Takei
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shohei Kawamura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Takahashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kotani
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsushi P Kimura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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24
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Liang M, Wang H, He C, Zhang K, Hu K. LncRNA-Gm2044 is transcriptionally activated by A-MYB and regulates Sycp1 expression as a miR-335-3p sponge in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. Differentiation 2020; 114:49-57. [PMID: 32585553 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to execute key roles in spermatogenesis. However, little is known about how lncRNAs gene expression is itself regulated in the germ cells of testis. We previously demonstrated that high expression of lncRNA-Gm2044 exists in spermatocytes and can regulate male germ cell proliferation. Here, the transcriptional regulation of lnRNA-Gm2044 expression in spermatocytes and the downstream signaling were further explored. A bioinformatics assessment predicted two potential binding-sites for the spermatocyte-specific transcription factor A-MYB in the promoter region of lncRNA-Gm2044. Our results proved that the transcription factor A-MYB promotes the expression of lncRNA-Gm2044 in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. ChIP and luciferase assays verified that A-MYB mainly binds to the distal promoter region (-819 bp relative to the transcription start site) of lncRNA-Gm2044 and regulates lncRNA-Gm2044 expression through the -819 bp binding-site. In addition, we confirmed that lncRNA-Gm2044 functions as a miR-335-3p sponge to enhance the levels of miR-335-3p's direct target protein, Sycp1. Furthermore, A-MYB can up-regulate Sycp1 expression and down-regulate GC-2spd(ts) cell proliferation by activating its target, lncRNA-Gm2044. Overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 or knockdown of miR-335-3p can, at least partially, rescue the effects of A-MYB on Sycp1 expression and GC-2spd(ts) cell proliferation.Taken together, our results provide new information on the mechanistic roles of lncRNA-miRNA in transcription factor A-MYB regulation of spermatocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Bo H, Liu Z, Zhu F, Zhou D, Tan Y, Zhu W, Fan L. Long noncoding RNAs expression profile and long noncoding RNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA network in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Epigenomics 2020; 12:673-684. [PMID: 32174164 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To analyze the expression profile and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Materials & methods: The lncRNA expression profile in NOA was determined by microarray reanalysis. Differential expression analysis was performed by R software. The ceRNA network was constructed using correlation analysis and gene target miRNA prediction. Metascape was used for enrichment analysis. Again ceRNA network was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Many lncRNAs are differently expressed in NOA. LncRNAs might participate in spermatogenesis through ceRNA mechanism. The ceRNA network included male gamete generation and other pathways. LINC00467 in the network regulated the expression of LRGUK and TDRD6. Conclusion: LncRNAs are involved in NOA and potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Bo
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Dai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, PR China
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, PR China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, PR China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cells and Reproductive of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, PR China
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26
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Trovero MF, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Romeo C, Santiñaque FF, François M, Folle GA, Benavente R, Sotelo-Silveira JR, Geisinger A. Revealing stage-specific expression patterns of long noncoding RNAs along mouse spermatogenesis. RNA Biol 2020; 17:350-365. [PMID: 31869276 PMCID: PMC6999611 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1700332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of a large number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and the finding that they may play key roles in different biological processes, have started to provide a new perspective in the understanding of gene regulation. It has been shown that the testes express the highest amount of lncRNAs among different vertebrate tissues. However, although some studies have addressed the characterization of lncRNAs along spermatogenesis, an exhaustive analysis of the differential expression of lncRNAs at its different stages is still lacking. Here, we present the results for lncRNA transcriptome profiling along mouse spermatogenesis, employing highly pure flow sorted spermatogenic stage-specific cell populations, strand-specific RNAseq, and a combination of up-to-date bioinformatic pipelines for analysis. We found that the vast majority of testicular lncRNA genes are expressed at post-meiotic stages (i.e. spermiogenesis), which are characterized by extensive post-transcriptional regulation. LncRNAs at different spermatogenic stages shared common traits in terms of transcript length, exon number, and biotypes. Most lncRNAs were lincRNAs, followed by a high representation of antisense (AS) lncRNAs. Co-expression analyses showed a high correlation along the different spermatogenic stage transitions between the expression patterns of AS lncRNAs and their overlapping protein-coding genes, raising possible clues about lncRNA-related regulatory mechanisms. Interestingly, we observed the co-localization of an AS lncRNA and its host sense mRNA in the chromatoid body, a round spermatids-specific organelle that has been proposed as a reservoir of RNA-related regulatory machinery. An additional, intriguing observation is the almost complete lack of detectable expression for Y-linked testicular lncRNAs, despite that a high number of lncRNA genes are annotated for this chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F. Trovero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Romeo
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Mateo François
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo A. Folle
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core, IIBCE, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Genetics, IIBCE, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - José R. Sotelo-Silveira
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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27
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Sahlu BW, Zhao S, Wang X, Umer S, Zou H, Huang J, Zhu H. Long noncoding RNAs: new insights in modulating mammalian spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:16. [PMID: 32128162 PMCID: PMC7047388 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-019-0424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiating developmental process in which undifferentiated spermatogonial germ cells differentiate into spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally, to mature spermatozoa. This multistage developmental process of spermatogenesis involves the expression of many male germ cell-specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and highly regulated and specific gene expression. LncRNAs are a recently discovered large class of noncoding cellular transcripts that are still relatively unexplored. Only a few of them have post-meiotic; however, lncRNAs are involved in many cellular biological processes. The expression of lncRNAs is biologically relevant in the highly dynamic and complex program of spermatogenesis and has become a research focus in recent genome studies. This review considers the important roles and novel regulatory functions whereby lncRNAs modulate mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahlibi Weldegebriall Sahlu
- 1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People's Republic of China.,Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Shanjiang Zhao
- 1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuge Wang
- 3Dairy Cattle Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250131 People's Republic of China
| | - Saqib Umer
- 1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People's Republic of China
| | - Huiying Zou
- 1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Huang
- 3Dairy Cattle Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250131 People's Republic of China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- 1Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People's Republic of China
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28
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Xiong S, Li Y, Xiang Y, Peng N, Shen C, Cai Y, Song D, Zhang P, Wang X, Zeng X, Zhang X. Dysregulation of lncRNA and circRNA Expression in Mouse Testes after Exposure to Triptolide. Curr Drug Metab 2020; 20:665-673. [PMID: 31362668 PMCID: PMC7062010 DOI: 10.2174/1389200220666190729130020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triptolide has been shown to exert various pharmacological effects on systemic autoimmune diseases and cancers. However, its severe toxicity, especially reproductive toxicity, prevents its widespread clinical use for people with fertility needs. Noncoding RNAs including lncRNAs and circRNAs are novel regulatory molecules that mediate a wide variety of physiological activities; they are crucial for spermatogenesis and their dysregulation might cause male infertility. However, whether they are involved in triptolide-induced reproductive toxicity is completely unknown. METHODS After exposure of mice to triptolide, the total RNAs were used to investigate lncRNA/circRNA/mRNA expression profiles by strand-specific RNA sequencing at the transcriptome level to help uncover RNA-related mechanisms in triptolide-induced toxicity. RESULTS Triptolide significantly decreased testicular weight, damaged testis and sperm morphology, and reduced sperm motility and density. Remarkable deformities in sperm head and tail were also found in triptolide-exposed mice. At the transcriptome level, the triptolide-treated mice exhibited aberrant expression profiles of lncRNAs/circRNAs/mRNAs. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses revealed that the functions of the differentially expressed lncRNA targets, circRNA cognate genes, and mRNAs were closely linked to many processes involved in spermatogenesis. In addition, some lncRNAs/circRNAs were greatly upregulated or inducibly expressed, implying their potential value as candidate markers for triptolide-induced male reproductive toxicity. CONCLUSION This study provides a preliminary database of triptolide-induced transcriptome, promotes understanding of the reproductive toxicity of triptolide, and highlights the need for research on increasing the medical efficacy of triptolide and decreasing its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suping Xiong
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanting Li
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Na Peng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunmiao Shen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanqiu Cai
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Jilin Women and Children Health Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xuihui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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29
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Xu C, Shah MA, Mipam T, Wu S, Yi C, Luo H, Yuan M, Chai Z, Zhao W, Cai X. Bovid microRNAs involved in the process of spermatogonia differentiation into spermatocytes. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:239-250. [PMID: 31929752 PMCID: PMC6949159 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.38232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The male infertility of cattleyak resulted from spermatogenic arrest has greatly restricted the effective utilization of the heterosis from crossbreeding of cattle and yak. Based on our previous studies, the significant divergences of the transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing between yak and cattleyak prompt us to investigate the critical roles of microRNAs in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during spermatogenesis. TUNEL-POD analysis presented sharply decreased spermatogenic cell types and the increased apoptotic spermatogonia in cattleyak. The STA-PUT velocity sedimentation was employed to obtain spermatogonia and spermatocytes from cattle, yak and cattleyak and these spermatogenic cells were verified by the morphological and phenotypic identification. MicroRNA microarray showed that 27 differentially expressed miRNAs were simultaneously identified both in cattleyak vs cattle and in cattleyak vs yak comparisons. Further analysis revealed that the down-regulation of bta-let-7 families, bta-miR-125 and bta-miR-23a might impair the RA-induced differentiation of spermatogonia. Target gene analysis for differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that miRNAs targeted major players involved in vesicle-mediated transport, regulation of protein kinase activity and Pathways in cancer. In addition, spermatogonia transfection analysis revealed that the down-regulation of bta-miR-449a in the cattleyak might block the transition of male germ cells from the mitotic cycle to the meiotic program. The present study provided valuable information for future elucidating the regulatory roles of miRNAs involved in spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
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30
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Li K, Zhong S, Luo Y, Zou D, Li M, Li Y, Lu Y, Miao S, Wang L, Song W. A long noncoding RNA binding to QKI-5 regulates germ cell apoptosis via p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:699. [PMID: 31541077 PMCID: PMC6754436 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the complex process of male germline development and requires coordinated interactions by multiple gene products that undergo strict developmental regulations. Increasing evidence has suggested that a number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may function as important regulatory molecules in various physiological and pathological processes by binding to specific proteins. Here, we identified a subset of QKI-5-binding lncRNAs in the mouse testis through the integrated analyses of RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-microarray and biological verification. Among the lncRNAs, we revealed that NONMMUT074098.2 (Lnc10), which was highly expressed in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes of the testis, interacted with QKI-5. Furthermore, Lnc10 depletion promoted germ cell apoptosis via the activation of p38 MAPK, whereas the simultaneous knockdown of QKI-5 could rescue the apoptotic phenotype and the activation of p38 MAPK, which were induced by the loss of Lnc10. These data indicated that the Lnc10-QKI-5 interaction was associated with the regulatory roles of QKI-5 and that the Lnc10-QKI-5 interaction inhibited the regulation of QKI-5 on the downstream p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, we functionally characterized the biological roles of Lnc10 and found that the knockdown of Lnc10 promoted the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in vivo; this suggested that Lnc10 had an important biological role in mouse spermatogenesis. Thus, our study provides a potential strategy to investigate the biological significance of lncRNA-RBP interactions during male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Shunshun Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yanyun Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yahui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
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31
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Yang H, Wang F, Li F, Ren C, Pang J, Wan Y, Wang Z, Feng X, Zhang Y. Comprehensive analysis of long noncoding RNA and mRNA expression patterns in sheep testicular maturation. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:650-661. [PMID: 29668837 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified as important regulators of testis development; however, their expression patterns and roles in sheep are not yet clear. Thus, we used stranded specific RNA-seq to profile the testis transcriptome (lncRNAs and mRNAs) in premature and mature sheep. Hormone levels and the testis index were examined, and histological analyses were performed at five stages of testis development, 5-day-old (D5), 3-month-old (3M), 6-month-old (6M), 9-month-old (9M), and 2-year-old (2Y), the results of which indicate a significant difference in hormone levels and testis morphometries between the 3M and 9M stages (P < 0.05). Based on the comparison between 3M and 9M samples, we found 1,118 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 7,253 DE mRNAs in the testes, and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the results correlated well with the transcriptome data. Furthermore, we constructed lncRNA-protein-coding gene interaction networks. Forty-seven DE lncRNA-targeted genes enriched for male reproduction were obtained by cis- and trans-acting; 51 DE lncRNAs and 45 cis-targets, 2 DE lncRNAs and 2 trans-targets were involved in this network. Of these, 5 lncRNAs and their targets, PRKCD, NANOS3, SERPINA5, and CYP19A1, were enriched for spermatogenesis and male gonad development signaling pathways. We further examined the expression levels of 5 candidate lncRNAs and their target genes during testis development. Lastly, the interaction of lncRNA TCONS__00863147 and its target gene PRKCD was validated in vitro in sheep Leydig cells. This study provides a valuable resource for further study of lncRNA function in sheep testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Fengzhe Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Caifang Ren
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Jing Pang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Xu Feng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, NO. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
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Hu K, He C, Ren H, Wang H, Liu K, Li L, Liao Y, Liang M. LncRNA Gm2044 promotes 17β-estradiol synthesis in mpGCs by acting as miR-138-5p sponge. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1023-1032. [PMID: 31179605 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play vital roles in mammalian reproduction. Our previous research revealed that lncRNA Gm2044 is highly expressed in mouse spermatocytes and regulates male germ cell function. The gene annotation database BioGPS shows that Gm2044 is not only highly expressed in testicular tissue but also in ovarian tissue, which suggests that Gm2044 may be involved in female reproductive development. In this study, we confirmed that lncRNA Gm2044 promotes 17β-estradiol synthesis in mouse pre-antral follicular granulosa cells (mpGCs). Furthermore, bioinformatics methods, western blot, and the luciferase assay proved that Gm2044 functions as a miR-138-5p sponge to inhibit the direct target of miR-138-5p, Nr5a1, which enhances 17β-estradiol synthesis through cyp19a1 activation. Taken together, our results provide an insight into the mechanistic roles of lncRNA Gm2044 for 17β-estradiol synthesis by acting as competing-endogenous RNAs to modulate the function of mpGCs. Studying the potential lncRNAs, which regulate estradiol release, will be beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of steroid hormone-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Hu
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Ren
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuan Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Leina Li
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Lin Z, Liang P, Yao Z, Chen Y, Zhang X, Huang R, Zhang Z, Li M, Ma W, Zheng H, Cao S, Shi G, Zhao X, Songyang Z, Huang J. A novel undifferentiated spermatogonia-specific surface protein 1 (USSP1) in neonatal mice. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2019; 64:524-533. [PMID: 36659742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is maintained by a rare population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are important for male fertility. SSCs remain a subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, which can be isolated by a combination of surface markers. Specific markers to identify and isolate undifferentiated spermatogonia are lacking. Ussp1, a transcript previously annotated as long noncoding RNA (RIKEN cDNA 4933427D06, Gene ID: 232217), virtually encodes a membrane protein, USSP1, in a highly testis-specific manner in mouse. We demonstrate its expression on the membrane of undifferentiated spermatogonia by a homemade polyclonal rabbit antibody against the protein. In vivo, USSP1+ clusters consist mainly of As, Apr (GFRα1+) and Aal (PLZF+) cells. USSP1+ cells exhibit enrichment of undifferentiated spermatogonia, as shown by increased expression of SSC self-renewal molecular markers and the potential to form SSC clones in vitro and in vivo. However, Ussp1 knockout did not affect the number of SSCs or spermatogenesis in mice. Thy1+ cells from Ussp1 null mice did not show any defect in the SSC colony formation capacity, indicating that USSP1 is not essential for SSC self-renewal. Our data demonstrate that Ussp1 is specifically expressed in undifferentiated murine spermatogonia, indicating the potential to sort undifferentiated spermatogonia with USSP1 antibodies. Ussp1 might be a good maker for SSC enrichment in neonatal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoheng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Puping Liang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Minyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Shanbo Cao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhao
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Junjiu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Zhu J, Wang Y, Yu W, Xia K, Huang Y, Wang J, Liu B, Tao H, Liang C, Li F. Long Noncoding RNA: Function and Mechanism on Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:259-267. [PMID: 30479219 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666181127145809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background:Long suspected as transcriptional noise, recently recognized, long non-coding
RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as an indicator, biomarker and therapy target in the physiologic and
pathologic process. Mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells are important source for normal
and therapeutic tissue repair. However, the mechanism of stem cell differentiation is not completely
understood. Research on lncRNAs may provide novel insights into the mechanism of differentiation
process of the stem cell which is important for the application of stem cell therapy. The lncRNAs field
is still very young, new insights into lncRNAs function are emerging to a greater understanding of biological
processes.
Objective:
In this review, we summarize the recent researches studying lncRNAs and illustrate how
they act in the differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells, and discuss
some future directions in this field.
Results:
Numerous lncRNAs were differentially expressed during differentiation of mesenchymal stem
cells and embryonic stem cells. LncRNAs were able to regulate the differentiation processes through
epigenetic regulation, transcription regulation and post-transcription regulation.
Conclusion:
LncRNAs are involved in the differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic
stem cells, and they could become promising indicator, biomarker and therapeutic targets in the
physiologic and pathologic process. However, the mechanisms of the role of lncRNAs still require further
investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaishun Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuluan Huang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women`s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huimin Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangcai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jie Fang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
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Liang M, Hu K, He C, Zhou J, Liao Y. Upregulated lncRNA Gm2044 inhibits male germ cell development by acting as miR-202 host gene. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2019; 23:128-134. [PMID: 30949400 PMCID: PMC6440523 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2019.1591506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to participate in the regulation of human spermatogenic cell development. However, little is known about the abnormal expression of lncRNAs associated with spermatogenic failure and their molecular mechanisms. Using lncRNA microarray of testicular tissue for male infertility and bioinformatics methods, we identified the relatively conserved lncRNA Gm2044 which may play important roles in non-obstructive azoospermia. The UCSC Genome Browser showed that lncRNA Gm2044 is the miR-202 host gene. This study revealed that lncRNA Gm2044 and miR-202 were significantly increased in non-obstructive azoospermia of spermatogonial arrest. The mRNA and protein levels of Rbfox2, a known direct target gene of miR-202, were regulated by lncRNA Gm2044. Furthermore, the miR-202-Rbfox2 signalling pathway was shown to mediate the suppressive effects of lncRNA Gm2044 on the proliferation of human testicular embryonic carcinoma cells. Understanding of the molecular signalling pathways for lncRNA-regulated spermatogenesis will provide new clues into the pathogenesis and treatment of patients with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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Bie B, Wang Y, Li L, Fang H, Liu L, Sun J. Noncoding RNAs: Potential players in the self-renewal of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:720-728. [PMID: 29969526 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a unique population of male germ cells with self-renewal ability, are the foundation for maintenance of spermatogenesis throughout the life of the male. Although many regulatory molecules essential for SSC self-renewal have been identified, the fundamental mechanism underlying how SSCs acquire and maintain their self-renewal activity remains largely to be elucidated. In recent years, many types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been suggested to regulate the SSC self-renewal through multiple ways, indicating ncRNAs play crucial roles in SSC self-renewal. In this paper, we mainly focus on four types of ncRNAs including microRNA, long ncRNA, piwi-interacting RNA, as well as circular RNAs, and reviewed their potential roles in SSC self-renewal that discovered recently to help us gain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs perform their function in regulating SSC self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Bie
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanle Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Libing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Sun
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Hong SH, Kwon JT, Kim J, Jeong J, Kim J, Lee S, Cho C. Profiling of testis-specific long noncoding RNAs in mice. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:539. [PMID: 30012089 PMCID: PMC6048885 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis, which is the complex and highly regulated process of producing haploid spermatozoa, involves testis-specific transcripts. Recent studies have discovered that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are novel regulatory molecules that play important roles in various biological processes. However, there has been no report on the comprehensive identification of testis-specific lncRNAs in mice. Results We performed microarray analysis of transcripts from mouse brain, heart, kidney, liver and testis. We found that testis harbored the highest proportion of tissue-specific lncRNAs (11%; 1607 of 14,256). Testis also harbored the largest number of tissue-specific mRNAs among the examined tissues, but the proportion was lower than that of lncRNAs (7%; 1090 of 16,587). We categorized the testis-specific lncRNAs and found that a large portion corresponded to long intergenic ncRNAs (lincRNAs). Genomic analysis identified 250 protein-coding genes located near (≤ 10 kb) 194 of the loci encoding testis-specific lincRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that these protein-coding genes were enriched for transcriptional regulation-related terms. Analysis of male germ cell-related cell lines (F9, GC-1 and GC-2) revealed that some of the testis-specific lncRNAs were expressed in each of these cell lines. Finally, we arbitrarily selected 26 testis-specific lncRNAs and performed in vitro expression analysis. Our results revealed that all of them were expressed exclusively in the testis, and 23 of the 26 showed germ cell-specific expression. Conclusion This study provides a catalog of testis-specific lncRNAs and a basis for future investigation of the lncRNAs involved in spermatogenesis and testicular functions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4931-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hyeon Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kwon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Juri Jeong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Seonhee Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea.
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Chen S, Wang LL, Sun KX, Liu Y, Guan X, Zong ZH, Zhao Y. LncRNA TDRG1 enhances tumorigenicity in endometrial carcinoma by binding and targeting VEGF-A protein. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3013-3021. [PMID: 29920344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in females. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with cancer; its role in endometrial carcinoma is an emerging area of research. In this article, lncRNA TDRG1 expression in human endometrial carcinoma tissues and normal endometrial tissues was quantified by qRT-PCR. LncRNA TDRG1 was overexpressed or knocked-down in neither HEC-1B nor Ishikawa endometrial carcinoma cells, respectively, to assess cellular phenotype and expression of related molecules. Our results showed that lncRNA TDRG1 was significantly overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma tissues. Overexpression of lncRNA TDRG1 promoted endometrial carcinoma cell viability, invasion and migratory ability, inhibited apoptosis, and upregulated VEGF-A, PI3K, Bcl-2, MMP2 and survivin; knockdown of lncRNA TDRG1 had the opposite effects. LncRNA TDRG1 overexpression increased tumorigenicity in vivo and was associated with the upregulation of VEGF-A. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays confirmed that lncRNA TDRG1 directly binds to VEGF-A protein. Furthermore, knockdown of VEGFA in lncRNA TDRG1-overexpressing endometrial carcinoma cells reversed the effects of lncRNA TDRG1 on cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis. In conclusion, lncRNA TDRG1 may promote endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion by positively targeting VEGF-A and modulating relative genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institute in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510150, PR China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Kai-Xuan Sun
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Xue Guan
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institute in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510150, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institute in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510150, PR China.
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Hu K, Li L, Liao Y, Liang M. LncRNA Gm2044 highly expresses in spermatocyte and inhibits Utf1 translation by interacting with Utf1 mRNA. Genes Genomics 2018; 40:781-787. [PMID: 29934815 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-018-0690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a process which includes the following phases: spermatogonial stem cell proliferation and differentiation, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid and mature sperm. Spermatogenic failure is the important factor resulting in male infertility. Recent studies showed that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have been found to be involved in the regulation of male reproduction. However, lncRNA associated with spermatogenesis and their mechanisms of action are unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA in spermatogenesis. LncRNA microarray of germ cells and bioinformatic analysis showed lncRNA Gm2044 may play potential roles in spermatogenesis. The expression level of RNA and protein were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The interaction of lncRNA with mRNA was detected by RNA pull down and cellular proliferation was measured using CCK-8 reagent. Testis-enriched lncRNA Gm2044 is abundant in mouse spermatocytes. Gm2044 can suppress the translation of adjacent spermatogenesis-related gene Utf1 by interacting with Utf1 mRNA. Furthermore, the proliferation of mouse spermatogonia GC-1 cell line and spermatocyte GC-2 cell line was inhibited by Gm2044. CONCLUSION LncRNA Gm2044 was identified to inhibit Utf1 mRNA translation and play important roles in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Leina Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Hu F, Xu K, Zhou Y, Wu C, Wang S, Xiao J, Wen M, Zhao R, Luo K, Tao M, Duan W, Liu S. Different expression patterns of sperm motility-related genes in testis of diploid and tetraploid cyprinid fish†. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:907-920. [PMID: 28340181 PMCID: PMC5441299 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is an important standard to measure the fertility of male. In our previous study, we found that the diploid spermatozoa from allotetraploid hybrid (4nAT) had longer durations of rapid and slow progressive motility than haploid spermatozoa from common carp (COC). In this study, to explore sperm motility-related molecular mechanisms, we compared the testis tissues transcriptomes from 2-year-old male COC and 4nAT. The RNA-seq data revealed that 2985 genes were differentially expressed between COC and 4nAT, including 2216 upregulated and 769 downregulated genes in 4nAT. Some differentially expressed genes, such as tubulin genes, dynein, axonemal, heavy chain(dnah) genes, mitogen-activated protein kinase(mapk) genes, tektin 4, FOX transcription factors, proteasome genes, and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase(uchl) genes, are involved in the regulation of cell division, flagellar and ciliary motility, gene transcription, cytoskeleton, energy metabolism, and the ubiquitin–proteasome system, suggesting that these genes were related to sperm motility of the 4nAT. We confirmed the differential expression of 12 such genes in 4nAT by quantitative PCR. By western blotting, we also confirmed increased expression of Uchl3 in 4nAT testis. In addition, we identified 1915 and 2551 predicted long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts from testis tissue transcriptomes of COC and 4nAT, respectively. Of these, 1575 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in 4nAT and 939 were specifically expressed in COC. This study provides insights into the transcriptome profile of testis tissues from diploid and tetraploid, which are useful for research on regulatory mechanisms behind sperm motility in male polyploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Kang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Yunfan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Chang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Shi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Jun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Min Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Rurong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Kaikun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Wei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. of China
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41
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Li X, Ao J, Wu J. Systematic identification and comparison of expressed profiles of lncRNAs and circRNAs with associated co-expression and ceRNA networks in mouse germline stem cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26573-26590. [PMID: 28404936 PMCID: PMC5432280 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) involve in germ cell development. However, little is known about the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs and circRNAs in self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells. Therefore, we explored the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in male and female mouse germline stem cells by high-throughput sequencing. We identified 18573 novel lncRNAs and 18822 circRNAs in the germline stem cells and further confirmed the existence of these lncRNAs and circRNAs by RT-PCR. The results showed that male and female germline stem cells had similar GDNF signaling mechanism. Subsequently, 8115 mRNAs, 3996 lncRNAs, and 921 circRNAs exhibited sex-biased expression that may be associated with germline stem cell acquisition of the sex-specific properties required for differentiation into gametes. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed different functions for these sex-biased lncRNAs and circRNAs. We further constructed correlated expression networks including coding–noncoding co-expression and competing endogenous RNAs with bioinformatics. Co-expression analysis showed hundreds of lncRNAs were correlated with sex differences in mouse germline stem cells, including lncRNA Gm11851, lncRNA Gm12840, lncRNA 4930405O22Rik, and lncRNA Atp10d. CeRNA network inferred that lncRNA Meg3 and cirRNA Igf1r could bind competitively with miRNA-15a-5p increasing target gene Inha, Acsl3, Kif21b, and Igfbp2 expressions. These findings provide novel perspectives on lncRNAs and circRNAs and lay a foundation for future research into the regulating mechanisms of lncRNAs and circRNAs in germline stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Li
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Junping Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
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42
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Takei N, Nakamura T, Kawamura S, Takada Y, Satoh Y, Kimura AP, Kotani T. High-Sensitivity and High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization of Coding and Long Non-coding RNAs in Vertebrate Ovaries and Testes. Biol Proced Online 2018; 20:6. [PMID: 29507535 PMCID: PMC5831722 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-018-0071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subcellular localization of coding and non-coding RNAs has emerged as major regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in various cell types and many organisms. However, techniques that enable detection of the subcellular distribution of these RNAs with high sensitivity and high resolution remain limited, particularly in vertebrate adult tissues and organs. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of mRNAs encoding Pou5f1/Oct4, Mos, Cyclin B1 and Deleted in Azoospermia-like (Dazl) in zebrafish and mouse ovaries by combining tyramide signal amplification (TSA)-based in situ hybridization with paraffin sections which can preserve cell morphology of tissues and organs at subcellular levels. In addition, the distribution of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), lncRNA-HSVIII, in mouse testes was examined by the same method. Results The mRNAs encoding Mos, Cyclin B1 and Dazl were found to assemble into distinct granules that were distributed in different subcellular regions of zebrafish and mouse oocytes, suggesting conserved and specific regulations of these mRNAs. The lncRNA-HSVIII was first detected in the nucleus of spermatocytes at prophase I of the meiotic cell cycle and was then found in the cytoplasm of round spermatids, revealing expression patterns of lncRNA during germ cell development. Collectively, the in situ hybridization method demonstrated in this study achieved the detection and comparison of precise distribution patterns of coding and non-coding RNAs at subcellular levels in single cells of adult tissues and organs. Conclusions This high-sensitivity and high-resolution in situ hybridization is applicable to many vertebrate species and to various tissues and organs and will be useful for studies on the subcellular regulation of gene expression at the level of RNA localization. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12575-018-0071-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Takei
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Takuma Nakamura
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Shohei Kawamura
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Yuki Takada
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Yui Satoh
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Atsushi P Kimura
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan.,2Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, North 10 West 8, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810 Japan
| | - Tomoya Kotani
- 1Biosystems Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan.,2Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, North 10 West 8, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810 Japan
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43
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1700108J01Rik and 1700101O22Rik are mouse testis-specific long non-coding RNAs. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 149:517-527. [PMID: 29411102 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs; > 200 nucleotides in length) have attracted attention as fine-tuners of gene expression. However, little is known about the cell- and stage-specific expression pattern and function of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to identify mouse testis-associated lncRNAs using a combination of computational and experimental approaches. We first used the FANTOM5 database to survey lncRNA expression in the mouse testis and performed reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) analyses. In silico analysis showed that most of the highly expressed lncRNAs in the adult mouse testis were testis-specific lncRNAs and were expressed at and following the initiation of spermatogenesis. We selected the antisense lncRNA 1700108J01Rik and long intergenic non-coding RNA 1700101O22Rik from the most highly expressed lncRNAs in the adult testis for further analysis. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed that 1700108J01Rik and 1700101O22Rik were specifically expressed in the testis. ISH analysis revealed that the two mouse-testis-specific lncRNAs were expressed exclusively in testicular germ cells in meiotic prophase and the round spermatid stage, which coincide with the period of transcriptional reactivation during spermatogenesis. The cytoplasmic distribution of these lncRNAs revealed by ISH suggests their involvement in post-transcriptional gene regulation rather than in epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Our data provide new insight into testis-associated lncRNAs that will be useful in expression and functional studies of spermatogenesis.
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44
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Chen S, Wu DD, Sang XB, Wang LL, Zong ZH, Sun KX, Liu BL, Zhao Y. The lncRNA HULC functions as an oncogene by targeting ATG7 and ITGB1 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3118. [PMID: 29022892 PMCID: PMC5682654 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which has recently been identified as a key regulator in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, gliomas and gastric cancer. However, its role in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remains unknown. In this study, HULC expression was examined in EOC, borderline and benign ovarian tumors, and normal ovarian tissues by RT-PCR. Ovarian cancer cell phenotypes, as well as autophagy-associated proteins were examined after HULC overexpression or downregulation by plasmid or small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, respectively. LncRNA-protein interactions were examined by ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. We found that HULC expression levels were higher in EOC tissues than normal samples. HULC overexpression induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, whereas reduced cell apoptosis in vitro and induced tumor growth in vivo. In contrast, downregulation of HULC by siRNA transfection reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis and autophagy. Our results showed that HULC overexpression reduced ATG7, LC3-II and LAMP1 expression, while inducing SQSTM1 (P62) and ITGB1 expression. HULC downregulation had the opposite effects. Furthermore, RIP indicated that ATG7 interacted with HULC; ATG7 downregulation also induced cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in vitro by reducing LC3-II and LAMP1 expression, while inducing SQSTM1 expression. Furthermore, ATG7 co-transfection with HULC reversed the oncogenic effects of HULC both in vitro and in vivo; however, downregulating ATG7 did not affect cell migration and invasive ability. We found that ITGB1 siRNA co-transfection with HULC reversed the function of HULC in inducing ovarian cancer cell migration and invasive ability. Taken together, our results show that HULC may promote ovarian carcinoma tumorigenesis by inhibiting ATG7 and inducing progression by regulating ITGB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiu-Bo Sang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kai-Xuan Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo-Liang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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45
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Chen X, Che D, Zhang P, Li X, Yuan Q, Liu T, Guo J, Feng T, Wu L, Liao M, He Z, Zeng W. Profiling of miRNAs in porcine germ cells during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2017; 154:789-798. [PMID: 28947561 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis includes mitosis of spermatogonia, meiosis of pachytene spermatocytes and spermiogenesis of round spermatids. MiRNAs as a ~22 nt small noncoding RNA are involved in regulating spermatogenesis at post-transcriptional level. However, the dynamic miRNAs expression in the developmental porcine male germ cells remains largely undefined. In this study, we purified porcine spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids using a STA-PUT apparatus. A small RNA deep sequencing and analysis were conducted to establish a miRNAs profiling in these male germ cells. We found that 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed between spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes, and 74 miRNAs differentially expressed between pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Furthermore, 91 miRNAs were upregulated, while 108 miRNAs were downregulated in spermatozoa. We demonstrated that ssc-miR-10a-5p, ssc-miR-125b, ssc-let-7f and ssc-miR-186 were highly expressed in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and spermatozoa respectively. The findings could provide novel insights into roles of miRNAs in regulation of porcine spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongxue Che
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tongying Feng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular AndrologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minzhi Liao
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
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46
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Weng B, Ran M, Chen B, He C, Dong L, Peng F. Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs and their role in postnatal porcine testis development. Genomics 2017; 109:446-456. [PMID: 28746831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive and systematic understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in the postnatal development of the pig testis has still not been achieved. In the present study, we obtained more than one billion clean reads and identified 15,528 lncRNA transcripts; these transcripts included 5032 known and 10,496 novel porcine lncRNA transcripts and corresponded to 10,041 lncRNA genes. Pairwise comparisons identified 449 known and 324 novel lncRNAs that showed differential expression patterns. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the TGF-beta pathway, the PI3K-Akt pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the AMPK pathway. Using this information, we predicted some lncRNAs and coding gene pairs were predicted that may function in testis development and spermatogenesis; these are listed in detail. This study has provided the most comprehensive catalog to date of lncRNAs in the postnatal pig testis and will aid our understanding of their functional roles in testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Weng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Maoliang Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Changqing He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lianhua Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Fuzhi Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
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47
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Long noncoding RNA expression profile changes associated with dietary energy in the sheep testis during sexual maturation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5180. [PMID: 28701734 PMCID: PMC5507887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis can be affected by nutrition, which operates through normal physiological processes by changing the testicular mass and hormone levels profoundly. However, little is known regarding how testis development is regulated by long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). In this study, we investigated the effects of high-grain (HG) feeding on testis development during sexual maturation mediated by lncRNA. The HG diet group showed an increase in growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and testosterone (T) levels, and in the number of sperm in the seminiferous tubules compared with the hay-fed group (p
< 0.05). Moreover, we found 59 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 229 DE mRNAs in sheep testis between the two groups. qRT-PCR results of 20 randomly selected DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were also consistent with the RNA-seq data. Through functional enrichment analysis and lncRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis, we screened several lncRNAs that may be enriched for male reproduction such as spermatogenesis, sperm motility, steroid hormones, MAPK and ErbB signaling pathways. This study provides a first insight into the development of the testis with HG feeding in sheep and shows that these changes are associated with alterations in lncRNA expression.
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48
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Mrhl Long Noncoding RNA Mediates Meiotic Commitment of Mouse Spermatogonial Cells by Regulating Sox8 Expression. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00632-16. [PMID: 28461394 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00632-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of various biological processes, including spermatogenesis. Our previous studies have revealed the regulatory loop of mrhl RNA and Wnt signaling, where mrhl RNA negatively regulates Wnt signaling and gets downregulated upon Wnt signaling activation. This downregulation of mrhl RNA is important for the meiotic progression of spermatogonial cells. In our present study, we identified the transcription factor Sox8 as the regulatory link between mrhl RNA expression, Wnt signaling activation, and meiotic progression. In contrast to reports from other groups, we report the expression of Sox8 in germ cells and describe the molecular mechanism of Sox8 regulation by mrhl RNA during differentiation of spermatogonial cells. Binding of mrhl RNA to the Sox8 promoter is accompanied by the assembly of other regulatory factors involving Myc-Max-Mad transcription factors, corepressor Sin3a, and coactivator Pcaf. In the context of Wnt signaling, Sox8 directly regulates the expression of premeiotic and meiotic markers. Prolonged Wnt signaling activation in spermatogonial cells leads to changes in global chromatin architecture and a decrease in levels of stem cell markers.
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49
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Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs in mouse testes and spermatozoa after exposure to cadmium. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 484:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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50
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Lin Y, He R, Sun L, Yang Y, Li W, Sun F. Pentacle gold-copper alloy nanocrystals: a new system for entering male germ cells in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39592. [PMID: 28000742 PMCID: PMC5175129 DOI: 10.1038/srep39592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold-based nanocrystals have attracted considerable attention for drug delivery and biological applications due to their distinct shapes. However, overcoming biological barriers is a hard and inevitable problem, which restricts medical applications of nanomaterials in vivo. Seeking for an efficient transportation to penetrate biological barriers is a common need. There are three barriers: blood-testis barrier, blood-placenta barrier, and blood-brain barrier. Here, we pay close attention to the blood-testis barrier. We found that the pentacle gold-copper alloy nanocrystals not only could enter GC-2 cells in vitro in a short time, but also could overcome the blood-testis barrier and enter male germ cells in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the entrance efficiency would become much higher in the development stages. The results also suggested that the pentacle gold-copper alloy nanocrystals could easier enter to germ cells in the pathological condition. This system could be a new method for theranostics in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P. R. China
| | - Rong He
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center of Advanced Nanocatalysis (CAN-USTC), Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Liping Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P. R. China
| | - Yushan Yang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center of Advanced Nanocatalysis (CAN-USTC), Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P. R. China
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P. R. China
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