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Bai J, Yun X, Xu X, Liu S, Zhang S, Liu T, Zhang Y. The proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells in the frist wave of spermatogenesis in rats with Trib3 gene knockout. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100921. [PMID: 38964220 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100921] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the effects of Trib3 gene knockout on adult male rat spermatogenesis. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we knocked out the Trib3 gene in Wistar rats. Results indicate altered expression of PLZF, ID4, and c-KIT in knockout rats, suggesting impaired spermatogonial stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Histological analysis reveals reduced seminiferous tubule area and decreased spermatocyte numbers. Mating experiments demonstrate reduced offspring rates after the second self-mating in knockout rats. SYCP3, a meiosis marker, shows elevated expression in knockout rat testes at 14 days postpartum, suggesting an impact on reproductive processes. ELISA results indicate decreased testosterone, FSH, and FGF9 levels in knockout rat testicular tissues. In conclusion, Trib3 gene deletion may impede spermatogonial self-renewal and promote differentiation through the FSH-FGF9- c-KIT interaction and p38MAPK pathway, affecting reproductive capacity. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bai
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Xia Yun
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Xuguang Xu
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Sidegeer Zhang
- Clinical medicine, Shanxi Medical University,Taiyuan 030607, China
| | - Taodi Liu
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China.
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2
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Asgari F, Asgari H, Najafi M, Hajiaghalou S, Pirhajati-Mahabadi V, Mohammadi A, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Koruji M. In vitro proliferation and differentiation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells in decellularized human placenta matrix. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2024; 112:e35414. [PMID: 38733611 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Utilizing natural scaffold production derived from extracellular matrix components presents a promising strategy for advancing in vitro spermatogenesis. In this study, we employed decellularized human placental tissue as a scaffold, upon which neonatal mouse spermatogonial cells (SCs) were cultured three-dimensional (3D) configuration. To assess cellular proliferation, we examined the expression of key markers (Id4 and Gfrα1) at both 1 and 14 days into the culture. Our quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed a notable increase in Gfrα1 gene expression, with the 3D culture group exhibiting the highest levels. Furthermore, the relative frequency of Gfrα1-positive cells significantly rose from 38.1% in isolated SCs to 46.13% and 76.93% in the two-dimensional (2D) and 3D culture systems, respectively. Moving forward to days 14 and 35 of the culture period, we evaluated the expression of differentiating markers (Sycp3, acrosin, and Protamine 1). Sycp3 and Prm1 gene expression levels were upregulated in both 2D and 3D cultures, with the 3D group displaying the highest expression. Additionally, acrosin gene expression increased notably within the 3D culture. Notably, at the 35-day mark, the percentage of Prm1-positive cells in the 3D group (36.4%) significantly surpassed that in the 2D group (10.96%). This study suggests that the utilization of placental scaffolds holds significant promise as a bio-scaffold for enhancing mouse in vitro spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asgari
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Najafi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Hajiaghalou
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Mohammadi
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Tian H, Wang X, Li X, Song W, Mi J, Zou K. Regulation of spermatogonial stem cell differentiation by Sertoli cells-derived exosomes through paracrine and autocrine signaling. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31202. [PMID: 38291718 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
In the orchestrated environment of the testicular niche, the equilibrium between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is meticulously maintained, ensuring a stable stem cell reserve and robust spermatogenesis. Within this milieu, extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, have emerged as critical conveyors of intercellular communication. Despite their recognized significance, the implications of testicular exosomes in modulating SSC fate remain incompletely characterized. Given the fundamental support and regulatory influence of Sertoli cells (SCs) on SSCs, we were compelled to explore the role of SC-derived exosomes (SC-EXOs) in the SSC-testicular niche. Our investigation hinged on the hypothesis that SC-EXOs, secreted by SCs from the testes of 5-day-old mice-a developmental juncture marking the onset of SSC differentiation-participate in the regulation of this process. We discovered that exposure to SC-EXOs resulted in an upsurge of PLZF, MVH, and STRA8 expression in SSC cultures, concomitant with a diminution of ID4 and GFRA1 levels. Intriguingly, obstructing exosomal communication in a SC-SSC coculture system with the exosome inhibitor GW4869 attenuated SSC differentiation, suggesting that SC-EXOs may modulate this process via paracrine signaling. Further scrutiny revealed the presence of miR-493-5p within SC-EXOs, which suppresses Gdnf mRNA in SCs to indirectly restrain SSC differentiation through the modulation of GDNF expression-an indication of autocrine regulation. Collectively, our findings illuminate the complex regulatory schema by which SC-EXOs affect SSC differentiation, offering novel perspectives and laying the groundwork for future preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairui Tian
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingju Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixiang Song
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Mi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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4
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Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Alipanah H, Ghasemian A, Ai J, Rahimian N, Mohammadisoleimani E, Najafipour S. Tissue engineering studies in male infertility disorder. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1617-1635. [PMID: 37791451 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is an important issue among couples worldwide which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Male infertility is a problem in 7% of all men. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) is the experimental approach that has been developed for mimicking seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro. Currently, various researchers are interested in finding and developing a microenvironmental condition or a bioartificial testis applied for fertility restoration via gamete production in vitro. The tissue engineering (TE) has developed new approaches to treat male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. This makes TE a possible future strategy for restoration of male fertility. Although 3D culture systems supply the perception of the effect of cellular interactions in the process of spermatogenesis, formation of a native gradient of autocrine/paracrine factors in 3D culture systems have not been considered. These results collectively suggest that maintaining the microenvironment of testicular cells even in the form of a 3D-culture system is crucial in achieving spermatogenesis ex vivo. It is also possible to engineer the testicular structures using biomaterials to provide a supporting scaffold for somatic and stem cells. The insemination of these cells with GFs is possible for temporally and spatially adjusted release to mimic the microenvironment of the in situ seminiferous epithelium. This review focuses on recent studies and advances in the application of TE strategies to cell-tissue culture on synthetic or natural scaffolds supplemented with growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hiva Alipanah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Mohammadisoleimani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Zhuo L, Zhou Y, Tian J, Li Y, Xie Z, Pei C, Yan B, Ma L. The role of miR-199a-3p in inhibiting the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells under heat stress. Theriogenology 2023; 211:56-64. [PMID: 37573635 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, their specific functions in response to heat stress are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of miR-199a-3p on the proliferation of heat stress-treated spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs were isolated from mouse testes and cultured in vitro to identify marker molecules. Lentiviruses carrying miR-199a-3p-over, miR-199a-3p-inhibit, and ID4-over constructs were generated for stable transfection. Luciferase assay was employed to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-199a-3p and ID4. An in vitro SSCs heat stress model was established, and the miR-199a-3p-inhibit and ID4-over groups were included. Cellular proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, EdU, and cell cycle analysis methods after heat stress. Expression levels of miR-199a-3p and ID4 were evaluated by western blotting and qRT-PCR. The results demonstrated that miR-199a-3p-over inhibited SSCs proliferation, while ID4-over promoted an increase in SSCs number. Luciferase assay confirmed the regulatory effect of miR-199a-3p on ID4 expression. Moreover, after heat stress treatment, miR-199a-3p-inhibit and ID4-over enhanced SSCs proliferation compared to the control group. These findings suggest that miR-199a-3p modulates SSCs proliferation by targeting ID4, especially under heat stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifan Zhuo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jia Tian
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xie
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Chengbin Pei
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Bei Yan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Lianghong Ma
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Urology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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6
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Yang M, Ma W, Oatley J, Liu WS. Mouse Pramel1 regulates spermatogonial development by inhibiting retinoic acid signaling during spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:dev201907. [PMID: 37781892 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis begins when cell fate-committed prospermatogonia migrate to the basement membrane and initiate spermatogenesis in response to retinoic acid (RA) in the neonatal testis. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms in this process are not fully understood. Here, we report findings on the involvement of a cancer/testis antigen, PRAMEL1, in the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. By analyzing mouse models with either global or conditional Pramel1 inactivation, we found that PRAMEL1 regulates the RA responsiveness of the subtypes of prospermatogonia in the neonatal testis, and affects their homing process during the initiation of spermatogenesis. Pramel1 deficiency led to increased fecundity in juvenile males and decreased fecundity in mature males. In addition, Pramel1 deficiency resulted in a regional Sertoli cell-only phenotype during the first round of spermatogenesis, which was rescued by administration of the RA inhibitor WIN18,446, suggesting that PRAMEL1 functions as an inhibitor of RA signaling in germ cells. Overall, our findings suggest that PRAMEL1 fine-tunes RA signaling, playing a crucial role in the proper establishment of the first and subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Yang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - Wenzhi Ma
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - Jon Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
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7
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Yan RG, He Z, Wang FC, Li S, Shang QB, Yang QE. Transcription factor E4F1 dictates spermatogonial stem cell fate decisions by regulating mitochondrial functions and cell cycle progression. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:177. [PMID: 37749649 PMCID: PMC10521505 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide a foundation for robust and continual spermatogenesis in mammals. SSCs self-renew to maintain a functional stem cell pool and differentiate to supply committed progenitors. Metabolism acts as a crucial determinant of stem cell fates; however, factors linking metabolic programs to SSC development and maintenance are poorly understood. RESULTS We analyzed the chromatin accessibility of undifferentiated spermatogonia at the single-cell level and identified 37 positive TF regulators that may have potential roles in dictating SSC fates. The transcription factor E4F1 is expressed in spermatogonia, and its conditional deletion in mouse germ cells results in progressive loss of the entire undifferentiated spermatogonial pool. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of control and E4f1-deficient spermatogonia revealed that E4F1 acts as a key regulator of mitochondrial function. E4F1 binds to promotors of genes that encode components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, including Ndufs5, Cox7a2, Cox6c, and Dnajc19. Loss of E4f1 function caused abnormal mitochondrial morphology and defects in fatty acid metabolism; as a result, undifferentiated spermatogonia were gradually lost due to cell cycle arrest and elevated apoptosis. Deletion of p53 in E4f1-deficient germ cells only temporarily prevented spermatogonial loss but did not rescue the defects in SSC maintenance. CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence indicates that metabolic signals dictate stem cell fate decisions. In this study, we identified a list of transcription regulators that have potential roles in the fate transitions of undifferentiated spermatogonia in mice. Functional experiments demonstrated that the E4F1-mediated transcription program is a crucial regulator of metabolism and SSC fate decisions in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fei-Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qin-Bang Shang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China.
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Abstract
Male germ cells undergo a complex sequence of developmental events throughout fetal and postnatal life that culminate in the formation of haploid gametes: the spermatozoa. Errors in these processes result in infertility and congenital abnormalities in offspring. Male germ cell development starts when pluripotent cells undergo specification to sexually uncommitted primordial germ cells, which act as precursors of both oocytes and spermatozoa. Male-specific development subsequently occurs in the fetal testes, resulting in the formation of spermatogonial stem cells: the foundational stem cells responsible for lifelong generation of spermatozoa. Although deciphering such developmental processes is challenging in humans, recent studies using various models and single-cell sequencing approaches have shed new insight into human male germ cell development. Here, we provide an overview of cellular, signaling and epigenetic cascades of events accompanying male gametogenesis, highlighting conserved features and the differences between humans and other model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hargy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kotaro Sasaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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9
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Li C, Yao Z, Ma L, Song X, Wang W, Wan C, Ren S, Chen D, Zheng Y, Zhu YT, Chang G, Wu S, Miao K, Luo F, Zhao XY. Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of murine and primate spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:969-984. [PMID: 37044069 PMCID: PMC10147841 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche is critical for SSC maintenance and subsequent spermatogenesis. Numerous reproductive hazards impair the SSC niche, thereby resulting in aberrant SSC self-renewal and male infertility. However, promising agents targeting the impaired SSC niche to promote SSC self-renewal are still limited. Here, we screen out and assess the effects of Lovastatin on the self-renewal of mouse SSCs (mSSCs). Mechanistically, Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of mSSCs and inhibits its inflammation and apoptosis through the regulation of isoprenoid intermediates. Remarkably, treatment by Lovastatin could promote the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the male gonadotoxicity model generated by busulfan injection. Of note, we demonstrate that Lovastatin could enhance the proliferation of primate undifferentiated spermatogonia. Collectively, our findings uncover that lovastatin could promote the self-renewal of both murine and primate SSCs and have implications for the treatment of certain types of male infertility using small compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohui Li
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linzi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dingyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Tong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shihao Wu
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Miao
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China.
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China; Sino-America Joint Research Center for Translational Medicine in Developmental Disabilities, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Canter for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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van Melis V, Roa-de la Cruz L, Hermann BP. Isolation of Undifferentiated Spermatogonia from Adult and Developing Mouse Testes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:179-193. [PMID: 37249872 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian testis, the mitotic complements of spermatogenic cells are spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which form the basis of life-long spermatogenesis and male fertility. Thus, investigating spermatogonia and subdivisions thereof is essential to increase our understanding of male germline development and infertility. This protocol describes the isolation of spermatogonia from both adult and developing [postnatal day 6 (P6)] mouse testes. Cell suspensions of the adult mouse testis from the Id4-Egfp transgenic mouse line are obtained through a two-step enzymatic digestion and are subjected to Percoll pre-enrichment before spermatogonia are isolated by selecting testis cells that are CD9bright and ID4-EGFP+ through FACS. For P6 mice, the testis is digested using trypsin-DNase, and spermatogonia are isolated by FACS selection of ID4-EGFP+ testis cells. In both cases, nearly pure populations of undifferentiated spermatogonia are obtained that can be further subdivided using additional parameters (e.g., EGFP intensity, cell surface protein immunostaining), and recovered for use in various downstream applications, such as biochemical analyses (e.g., transcriptome/epigenome), functional analyses by SSC transplantation or propagation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera van Melis
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-de la Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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12
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Law NC. Lineage Tracing of Spermatogonial Stem Cells Within the Male Germline. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:309-324. [PMID: 37249878 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the fundamental units from which continuous spermatogenesis arises. Although our knowledge regarding the basic properties of SSCs has grown, driven primarily through the advancement of techniques and technologies to study SSCs, the mechanisms controlling their fate remain largely unknown. Among the modern strategies to evaluate SSCs, lineage tracing is among the few established approaches that allow for functional assessment of stem cell capacity. As a result, lineage tracing continues to forge new discoveries underlying the basic attributes of SSCs as well as the molecular factors that govern SSC function. Traditional approaches to lineage tracing with dyes or radioactive labels suffer from progressive loss after successive cell divisions or unintentional label transfer to neighboring cells. To address these limitations, genetic approaches primarily leveraging transgenic technologies have prevailed as the preferred avenue for modern lineage tracing. This chapter will discuss current protocols for effective genetic lineage tracing and address applications of this technology, considerations when designing lineage tracing experiments, and the methods involved in utilizing lineage tracing to study SSCs and other cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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13
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Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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14
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scATAC-Seq reveals heterogeneity associated with spermatogonial differentiation in cultured male germline stem cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21482. [PMID: 36509798 PMCID: PMC9744833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25729-7] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are the most primitive spermatogonia in testis, which can self-renew to maintain the stem cell pool or differentiate to give rise to germ cells including haploid spermatids. All-trans-retinoic acid (RA), a bioactive metabolite of vitamin A, plays a fundamental role in initiating spermatogonial differentiation. In this study, single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq) was used to obtain genome-wide chromatin maps of cultured germline stem cells (GSCs) that were in control and RA-induced differentiation states. We showed that different subsets of GSCs can be distinguished based on chromatin accessibility of self-renewal and differentiation signature genes. Importantly, both progenitors and a subset of stem cells are able to respond to RA and give rise to differentiating cell subsets with distinct chromatin accessibility profiles. In this study, we identified regulatory regions that undergo chromatin remodeling and are associated with the retinoic signaling pathway. Moreover, we reconstructed the differentiation trajectory and identified novel transcription factor candidates enriched in different spermatogonia subsets. Collectively, our work provides a valuable resource for understanding the heterogeneity associated with differentiation and RA response in GSCs.
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15
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Bashiri Z, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Falak R, Amiri I, Asgari H, Chauhan NPS, Koruji M. In vitro production of mouse morphological sperm in artificial testis bioengineered by 3D printing of extracellular matrix. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:824-841. [PMID: 35905760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since autologous stem cell transplantation is prone to cancer recurrence, in vitro sperm production is regarded a safer approach to fertility preservation. In this study, the spermatogenesis process on testicular tissue extracellular matrix (T-ECM)-derived printing structure was evaluated. Ram testicular tissue was decellularized using a hypertonic solution containing triton and the extracted ECM was used as a bio-ink to print an artificial testis. Following cell adhesion and viability examination, pre-meiotic and post-meiotic cells in the study groups (as testicular suspension and co-culture with Sertoli cells) were confirmed by real-time PCR, flow-cytometry and immunocytochemistry methods. Morphology of differentiated cells was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue, Giemsa, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The functionality of Leydig and Sertoli cells was determined by their ability for hormone secretion. The decellularization of testicular tissue fragments was successful and had efficiently removed the cellular debris and preserved the ECM compounds. High cell viability, colonization, and increased expression of pre-meiotic markers in cultured testicular cells on T-ECM-enriched scaffolds confirmed their proliferation. Furthermore, the inoculation of neonatal mouse testicular cells onto T-ECM-enriched scaffolds resulted in the generation of sperm. Morphology evaluation showed that the structure of these cells was quite similar to mature sperm with a specialized tail structure. The hormonal analysis also confirmed production and secretion of testosterone and inhibin B by Leydig and Sertoli cells. T-ECM printed artificial testis is a future milestone that promises for enhancing germ cell maintenance and differentiation, toxicology studies, and fertility restoration to pave the way for new human infertility treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Endometrium and Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Mesenchymal stem cells promote spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell pool and spermatogenesis in neonatal mice in vitro. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11494. [PMID: 35798781 PMCID: PMC9263145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prepubertal cancer treatment leads to irreversible infertility in half of the male patients. Current in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and cryopreservation techniques are inadequate to expand spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells (SSPC) from testicles. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) bearing a close resemblance to Sertoli cells, improved spermatogenesis in animal models. We asked if a co-culture setup supported by syngeneic BM-MSC that contributes to the air–liquid interphase (ALI) could lead to survival, expansion and differentiation of SSPCs in vitro. We generated an ALI platform able to provide a real-time cellular paracrine contribution consisting of syngeneic BM-MSCs to neonatal C57BL/6 mice testes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this culture system on SSPC pool expansion and spermatogenesis throughout a complete spermatogenic cycle by measuring the number of total germ cells (GC), the undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, the spermatocytes and the spermatids. Furthermore, we evaluated the testicular cell cycle phases, the tubular and luminal areas using histochemical, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric techniques. Cultures in present of BM-MSCs displayed survival of ID4(+) spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), expansion of SALL4(+) and OCT4(+) SSPCs, VASA(+) total GCs and Ki67(+) proliferative cells at 42 days and an increased number of SCP3(+) spermatocytes and Acrosin(+) spermatids at 28 days. BM-MSCs increased the percentage of mitotic cells within the G2-M phase of the total testicular cell cycle increased for 7 days, preserved the cell viability for 42 days and induced testicular maturation by enlargement of the tubular and luminal area for 42 days in comparison to the control. The percentage of PLZF(+) SSPCs increased within the first 28 days of culture, after which the pool started to get smaller while the number of spermatocytes and spermatids increased simultaneously. Our findings established the efficacy of syngeneic BM-MSCs on the survival and expansion of the SSPC pool and differentiation of spermatogonia to round spermatids during in vitro culture of prepubertal mice testes for 42 days. This method may be helpful in providing alternative cures for male fertility by supporting in vitro differentiated spermatids that can be used for round spermatid injection (ROSI) to female oocyte in animal models. These findings can be further exploited for personalized cellular therapy strategies to cure male infertility of prepubertal cancer survivors in clinics.
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17
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Cao Y, Dai Z, Lao H, Zhao H. Dimethyloxaloylglycine promotes spermatogenesis activity of spermatogonial stem cells in Bama minipigs. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e35. [PMID: 35363442 PMCID: PMC8977544 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.21308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The testis has been reported to be a naturally O2-deprived organ, dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) can inhibit hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) subject to degradation under normal oxygen condition in cells. Objectives The objective of this study is to detect the effects of DMOG on the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in Bama minipigs. Methods Gradient concentrations of DMOG were added into the culture medium, HIF-1α protein in SSCs was detected by western blot analysis, the relative transcription levels of the SSC-specific genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Six days post-induction, the genes related to spermatogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR, and the DNA content was determined by flow cytometry. Results Results revealed that the levels of HIF-1α protein increased in SSCs with the DMOG treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The relative transcription levels of SSC-specific genes were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) by activating HIF-1α expression. The induction results showed that DMOG significantly increased (p < 0.05) the spermatogenesis capability of SSCs, and the populations of haploid cells significantly increased (p < 0.05) in DMOG-treated SSCs when compared to those in DMOG-untreated SSCs. Conclusion We demonstrate that DMOG can promote the spermatogenesis activity of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Cao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - ZiFu Dai
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Huizhen Lao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Huimin Zhao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
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18
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Zhao Q, Huang JF, Cheng Y, Dai MY, Zhu WF, Yang XW, Gonzalez FJ, Li F. Polyamine metabolism links gut microbiota and testicular dysfunction. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:224. [PMID: 34758869 PMCID: PMC8582214 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male fertility impaired by exogenous toxins is a serious worldwide issue threatening the health of the new-born and causing infertility. However, the metabolic connection between toxic exposures and testicular dysfunction remains unclear. RESULTS In the present study, the metabolic disorder of testicular dysfunction was investigated using triptolide-induced testicular injury in mice. We found that triptolide induced spermine deficiency resulting from disruption of polyamine biosynthesis and uptake in testis, and perturbation of the gut microbiota. Supplementation with exogenous spermine reversed triptolide-induced testicular dysfunction through increasing the expression of genes related to early and late spermatogenic events, as well as increasing the reduced number of offspring. Loss of gut microbiota by antibiotic treatment resulted in depletion of spermine levels in the intestine and potentiation of testicular injury. Testicular dysfunction in triptolide-treated mice was reversed by gut microbial transplantation from untreated mice and supplementation with polyamine-producing Parabacteroides distasonis. The protective effect of spermine during testicular injury was largely dependent on upregulation of heat shock protein 70s (HSP70s) both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The present study linked alterations in the gut microbiota to testicular dysfunction through disruption of polyamine metabolism. The diversity and dynamics of the gut microbiota may be considered as a therapeutic option to prevent male infertility. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 China
| | - Jian-Feng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 China
- Shanwei Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanwei, Guangdong Province 516622 China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Man-Yun Dai
- Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 China
| | - Wei-Feng Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004 China
| | - Xiu-Wei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Fei Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 China
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19
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Codino A, Turowski T, van de Lagemaat LN, Ivanova I, Tavosanis A, Much C, Auchynnikava T, Vasiliauskaitė L, Morgan M, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Kranc KR, Tollervey D, O'Carroll D. NANOS2 is a sequence-specific mRNA-binding protein that promotes transcript degradation in spermatogonial stem cells. iScience 2021; 24:102762. [PMID: 34278268 PMCID: PMC8271163 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain spermatogenesis and fertility throughout adult male life. The conserved RNA-binding protein NANOS2 is essential for the maintenance of SSCs, but its targets and mechanisms of function are not fully understood. Here, we generated a fully functional epitope-tagged Nanos2 mouse allele and applied the highly stringent cross-linking and analysis of cDNAs to define NANOS2 RNA occupancy in SSC lines. NANOS2 recognizes the AUKAAWU consensus motif, mostly found in the 3' untranslated region of defined messenger RNAs (mRNAs). We find that NANOS2 is a regulator of key signaling and metabolic pathways whose dosage or activity are known to be critical for SSC maintenance. NANOS2 interacts with components of CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex in SSC lines, and consequently, NANOS2 binding reduces the half-lives of target transcripts. In summary, NANOS2 contributes to SSC maintenance through the regulation of target mRNA stability and key self-renewal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Codino
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tomasz Turowski
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Louie N. van de Lagemaat
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ivayla Ivanova
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Andrea Tavosanis
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Christian Much
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Lina Vasiliauskaitė
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Marcos Morgan
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C. Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Kamil R. Kranc
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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20
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Suzuki S, McCarrey JR, Hermann BP. An mTORC1-dependent switch orchestrates the transition between mouse spermatogonial stem cells and clones of progenitor spermatogonia. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108752. [PMID: 33596419 PMCID: PMC7980622 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain spermatogenesis by balancing self-renewal and initiation of differentiation to produce progenitor spermatogonia committed to forming sperm. To define the regulatory logic among SSCs and progenitors, we performed single-cell RNA velocity analyses and validated results in vivo. A predominant quiescent SSC population spawns a small subset of cell-cycle-activated SSCs via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/AKT signaling. Activated SSCs form early progenitors and mTORC1 inhibition drives activated SSC accumulation consistent with blockade to progenitor formation. Mechanistically, mTORC1 inhibition suppresses transcription among spermatogonia and specifically alters expression of insulin growth factor (IGF) signaling in early progenitors. Tex14−/− testes lacking intercellular bridges do not accumulate activated SSCs following mTORC1 inhibition, indicating that steady-state mTORC1 signaling drives activated SSCs to produce progenitor clones. These results are consistent with a model of SSC self-renewal dependent on interconversion between activated and quiescent SSCs, and mTORC1-dependent initiation of differentiation from SSCs to progenitor clones. Suzuki et al. define relationships between subsets of adult mouse SSCs and progenitor spermatogonia using single-cell RNA velocity analyses and in vivo validations. Quiescent SCCs convert to cell-cycle-activated SCCs via MAPK/AKT signaling. Activated SCCs are driven to become early progenitor clones ready to initiate differentiation through mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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21
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Mast4 knockout shows the regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via the FGF2/ERM pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1441-1454. [PMID: 33219327 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an important cellular differentiation process that produces the male gametes and remains active throughout the individual's lifespan. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) refers to the dysfunction of the male reproductive system, including infertility. Accurate self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is essential to prevent SCO syndrome. This study investigated the role of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) in spermatogenesis in mice. MAST4 was localized in Sertoli cells before puberty, providing a somatic niche for spermatogenesis in mice and MAST4 expression shifted to Leydig cells and spermatids throughout puberty. Mast4 knockout (KO) testes were reduced in size compared to wild-type testes, and germ cell depletion associated with an increase in apoptosis and subsequent loss of tubular structure were similar to the SCO phenotype. In addition, MAST4 phosphorylated the Ets-related molecule (ERM), specifically the serine 367 residue. The phosphorylation of ERM ultimately controls the transcription of ERM target genes related to SSC self-renewal. The expression of spermatogenesis-associated proteins was significantly decreased whereas Sertoli cell markers were increased in Mast4 KO testes, which was well-founded by RNA-sequencing analysis. Therefore, MAST4 is associated with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)/ERM pathway and this association helps us explore the capacity of SSCs to maintain a vertebrate stem cell niche.
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22
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Suzuki S, Diaz VD, Hermann BP. What has single-cell RNA-seq taught us about mammalian spermatogenesis? Biol Reprod 2020; 101:617-634. [PMID: 31077285 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program that transforms mitotic testicular germ cells (spermatogonia) into mature male gametes (sperm) for production of offspring. For decades, it has been known that this several-weeks-long process involves a series of highly ordered and morphologically recognizable cellular changes as spermatogonia proliferate, spermatocytes undertake meiosis, and spermatids develop condensed nuclei, acrosomes, and flagella. Yet, much of the underlying molecular logic driving these processes has remained opaque because conventional characterization strategies often aggregated groups of cells to meet technical requirements or due to limited capability for cell selection. Recently, a cornucopia of single-cell transcriptome studies has begun to lift the veil on the full compendium of gene expression phenotypes and changes underlying spermatogenic development. These datasets have revealed the previously obscured molecular heterogeneity among and between varied spermatogenic cell types and are reinvigorating investigation of testicular biology. This review describes the extent of available single-cell RNA-seq profiles of spermatogenic and testicular somatic cells, how those data were produced and evaluated, their present value for advancing knowledge of spermatogenesis, and their potential future utility at both the benchtop and bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Victoria D Diaz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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23
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Unique Epigenetic Programming Distinguishes Regenerative Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Developing Mouse Testis. iScience 2020; 23:101596. [PMID: 33083754 PMCID: PMC7552105 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101596] [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: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) both self-renew and give rise to progenitors that initiate spermatogenic differentiation in the mammalian testis. Questions remain regarding the extent to which the SSC and progenitor states are functionally distinct. Here we provide the first multiparametric integrative analysis of mammalian germ cell epigenomes comparable with that done for >100 somatic cell types by the ENCODE Project. Differentially expressed genes distinguishing SSC- and progenitor-enriched spermatogonia showed distinct histone modification patterns, particularly for H3K27ac and H3K27me3. Motif analysis predicted transcription factors that may regulate spermatogonial subtype-specific fate, and immunohistochemistry and gene-specific chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed subtype-specific differences in target gene binding of a subset of these factors. Taken together, these results show that SSCs and progenitors display distinct epigenetic profiling consistent with these spermatogonial subtypes being differentially programmed to either self-renew and maintain regenerative capacity as SSCs or lose regenerative capacity and initiate lineage commitment as progenitors.
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Zhou S, Feng S, Qin W, Wang X, Tang Y, Yuan S. Epigenetic Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Homeostasis: From DNA Methylation to Histone Modification. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:562-580. [PMID: 32939648 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the ultimate germline stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation, and a dynamic balance of SSCs play an essential role in spermatogenesis. During the gene expression process, genomic DNA and nuclear protein, working together, contribute to SSC homeostasis. Recently, emerging studies have shown that epigenome-related molecules such as chromatin modifiers play an important role in SSC homeostasis through regulating target gene expression. Here, we focus on two types of epigenetic events, including DNA methylation and histone modification, and summarize their function in SSC homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism during SSC homeostasis will promote the recognition of epigenetic biomarkers in male infertility, and bring light into therapies of infertile patients.Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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Park HJ, Lee WY, Lee R, Park JK, Hong KH, Park C, Song H. Expression of paired box protein PAX7 in prepubertal boar testicular gonocytes. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151595. [PMID: 32778235 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves mitosis, meiosis, growth, and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into spermatozoa. Markers of spermatogonia and other spermatogenic cells have been extensively studied in rodents, whereas physiological characteristics and stage-specific markers of germ cells remain largely unknown in large domestic animals. In rodents, paired box protein 7 (PAX7) is known to be a specific marker of a rare spermatogonial subpopulation in adult testes, while being expressed by a large proportion of neonatal testicular germ cells. However, the expression of PAX7 has not yet been investigated in domestic animals. The objective of this study was to characterize PAX7 expression during boar testis development and in in vitro cultured porcine SSCs (pSSCs). Notably, the expression of PAX7 was positively correlated with that of a known boar testis spermatogonial and gonocyte marker, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), in prepubertal (5-day-old) boar testes but was not observed during or following puberty. Furthermore, the early-stage spermatogonial markers GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4) were coexpressed in PAX7+ testicular cells from 5-day-old boars. PAX7 expression was also maintained in in vitro cultured undifferentiated porcine spermatogonia, with both PAX7 and PGP9.5 strongly expressed in pSSC colonies but not in feeder cells (testicular somatic cells). These data demonstrated that PAX7 expression only occurred in boar testes during prepuberty and was mainly restricted to very early-stage spermatogonial germ cells, such as gonocytes, which implies that PAX7 can be used as a boar gonocyte marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Young Lee
- Department of Beef and Dairy Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Ran Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ki Park
- Department of Swine & Poultry Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Ho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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27
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Zhang P, Li F, Zhang L, Lei P, Zheng Y, Zeng W. Stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 is a membrane marker for enrichment of porcine spermatogonial stem cells. Andrology 2020; 8:1923-1934. [PMID: 32691968 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as tissue-specific stem cells, are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation and supporting the continual and robust spermatogenesis for male fertility. As a rare sub-fraction of undifferentiated spermatogonia, SSCs share most molecular markers with the progenitor spermatogonia. Thus, the heterogeneity of the progenitor cells often obscures the characteristics of stem cells. Distinguishing SSCs from the progenitors is of paramount importance to understand the regulatory mechanisms governing their actions. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to reveal that SSEA4 can be a marker for putative porcine SSCs that distinguished it from the progenitors and to build a sorting program for efficient enrichment of porcine SSCs. METHODS To explore expression of SSEA4 within the undifferentiated spermatogonial population, we performed co-immunofluorescent staining for SSEA4 and common molecular markers (VASA, DBA, PLZF, c-KIT, and SOX9) in the 7-, 90-, and 150-day-old porcine testicular tissues. SSEA4-positive cells were isolated from the 90-day-old porcine testes by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescent, RNA-sequencing, and transplantation analysis were used to reveal that SSEA4-positive fraction holds the stem cell capacity. RESULTS We found that SSEA4 was expressed in a rare sub-fraction of porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia, and RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the genes for stem cell maintenance and SSC-specific markers (ID4 and PAX7) were up-regulated in the SSEA4-sorted fraction, compared with undifferentiated spermatogonia. In addition, germ cell transplantation assay demonstrated that SSEA4-positive spermatogonia colonized in the recipient testicular tubules. Sorting of the undifferentiated spermatogonia with anti-SSEA4 antibody resulted in a 2.5-fold enrichment of SSCs compared with the germ cell gate group, and 21-fold enrichment of SSCs compared with the SSEA4-negative spermatogonia group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that SSEA4 is a new surface marker for porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia. This finding helps to elucidate the characteristics of porcine SSCs and facilitates the culture and manipulation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fuyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Lingkai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Peipei Lei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Law NC, Oatley JM. Developmental underpinnings of spermatogonial stem cell establishment. Andrology 2020; 8:852-861. [PMID: 32356598 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of inheritance and their continual production is supported by a foundational population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that forms from prospermatogonial precursors during the early stages of neonatal development. In mammals, the timing for which SSCs are specified and the underlying mechanisms guiding this process remain to be completely understood. OBJECTIVES To propose an evolving concept for how the foundational SSC population is established. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review summarizes recent and historical findings from peer-reviewed publications made primarily with mouse models while incorporating limited studies from humans and livestock. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Establishment of the SSC population appears to follow a biphasic pattern involving a period of fate programming followed by an establishment phase that culminates in formation of the SSC population. This model for establishment of the foundational SSC population from precursors is anticipated to extend across mammalian species and include humans and livestock, albeit on different timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Gille AS, Lapoujade C, Wolf JP, Fouchet P, Barraud-Lange V. Contribution of Single-Cell Transcriptomics to the Characterization of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Toward an Application in Male Fertility Regenerative Medicine? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225773. [PMID: 31744138 PMCID: PMC6888480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing progress in genomic technologies offers exciting tools that can help to resolve transcriptome and genome-wide DNA modifications at single-cell resolution. These methods can be used to characterize individual cells within complex tissue organizations and to highlight various molecular interactions. Here, we will discuss recent advances in the definition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their progenitors in humans using the single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNAseq) approach. Exploration of gene expression patterns allows one to investigate stem cell heterogeneity. It leads to tracing the spermatogenic developmental process and its underlying biology, which is highly influenced by the microenvironment. scRNAseq already represents a new diagnostic tool for the personalized investigation of male infertility. One may hope that a better understanding of SSC biology could facilitate the use of these cells in the context of fertility preservation of prepubertal children, as a key component of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Gille
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Clémentine Lapoujade
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Wolf
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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30
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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31
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Sun YZ, Liu ST, Li XM, Zou K. Progress in in vitro culture and gene editing of porcine spermatogonial stem cells. Zool Res 2019; 40:343-348. [PMID: 31393095 PMCID: PMC6755112 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2019.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on in vitro culture and gene editing of domestic spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is of considerable interest but remains a challenging issue in animal science. In recent years, some progress on the isolation, purification, and genetic manipulation of porcine SSCs has been reported. Here, we summarize the characteristics of porcine SSCs as well current advances in their in vitro culture, potential usage, and genetic manipulation. Furthermore, we discuss the current application of gene editing in pig cloning technology. Collectively, this commentary aims to summarize the progress made and obstacles encountered in porcine SSC research to better serve animal husbandry, improve livestock fecundity, and enhance potential clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhuo Sun
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Si-Tong Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun Jilin 130012, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun Jilin 130024, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun Jilin 130024, China; E-mail:
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Jiangsu 210095, China; E-mail:
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32
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Kubota H, Brinster RL. Spermatogonial stem cells. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:52-74. [PMID: 29617903 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the most primitive spermatogonia in the testis and have an essential role to maintain highly productive spermatogenesis by self-renewal and continuous generation of daughter spermatogonia that differentiate into spermatozoa, transmitting genetic information to the next generation. Since the 1950s, many experimental methods, including histology, immunostaining, whole-mount analyses, and pulse-chase labeling, had been used in attempts to identify SSCs, but without success. In 1994, a spermatogonial transplantation method was reported that established a quantitative functional assay to identify SSCs by evaluating their ability to both self-renew and differentiate to spermatozoa. The system was originally developed using mice and subsequently extended to nonrodents, including domestic animals and humans. Availability of the functional assay for SSCs has made it possible to develop culture systems for their ex vivo expansion, which dramatically advanced germ cell biology and allowed medical and agricultural applications. In coming years, SSCs will be increasingly used to understand their regulation, as well as in germline modification, including gene correction, enhancement of male fertility, and conversion of somatic cells to biologically competent male germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ralph L Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Law NC, Oatley MJ, Oatley JM. Developmental kinetics and transcriptome dynamics of stem cell specification in the spermatogenic lineage. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2787. [PMID: 31243281 PMCID: PMC6594958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuity, robustness, and regeneration of cell lineages relies on stem cell pools that are established during development. For the mammalian spermatogenic lineage, a foundational spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool arises from prospermatogonial precursors during neonatal life via mechanisms that remain undefined. Here, we mapped the kinetics of this process in vivo using a multi-transgenic reporter mouse model, in silico with single-cell RNA sequencing, and functionally with transplantation analyses to define the SSC trajectory from prospermatogonia. Outcomes revealed that a heterogeneous prospermatogonial population undergoes dynamic changes during late fetal and neonatal development. Differential transcriptome profiles predicted divergent developmental trajectories from fetal prospermatogonia to descendant postnatal spermatogonia. Furthermore, transplantation analyses demonstrated that a defined subset of fetal prospermatogonia is fated to function as SSCs. Collectively, these findings suggest that SSC fate is preprogrammed within a subset of fetal prospermatogonia prior to building of the foundational pool during early neonatal development. In neonatal testes, prospermatogonia generate both spermatogonia for the first wave of spermatogenesis and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) for maintenance of spermatogenesis in males. Here the authors characterize the development of mouse SSCs from prospermatogonia using single-cell RNA-seq and transplantation assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Sharma M, Srivastava A, Fairfield HE, Bergstrom D, Flynn WF, Braun RE. Identification of EOMES-expressing spermatogonial stem cells and their regulation by PLZF. eLife 2019; 8:e43352. [PMID: 31149899 PMCID: PMC6544432 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term maintenance of spermatogenesis in mammals is supported by GDNF, an essential growth factor required for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal. Exploiting a transgenic GDNF overexpression model, which expands and normalizes the pool of undifferentiated spermatogonia between Plzf +/+ and Plzf lu/lu mice, we used RNAseq to identify a rare subpopulation of cells that express EOMES, a T-box transcription factor. Lineage tracing and busulfan challenge show that these are SSCs that contribute to steady state spermatogenesis as well as regeneration following chemical injury. EOMES+ SSCs have a lower proliferation index in wild-type than in Plzf lu/lu mice, suggesting that PLZF regulates their proliferative activity and that EOMES+ SSCs are lost through proliferative exhaustion in Plzf lu/lu mice. Single cell RNA sequencing of EOMES+ cells from Plzf +/+ and Plzf lu/lu mice support the conclusion that SSCs are hierarchical yet heterogeneous.
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35
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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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36
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Grive KJ, Hu Y, Shu E, Grimson A, Elemento O, Grenier JK, Cohen PE. Dynamic transcriptome profiles within spermatogonial and spermatocyte populations during postnatal testis maturation revealed by single-cell sequencing. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007810. [PMID: 30893341 PMCID: PMC6443194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes are formed from a self-renewing population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) residing in the testis. SSCs represent less than 1% of the total testicular cell population in adults, but must achieve a stable balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Once differentiation has occurred, the newly formed and highly proliferative spermatogonia must then enter the meiotic program in which DNA content is doubled, then halved twice to create haploid gametes. While much is known about the critical cellular processes that take place during the specialized cell division that is meiosis, much less is known about how the spermatocytes in the "first-wave" in juveniles compare to those that contribute to long-term, "steady-state" spermatogenesis in adults. Given the strictly-defined developmental process of spermatogenesis, this study explored the transcriptional profiles of developmental cell stages during testis maturation. Using a combination of comprehensive germ cell sampling with high-resolution, single-cell-mRNA-sequencing, we have generated a reference dataset of germ cell gene expression. We show that discrete developmental stages of spermatogenesis possess significant differences in the transcriptional profiles from neonates compared to juveniles and adults. Importantly, these gene expression dynamics are also reflected at the protein level in their respective cell types. We also show differential utilization of many biological pathways with age in both spermatogonia and spermatocytes, demonstrating significantly different underlying gene regulatory programs in these cell types over the course of testis development and spermatogenic waves. This dataset represents the first unbiased sampling of spermatogonia and spermatocytes during testis maturation, at high-resolution, single-cell depth. Not only does this analysis reveal previously unknown transcriptional dynamics of a highly transitional cell population, it has also begun to reveal critical differences in biological pathway utilization in developing spermatogonia and spermatocytes, including response to DNA damage and double-strand breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Grive
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Yang Hu
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Eileen Shu
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Grenier
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Paula E. Cohen
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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37
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Kubota H. Heterogeneity of Spermatogonial Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1169:225-242. [PMID: 31487027 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-24108-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells transfer genetic materials from one generation to the next, which ensures the continuation of the species. Spermatogenesis, the process of male germ cell production, is one of the most productive systems in adult tissues. This high productivity depends on the well-coordinated differentiation cascade in spermatogonia, occurring via their synchronized cell division and proliferation. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are responsible for maintaining the spermatogonial population via self-renewal and the continuous generation of committed progenitor cells that differentiate into spermatozoa. Like other stem cells in the body, SSCs are defined by their self-renewal and differentiation abilities. A functional transplantation assay, in which these biological properties of SSCs can be quantitatively evaluated, was developed using mice, and the cell surface characteristics and intracellular marker gene expression of murine SSCs were successfully determined. Another approach to elucidate SSC identity is a cell lineage-tracing experiment using transgenic mice, which can track the SSC behavior in the testes. Recent studies using both these experimental approaches have revealed that the SSC identity changed depending upon the developmental, homeostatic, and regenerative circumstances. In addition, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have further indicated the instability of marker gene expression in SSCs. More studies are needed to unify the results of the determination of SSC identity based on the functional properties and accumulating transcriptomic data of SSCs, to elucidate the functional interaction between SSC behavior and gene products and illustrate the conserved features of SSCs amidst their heterogeneity. Furthermore, the deterministic roles of distinct SSC niches under different physiological conditions in the SSC heterogeneity and its causal regulators must also be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
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38
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Yoshida S. Heterogeneous, dynamic, and stochastic nature of mammalian spermatogenic stem cells. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:245-285. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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39
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Toolee H, Rastegar T, Solhjoo S, Mortezaee K, Mohammadipour M, Kashani IR, Akbari M. Roles for Kisspeptin in proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial cells isolated from mice offspring when the cells are cocultured with somatic cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:5042-5054. [PMID: 30269376 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kp) expression in testis has caused most of the recent research surveying its functional role in this organ. This peptide influences spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, so it is considered as a regulator of reproduction. Kp roles exert through hypothalamic/pituitary/gonadal axis. We aimed to evaluate direct roles for Kp on proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial cells (SCs) when the cells are cocultured with somatic cells. Somatic cells and SCs were isolated from adult azoospermic and newborn mice and then enriched using a differential attachment technique. After the evaluation of identity and colonization for SCs, the cells were cocultured with somatic cells, and three doses of Kp (10-8 -10-6 M) was assessed on proliferation (through evaluation of MVH and ID4 markers) and differentiation (via evaluation of c-Kit and SCP3 , TP1, TP2 , and, Prm1 markers) of the coculture system. Investigations were continued for four succeeding weeks. At the end of each level of testosterone in the culture media was also evaluated. We found positive influence from Kp on proliferative and differentiative markers in SCs cocultured with somatic cells. These effects were dose-dependent. There was no effect for Kp on testosterone level. From our findings, we simply conclude that Kp as a neuropeptide for influencing central part of reproductive axis could also positively affect peripheral processes related to spermatogenesis without having an effect on steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Toolee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Solhjoo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mohammadipour
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Regerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akbari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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40
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Green CD, Ma Q, Manske GL, Shami AN, Zheng X, Marini S, Moritz L, Sultan C, Gurczynski SJ, Moore BB, Tallquist MD, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. A Comprehensive Roadmap of Murine Spermatogenesis Defined by Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Dev Cell 2018; 46:651-667.e10. [PMID: 30146481 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis requires intricate interactions between the germline and somatic cells. Within a given cross section of a seminiferous tubule, multiple germ and somatic cell types co-occur. This cellular heterogeneity has made it difficult to profile distinct cell types at different stages of development. To address this challenge, we collected single-cell RNA sequencing data from ∼35,000 cells from the adult mouse testis and identified all known germ and somatic cells, as well as two unexpected somatic cell types. Our analysis revealed a continuous developmental trajectory of germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified candidate transcriptional regulators at several transition points during differentiation. Focused analyses delineated four subtypes of spermatogonia and nine subtypes of Sertoli cells; the latter linked to histologically defined developmental stages over the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Overall, this high-resolution cellular atlas represents a community resource and foundation of knowledge to study germ cell development and in vivo gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Simone Marini
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Bethany B Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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41
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Wei C, Lin H, Cui S. The Forkhead Transcription Factor FOXC2 Is Required for Maintaining Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:624-636. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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42
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Lord T, Oatley JM. A revised A single model to explain stem cell dynamics in the mouse male germline. Reproduction 2018. [PMID: 28624768 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and progenitor spermatogonia encompass the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool in mammalian testes. In rodents, this population is comprised of Asingle, Apaired and chains of 4-16 Aaligned spermatogonia. Although traditional models propose that the entire Asingle pool represents SSCs, and formation of an Apaired syncytium symbolizes irreversible entry to a progenitor state destined for differentiation; recent models have emerged that suggest that the Asingle pool is heterogeneous, and Apaired/Aaligned can fragment to produce new SSCs. In this review, we explore evidence from the literature for these differing models representing SSC dynamics, including the traditional 'Asingle' and more recently formed 'fragmentation' models. Further, based on findings using a fluorescent reporter transgene (eGfp) that reflects expression of the SSC-specific transcription factor 'inhibitor of DNA binding 4' (Id4), we propose a revised version of the traditional model in which SSCs are a subset of the Asingle population; the ID4-eGFP bright cells (SSCultimate). From the SSCultimate pool, other Asingle and Apaired cohorts arise that are ID4-eGFP dim. Although the SSCultimate possess a transcriptome profile that reflects a self-renewing state, the transcriptome of the ID4-eGFP dim population resembles that of cells in transition (SSCtransitory) to a progenitor state. Accordingly, at the next mitotic division, these SSCtransitory are likely to join the progenitor pool and have lost stem cell capacity. This model supports the concept of a linear relationship between spermatogonial chain length and propensity for differentiation, while leaving open the possibility that the SSCtransitory (some Asingle and potentially some Apaired spermatogonia), may contribute to the self-renewing pool rather than transition to a progenitor state in response to perturbations of steady-state conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive BiologySchool of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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43
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Lord T, Oatley JM. Functional assessment of spermatogonial stem cell purity in experimental cell populations. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:129-133. [PMID: 29660605 PMCID: PMC6392036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, research in spermatogonial biology has been hindered by a lack of validated approaches to identify and isolate pure populations of the various spermatogonial subsets for in-depth analysis. In particular, although a number of markers of the undifferentiated spermatogonial population have now been characterized, standardized methodology for assessing their specificity to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) and transit amplifying progenitor pools has been lacking. To date, SSC content within an undefined population of spermatogonia has been inferred using either lineage tracing or spermatogonial transplantation analyses which generate qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Therefore, these techniques are not directly comparable, and are subject to variable interpretations as to a readout that is representative of a ‘pure’ SSC population. We propose standardization across the field for determining the SSC purity of a population via use of a limiting dilution transplantation assay that would eliminate subjectivity and help to minimize the generation of inconsistent data on ‘SSC’ populations. In the limiting dilution transplantation assay, a population of LacZ-expressing spermatogonia are selected based on a putative SSC marker, and a small, defined number of cells (i.e. 10 cells) are microinjected into the testis of a germ cell-deficient recipient mouse. Using colony counts and an estimated colonization efficiency of 5%; a quantitative value can be calculated that represents SSC purity in the starting population. The utilization of this technique would not only be useful to link functional relevance to novel markers that will be identified in the future, but also for providing validation of purity for marker-selected populations of spermatogonia that are commonly considered to be SSCs by many researchers in the field of spermatogenesis and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States.
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44
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Tang L, Bondareva A, González R, Rodriguez-Sosa JR, Carlson DF, Webster D, Fahrenkrug S, Dobrinski I. TALEN-mediated gene targeting in porcine spermatogonia. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:250-261. [PMID: 29393557 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonia represent a diploid germ cell population that includes spermatogonial stem cells. In this report, we describe new methods for isolation of highly enriched porcine spermatogonia based on light scatter properties, and for targeted mutagenesis in porcine spermatogonia using nucleofection and TALENs. We optimized a nucleofection protocol to deliver TALENs specifically targeting the DMD locus in porcine spermatogonia. We also validated specific sorting of porcine spermatogonia based on light scatter properties. We were able to obtain a highly enriched germ cell population with over 90% of cells being UCH-L1 positive undifferentiated spermatogonia. After gene targeting in porcine spermatogonia, indel (insertion or deletion) mutations as a result of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) were detected in up to 18% of transfected cells. Our report demonstrates for the first time an approach to obtain a live cell population highly enriched in undifferentiated spermatogonia from immature porcine testes, and that gene targeting can be achieved in porcine spermatogonia which will enable germ line modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tang
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alla Bondareva
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Raquel González
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jose R Rodriguez-Sosa
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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45
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Suyatno, Kitamura Y, Ikeda S, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H. Long-term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia isolated from immature and adult bovine testes. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:236-249. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suyatno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
- Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development; Pasar Minggu Jakarta Selatan Indonesia
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Naojiro Minami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Masayasu Yamada
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imai
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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46
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Niedenberger BA, Geyer CB. Advanced immunostaining approaches to study early male germ cell development. Stem Cell Res 2018; 27:162-168. [PMID: 29475796 PMCID: PMC5894494 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male germ cell development takes place in the testis under the influence of a variety of somatic cells and an incompletely defined paracrine and endocrine influences. Since it is not recapitulated well in vitro, researchers studying spermatogenesis often manipulate the germline by creating transgenic or knockout mice or by administering pharmaceutical agonists/antagonists or inhibitors. The effects of these types of manipulations on germline development can often be determined following microscopic imaging, both of stained and immunostained testis sections. Here, we describe approaches for microscopic analysis of the developing male germline, provide detailed protocols for a variety of immunostaining approaches, and discuss transgenic fluorescent reporter lines for studying the early stages of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Niedenberger
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA; Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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47
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Inaba M, Yamashita YM, Buszczak M. Keeping stem cells under control: New insights into the mechanisms that limit niche-stem cell signaling within the reproductive system. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 83:675-83. [PMID: 27434704 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells reside in specialized microenvironments, called niches, that maintain stem cells in an undifferentiated and self-renewing state. Defining and understanding the mechanisms that restrict niche signaling exclusively to stem cells is crucial to determine how stem cells undergo self-renewal while their progeny, often located just one cell diameter away from the niche, differentiate. Despite extensive studies on the signaling pathways that operate within stem cells and their niches, how this segregation occurs remains elusive. Here we review recent progress on the characterization of niche-stem cell interactions, with a focus on emerging mechanisms that spatially restrict niche signaling. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 675-683, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Inaba
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yukiko M Yamashita
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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48
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Regulatory Mechanism of Spermatogenic Stem Cells in Mice: Their Dynamic and Context-Dependent Behavior. DIVERSITY AND COMMONALITY IN ANIMALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-56609-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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49
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Nazm Bojnordi M. The applications and recovery outcome of spermatogonia stem cells in regenerative medicine. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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50
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Navid S, Abbasi M, Hoshino Y. The effects of melatonin on colonization of neonate spermatogonial mouse stem cells in a three-dimensional soft agar culture system. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:233. [PMID: 29041987 PMCID: PMC5646105 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone with powerful antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on the proliferation efficiency of neonatal mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) using a three-dimensional soft agar culture system (SACS) which has the capacity to induce development of SSCs similar to in vivo conditions. METHODS SSCs were isolated from testes of neonate mice and their purities were assessed by flow cytometry using PLZF antibody. Isolated testicular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in αMEM medium in the absence or presence of melatonin extract for 4 weeks. RESULTS The identity of colonies was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunocytochemistry using PLZF and α6 integrin antibodies. The number and diameter of colonies of SSCs in the upper layer were evaluated at days 14 and 28 of culture. The number and diameter of colonies of SSCs were significantly higher in the melatonin group compared with the control group. The levels of expression of ID-4 and Plzf, unlike c-kit, were significantly higher in the melatonin group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Results of the present study show that supplementation of the culture medium (SACS) with 100 μM melatonin significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the treated group compared with the control group, and increased SSC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadan Navid
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yumi Hoshino
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Kagamiyama 1-4-4, Hiroshima 739-8528 Japan
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