1
|
Zhang L, Sun H, Chen X. Long noncoding RNAs in human reproductive processes and diseases. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23728. [PMID: 38282314 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23728] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Infertility has become a global disease burden. Although assisted reproductive technologies are widely used, the assisted reproduction birth rate is no more than 30% worldwide. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of reproduction can provide new strategies to improve live birth rates and clinical outcomes of enhanced implantation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to exert regulatory roles in various biological processes and diseases in many species. In this review, we especially focus on the role of lncRNAs in human reproduction. We summarize the function and mechanisms of lncRNAs in processes vital to reproduction, such as spermatogenesis and maturation, sperm motility and morphology, follicle development and maturation, embryo development and implantation. Then, we highlight the importance and diverse potential of lncRNAs as good diagnostic molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for infertility treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hailong Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zabihi MR, Norouzkhani N, Karkhah S, Akhoondian M. Identification of a valuable gene network for the diagnosis and treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia: in-silico analyses - experimental research. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5941-5951. [PMID: 38098601 PMCID: PMC10718319 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is an etiology of infertility in men. NOA may have various classifications; however, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can be regarded as a class of NOA associated with genetic factors. Former studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) plays an essential role in NOA incidence, but few studies have been performed on the NOA-related ncRNA interaction network. In the current study, genes, NOA-related microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) were found by bioinformatics methods to offer a new perspective on NOA treatment. Methods The gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR)-related protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was extracted by searching in 'string-database'. GO, KEGG, and Enrichr databases were used to identify pathways, molecular function, and biological processing. Four databases, including TargetScan, mirDIP, miRmap, and miRWalk, were used to extract miRNAs. At last, the circ2GO, circBase, and literature were used to identify circRNAs and their genes. Results The current study identified the four proteins associated with the GnRHR signaling; eight shared miRNAs that affect the expression of found proteins and 25 circRNAs and their origin genes that regulate the miRNAs' function. Conclusion The two miRNAs, hsa-miR-134-3p and hsa-miR-513C-3p, the three genes, VCAN, NFATC3, and PRDM5, and their associated circRNAs can perform as a valuable gene network in the diagnosis and treatment of NOA pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Zabihi
- Laboratory of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran
| | - Narges Norouzkhani
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad
| | - Samad Karkhah
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center
| | - Mohammad Akhoondian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Cellular and The Molecular Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen M, Duan C, Yin X, Li X, Liu X, Zhang L, Yue S, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Prolactin inhibitor changes testosterone production, testicular morphology, and related genes expression in cashmere goats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249189. [PMID: 37954671 PMCID: PMC10637432 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249189] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolactin has multifaceted roles in lactation, growth, metabolism, osmoregulation, behavior, and the reproduction of animals. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of prolactin in testicular function in cashmere goats. Twenty cashmere goats were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON) or the bromocriptine treatment group (BCR, bromocriptine, prolactin inhibitor). Blood and testis samples collected for analysis after 30 days of treatment. The results indicated that, compared with the CON group, BCR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the serum concentrations of prolactin, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) on day 30. The serum level of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was not affected (p > 0.05) by the treatment. The mean seminiferous tubule diameter and spermatogenic epithelium thickness were increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group. Subsequently, we performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes and pathways associated with the regulation of spermatogenesis or testosterone secretion function. A total of 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (91 were upregulated, 51 were downregulated). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM), hippo, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, which are related to testicular function. The expression of the genes SULT2B1, CYP3A24, and CYP3A74 in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group, which was validated by qRT-PCR. These results provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of testicular function by prolactin in cashmere goats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meijing Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Chunhui Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xuejiao Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xianglong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Lechao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Sicong Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yueqin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Otsuka K, Sakashita A, Maezawa S, Schultz RM, Namekawa SH. KRAB-zinc-finger proteins regulate endogenous retroviruses to sculpt germline transcriptomes and genome evolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.24.546405. [PMID: 37720031 PMCID: PMC10503828 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.24.546405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
As transposable elements (TEs) coevolved with the host genome, the host genome exploited TEs as functional regulatory elements. What remains largely unknown are how the activity of TEs, namely, endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), are regulated and how TEs evolved in the germline. Here we show that KRAB domain-containing zinc-finger proteins (KZFPs), which are highly expressed in mitotically dividing spermatogonia, bind to suppressed ERVs that function following entry into meiosis as active enhancers. These features are observed for independently evolved KZFPs and ERVs in mice and humans, i.e., are evolutionarily conserved in mammals. Further, we show that meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) antagonizes the coevolution of KZFPs and ERVs in mammals. Our study uncovers a mechanism by which KZFPs regulate ERVs to sculpt germline transcriptomes. We propose that epigenetic programming in the mammalian germline during the mitosis-to-meiosis transition facilitates coevolution of KZFPs and TEs on autosomes and is antagonized by MSCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Otsuka
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - So Maezawa
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Richard M. Schultz
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yao B, Kang Y, An K, Tan Y, Hou Q, Zhang D, Su J. Comparative analysis of microRNA and messengerRNA expression profiles in plateau zokor testicular cells under reproductive suppression. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1184120. [PMID: 37275617 PMCID: PMC10235463 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1184120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy that affects the success rate and reproductive efficiency in animals, which in turn affects population continuation and evolution. However, no studies on the miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis regulatory mechanisms under reproductive suppression have been reported. Methods In this study, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, miRNA-mRNA interaction network and function of the plateau zokor testicular cells of non-breeders and breeders during the breeding season were comprehensively analyzed by transcriptomics. Results In total, 381 known and 94 novel miRNAs were determined. Compared with that in the breeders, 70 downregulated and 68 upregulated DE miRNAs were identified in the non-breeders. We predicted 1670 significant target mRNAs by analyzing the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. According to the miRNA-mRNA interaction network, the target mRNAs of the DE miRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO indicate that the target mRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. KEGG indicate that pathways of target mRNAs enrichment related to testicular development, spermatogenesis, and energy metabolism. PROK2 was determined as the target mRNA of rno-miR-143-3p. Discussion Our study offers a basis for the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis in plateau zokor under reproductive suppression and offers a reference for reproductive regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kang An
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junhu Su
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Balagannavar G, Basavaraju K, Bajpai AK, Davuluri S, Kannan S, S Srini V, S Chandrashekar D, Chitturi N, K Acharya K. Transcriptomic analysis of the Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) to address gene expression regulation in human testis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:196-214. [PMID: 36883778 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2176268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to understand the molecular basis of testes under Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), a state of failed spermatogenesis. There has been a lack of attention to the transcriptome at the level of alternatively spliced mRNAs (iso-mRNAs) and the mechanism of gene expression regulation. Hence, we aimed to establish a reliable iso-mRNA profile of NOA-testes, and explore molecular mechanisms - especially those related to gene expression regulation. We sequenced mRNAs from testicular samples of donors with complete spermatogenesis (control samples) and a failure of spermatogenesis (NOA samples). We identified differentially expressed genes and their iso-mRNAs via standard NGS data analyses. We then listed these iso-mRNAs hierarchically based on the extent of consistency of differential quantities across samples and groups, and validated the lists via RT-qPCRs (for 80 iso-mRNAs). In addition, we performed extensive bioinformatic analysis of the splicing features, domains, interactions, and functions of differentially expressed genes and iso-mRNAs. Many top-ranking down-regulated genes and iso-mRNAs, i.e., those down-regulated more consistently across the NOA samples, are associated with mitosis, replication, meiosis, cilium, RNA regulation, and post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Most down-regulated iso-mRNAs correspond to full-length proteins that include all expected domains. The predominance of alternative promoters and termination sites in these iso-mRNAs indicate their gene expression regulation via promoters and UTRs. We compiled a new, comprehensive list of human transcription factors (TFs) and used it to identify TF-'TF gene' interactions with potential significance in down-regulating genes under the NOA condition. The results indicate that RAD51 suppression by HSF4 prevents SP1-activation, and SP1, in turn, could regulate multiple TF genes. This potential regulatory axis and other TF interactions identified in this study could explain the down-regulation of multiple genes in NOA-testes. Such molecular interactions may also have key regulatory roles during normal human spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Govindkumar Balagannavar
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Research Scholar, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavyashree Basavaraju
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Sravanthi Davuluri
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Shruthi Kannan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vasan S Srini
- Manipal Fertility, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Neelima Chitturi
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Kshitish K Acharya
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
La Y, Ma X, Bao P, Chu M, Yan P, Liang C, Guo X. Genome-Wide Landscape of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs during Testicular Development of Yak. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054420. [PMID: 36901865 PMCID: PMC10002557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054420] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular development is a tightly regulated process in mammals. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of yak testicular development will benefit the yak breeding industry. However, the roles of different RNAs, such as mRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in the testicular development of yak, are still largely unclear. In this study, transcriptome analyses were performed on the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in testis tissues of Ashidan yak at different developmental stages, including 6-months-old (M6), 18-months-old (M18), and 30-months-old (M30). A total of 30, 23, and 277 common differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were identified in M6, M18, and M30, respectively. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis showed that the common DE mRNAs during the entire developmental process were mainly involved in gonadal mesoderm development, cell differentiation, and spermatogenesis processes. Additionally, co-expression network analysis identified the potential lncRNAs related to spermatogenesis, e.g., TCONS_00087394 and TCONS_00012202. Our study provides new information about changes in RNA expression during yak testicular development, which greatly improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating testicular development in yaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (X.G.); Tel.: +86-093-1211-5257 (X.G.)
| | - Xian Guo
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (X.G.); Tel.: +86-093-1211-5257 (X.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Liu Q, Li J, Zhou L, Wang T, Zhao N. Dynamic cellular and molecular characteristics of spermatogenesis in the viviparous marine teleost Sebastes schlegelii†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:338-352. [PMID: 36401879 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac203] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic cell developmental process that is essential for reproductive success. Vertebrates utilize a variety of reproductive strategies, including sperm diversity, and internal and external fertilization. Research on the cellular and molecular dynamic changes involved in viviparous teleost spermatogenesis, however, is currently lacking. Here, we combined cytohistology, 10 × genomic single-cell RNA-seq, and transcriptome technology to determine the dynamic development characteristics of the spermatogenesis of Sebastes schlegelii. The expressions of lhcgr (Luteinizing hormone/Choriogonadotropin receptor), fshr (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), ar (androgen receptor), pgr (progesterone receptor), and cox (cyclo-oxygen-ase), as well as the prostaglandin E and F levels peaked during the maturation period, indicating that they were important for sperm maturation and mating. Fifteen clusters were identified based on the 10 × genomic single-cell results. The cell markers of the sub-cluster were identified by their upregulation; piwil, dazl, and dmrt1 were upregulated and identified as spermatogonium markers, and sycp1/3 and spo11 were identified as spermatocyte markers. For S. schlegelii, the sperm head nucleus was elongated (spherical to streamlined in shape), which is a typical characteristic for sperm involved in internal fertilization. We also identified a series of crucial genes associated with spermiogenesis, such as spata6, spag16, kif20a, trip10, and klf10, while kif2c, kifap3, fez2, and spaca6 were found to be involved in nucleus elongation. The results of this study will enrich our cellular and molecular knowledge of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in fish that undergo internal fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Zhou
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,College of Marine Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,College of Marine Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nozawa K, Fujihara Y, Devlin DJ, Deras RE, Kent K, Larina IV, Umezu K, Yu Z, Sutton CM, Ye Q, Dean LK, Emori C, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. The testis-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF133 is required for fecundity in mice. BMC Biol 2022; 20:161. [PMID: 35831855 PMCID: PMC9277888 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01368-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification required for a number of physiological functions regulating protein homeostasis, such as protein degradation. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control system recognizes and degrades proteins no longer needed in the ER through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. E2 and E3 enzymes containing a transmembrane domain have been shown to function in ER quality control. The ER transmembrane protein UBE2J1 is a E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme reported to be essential for spermiogenesis at the elongating spermatid stage. Spermatids from Ube2j1 KO male mice are believed to have defects in the dislocation step of ER quality control. However, associated E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases that function during spermatogenesis remain unknown. RESULTS We identified four evolutionarily conserved testis-specific E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases [RING finger protein 133 (Rnf133); RING finger protein 148 (Rnf148); RING finger protein 151 (Rnf151); and Zinc finger SWIM-type containing 2 (Zswim2)]. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated and analyzed the fertility of mutant mice with null alleles for each of these E3-encoding genes, as well as double and triple knockout (KO) mice. Male fertility, male reproductive organ, and sperm-associated parameters were analyzed in detail. Fecundity remained largely unaffected in Rnf148, Rnf151, and Zswim2 KO males; however, Rnf133 KO males displayed severe subfertility. Additionally, Rnf133 KO sperm exhibited abnormal morphology and reduced motility. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic droplets were retained in Rnf133 KO spermatozoa. Although Rnf133 and Rnf148 encode paralogous genes that are chromosomally linked and encode putative ER transmembrane E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases based on their protein structures, there was limited functional redundancy of these proteins. In addition, we identified UBE2J1 as an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating protein that interacts with RNF133. CONCLUSIONS Our studies reveal that RNF133 is a testis-expressed E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that plays a critical role for sperm function during spermiogenesis. Based on the presence of a transmembrane domain in RNF133 and its interaction with the ER containing E2 protein UBE2J1, we hypothesize that these ubiquitin-regulatory proteins function together in ER quality control during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Darius J Devlin
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ricardo E Deras
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kohei Umezu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Courtney M Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qiuji Ye
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Laura K Dean
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Q, Chen X, Qiao J. Advances in studying human gametogenesis and embryonic development in China. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:12-26. [PMID: 35788258 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac134] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive medicine in China has developed rapidly since 1988 due to the support from the government and scientific exploration. However, the success rate of assisted reproduction technology (ART) is around 30-40% and many unknown "black boxes" in gametogenesis and embryo development are still present. With the development of single-cell and low-input sequencing technologies, the network of transcriptome and epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modifications) during the development of human primordial germ cells (PGCs), gametes and embryos has been investigated in depth. Furthermore, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) has also rapidly developed. In this review, we summarize and analyze China's outstanding progress in these fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
An Y, Lee C. Mixed model-based eQTL analysis reveals lncRNAs associated with regulation of genes involved in sex determination and spermatogenesis: The key to understanding human gender imbalance. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 99:107713. [PMID: 35709667 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107713] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An imbalance in the prenatal sex ratio in humans may be due to several factors affecting sperm physiology, including genetic features. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome-wide analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) to identify target genes associated with previously described QTLs associated with gender imbalance. METHODS A mixed model explaining polygenic effects by genomic covariance among individuals was used to identify the eQTLs using gene expression and genotype data from 462 European/African individuals. RESULTS Eight eGenes were associated with four QTLs (P < 4.00 × 10-5), with strong associations found (P < 4.00 × 10-8) between rs2485007 and eGenes ANKRD26P3 (P = 3.40 × 10-9) and LINC00421 (P = 1.35 × 10-9). ANKRD26P3 and LINC00421 are both lncRNAs associated with the control of testis-dominant genes PELP1, TAF15, NANOG, TEX14, TCF3, ZNF433, ZNF555, TEX37, FATE1, TCP11, and CYLC2 and Y-linked genes SRY and ZFY, as well as several genes with roles in spermatogenesis (ODF1, SPATC1, SPATA3, SPATA31E1, SPERT, SPATA16, MOSPD1, SPATA24, and SPO11) and sex determination (SOX family genes). CONCLUSIONS The above eGenes contribute directly or indirectly to gene regulation for sex determination and spermatogenesis, thereby serving as important functional clues for gender-biased selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeeun An
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, the Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyoung Lee
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, the Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Botezatu A, Vladoiu S, Fudulu A, Albulescu A, Plesa A, Muresan A, Stancu C, Iancu IV, Diaconu CC, Velicu A, Popa OM, Badiu C, Dinu-Draganescu D. Advanced molecular approaches in male infertility diagnosis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:684-704. [PMID: 35594455 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac105] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years a special attention has been given to a major health concern namely to male infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, taken into account the statistics that highlight that sperm counts have dropped by 50-60% in recent decades. According to the WHO, infertility affects approximately 9% of couples globally, and the male factor is believed to be present in roughly 50% of cases, with exclusive responsibility in 30%. The aim of this manuscript is to present an evidence-based approach for diagnosing male infertility that includes finding new solutions for diagnosis and critical outcomes, retrieving up-to-date studies and existing guidelines. The diverse factors that induce male infertility generated in a vast amount of data that needed to be analysed by a clinician before a decision could be made for each individual. Modern medicine faces numerous obstacles as a result of the massive amount of data generated by the molecular biology discipline. To address complex clinical problems, vast data must be collected, analysed, and used, which can be very challenging. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to create a decision support system can help predict the diagnosis and guide treatment for infertile men, based on analysis of different data as environmental and lifestyle, clinical (sperm count, morphology, hormone testing, karyotype, etc.) and "omics" bigdata. Ultimately, the development of AI algorithms will assist clinicians in formulating diagnosis, making treatment decisions, and predicting outcomes for assisted reproduction techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Botezatu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Vladoiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Fudulu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Albulescu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Chemical pharmaceutical Research & Development
| | - A Plesa
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Muresan
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Stancu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I V Iancu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Velicu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O M Popa
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Badiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania.,"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen S, An G, Wang H, Wu X, Ping P, Hu L, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Human obstructive (postvasectomy) and nonobstructive azoospermia - Insights from scRNA-Seq and transcriptome analysis. Genes Dis 2022; 9:766-776. [PMID: 35782978 PMCID: PMC9243341 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of male infertility is caused by azoospermia. However, the underlying etiology and the molecular basis remain largely unknown. Through single-cell (sc)RNA sequencing, we had analyzed testis biopsy samples from two patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We found only somatic cells in the NOA samples and explored the transcriptional changes in Sertoli cells in response to a loss of interactions with germ cells. Moreover, we observed a germ cell population discrepancy between an OA (postvasectomy) patient and a healthy individual. We confirmed this observation in a secondary study with two datasets at GSM3526588 and GSE124263 for detailed analysis wherein the regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level were identified. These findings thus provide valuable information on human spermatogenesis, and we also identified insightful information for further research on reproduction-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, PR China
| | - Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Ping Ping
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, PR China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Long Noncoding RNA Mediated Regulation in Human Embryogenesis, Pluripotency, and Reproduction. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:8051717. [PMID: 35103065 PMCID: PMC8800634 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8051717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of noncoding RNAs with more than 200 bp in length, are produced by pervasive transcription in mammalian genomes and regulate gene expression through various action mechanisms. Accumulating data indicate that lncRNAs mediate essential biological functions in human development, including early embryogenesis, induction of pluripotency, and germ cell development. Comprehensive analysis of sequencing data highlights that lncRNAs are expressed in a stage-specific and human/primate-specific pattern during early human development. They contribute to cell fate determination through interacting with almost all classes of cellular biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, mRNAs, and microRNAs. Furthermore, the expression of a few of lncRNAs is highly associated with the pathogenesis and progression of many reproductive diseases, suggesting that they could serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis or novel targets for treatment. Here, we review research on lncRNAs and their roles in embryogenesis, pluripotency, and reproduction. We aim to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms essential for human development and provide novel insight into the causes and treatments of human reproductive diseases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Søndergaard JN, Sommerauer C, Atanasoai I, Hinte LC, Geng K, Guiducci G, Bräutigam L, Aouadi M, Stojic L, Barragan I, Kutter C. CCT3- LINC00326 axis regulates hepatocarcinogenic lipid metabolism. Gut 2022; 71:gutjnl-2021-325109. [PMID: 35022268 PMCID: PMC9484377 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better comprehend transcriptional phenotypes of cancer cells, we globally characterised RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to identify altered RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). DESIGN To unravel RBP-lncRNA interactions in cancer, we curated a list of ~2300 highly expressed RBPs in human cells, tested effects of RBPs and lncRNAs on patient survival in multiple cohorts, altered expression levels, integrated various sequencing, molecular and cell-based data. RESULTS High expression of RBPs negatively affected patient survival in 21 cancer types, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After knockdown of the top 10 upregulated RBPs and subsequent transcriptome analysis, we identified 88 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 34 novel transcripts. CRISPRa-mediated overexpression of four lncRNAs had major effects on the HCC cell phenotype and transcriptome. Further investigation of four RBP-lncRNA pairs revealed involvement in distinct regulatory processes. The most noticeable RBP-lncRNA connection affected lipid metabolism, whereby the non-canonical RBP CCT3 regulated LINC00326 in a chaperonin-independent manner. Perturbation of the CCT3-LINC00326 regulatory network led to decreased lipid accumulation and increased lipid degradation in cellulo as well as diminished tumour growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We revealed that RBP gene expression is perturbed in HCC and identified that RBPs exerted additional functions beyond their tasks under normal physiological conditions, which can be stimulated or intensified via lncRNAs and affected tumour growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Nørskov Søndergaard
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Sommerauer
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ionut Atanasoai
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura C Hinte
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Keyi Geng
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giulia Guiducci
- Barts Cancer Institute, Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lars Bräutigam
- Comparative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Myriam Aouadi
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lovorka Stojic
- Barts Cancer Institute, Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Isabel Barragan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Kutter
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen H, Miao X, Xu J, Pu L, Li L, Han Y, Mao F, Ma Y. Alterations of mRNA and lncRNA profiles associated with the extracellular matrix and spermatogenesis in goats. Anim Biosci 2021; 35:544-555. [PMID: 34530511 PMCID: PMC8902208 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Spermatozoa are produced within the seminiferous tubules after sexual maturity. The expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs in testicular tissues are different at each stage of testicular development and are closely related to formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we set out to study the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs during the different developmental stages of the goat testis. Methods We constructed 12 RNA libraries using testicular tissues from goats aged 3, 6, and 12 months, and studied the functions of mRNAs and lncRNAs using the gene ontogeny (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases. Relationships between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network and protein-protein interaction network (PPI). Finally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) were detected by western blotting. Results We found 23, 8, and 135 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 161, 12, and 665 differentially expressed mRNAs that were identified between 3 vs 6, 6 vs 12, and 3 vs 12 months, respectively. GO, KEGG, and PPI analyses showed that the differential genes were mainly related to the ECM. Moreover, MMP2 was a hub gene and co-expressed with the lncRNA TCONS-0002139 and TCONS-00093342. The results of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction verification were consistent with those of RNA-seq sequencing. The expression trends of MMP2, IGF2, and IGFBP6 protein were the same as that of mRNA, which all decreased with age. IGF2 and MMP2 were significantly different in the 3 vs 6-month-old group (p<0.05). Conclusion These results improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in sexual maturation of the goat testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Xiaomeng Miao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Jinge Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Ling Pu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Yong Han
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Fengxian Mao
- Guizhou Province Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Management Station, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang B, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Shi H, Tang Y, Ji Y, Zhang J, Gun S. Identification and Characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in Testes of Landrace and Hezuo Boars. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082263. [PMID: 34438721 PMCID: PMC8388364 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Precocious puberty is an excellent reproductive trait in domestic animals, which can generate higher breeding benefits in livestock production. However, regulators associated with this sexual maturation process remain largely unknown. Chinese Hezuo (HZ) boars are known for their early sexual maturity. In this work, the characteristics of precocious puberty in HZ pigs were confirmed by histological analysis, and some important long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA were identified in the testes of immature (30-day-old) and mature (120-day-old) HZ boars, which could play a key role in precocious puberty. These results will provide a theoretical basis for further research on the regulatory mechanism of precocious puberty, which is important for accelerating the breeding process of highly fertile animals. Abstract Chinese HZ boars are typical plateau miniature boars characterized by precocious puberty, which is closely related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNA is involved in the testicular development and regulation of spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the lncRNA precocious regulation in testicular development and spermatogenesis on early sexual maturity of HZ boars. Thus, we investigated the expression and characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in 30-day-old and 120-day-old HZ boar testes using transcriptome to explore precocious puberty. Landrace (LC) boar was treated as the control. Histological analyses indicated that HZ boar underwent puberty development at an earlier stage than LC boar and had achieved sexual maturity at 120 days old. RNA-Seq yielded a total of 187 lncRNAs and 984 mRNAs; these molecules were identified as possible candidates for precocious puberty. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNA and their targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the PI3K-Akt, TGF-beta and Wnt pathways. Further screening, some lncRNA (such as LOC102166140, LOC110259451, and MSTRG.15011.2), and mRNA (such as PDCL2, HSD17B4, SHCBP1L, CYP21A2, and SPATA3) were found to be possibly associated with precocious puberty, which would add to our understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of precocious puberty. This study provided valuable information for further study of the role of lncRNA and mRNA in the process of precocious puberty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yanan Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Juanli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-931-763-1804
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Özbek M, Hitit M, Kaya A, Jousan FD, Memili E. Sperm Functional Genome Associated With Bull Fertility. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:610888. [PMID: 34250055 PMCID: PMC8262648 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.610888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility is an important economic trait in sustainable cattle production, as infertile or subfertile bulls give rise to large economic losses. Current methods to assess bull fertility are tedious and not totally accurate. The massive collection of functional data analyses, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, helps researchers generate extensive knowledge to better understand the unraveling physiological mechanisms underlying subpar male fertility. This review focuses on the sperm phenomes of the functional genome and epigenome that are associated with bull fertility. Findings from multiple sources were integrated to generate new knowledge that is transferable to applied andrology. Diverse methods encompassing analyses of molecular and cellular dynamics in the fertility-associated molecules and conventional sperm parameters can be considered an effective approach to determine bull fertility for efficient and sustainable cattle production. In addition to gene expression information, we also provide methodological information, which is important for the rigor and reliability of the studies. Fertility is a complex trait influenced by several factors and has low heritability, although heritability of scrotal circumference is high and that it is a known fertility maker. There is a need for new knowledge on the expression levels and functions of sperm RNA, proteins, and metabolites. The new knowledge can shed light on additional fertility markers that can be used in combination with scrotal circumference to predict the fertility of breeding bulls. This review provides a comprehensive review of sperm functional characteristics or phenotypes associated with bull fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Memmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Frank Dean Jousan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Priyanka PP, Yenugu S. Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing (CCDC) Proteins: Functional Roles in General and Male Reproductive Physiology. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2725-2734. [PMID: 33942254 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The coiled-coil domain-containing (CCDC) proteins have been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Their functional roles vary from their interaction with molecular components of signaling pathways to determining the physiological functions at the cellular and organ level. Thus, they govern important functions like gametogenesis, embryonic development, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and ciliary development. Further, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of a large number of cancers. Polymorphisms in CCDC genes are associated with the risk of lifetime diseases. Because of their role in many biological processes, they have been extensively studied. This review concisely presents the functional role of CCDC proteins that have been studied in the last decade. Studies on CCDC proteins continue to be an active area of investigation because of their indispensable functions. However, there is ample opportunity to further understand the involvement of CCDC proteins in many more functions. It is anticipated that basing on the available literature, the functional role of CCDC proteins will be explored much further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Corral-Vazquez C, Blanco J, Aiese Cigliano R, Sarrate Z, Rivera-Egea R, Vidal F, Garrido N, Daub C, Anton E. The RNA content of human sperm reflects prior events in spermatogenesis and potential post-fertilization effects. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6265603. [PMID: 33950245 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analyses using high-throughput methodologies allow a deeper understanding of biological functions in different cell types/tissues. The present study provides an RNA-seq profiling of human sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs (messenger and long non-coding RNAs) in a well-characterized population of fertile individuals. Sperm RNA was extracted from twelve ejaculate samples under strict quality controls. Poly(A)-transcripts were sequenced and aligned to the human genome. mRNAs and lncRNAs were classified according to their mean expression values (FPKM: Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) and integrity. Gene Ontology analysis of the Expressed and Highly Expressed mRNAs showed an involvement in diverse reproduction processes, while the Ubiquitously Expressed and Highly Stable mRNAs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis. Transcription factor enrichment analyses revealed that the Highly Expressed and Ubiquitously Expressed sperm mRNAs were primarily regulated by zinc-fingers and spermatogenesis-related proteins. Regarding the Expressed lncRNAs, only one-third of their potential targets corresponded to Expressed mRNAs and were enriched in cell-cycle regulation processes. The remaining two-thirds were absent in sperm and were enriched in embryogenesis-related processes. A significant amount of post-testicular sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs was also detected. Even though our study is solely directed to the poly-A fraction of sperm transcripts, results indicate that both sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs constitute a footprint of previous spermatogenesis events and are configured to affect the first stages of embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - J Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Z Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - R Rivera-Egea
- IVIRMA Valencia, IVI Foundation, Laboratorio de Andrología, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Vidal
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - N Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - C Daub
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - E Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
de Lima AO, Afonso J, Edson J, Marcellin E, Palfreyman R, Porto-Neto LR, Reverter A, Fortes MRS. Network Analyses Predict Small RNAs That Might Modulate Gene Expression in the Testis and Epididymis of Bos indicus Bulls. Front Genet 2021; 12:610116. [PMID: 33995471 PMCID: PMC8120238 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.610116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis relies on complex molecular mechanisms, essential for the genesis and differentiation of the male gamete. Germ cell differentiation starts at the testicular parenchyma and finishes in the epididymis, which has three main regions: head, body, and tail. RNA-sequencing data of the testicular parenchyma (TP), head epididymis (HE), and tail epididymis (TE) from four bulls (three biopsies per bull: 12 samples) were subjected to differential expression analyses, functional enrichment analyses, and co-expression analyses. The aim was to investigate the co-expression and infer possible regulatory roles for transcripts involved in the spermatogenesis of Bos indicus bulls. Across the three pairwise comparisons, 3,826 differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were identified, of which 384 are small RNAs. Functional enrichment analysis pointed to gene ontology (GO) terms related to ion channel activity, detoxification of copper, neuroactive receptors, and spermatogenesis. Using the regulatory impact factor (RIF) algorithm, we detected 70 DE small RNAs likely to regulate the DE transcripts considering all pairwise comparisons among tissues. The pattern of small RNA co-expression suggested that these elements are involved in spermatogenesis regulation. The 3,826 DE transcripts (mRNAs and small RNAs) were further subjected to co-expression analyses using the partial correlation and information theory (PCIT) algorithm for network prediction. Significant correlations underpinned the co-expression network, which had 2,216 transcripts connected by 158,807 predicted interactions. The larger network cluster was enriched for male gamete generation and had 15 miRNAs with significant RIF. The miRNA bta-mir-2886 showed the highest number of connections (601) and was predicted to down-regulate ELOVL3, FEZF2, and HOXA13 (negative co-expression correlations and confirmed with TargetScan). In short, we suggest that bta-mir-2886 and other small RNAs might modulate gene expression in the testis and epididymis, in Bos indicus cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa O de Lima
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Juliana Afonso
- Department of Animal Science, University of São Paulo/ESALQ, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Janette Edson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Robin Palfreyman
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Laercio R Porto-Neto
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Antonio Reverter
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Barda S, Mano R, Lehavi O, Kleiman SE, Yossepowitch O, Azem F, Hauser R, Dekalo S. Questioning the utility of round spermatid injections in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2021; 9:1145-1150. [PMID: 33774922 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on who among the infertile male population may benefit from round spermatid injections (ROSI) are lacking. OBJECTIVE To determine the probability of finding round spermatids suitable for ROSI in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in whom no spermatozoa were retrieved at testicular sperm extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four-hundred fifty-seven consecutive men with azoospermia underwent testicular sperm extraction. Clinical examination included age, secondary sexual characteristics, testicular size, reproductive hormone estimation, karyotyping, and Y chromosome microdeletion analyses. Histologic examination was performed, and histologic classification was determined by the most advanced spermatogenetic cell identified in the combined histologic and cytologic examination. RESULTS Of the 457 azoospermic men, 342 were diagnosed with NOA, and 148 (148/342, 43%) had mixed atrophy on histopathology and retrievable spermatozoa. No spermatozoa were found in 194/342 men with NOA (57%). Histopathology diagnosed 145/194 (75%) of them with Sertoli cell only, 45/194 (23%) with spermatocyte maturation arrest, and 4/194 (2%) with spermatid maturation arrest. CONCLUSIONS Histopathologically identified round spermatids without spermatozoa were rare in men with NOA. Only very few of them are likely to reap the benefits of ROSI, thus presenting the need to reconsider its actual clinical value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimi Barda
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Israel Academic College, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Roy Mano
- Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Lehavi
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sandra E Kleiman
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Yossepowitch
- Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ron Hauser
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Snir Dekalo
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hadziselimovic F, Verkauskas G, Stadler MB. Molecular clues in the regulation of mini-puberty involve neuronal DNA binding transcription factor NHLH2. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:6. [PMID: 33731013 PMCID: PMC7971961 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00124-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment following surgery to correct cryptorchidism restores mini-puberty via endocrinological and transcriptional effects and prevents adult infertility in most cases. Several genes are important for central hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in mammals, including many that are transcribed in both the brain and testis. However, the expression of these genes in prepubertal gonads has not been studied systematically, and little is known about the effect of hormone therapy on their testicular and neuronal expression levels. In this review, we interpret histological sections, data on hormone levels, and RNA profiling data from adult normal testes compared to pre-pubertal low infertility risk (LIR) and high infertility risk (HIR) patients randomly treated with surgery in combination with GnRHa or only surgery. We organize 31 target genes relevant for idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cryptorchidism into five classes depending on their expression levels in HIR versus LIR samples and their response to GnRHa treatment. Nescient-helix-loop-helix 2 (NHLH2) was the only gene showing a decreased mRNA level in HIR patients and an increase after GnRHa treatment. This phenomenon may reflect a broader effect of hormone treatment on gene expression in both testicular and central nervous system tissues, which could explain why the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis is permanently restored by the administration of GnRHa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Children's Day Care Center Liestal, Liestal, Switzerland.
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- Center of Children's Surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michael B Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Novel Gene Regulation in Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030666. [PMID: 33802813 PMCID: PMC8002376 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic process which is precisely controlledby genetic and epigenetic factors. With the development of new technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing), increasingly more regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis have been identified. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of novel genes in regulating the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we discussed the functions and signaling pathways of key new genes in mediating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rodent and human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as well as in controlling the meiosis of spermatocytes and other germ cells. Additionally, we summarized the gene regulation in the abnormal testicular microenvironment or the niche by Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Finally, we pointed out the future directions for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis. This review could offer novel insights into genetic regulation in the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis, and it provides new molecular targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
Collapse
|
25
|
Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brym P, Wasilewska-Sakowska K, Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Mańkowska A, Paukszto Ł, Pareek CS, Kordan W, Kondracki S, Fraser L. Gene promoter polymorphisms in boar spermatozoa differing in freezability. Theriogenology 2021; 166:112-123. [PMID: 33735665 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'-flanking regulatory regions of genes could affect their expression levels. This is a follow-up study aimed to identify polymorphic variants in the 5'-flanking regulatory regions of genes expressed in boar spermatozoa, and to predict the interactions of such variants with transcription factors (TFs) on the gene promoter activity, using bioinformatics. Five and six boars were classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively) according to post-thaw (PT) assessment of sperm motility and membrane integrity characteristics. The 5'-flanking region sequences of the 14 genes (FOS, NFATC3, EAF2, FGF-14, BAMBI, RAB33B, CKS2, LARS2, SLC25A16, ACADM, CPT2, CCT3, DTD2 and CCDC85A) were PCR amplified and analyzed by Sanger sequencing method. A total of 32 polymorphic variants were identified in the 5'-flanking regions of the genes, including 4 insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms, and 8 unknown (novel) SNPs. Multiple sequence alignment analysis revealed a 26-bp indel variant in the 5'-flanking region of the LARS2 gene, which showed greater protein expression in spermatozoa from boars of the PSF group. It was found that 17 polymorphic variants, observed in the differentially expressed (DE) genes, showed significant allele frequency differences between the GSF and PSF groups. Polymorphic variants in the 5'-flanking regulatory regions of the genes contributed to the decrease or increase in the binding affinity for different testis-specific TFs, such as SMAD1, NF-1, FOXMI, RXRA, STAT4 and C/EBPβ. This study provides more insights into the mechanisms responsible for variations in transcriptional activity in promoters of genes expressed in boar spermatozoa. The allelic variants are promising genetic markers for predicting the freezability of boar spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Chandra S Pareek
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Władysław Kordan
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Stanisław Kondracki
- Faculty of Agrobioengineering and Animal Husbandry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 08-110, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Słowińska M, Paukszto Ł, Paweł Jastrzębski J, Bukowska J, Kozłowski K, Jankowski J, Ciereszko A. Transcriptome analysis of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) reproductive tract revealed key pathways regulating spermatogenesis and post-testicular sperm maturation. Poult Sci 2020; 99:6094-6118. [PMID: 33142529 PMCID: PMC7647744 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of transcriptomics to the study of the reproductive tract in male turkeys can significantly increase our current knowledge regarding the specifics of bird reproduction. To characterize the complex transcriptomic changes that occur in the testis, epididymis, and ductus deferens, deep sequencing of male turkey RNA samples (n = 6) was performed, using Illumina RNA-Seq. The obtained sequence reads were mapped to the turkey genome, and relative expression values were calculated to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Statistical analysis revealed 1,682; 2,150; and 340 DEGs in testis/epididymis, testis/ductus deferens, and epididymis/ductus deferens comparisons, respectively. The expression of selected genes was validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several potential candidate genes involved in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagellum formation in the testis, and in post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis and ductus deferens. In the testis, genes were linked with the mitotic proliferation of spermatogonia and the meiotic division of spermatocytes. Histone ubiquitination and protamine phosphorylation were shown to be regulatory mechanisms for nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. The characterization of testicular transcripts allowed a better understanding of acrosome formation and development and flagellum formation, including axoneme structures and functions. Spermatozoa motility during post-testicular maturation was linked to the development of flagellar actin filaments and biochemical processes, including Ca2+ influx and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Spermatozoa quality appeared to be controlled by apoptosis and antioxidant systems in the epididymis and ductus deferens. Finally, genes associated with reproductive system development and morphogenesis were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide functional investigation of genes associated with tissue-specific processes in turkey reproductive tract. A catalog of genes worthy of further studies to understand the avian reproductive physiology and regulation was provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Słowińska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jan Paweł Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- In Vitro and Cell Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kozłowski
- Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jan Jankowski
- Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Joshi M, Rajender S. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in spermatogenesis and male infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:103. [PMID: 33126901 PMCID: PMC7599102 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00660-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a size of more than 200 bp and are known to regulate a host of crucial cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by regulating gene expression. While small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as miRNAs, siRNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs have been extensively studied in male germ cell development, the role of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE In this article, we have reviewed the biology and role of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis along with the tools available for data analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Till date, three microarray and four RNA-seq studies have been undertaken to identify lncRNAs in mouse testes or germ cells. These studies were done on pre-natal, post-natal, adult testis, and different germ cells to identify lncRNAs regulating spermatogenesis. In case of humans, five RNA-seq studies on different germ cell populations, including two on sperm, were undertaken. We compared three studies on human germ cells to identify common lncRNAs and found 15 lncRNAs (LINC00635, LINC00521, LINC00174, LINC00654, LINC00710, LINC00226, LINC00326, LINC00494, LINC00535, LINC00616, LINC00662, LINC00668, LINC00467, LINC00608, and LINC00658) to show consistent differential expression across these studies. Some of the targets of these lncRNAs included CENPB, FAM98B, GOLGA6 family, RPGR, TPM2, GNB5, KCNQ10T1, TAZ, LIN28A, CDKN2B, CDKN2A, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, CDKN1C, EZH2, SUZ12, VEGFA genes. A lone study on human male infertility identified 9879 differentially expressed lncRNAs with three (lnc32058, lnc09522, and lnc98497) of them showing specific and high expression in immotile sperm in comparison to normal motile sperm. A few lncRNAs (Mrhl, Drm, Spga-lncRNAs, NLC1-C, HongrES2, Tsx, LncRNA-tcam1, Tug1, Tesra, AK015322, Gm2044, and LncRNA033862) have been functionally validated for their roles in spermatogenesis. Apart from rodents and humans, studies on sheep and bull have also identified lncRNAs potentially important for spermatogenesis. A number of these non-coding RNAs are strong candidates for further research on their roles in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, UP, India.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Maezawa S, Sakashita A, Yukawa M, Chen X, Takahashi K, Alavattam KG, Nakata I, Weirauch MT, Barski A, Namekawa SH. Super-enhancer switching drives a burst in gene expression at the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:978-988. [PMID: 32895557 PMCID: PMC8690596 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to bursts in the expression of thousands of germline-specific genes, the testis has the most diverse and complex transcriptome of all organs. By analyzing the male germline of mice, we demonstrate that the genome-wide reorganization of super-enhancers (SEs) drives bursts in germline gene expression after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. SE reorganization is regulated by two molecular events: the establishment of meiosis-specific SEs via A-MYB (MYBL1), a key transcription factor for germline genes, and the resolution of SEs in mitotically proliferating cells via SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein required for spermatogenesis-specific gene expression. Prior to entry into meiosis, meiotic SEs are preprogrammed in mitotic spermatogonia to ensure the unidirectional differentiation of spermatogenesis. We identify key regulatory factors for both mitotic and meiotic enhancers, revealing a molecular logic for the concurrent activation of mitotic enhancers and suppression of meiotic enhancers in the somatic and/or mitotic proliferation phases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ippo Nakata
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Robertson MJ, Kent K, Tharp N, Nozawa K, Dean L, Mathew M, Grimm SL, Yu Z, Légaré C, Fujihara Y, Ikawa M, Sullivan R, Coarfa C, Matzuk MM, Garcia TX. Large-scale discovery of male reproductive tract-specific genes through analysis of RNA-seq datasets. BMC Biol 2020; 18:103. [PMID: 32814578 PMCID: PMC7436996 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of a safe, effective, reversible, non-hormonal contraceptive method for men has been an ongoing effort for the past few decades. However, despite significant progress on elucidating the function of key proteins involved in reproduction, understanding male reproductive physiology is limited by incomplete information on the genes expressed in reproductive tissues, and no contraceptive targets have so far reached clinical trials. To advance product development, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific genes leading to potentially druggable protein targets is imperative. Results In this study, we expand on previous single tissue, single species studies by integrating analysis of publicly available human and mouse RNA-seq datasets whose initial published purpose was not focused on identifying male reproductive tract-specific targets. We also incorporate analysis of additional newly acquired human and mouse testis and epididymis samples to increase the number of targets identified. We detected a combined total of 1178 genes for which no previous evidence of male reproductive tract-specific expression was annotated, many of which are potentially druggable targets. Through RT-PCR, we confirmed the reproductive tract-specific expression of 51 novel orthologous human and mouse genes without a reported mouse model. Of these, we ablated four epididymis-specific genes (Spint3, Spint4, Spint5, and Ces5a) and two testis-specific genes (Pp2d1 and Saxo1) in individual or double knockout mice generated through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our results validate a functional requirement for Spint4/5 and Ces5a in male mouse fertility, while demonstrating that Spint3, Pp2d1, and Saxo1 are each individually dispensable for male mouse fertility. Conclusions Our work provides a plethora of novel testis- and epididymis-specific genes and elucidates the functional requirement of several of these genes, which is essential towards understanding the etiology of male infertility and the development of male contraceptives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Robertson
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Tharp
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Laura Dean
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michelle Mathew
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christine Légaré
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 boul Laurier, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibeshinmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 boul Laurier, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA. .,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wu X, Luo C, Hu L, Chen X, Chen Y, Fan J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Unraveling epigenomic abnormality in azoospermic human males by WGBS, RNA-Seq, and transcriptome profiling analyses. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:789-802. [PMID: 32056059 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine associations between genomic DNA methylation in testicular cells and azoospermia in human males. METHODS This was a case-control study investigating the differences and conservations in DNA methylation, genome-wide DNA methylation, and bulk RNA-Seq for transcriptome profiling using testicular biopsy tissues from NOA and OA patients. Differential methylation and different conserved methylation regions associated with azoospermia were identified by comparing genomic DNA methylation of testicular seminiferous cells derived from NOA and OA patients. RESULTS The genome methylation modification of testicular cells from NOA patients was disordered, and the reproductive-related gene expression was significantly different. CONCLUSION Our findings not only provide valuable knowledge of human spermatogenesis but also paved the way for the identification of genes/proteins involved in male germ cell development. The approach presented in this report provides a powerful tool to identify responsible biomolecules, and/or cellular changes (e.g., epigenetic abnormality) that induce male reproductive dysfunction such as OA and NOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Hu
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmei Chen
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Fan
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd., 211 Pubin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065, USA.
| | - Fei Sun
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hu M, Li L, Liu S, Lou Y, Wang L, Le F, Li H, Wang Q, Lou H, Wang N, Jin F. Decreased expression of MRE11 and RAD50 in testes from humans with spermatogenic failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:331-340. [PMID: 31983050 PMCID: PMC7056783 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess testicular mRNA and protein expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 in human azoospermia patients. METHODS Patients diagnosed with maturation arrest at the spermatocyte stage (MA) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) were recruited through diagnostic testicular biopsy. Patients with normal spermatogenesis were studied as controls. In addition, knockdown of MRE11 and RAD50 was performed in GC-2spd(ts) cells to investigate their roles in cellular proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS mRNA and protein expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Knockdown of both MRE11 and RAD50 utilized transfection with small interfering RNAs. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated altered expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 in human testes with MA and SCOS, and showed that these alterations might be associated with impaired spermatogenesis. These results offer valuable new perspectives into the molecular mechanisms of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minhao Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lejun Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyuan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Yiyun Lou
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Le
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongping Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qijing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hangying Lou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Evaluating genetic causes of azoospermia: What can we learn from a complex cellular structure and single-cell transcriptomics of the human testis? Hum Genet 2020; 140:183-201. [PMID: 31950241 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02116-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is a condition defined as the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, but the testicular phenotype of men with azoospermia may be very variable, ranging from full spermatogenesis, through arrested maturation of germ cells at different stages, to completely degenerated tissue with ghost tubules. Hence, information regarding the cell-type-specific expression patterns is needed to prioritise potential pathogenic variants that contribute to the pathogenesis of azoospermia. Thanks to technological advances within next-generation sequencing, it is now possible to obtain detailed cell-type-specific expression patterns in the testis by single-cell RNA sequencing. However, to interpret single-cell RNA sequencing data properly, substantial knowledge of the highly sophisticated data processing and visualisation methods is needed. Here we review the complex cellular structure of the human testis in different types of azoospermia and outline how known genetic alterations affect the pathology of the testis. We combined the currently available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets originating from the human testis into one dataset covering 62,751 testicular cells, each with a median of 2637 transcripts quantified. We show what effects the most common data-processing steps have, and how different visualisation methods can be used. Furthermore, we calculated expression patterns in pseudotime, and show how splicing rates can be used to determine the velocity of differentiation during spermatogenesis. With the combined dataset we show expression patterns and network analysis of genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of azoospermia. Finally, we provide the combined dataset as an interactive online resource where expression of genes and different visualisation methods can be explored ( https://testis.cells.ucsc.edu/ ).
Collapse
|
35
|
Qiu Q, Yu X, Yao C, Hao Y, Fan L, Li C, Xu P, An G, Li Z, He Z. FOXP3 pathogenic variants cause male infertility through affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:12581-12599. [PMID: 31855573 PMCID: PMC6949051 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic causes of male infertility that is associated with aging are largely unknown. This study was designed to identify novel pathogenic variants of FOXP3 gene causing azoospermia. One homozygous (c.155 G > T) pathogenic variant of FOXP3 was identified in nine non-obstructive azoospermia patients, and one heterozygous (c.691 C > A) of FOXP3 was found in one non-obstructive azoospermia patient. Pedigrees studies indicated that the homozygous (c.155 G > T) FOXP3 pathogenic variant was inherited, while heterozygous (c.691 C > A) FOXP3 pathogenic variant was acquired. Human testis carrying pathogenic variant exhibited abnormal spermatogenesis. FOXP3 protein was expressed at a lower level or undetected in spermatocytes of mutant testis of non-obstructive azoospermia patients compared to obstructive azoospermia patients. FOXP3 stimulated the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells, and we further analyzed the targets of FOXP3. We have identified two new pathogenic variants of FOXP3 in non-obstructive azoospermia patients with high incidence, and FOXP3 silencing inhibits the proliferation and enhances the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells. This study provides new insights into the etiology of azoospermia and offers novel pathogenic variants for gene targeting of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Yu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyi Li
- Fertility Center, Shenyang Dongfang Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Fertility Center, Shenyang Dongfang Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuping He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Geng S, Wang J, Zhang X, Zhang JJ, Wu F, Pang Y, Zhong Y, Wang J, Wang W, Lyu X, Huang Y, Jing H. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals chemokine self-feeding of myeloma cells promotes extramedullary metastasis. FEBS Lett 2019; 594:452-465. [PMID: 31561267 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying the initial extramedullary translocation of myeloma cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood. We found that clonal circulating plasma cells (cPCs) are more frequently detected by flow cytometry in extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) patients and worsen their prognosis. It is technically much easier to collect single cPCs using FACS than it is to perform EMP biopsy. Therefore, combining EMP imaging with cPC detection may be a promising strategy for prognostic stratification. Here, using single-cell transcriptome analysis, we found that the chemokine CXCL12, a key molecule involved in CXCR4-dependent cell retention in the bone marrow, is abnormally upregulated in cPCs and might initially enable cPCs to evade bone marrow retention and translocate into the bloodstream.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Geng
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiannian Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Jia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Pang
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Wang
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lyu
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyi Huang
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- Department of Hematology, Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC) and Lymphoma Research Center, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sarkar S, Sujit KM, Singh V, Pandey R, Trivedi S, Singh K, Gupta G, Rajender S. Array-based DNA methylation profiling reveals peripheral blood differential methylation in male infertility. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:61-72.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
38
|
Integrated Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Reveals Functional miRNA-Targets in Development Testes of Small Tail Han Sheep. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:523-533. [PMID: 30559255 PMCID: PMC6385976 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Small Tail Han Sheep is a highly valued local breed in China because of their precocity, perennial estrus, and high fecundity. The average annual lambing rate of ewes is as high as 180–270%, the semen of ram has characteristics of high yield, high density, and good motility. To reveal the key miRNAs and miRNA-targets underlying testis development and spermatogenesis in male Small Tail Han Sheep, integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old testes was performed by RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics methods. The results showed that total of 153 known sheep miRNAs and 2712 novel miRNAs were obtained in 2-,6 - and 12-month-old Small Tail Han Sheep testes; 5, 1, and 4 differentially expressed (DE) known sheep miRNAs, and 132, 105, and 24 DE novel miRNAs were identified in 2- vs. 6-, 6- vs. 12-, and 2- vs. 12-month-old testes, respectively. We combined miRNA results of this study and the mRNA results obtained in our previous study to predict the target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs; 131, 10, and 15 target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs and 76, 1, and 11 DE miRNA–targets were identified in the three groups, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses showed that: in 2- vs. 6-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 100 biological processes and 11 signaling pathways; in 6- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 4 biological processes; and in 2- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 17 biological processes and 4 signaling pathways. Three miR–target regulatory networks were constructed based on these DE miRNA–targets. The key miRNA-Targets involved in testis development and spermatogenesis were screened. 6 known sheep miRNAs and 6 novel miRNAs were selected to validate the accuracy of miRNA sequencing data by qRT-PCR. The binding sites of oar-miR-379-5p with WNT8A was validated by a dual luciferase reporter gene detection system.
Collapse
|
39
|
Tian R, Yao C, Yang C, Zhu Z, Li C, Zhi E, Wang J, Li P, Chen H, Yuan Q, He Z, Li Z. Fibroblast growth factor-5 promotes spermatogonial stem cell proliferation via ERK and AKT activation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:40. [PMID: 30670081 PMCID: PMC6343348 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sertoli cells are the most important somatic cells contributing to the microenvironment (named niche) for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). They produce amounts of crucial growth factors and structure proteins that play essential roles in the complex processes of male SSCs survival, proliferation, and differentiation. It has been suggested that Sertoli cell abnormalities could result in spermatogenesis failure, eventually causing azoospermia in humans. However, to the end, the gene expression characteristics and protein functions of human Sertoli cells remained unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF5), a novel growth factor downregulated in Sertoli cells from Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) patients compared to Sertoli cells from obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients, on SSCs. Methods We compared the transcriptome between Sertoli cell from SCOS and OA patients. Then, we evaluated the expression of FGF5, a growth factor which is downregulated in SCOS Sertoli cells, in human primary cultured Sertoli cells and testicular tissue. Also, the proliferation effect of FGF5 in mice SSCs was detected using EDU assay and CCK-8 assay. To investigate the mechanism of FGF5, Phospho Explorer Array was performed. And the results were verified using Western blot assay. Results Using RNA-Seq, we found 308 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Sertoli cells from SCOS and OA patients. We noted and verified that the expression of fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF5) was higher in Sertoli cells of OA patients than that of SCOS patients at both transcriptional and translational levels. Proliferation assays showed that rFGF5 enhanced the proliferation of mouse SSCs line C18-4 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we demonstrated that ERK and AKT were activated and the expression of Cyclin A2 and Cyclin E1 was enhanced by rFGF5. Conclusion The distinct RNA profiles between Sertoli cells from SCOS and OA patients were identified using RNA-Seq. Also, FGF5, a growth factor that downregulated in SCOS Sertoli cells, could promote SSCs proliferation via ERK and AKT activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chong Li
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, 250 Bibo Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Junlong Wang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Zuping He
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Transcriptome Dynamics During Turbot Spermatogenesis Predicting the Potential Key Genes Regulating Male Germ Cell Proliferation and Maturation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15825. [PMID: 30361543 PMCID: PMC6202422 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34149-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process in which spermatogonial stem cells proliferate, differentiate and mature into functional spermatozoa. These processes require an accurate gene regulation network. Here, we investigated the dynamic changes that occur during spermatogenesis through a combination of histological and transcriptome analyses of different developmental stages of the testis. We constructed 18 testis transcriptome libraries, and the average length, N50, and GC content of the unigenes were 1,795 bp; 3,240 bp and 49.25%, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were related to germ cell proliferation and maturation, such as NANOS3, RARs, KIFs, steroid hormone synthesis-related genes and receptor genes, were identified between pairs of testis at different developmental stages. Gene ontology annotation and pathway analyses were conducted on DEGs with specific expression patterns involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Nine important pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis related to spermatogenesis were identified. A total of 21 modules that ranged from 49 to 7,448 genes were designed by a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Furthermore, a total of 83 candidate miRNA were identified by computational methods. Our study provides the first transcriptomic evidence for differences in gene expression between different developmental stages of spermatogenesis in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).
Collapse
|
41
|
Lecluze E, Jégou B, Rolland AD, Chalmel F. New transcriptomic tools to understand testis development and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:47-59. [PMID: 29501799 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The testis plays a central role in the male reproductive system - secreting several hormones including male steroids and producing male gametes. A complex and coordinated molecular program is required for the proper differentiation of testicular cell types and maintenance of their functions in adulthood. The testicular transcriptome displays the highest levels of complexity and specificity across all tissues in a wide range of species. Many studies have used high-throughput sequencing technologies to define the molecular dynamics and regulatory networks in the testis as well as to identify novel genes or gene isoforms expressed in this organ. This review intends to highlight the complementarity of these transcriptomic studies and to show how the use of different sequencing protocols contribute to improve our global understanding of testicular biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Lecluze
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Grozdanov PN, Li J, Yu P, Yan W, MacDonald CC. Cstf2t Regulates expression of histones and histone-like proteins in male germ cells. Andrology 2018; 6:605-615. [PMID: 29673127 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Formation of the 3' ends of mature mRNAs requires recognition of the correct site within the last exon, cleavage of the nascent pre-mRNA, and, for most mRNAs, addition of a poly(A) tail. Several factors are involved in recognition of the correct 3'-end site. The cleavage stimulation factor (CstF) has three subunits, CstF-50 (gene symbol Cstf1), CstF-64 (Cstf2), and CstF-77 (Cstf3). Of these, CstF-64 is the RNA-binding subunit that interacts with the pre-mRNA downstream of the cleavage site. In male germ cells where CstF-64 is not expressed, a paralog, τCstF-64 (gene symbol Cstf2t) assumes its functions. Accordingly, Cstf2t knockout (Cstf2t-/- ) mice exhibit male infertility due to defective development of spermatocytes and spermatids. To discover differentially expressed genes responsive to τCstF-64, we performed RNA-Seq in seminiferous tubules from wild-type and Cstf2t-/- mice, and found that several histone and histone-like mRNAs were reduced in Cstf2t-/- mice. We further observed delayed accumulation of the testis-specific histone, H1fnt (formerly, H1t2 or Hanp1) in Cstf2t-/- mice. High-throughput sequence analysis of polyadenylation sites (A-seq) indicated reduced use of polyadenylation sites within a cluster downstream of H1fnt in knockout mice. However, high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by cross-linking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) was not consistent with a direct role of τCstF-64 in polyadenylation of H1fnt. These findings together suggest that the τCstF-64 may control other reproductive functions that are not directly linked to the formation of 3' ends of mature polyadenylated mRNAs during male germ cell formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P N Grozdanov
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - J Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering & TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - P Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering & TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - W Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - C C MacDonald
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Selvaraju S, Parthipan S, Somashekar L, Binsila BK, Kolte AP, Arangasamy A, Ravindra JP, Krawetz SA. Current status of sperm functional genomics and its diagnostic potential of fertility in bovine (Bos taurus). Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1444816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sivashanmugam Parthipan
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Lakshminarayana Somashekar
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - B. Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Atul P. Kolte
- Omics Laboratory, Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arunachalam Arangasamy
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Janivara Parameshwaraiah Ravindra
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen H, Zhu Y, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Lu K, Wang X, Liu F, Li Z, Xia W. Detection of heterozygous mutation in hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 in three patients with decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa syndrome. J Med Genet 2018; 55:150-157. [PMID: 29330334 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of intramanchette transport is crucial to the transformation of sperm tail and the nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. Although few dysfunctional proteins could result in abnormal junction between the head and tail of spermatozoon, little is known about the genetic cues in this process. OBJECTIVE Based on patients with severe decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa (DDS) syndrome, the study aimed to validate whether new mutation exists on their Hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 (HOOK1) genes and follow their results of assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHODS 7 severe teratozoospermia patients with DDS (proportion >95%) and three relative members in one pedigree were collected to sequence the whole genomic DNA. The fertilisation rates (FRs) of these patients were followed. Morphological observation and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) assays were applied. RESULTS A novel missense mutation of A to G (p.Q286R) in patients with DDS (n=3/7) was found in the HOOK1 gene, which was inherited from the mother in one patient. This variant was absent in 160 fertile population-matched control individuals. Morphological observation showed that almost all the DDS broke into decaudated heads and headless tails at the implantation fossa or the basal plate. The clinical studies indicated that the mutation might cause reduced FRs on both ART (FR=18.07%) and interspecies ICSI (FR=16.98%). CONCLUSIONS An unreported mutation in HOOK1 gene was identified, which might be responsible to some patients with DDS. Further studies need to uncover the molecular mechanism of spermiogenesis for genomic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huixing Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keming Lu
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhao L, Zhu Z, Yao C, Huang Y, Zhi E, Chen H, Tian R, Li P, Yuan Q, Xue Y, Wan Z, Yang C, Gong Y, He Z, Li Z. VEGFC/VEGFR3 Signaling Regulates Mouse Spermatogonial Cell Proliferation via the Activation of AKT/MAPK and Cyclin D1 Pathway and Mediates the Apoptosis by affecting Caspase 3/9 and Bcl-2. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:225-239. [PMID: 29169284 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1407891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the transcript levels of Vegfc and its receptor Vegfr3 were high in spermatogonia and extremely low in spermatocytes and spermatids. However, it remains unknown about the functions and the mechanisms of VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling in regulating the fate determinations of spermatogonia. To this end, here we explored the role and signaling pathways of VEGFC/VEGFR3 by using a cell line derived from immortalized mouse spermatogonia retaining markers of mitotic germ cells, namely GC-1 cells. VEGFR3 was expressed in mouse primary spermatogonia and GC-1 cells. VEGFC stimulated the proliferation and DNA synthesis of GC-1 cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT and MAPK, whereas LY294002 (an inhibitor for AKT) and CI-1040 (an inhibitor for MAPK) blocked the effect of VEGFC on GC-1 cell proliferation. Furthermore, VEGFC increased the transcripts of c-fos and Egr1 and protein levels of cyclin D1, PCNA and Bcl-2. Conversely, the blocking of VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling by VEGFR3 knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of AKT/MAPK and decreased the levels of cyclin D1 and PCNA. Additionally, VEGFR3 knockdown not only resulted in more apoptosis of GC-1 cells but also led to a decrease of Bcl-2 and promoted the cleavage of Caspase-3/9 and PARP. Collectively, these data suggested that VEGFC/VEGFR3 signaling promotes the proliferation of GC-1 cells via the AKT /MAPK and cyclin D1 pathway and it inhibits the cell apoptosis through Caspase-3/9, PARP and Bcl-2. Thus, this study sheds a novel insight to the molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian spermatogonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Zhao
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Huixing Chen
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Peng Li
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- b State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital , School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhong Wan
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Chao Yang
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yuehua Gong
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zuping He
- b State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital , School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zheng Li
- a Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dianatpour A, Ghafouri-Fard S. Long Non Coding RNA Expression Intersecting Cancer and Spermatogenesis: A Systematic Review. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2017; 18:2601-2610. [PMID: 29072050 PMCID: PMC5747377 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2017.18.10.2601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous similarities have been noted between gametogenic and tumorigenic programs in features
such as global hypomethylation, immune evasion, immortalization, meiosis induction, and migration. In addition, aberrant
expression of testis specific genes has been detected in various cancers which has led to categorization of these genes
as “cancer-testis genes”. Most of the examples identified in this category are protein encoding. However, recent studies
have revealed that non-coding RNAs, including long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may have essential regulatory
roles in telomere biology, chromatin dynamics, modulation of gene expression and genome structural organization.
All of these functions are implicated in both gametogenic and tumorigenic programs. Methods: In the present study,
we conducted a computerized search of the MEDLINE/PUBMED and Embase databases with the key words lncRNA,
gametogenesis, testis and cancer. Results: We found a number of lncRNAs with essential roles and notable expression
in both gametogenic and cancer tissues. Conclusions: Comparison between cancer tissues and gametogenic tissues
has shown that numerous lncRNAs are expressed in both, playing similar roles in processes modulated by signaling
pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Evaluation of expression patterns and functions of these
genes should pave the way to discovery of biomarkers for early detection, prognostic assessment and evaluation of
therapeutic responses in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dianatpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Histological analysis and identification of spermatogenesis-related genes in 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old sheep testes. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
48
|
Jan SZ, Vormer TL, Jongejan A, Röling MD, Silber SJ, de Rooij DG, Hamer G, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Unraveling transcriptome dynamics in human spermatogenesis. Development 2017; 144:3659-3673. [PMID: 28935708 PMCID: PMC5675447 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process that includes stem cell proliferation and differentiation, meiotic cell divisions and extreme chromatin condensation. Although studied in mice, the molecular control of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we developed a protocol that enables next-generation sequencing of RNA obtained from pools of 500 individually laser-capture microdissected cells of specific germ cell subtypes from fixed human testis samples. Transcriptomic analyses of these successive germ cell subtypes reveals dynamic transcription of over 4000 genes during human spermatogenesis. At the same time, many of the genes encoding for well-established meiotic and post-meiotic proteins are already present in the pre-meiotic phase. Furthermore, we found significant cell type-specific expression of post-transcriptional regulators, including expression of 110 RNA-binding proteins and 137 long non-coding RNAs, most of them previously not linked to spermatogenesis. Together, these data suggest that the transcriptome of precursor cells already contains the genes necessary for cellular differentiation and that timely translation controlled by post-transcriptional regulators is crucial for normal development. These established transcriptomes provide a reference catalog for further detailed studies on human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure. Highlighted Article: Using laser capture microscopy, a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset of well-defined and distinct germ cell subtypes based on morphology and localization in the human testis is generated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tinke L Vormer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael D Röling
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,The Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen X, Li X, Guo J, Zhang P, Zeng W. The roles of microRNAs in regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:35. [PMID: 28469844 PMCID: PMC5410700 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis contains three continuous and organized processes, by which spermatogonia undergo mitosis and differentiate to spermatocytes, follow on meiosis to form haploid spermatids and ultimately transform into spermatozoa. These processes require an accurately, spatially and temporally regulated gene expression patterns. The microRNAs are a novel class of post-transcriptional regulators. Cumulating evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs are expressed in a cell-specific or stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the roles of microRNAs in spermatogenesis. We highlight that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the biogenesis of microRNAs and miRNA regulates the m6A modification on mRNA, and that specific miRNAs have been exploited as potential biomarkers for the male factor infertility, which will provide insightful understanding of microRNA roles in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Shiraishi K, Oka S, Matsuyama H. Predictive Factors for Sperm Recovery after Varicocelectomy in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Urol 2017; 197:485-490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Shiraishi
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shintaro Oka
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hideyasu Matsuyama
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|