1
|
Stepanov YK, Herrmann C, Stöckl JB, Köhn FM, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Prolonged exposure to dexamethasone alters the proteome and cellular phenotype of human testicular peritubular cells. Proteomics 2024:e2300616. [PMID: 38419139 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) are smooth muscle cells, which in the testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. Contractions of HTPCs are responsible for sperm transport, HTPCs contribute to spermatogenesis, have immunological roles and are a site of glucocorticoid receptor expression. Importantly, HTPCs maintain their characteristics in vitro, and thus can serve as an experimental window into the male gonad. Previously we reported consequences of 3-day treatment with Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid and multi-purpose anti-inflammatory drug. However, as glucocorticoid therapies in man often last longer, we now studied consequences of a prolonged 7-day exposure to 1 µM Dex. Combining live cell imaging with quantative proteomics of samples taken from men, we confirmed our recent findings but more importantly, found numerous novel proteomic alterations induced by prolonged Dex treatment. The comparison of the 7-day treatment with the 3-day treatment dataset revealed that extracellular matrix- and focal adhesion-related proteins become more prominent after 7 days of treatment. In contrast, extended stimulation is, for example, associated with a decrease of proteins related to cholesterol and steroid metabolism. Our dataset, which describes phenotypic and proteomic alterations, is a valuable resource for further research projects investigating effects of Dex on human testicular cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youli K Stepanov
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang Q, Man Y, Li W, Zhou Q, Yuan S, Yap YT, Nayak N, Zhang L, Song S, Dunbar J, Leff T, Yang X, Zhang Z. Inactivation of Cops5 in Smooth Muscle Cells Causes Abnormal Reproductive Hormone Homeostasis and Development in Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad062. [PMID: 37067025 PMCID: PMC10164660 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
COP9 constitutive photomorphogenic homolog subunit 5 (COPS5), also known as Jab1 or CSN5, has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular and developmental processes. By analyzing male germ cell-specific COPS5-deficient mice, we have demonstrated previously that COPS5 is essential to maintain male germ survival and acrosome biogenesis. To further determine the role of Cops5 in peritubular myoid cells, a smooth muscle lineage surrounding seminiferous tubules, we herein derived mice conditionally deficient for the Cops5 gene in smooth muscle cells using transgenic Myh11-Cre mice. Although these conditional Cops5-deficient mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratio and appeared to be normal within the first week after birth, the homozygous mice started to show growth retardation after 1 week. These mice also exhibited a variety of developmental and reproductive disorders, including failure of development of reproductive organs in both males and females, spermatogenesis defects, and impaired skeletal development and immune functions. Furthermore, conditional Cops5-deficient mice revealed dramatic impairment of the endocrine system associated with testicular functions, including a marked reduction in serum levels of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose, but not vasopressin. All homozygous mice died before age 67 days in the study. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that Cops5 in smooth muscle lineage plays an essential role in postnatal development and reproductive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yonghong Man
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Neha Nayak
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Shizheng Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Joseph Dunbar
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Todd Leff
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Subedi R, Rokade S, Surve S, Patil A, Kulkarni V, Gajbhiye RK, Madan T. Dysregulated serum and seminal plasma levels of surfactant protein D and MCP-1 in men with genital tract infection/inflammation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13588. [PMID: 35771685 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a multimeric collectin expressed by testicular mucosal epithelia and is positively regulated by testosterone. It exerts antimicrobial effects, modulates inflammation and rescued spermatogenesis in a murine model. Various cytokines and chemokines, including MCP-1, play a key role in regulating the inflammation in rat and human testis. The study aimed to investigate the role of SP-D and involvement of chemokines and cytokines in the male infertility associated with urogenital infections or inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY The cross-sectional study evaluated levels of SP-D, testosterone, estradiol and the cytokines/chemokines including MCP-1 in the serum and semen samples of fertile and infertile Indian men with and without urogenital infections/inflammation (n = 76). RESULTS Both fertile and infertile males with urogenital infection/inflammation had significantly lower levels of SP-D and higher levels of the chemokine, Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the serum and seminal plasma. Seminal plasma of these males exhibited significantly higher proportion of proteolytically degraded forms of SP-D. The serum SP-D levels positively correlated with testosterone/estradiol (TE) ratio. There was no significant correlation between the SP-D levels in seminal plasma and sperm count/motility. With a significant area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, the serum and seminal plasma SP-D levels exhibited significant potential to predict infertility with high sensitivity and specificity in men with genital infections/inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The circulating and seminal plasma SP-D levels were decreased in men with urogenital infection and inflammation. This could be due to their engagement at the site of infection, dysregulated expression owing to the altered hormonal profile and increased proteolytic degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rambhadur Subedi
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sushama Rokade
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Anushree Patil
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Vijay Kulkarni
- Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul K Gajbhiye
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.,Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liebich A, Schmid N, Koupourtidou C, Herrmann C, Dietrich KG, Welter H, Ninkovic J, Mayerhofer A. The Molecular Signature of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223685. [PMID: 36429113 PMCID: PMC9688777 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells of the human testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. They are crucial for sperm transport, and they emerge as contributors to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. They are among the least known cell types of the human body. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing of cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), which had been isolated from testicular samples of donors with normal spermatogenesis. The significant overlap between our results and recently published ex vivo data indicates that HTPCs are a highly adequate cellular model to define and study these cells. Thus, based on the expression of several markers, HTPCs can be classified as testicular smooth muscle cells. Small differences between the in vivo/in vitro expressed genes may be due to cellular plasticity. Plasticity was also shown upon addition of FCS to the culture medium. Based on transcriptome similarities, four cellular states were identified. Further analyses confirmed the presence of known stem cell niche-relevant factors (e.g., GDNF) and identified unknown functions, e.g., the ability to produce retinoic acid. Therefore, HTPCs allow us to define the signature(s) and delineate the functions of human testicular peritubular cells. The data may also serve as a resource for future studies to better understand male (in)fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Liebich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-75859
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stepanov YK, Speidel JD, Herrmann C, Schmid N, Behr R, Köhn FM, Stöckl JB, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Profound Effects of Dexamethasone on the Immunological State, Synthesis and Secretion Capacity of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193164. [PMID: 36231125 PMCID: PMC9562650 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), forming a small compartment located between the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial areas of the testis, are not fully known but go beyond intratesticular sperm transport and include immunological roles. The expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) indicates that they may be regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs). Herein, we studied the consequences of the GC dexamethasone (Dex) in cultured HTPCs, which serves as a unique window into the human testis. We examined changes in cytokines, mainly by qPCR and ELISA. A holistic mass-spectrometry-based proteome analysis of cellular and secreted proteins was also performed. Dex, used in a therapeutic concentration, decreased the transcript level of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL6, IL8 and MCP1. An siRNA-mediated knockdown of GR reduced the actions on IL6. Changes in IL6 were confirmed by ELISA measurements. Of note, Dex also lowered GR levels. The proteomic results revealed strong responses after 24 h (31 significantly altered cellular proteins) and more pronounced ones after 72 h of Dex exposure (30 less abundant and 42 more abundant cellular proteins). Dex also altered the composition of the secretome (33 proteins decreased, 13 increased) after 72 h. Among the regulated proteins were extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane components (e.g., FBLN2, COL1A2 and COL3A1), as well as PTX3 and StAR. These results pinpoint novel, profound effects of Dex in HTPCs. If transferrable to the human testis, changes specifically in ECM and the immunological state of the testis may occur in men upon treatment with Dex for medical reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Dominik Speidel
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Calandra RS, Mayerhofer A, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Pleiotropic actions of melatonin in testicular peritubular myoid cells of immature Syrian hamsters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130187. [PMID: 35691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130187] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritubular myoid cells are emerging as key regulators of testicular function in adulthood. However, little is known about the role of testicular peritubular myoid cells (TPMCs) in the development of the male gonad. We found that, compared to testes of young adult hamsters, gonads of 21 day-old animals show increased melatonin concentration, seminiferous tubular wall thickening and a heterogeneous packaging of its collagen fibers thus raising the question whether melatonin may be involved in the regulation of TPMCs. METHODS We established primary cultures of TPMCs from immature hamsters (ihaTPMCs), which we found express melatonergic receptors. RESULTS Exogeneous melatonin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (NLRP3 inflammasome, IL1β) but increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, key enzyme mediating prostaglandin synthesis) and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in ihaTPMCs. Melatonin also stimulated ihaTPMCs proliferation and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type I and IV. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction assays revealed an enhanced ability of ihaTPMCs to contract in the presence of melatonin. CONCLUSION Melatonin regulates immune and inflammatory functions as well as contractile phenotype of the peritubular wall in the hamster testis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE If transferable to the in vivo situation, melatonin-dependent induction of ihaTPMCs to produce factors known to exert paracrine effects in other somatic cell populations of the gonad suggests that the influence of melatonin may go beyond the peritubular wall and indicates its contribution to testicular development and the establishment of a normal and sustainable spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1405CAE, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aftab W, Lahiri S, Imhof A. ImShot: An Open-Source Software for Probabilistic Identification of Proteins In Situ and Visualization of Proteomics Data. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100242. [PMID: 35569805 PMCID: PMC9194865 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has developed into a powerful tool allowing label-free detection of numerous biomolecules in situ. In contrast to shotgun proteomics, proteins/peptides can be detected directly from biological tissues and correlated to its morphology leading to a gain of crucial clinical information. However, direct identification of the detected molecules is currently challenging for MALDI-IMS, thereby compelling researchers to use complementary techniques and resource intensive experimental setups. Despite these strategies, sufficient information could not be extracted because of lack of an optimum data combination strategy/software. Here, we introduce a new open-source software ImShot that aims at identifying peptides obtained in MALDI-IMS. This is achieved by combining information from IMS and shotgun proteomics (LC-MS) measurements of serial sections of the same tissue. The software takes advantage of a two-group comparison to determine the search space of IMS masses after deisotoping the corresponding spectra. Ambiguity in annotations of IMS peptides is eliminated by introduction of a novel scoring system that identifies the most likely parent protein of a detected peptide in the corresponding IMS dataset. Thanks to its modular structure, the software can also handle LC-MS data separately and display interactive enrichment plots and enriched Gene Ontology terms or cellular pathways. The software has been built as a desktop application with a conveniently designed graphic user interface to provide users with a seamless experience in data analysis. ImShot can run on all the three major desktop operating systems and is freely available under Massachusetts Institute of Technology license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Aftab
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Graduate School for Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shibojyoti Lahiri
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Axel Imhof
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Oxidative Stress in Varicocele-Mediated Male Hypofertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095233. [PMID: 35563625 PMCID: PMC9102453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is the most common abnormality identified in men evaluated for hypofertility. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidants concentrations are key contributors in varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Moreover, inflammation and alterations in testicular immunity negatively impact male fertility. In particular, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, in which the levels of specific cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, are overexpressed. In this review, we described the role played by oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VC disease. The consequences of ROS overproduction in testis, including inflammation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chromatin damage, and sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to abnormal testicular function and failed spermatogenesis, were highlighted. Finally, we described some therapeutic antioxidant strategies, with recognized beneficial effects in counteracting OS and inflammation in testes, as possible therapeutic drugs against varicocele-mediated hypofertility.
Collapse
|
9
|
Atli MO, Hitit M, Özbek M, Köse M, Bozkaya F. Cell-Specific Expression Pattern of Toll-Like Receptors and Their Roles in Animal Reproduction. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 276:65-93. [PMID: 35434748 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_584] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a part of the innate immune system, have critical roles in protection against infections and involve in basic pathology and physiology. Secreted molecules from the body or pathogens could be a ligand for induction of the TLR system. There are many immune and non-immune types of cells that express at a least single TLR on their surface or cytoplasm. Those cells may be a player in a defense system or in the physiological regulation mechanisms. Reproductive tract and organs contain different types of cells that have essential functions such as hormone production, providing an environment for embryo/fetus, germ cell production, etc. Although lower parts of reproductive organs are in a relationship with outsider contaminants (bacteria, viruses, etc.), upper parts should be sterile to provide a healthy pregnancy and germ cell production. In those areas, TLRs bear controller or regulator roles. In this chapter, we will provide current information about physiological functions of TLR in the cells of the reproductive organs and tract, and especially about their roles in follicle selection, maturation, follicular atresia, ovulation, corpus luteum (CL) formation and regression, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, sperm production, maturation, capacitation as well as the relationship between TLR polymorphism and reproduction in domestic animals. We will also discuss pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)-induced TLRs that involve in reproductive inflammation/pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Köse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Faruk Bozkaya
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanlıurfa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Appunni S, Rubens M, Ramamoorthy V, Anand V, Khandelwal M, Sharma A. Biglycan: an emerging small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) marker and its clinicopathological significance. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3935-3950. [PMID: 34181183 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the structural organization of tissue and delivery of external cues to the cell. Biglycan, a class I small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP), is a key component of the ECM that participates in scaffolding the collagen fibrils and mediates cell signaling. Dysregulation of biglycan expression can result in wide range of clinical conditions such as metabolic disorder, inflammatory disorder, musculoskeletal defects and malignancies. In this review, we aim to update our current understanding regarding the link between altered expression of biglycan and different clinicopathological states. Biglycan interacts with toll like receptors (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 on the immune cells which initiates inflammation and aggravates inflammatory disorders. ECM unbound soluble biglycan acts as a DAMP (danger associated molecular pattern) resulting in sterile inflammation. Dysregulation of biglycan expression is also observed in inflammatory metabolic conditions such as atherosclerosis and obesity. In cancer, high-biglycan expression facilitates tumor growth, invasion and metastasis which is associated with poor clinical outcome. As a pivotal structural component of the ECM, biglycan strengthens the musculoskeletal system and its absence is associated with musculoskeletal defects. Thus, SLRP biglycan is a potential marker which is significantly altered in different clinicopathological states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Appunni
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110 029, India
- Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | | | | | | | - Madhuram Khandelwal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110 029, India
| | - Alpana Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110 029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stöckl JB, Schmid N, Flenkenthaler F, Drummer C, Behr R, Mayerhofer A, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T. Age-Related Alterations in the Testicular Proteome of a Non-Human Primate. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061306. [PMID: 34074003 PMCID: PMC8225046 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging of human testis and associated cellular changes is difficult to assess. Therefore, we used a translational, non-human primate model to get insights into underlying cellular and biochemical processes. Using proteomics and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed testicular tissue of young (age 2 to 3) and old (age 10 to 12) common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach, we identified 63,124 peptides, which could be assigned to 5924 proteins. Among them, we found proteins specific for germ cells and somatic cells, such as Leydig and Sertoli cells. Quantitative analysis showed 31 differentially abundant proteins, of which 29 proteins were more abundant in older animals. An increased abundance of anti-proliferative proteins, among them CDKN2A, indicate reduced cell proliferation in old testes. Additionally, an increased abundance of several small leucine rich repeat proteoglycans and other extracellular matrix proteins was observed, which may be related to impaired cell migration and fibrotic events. Furthermore, an increased abundance of proteins with inhibitory roles in smooth muscle cell contraction like CNN1 indicates functional alterations in testicular peritubular cells and may mirror a reduced capacity of these cells to contract in old testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan B. Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III–Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, LMU München, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (N.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Charis Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.D.); (R.B.)
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.D.); (R.B.)
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III–Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, LMU München, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (N.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Georg J. Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: (G.J.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany; (J.B.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: (G.J.A.); (T.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jaworska J, Ropka-Molik K, Piórkowska K, Szmatoła T, Kowalczyk-Zięba I, Wocławek-Potocka I, Siemieniuch M. Transcriptome Profiling of the Retained Fetal Membranes-An Insight in the Possible Pathogenesis of the Disease. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030675. [PMID: 33802481 PMCID: PMC8000898 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030675] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Retained fetal membranes (RFM) in mares is a disease of a multifactorial etiology with not fully understood pathogenesis. Profound analysis of genes expressed in the placenta may reveal pathways and processes which might be comprised in mares with this disease and hence help to explain the pathogenesis of RFM. This work employed RNA sequencing to identify and compare genes differentially expressed (DEGs) in the placenta of mares that retained fetal membranes and those that released them physiologically. Results showed that within DEGs genes important for apoptosis, inflammatory-related processes, and metabolism of extracellular matrix were identified. Abstract Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is one of the most common post-partum diseases of a complex etiology. Moreover, its pathogenesis is still not elucidated. Detailed transcriptomic analysis of physiological and retained placenta may bring profound insight in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to compare the transcriptome of the retained and physiologically released placenta as well as biological pathways and processes in order to determine the possible pathogenesis of the disease. Samples of the endometrium and the allantochorion were taken within 2 h after parturition from control mares (n = 3) and mares with RFM (n = 3). RNA sequencing was performed with the use of all samples and mRNA expression of chosen genes was validated with Real Time PCR. Analysis of RNA-seq identified 487 differentially expressed genes in the allantochorion and 261 in the endometrium of control and RFM mares (p < 0.0001). Within genes that may be important in the release of fetal membranes and were differentially expressed, our report pinpointed BGN, TIMP1, DRB, CD3E, C3, FCN3, CASP3, BCL2L1. Gene ontology analysis showed possible processes which were altered in RFM that are apoptosis, inflammatory-related processes, and extracellular matrix metabolism and might be involved in the pathogenesis of RFM. This is the first report on the transcriptome of RFM and physiologically released placenta in mares.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jaworska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland; (I.K.-Z.); (I.W.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katarzyna Ropka-Molik
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (K.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Piórkowska
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (K.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (K.P.); (T.S.)
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine Krakow, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zięba
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland; (I.K.-Z.); (I.W.-P.)
| | - Izabela Wocławek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland; (I.K.-Z.); (I.W.-P.)
| | - Marta Siemieniuch
- Research Station of the Institute of Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Popielno, 12-220 Ruciane-Nida, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lahiri S, Aftab W, Walenta L, Strauss L, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A, Imhof A. MALDI-IMS combined with shotgun proteomics identify and localize new factors in male infertility. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/3/e202000672. [PMID: 33408244 PMCID: PMC7812314 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In situ proteomics of male infertility. Spermatogenesis is a complex multi-step process involving intricate interactions between different cell types in the male testis. Disruption of these interactions results in infertility. Combination of shotgun tissue proteomics with MALDI imaging mass spectrometry is markedly potent in revealing topological maps of molecular processes within tissues. Here, we use a combinatorial approach on a characterized mouse model of hormone induced male infertility to uncover misregulated pathways. Comparative testicular proteome of wild-type and mice overexpressing human P450 aromatase (AROM+) with pathologically increased estrogen levels unravels gross dysregulation of spermatogenesis and emergence of pro-inflammatory pathways in AROM+ testis. In situ MS allowed us to localize misregulated proteins/peptides to defined regions within the testis. Results suggest that infertility is associated with substantial loss of proteomic heterogeneity, which define distinct stages of seminiferous tubuli in healthy animals. Importantly, considerable loss of mitochondrial factors, proteins associated with late stages of spermatogenesis and steroidogenic factors characterize AROM+ mice. Thus, the novel proteomic approach pinpoints in unprecedented ways the disruption of normal processes in testis and provides a signature for male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibojyoti Lahiri
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wasim Aftab
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Graduate School for Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Biomedical Center, Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gong J, Zeng Q, Yu D, Duan YG. T Lymphocytes and Testicular Immunity: A New Insight into Immune Regulation in Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010057. [PMID: 33374605 PMCID: PMC7793097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, allowing for normal spermatogenesis. However, infection and inflammation of the male genital tract can break the immune tolerance and represent a significant cause of male infertility. Different T cell subsets have been identified in mammalian testes, which may be involved in the maintenance of immune tolerance and pathogenic immune responses in testicular infection and inflammation. We reviewed the evidence in the published literature on different T subtypes (regulatory T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer T cells) in human and animal testes that support their regulatory roles in infertility and the orchitis pathology. While many in vitro studies have indicated the regulation potential of functional T cell subsets and their possible interaction with Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenesis, both under physiological and pathological processes, there have been no in situ studies to date. Nevertheless, the normal distribution and function of T cell subsets are essential for the immune privilege of the testes and intact spermatogenesis, and T cell-mediated immune response drives testicular inflammation. The distinct function of different T cell subsets in testicular homeostasis and the orchitis pathology suggests a considerable potential of targeting specific T cell subsets for therapies targeting chronic orchitis and immune infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Increased estrogen to androgen ratio enhances immunoglobulin levels and impairs B cell function in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18334. [PMID: 33110090 PMCID: PMC7591566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids, such as estrogens and androgens, are important regulators of the humoral immune response. Studies in female mice have demonstrated that alteration of circulating estrogen concentration regulates antibody-mediated immunity. As males have normally little endogenous estrogen, we hypothesized that in males high estrogens and low androgens affect the immune system and enhance the allergic inflammatory response. Here, we studied transgenic male mice expressing human aromatase (AROM+). These animals have a high circulating estrogen to androgen ratio (E/A), causing female traits such as gynecomastia. We found that AROM+ male mice had significantly higher plasma immunoglobulin levels, particularly IgE. Flow cytometry analyses of splenocytes revealed changes in mature/immature B cell ratio together with a transcriptional upregulation of the Igh locus. Furthermore, higher proliferation rate and increased IgE synthesis after IgE class-switching was found. Subsequently, we utilized an ovalbumin airway challenge model to test the allergic response in AROM+ male mice. In line with above observations, an increase in IgE levels was measured, albeit no impact on immune cell infiltration into the lungs was detected. Together, our findings suggest that high circulating E/A in males significantly alters B cell function without any significant enhancement in allergic inflammation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Palmitic Acid Targets Human Testicular Peritubular Cells and Causes a Pro-Inflammatory Response. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082655. [PMID: 32824411 PMCID: PMC7463762 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082655] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitic acid (PA) is a major fatty acid, derived from diet and endogenous production, which is being linked to inflammation. While such actions of PA at the level of the testis remain difficult to examine, we reasoned that studies in human testicular cells may be instructive. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from men and cultured. They have contractile properties but also produce Interleukin 6 (IL6), express the inflammasome member NLRP3, and via glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), they contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. We found that PA at 100 µM significantly increased the levels of IL6, while NLRP3 or the related Interleukin 1 beta (IL1beta) were not affected. The contractility marker calponin (CNN1) and the growth factor GDNF were likewise not affected. ELISA studies confirmed the stimulatory PA actions on IL6. Hence, PA derived from diet and/or endogenous sources may be able to foster a pro-inflammatory milieu in the testis. A possible link of these results to diet and high fat intake and obesity is indicated by the about 12-fold elevated testicular levels of IL6 in testes of obese rhesus monkeys (n = 3), fed with a Western Style diet. They had elevated 2–5-fold increased body fat and increased circulating triglyceride levels. Further consequences of PA and obesity for testicular functions remain to be evaluated.
Collapse
|
18
|
Roedig H, Damiescu R, Zeng-Brouwers J, Kutija I, Trebicka J, Wygrecka M, Schaefer L. Danger matrix molecules orchestrate CD14/CD44 signaling in cancer development. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 62:31-47. [PMID: 31412297 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor matrix together with inflammation and autophagy are crucial regulators of cancer development. Embedded in the tumor stroma are numerous proteoglycans which, in their soluble form, act as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). By interacting with innate immune receptors, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), DAMPs autonomously trigger aseptic inflammation and can regulate autophagy. Biglycan, a known danger proteoglycan, can regulate the cross-talk between inflammation and autophagy by evoking a switch between pro-inflammatory CD14 and pro-autophagic CD44 co-receptors for TLRs. Thus, these novel mechanistic insights provide some explanation for the plethora of reports indicating that the same matrix-derived DAMP acts either as a promoter or suppressor of tumor growth. In this review we will summarize and critically discuss the role of the matrix-derived DAMPs biglycan, hyaluronan, and versican in regulating the TLR-, CD14- and CD44-signaling dialogue between inflammation and autophagy with particular emphasis on cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Roedig
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roxana Damiescu
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jinyang Zeng-Brouwers
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Iva Kutija
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Clinic Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The Glucocorticoid Receptor NR3C1 in Testicular Peritubular Cells is Developmentally Regulated and Linked to the Smooth Muscle-Like Cellular Phenotype. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9040961. [PMID: 32244354 PMCID: PMC7230580 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether glucocorticoids (GC) can directly affect human testicular functions is not well understood. A predominant site of GC receptor (GR; NR3C1) expression in the adult testis are peritubular smooth muscle-like cells, which express smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), contract and thereby are involved in sperm transport. In contrast to the adult, neither GR nor ACTA2, or elastin (ELN) were detected in the peritubular compartment before puberty in non-human primate testes. In isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), activation of GR by dexamethasone (Dex) caused the translocation of GR to the nucleus and stimulated expression of ACTA2 and ELN, without affecting the expression of collagens. Cytoskeletal ACTA2-rearrangements were observed and were associated with an increased ability to contract. Our results indicate post-pubertal testicular roles of GC in the maintenance of the contractile, smooth muscle-like phenotype of peritubular cells.
Collapse
|
20
|
Le Tortorec A, Matusali G, Mahé D, Aubry F, Mazaud-Guittot S, Houzet L, Dejucq-Rainsford N. From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1349-1414. [PMID: 32031468 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Dominique Mahé
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Aubry
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Houzet
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schmid N, Flenkenthaler F, Stöckl JB, Dietrich KG, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Luckner M, Wanner G, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A. Insights into replicative senescence of human testicular peritubular cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15052. [PMID: 31636313 PMCID: PMC6803627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence for an age-related decline in male reproductive functions, yet how the human testis may age is not understood. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) transport sperm, contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche and immune surveillance, and can be isolated and studied in vitro. Consequences of replicative senescence of HTPCs were evaluated to gain partial insights into human testicular aging. To this end, early and advanced HTPC passages, in which replicative senescence was indicated by increased cell size, altered nuclear morphology, enhanced β-galactosidase activity, telomere attrition and reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were compared. These alterations are typical for senescent cells, in general. To examine HTPC-specific changes, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography was employed, which revealed a reduced mitochondrial network and an increased lysosome population. The results coincide with the data of a parallel proteomic analysis and indicate deranged proteostasis. The mRNA levels of typical contractility markers and growth factors, important for the SSC niche, were not significantly altered. A secretome analysis identified, however, elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), which may play a role in spermatogenesis. Testicular DPP4 may further represent a possible drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schmid
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- LMU München, Department Biology II, Division of Neurobiology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manja Luckner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wanner
- LMU München, Department Biology I, Ultrastructural Research, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- LMU München, Gene Center, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- LMU München, Biomedical Center (BMC), Anatomy III - Cell Biology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mayerhofer A. Peritubular cells of the human testis: prostaglandin E 2 and more. Andrology 2019; 8:898-902. [PMID: 31237067 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several layers of slender, smooth muscle-like, peritubular cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) form the peritubular compartment of the human testis. Peritubular cells are the least explored testicular cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from small testicular fragments of patients and studied in vitro. We have used this cellular model, in combination with human testicular samples, to examine how peritubular cells may contribute to male (in)fertility. RESULTS Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) retain contractile abilities in vitro and secrete many proteins. Among them are factors, which serve intra-testicular roles, for example, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), thought to be important for the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Studies in mutant mice indicated that peritubular cell-derived GDNF is crucial for lifelong spermatogenesis. Thus, peritubular cells are a functional part of the SSC niche. Peritubular cells of mice and men express androgen receptors (AR). In mouse peritubular cells, androgens enhanced GDNF production, but not in HTPCs. Rather, AR activation increased the levels of AR and smooth muscle proteins and thereby enhanced the smooth muscle-like phenotype. Following the lead of a proteomic analysis, which identified the key prostaglandin (PG)-synthesizing enzyme (PTGS1 = COX1), we found that HTPCs secrete PGE2 . COX1, and PGE2 receptors (EP1, 2, and 4) were identified in peritubular cells in situ, supporting in vivo relevance. In HTPCs, activation of EP1/4 increased GDNF and a smooth muscle protein. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which blocks PG synthesis. Added to HTPCs it reduced PGE2 and GDNF production and lowered smooth muscle protein levels. If applicable to the in vivo situation, the results suggest that ibuprofen and possibly other NSAIDs may impair important peritubular cell functions and consequently testicular functions. CONCLUSION The few examples highlighted, together with others not mentioned here, indicate that HTPCs provide an experimental window into the human testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology - Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schmid N, Stöckl JB, Flenkenthaler F, Dietrich KG, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Drummer C, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Behr R, Mayerhofer A. Characterization of a non-human primate model for the study of testicular peritubular cells-comparison with human testicular peritubular cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:401-410. [PMID: 29846669 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are monkey testicular peritubular cells (MKTPCs) from the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) a suitable translational model for the study of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER MKTPCs can be isolated and propagated in vitro, retain characteristic markers for testicular peritubular cells and their proteome strongly (correlation coefficient of 0.78) overlaps with the proteome of HTPCs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Smooth-muscle-like peritubular cells form the wall of seminiferous tubules, transport sperm, are immunologically active, secrete a plethora of factors and may contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Mechanistic studies are hampered by heterogeneity of human samples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We established a culture method for MKTPCs and characterized these cells from six young adult animals (2-3 years). To examine whether they qualify as a translational model we also examined HTPCs from seven men and compared the proteomes of both groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used explant cultures to obtain MKTPCs, which express smooth muscle markers (calponin (CNN1), smooth muscle actin (ACTA2)), lack FSH-receptors (FSHR) and LH-receptors (LHCGR), but possess androgen receptors (AR). MKTPCs can be passaged at least up to eight times, without discernable phenotypic changes. Mass-spectrometry-based analyses of the MKTPC and HTPC proteomes were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We established a method for isolation and cultivation of MKTPCs, and provide a comprehensive analysis of their protein repertoire. The results let us conclude that MKTPCs are suitable as a non-human primate model to study peritubular cell functions. LARGE SCALE DATA List of identified proteins in MKTPCs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is accessible at the ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD009394). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro cellular non-human primate model used to provide a window into the role of these cells in the human testis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Previous studies with HTPCs from patients revealed a degree of heterogeneity, possibly due to age, lifestyle and medical history of the individual human donors. We anticipate that the new translational model, derived from young healthy non-human primates, may allow us to circumvent these issues and may lead to a better understanding of the role of peritubular cells. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETION OF INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (MA 1080/27-1; AR 362/9-1; BE 2296/8-1). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Schmid
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J B Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - K-G Dietrich
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J U Schwarzer
- Andrology Center, Lortzingstrasse 26, Munich, Germany
| | - F-M Köhn
- Andrologicum, Burgstrassse 7, Munich, Germany
| | - C Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - G J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, Fedor-Lynen-Strasse 25, Munich, Germany
| | - R Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Strasse 9, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Weigel Muñoz M, Carvajal G, Curci L, Gonzalez SN, Cuasnicu PS. Relevance of CRISP proteins for epididymal physiology, fertilization, and fertility. Andrology 2019; 7:610-617. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - G. Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - L. Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - S. N. Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - P. S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mayerhofer A, Walenta L, Mayer C, Eubler K, Welter H. Human testicular peritubular cells, mast cells and testicular inflammation. Andrologia 2019; 50:e13055. [PMID: 30569646 DOI: 10.1111/and.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In man, the wall of seminiferous tubules forms a testicular compartment, which contains several layers of smooth muscle-like, "myoid", peritubular cells and extracellular matrix. Its architecture and its cellular composition change in male infertility associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Increased deposits of extracellular matrix, changes in the smooth muscle-like phenotype of peritubular cells and accumulation of immune cells, especially mast cells, are among the striking alterations. Taken together, the changes indicate that inflammatory events take place in particular within this compartment. This short review summarises recent studies, which pinpoint possible mechanisms of the interplay between peritubular cells and mast cells, which may contribute to sterile inflammation and impairments of testicular function. These insights are based mainly on cellular studies, for which we used isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), and on the examination of human testicular sections. Recent data on immunological properties of peritubular cells, unexpected roles of the extracellular matrix factor, biglycan, which is secreted by peritubular cells and functions of mast cell products (chymase, tryptase and ATP) are presented. We believe that the results may foster a better understanding of peritubular cells, their roles in the human testis and specifically their involvement in infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mayerhofer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lena Walenta
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christine Mayer
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Katja Eubler
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Anatomy III - Cell Biology, Biomedical Center Munich, LMU München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Papadopoulou AA, Müller SA, Mentrup T, Shmueli MD, Niemeyer J, Haug-Kröper M, von Blume J, Mayerhofer A, Feederle R, Schröder B, Lichtenthaler SF, Fluhrer R. Signal peptide peptidase-like 2c impairs vesicular transport and cleaves SNARE proteins. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e46451. [PMID: 30733281 PMCID: PMC6399617 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the GxGD-type intramembrane aspartyl proteases have emerged as key players not only in fundamental cellular processes such as B-cell development or protein glycosylation, but also in development of pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease or hepatitis virus infections. However, one member of this protease family, signal peptide peptidase-like 2c (SPPL2c), remains orphan and its capability of proteolysis as well as its physiological function is still enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that SPPL2c is catalytically active and identify a variety of SPPL2c candidate substrates using proteomics. The majority of the SPPL2c candidate substrates cluster to the biological process of vesicular trafficking. Analysis of selected SNARE proteins reveals proteolytic processing by SPPL2c that impairs vesicular transport and causes retention of cargo proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. As a consequence, the integrity of subcellular compartments, in particular the Golgi, is disturbed. Together with a strikingly high physiological SPPL2c expression in testis, our data suggest involvement of SPPL2c in acrosome formation during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alkmini A Papadopoulou
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Torben Mentrup
- Biochemical Institute, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Merav D Shmueli
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Niemeyer
- Biochemical Institute, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martina Haug-Kröper
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich Center for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Biochemical Institute, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Center for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Fluhrer
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Niemeyer J, Mentrup T, Heidasch R, Müller SA, Biswas U, Meyer R, Papadopoulou AA, Dederer V, Haug-Kröper M, Adamski V, Lüllmann-Rauch R, Bergmann M, Mayerhofer A, Saftig P, Wennemuth G, Jessberger R, Fluhrer R, Lichtenthaler SF, Lemberg MK, Schröder B. The intramembrane protease SPPL2c promotes male germ cell development by cleaving phospholamban. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:embr.201846449. [PMID: 30733280 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) and the four homologous SPP-like (SPPL) proteases constitute a family of intramembrane aspartyl proteases with selectivity for type II-oriented transmembrane segments. Here, we analyse the physiological function of the orphan protease SPPL2c, previously considered to represent a non-expressed pseudogene. We demonstrate proteolytic activity of SPPL2c towards selected tail-anchored proteins. Despite shared ER localisation, SPPL2c and SPP exhibit distinct, though partially overlapping substrate spectra and inhibitory profiles, and are organised in different high molecular weight complexes. Interestingly, SPPL2c is specifically expressed in murine and human testis where it is primarily localised in spermatids. In mice, SPPL2c deficiency leads to a partial loss of elongated spermatids and reduced motility of mature spermatozoa, but preserved fertility. However, matings of male and female SPPL2c -/- mice exhibit reduced litter sizes. Using proteomics we identify the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2)-regulating protein phospholamban (PLN) as a physiological SPPL2c substrate. Accumulation of PLN correlates with a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ levels in elongated spermatids that likely contribute to the compromised male germ cell differentiation and function of SPPL2c -/- mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Niemeyer
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Torben Mentrup
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ronny Heidasch
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Uddipta Biswas
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rieke Meyer
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alkmini A Papadopoulou
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC) München, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Dederer
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Haug-Kröper
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC) München, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vivian Adamski
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC) München, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Saftig
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Rolf Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Regina Fluhrer
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC) München, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Marius K Lemberg
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany .,Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rossi SP, Walenta L, Rey-Ares V, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Welter H, Calandra RS, Frungieri MB, Mayerhofer A. Alpha 1 adrenergic receptor-mediated inflammatory responses in human testicular peritubular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 474:1-9. [PMID: 29407194 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and is linked to impaired fertility in man. We hypothesized that catecholamines by acting on testicular cells have a role in these events, possibly by fostering an inflammatory environment. The cells of the wall of seminiferous tubules, human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), express adrenergic receptors (ADRs) α1B, α1D, β1 and β2. A selective α1-ADR agonist, phenylephrine, increased intracellular Ca2+-levels in cultured HTPCs and induced COX-2, IL-6 and MCP-1 mRNA expression without affecting IL-1β mRNA. These changes were paralleled by a significant increase in the secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1. Epinephrine was also effective, but salbutamol, a selective β2-ADR agonist was not. Our results suggest that stress-associated elevation of catecholamines may be able to promote inflammatory events by targeting peritubular cells in the human testis. Blockage of α1-ADRs may therefore be a novel way to interfere with stress-related impairment of male reproductive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Paola Rossi
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lena Walenta
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Verónica Rey-Ares
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Saúl Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Beatriz Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Eubler K, Herrmann C, Tiefenbacher A, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Kunz L, Mayerhofer A. Ca 2+ Signaling and IL-8 Secretion in Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Involve the Cation Channel TRPV2. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092829. [PMID: 30235802 PMCID: PMC6165404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells are part of the wall of seminiferous tubules in the human testis and their contractile abilities are important for sperm transport. In addition, they have immunological roles. A proteomic analysis of isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) revealed expression of the transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2). This cation channel is linked to mechano-sensation and to immunological processes and inflammation in other organs. We verified expression of TRPV2 in peritubular cells in human sections by immunohistochemistry. It was also found in other testicular cells, including Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. In cultured HTPCs, application of cannabidiol (CBD), a known TRPV2 agonist, acutely induced a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These Ca2+ transients could be blocked both by ruthenium red, an unspecific Ca2+ channel blocker, and tranilast (TRA), an antagonist of TRPV2, and were also abolished when extracellular Ca2+ was removed. Taken together this indicates functional TRPV2 channels in peritubular cells. When applied for 24 to 48 h, CBD induced expression of proinflammatory factors. In particular, mRNA and secreted protein levels of the proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) were elevated. Via its known roles as a major mediator of the inflammatory response and as an angiogenic factor, this chemokine may play a role in testicular physiology and pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Eubler
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Astrid Tiefenbacher
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | | | | | - Lars Kunz
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fijak M, Pilatz A, Hedger MP, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Michel V, Tung KSK, Schuppe HC, Meinhardt A. Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:416-441. [PMID: 29648649 PMCID: PMC6016649 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions. SEARCH METHODS An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team. OUTCOMES There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kenneth S K Tung
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Walenta L, Schmid N, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Urbanski HF, Behr R, Strauss L, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. NLRP3 in somatic non-immune cells of rodent and primate testes. Reproduction 2018; 156:231-238. [PMID: 29907661 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NLRP3 is part of the NLRP3 inflammasome and a global sensor of cellular damage. It was recently discovered in rodent Sertoli cells. We investigated NLRP3 in mouse, human and non-human primate (marmoset and rhesus macaque) testes, employing immunohistochemistry. Sertoli cells of all species expressed NLRP3, and the expression preceded puberty. In addition, peritubular cells of the adult human testes expressed NLRP3. NLRP3 and associated genes (PYCARD, CASP1, IL1B) were also found in isolated human testicular peritubular cells and the mouse Sertoli cell line TM4. Male infertility due to impairments of spermatogenesis may be related to sterile inflammatory events. We observed that the expression of NLRP3 was altered in the testes of patients suffering from mixed atrophy syndrome, in which tubules with impairments of spermatogenesis showed prominent NLRP3 staining. In order to explore a possible role of NLRP3 in male infertility, associated with sterile testicular inflammation, we studied a mouse model of male infertility. These human aromatase-expressing transgenic mice (AROM+) develop testicular inflammation and impaired spermatogenesis during aging, and the present data show that this is associated with strikingly elevated Nlrp3 expression in the testes compared to WT controls. Interference by aromatase inhibitor treatment significantly reduced increased Nlrp3 levels. Thus, throughout species NLRP3 is expressed by somatic cells of the testis, which are involved in testicular immune surveillance. We conclude that NLRP3 may be a novel player in testicular immune regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Walenta
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative DiseasesGerman Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leena Strauss
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology - Anatomy IIIBiomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mayer C, Adam M, Walenta L, Schmid N, Heikelä H, Schubert K, Flenkenthaler F, Dietrich KG, Gruschka S, Arnold GJ, Fröhlich T, Schwarzer JU, Köhn FM, Strauss L, Welter H, Poutanen M, Mayerhofer A. Insights into the role of androgen receptor in human testicular peritubular cells. Andrology 2018; 6:756-765. [PMID: 29869453 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Contractile smooth muscle-like peritubular cells build the wall of seminiferous tubules in men. They are crucial for sperm transport and complement the functions of Sertoli cells by secreting factors, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Previous studies revealed that they also secrete the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), which has known roles in spermatogenesis. Peritubular cells express the androgen receptor (AR), which is retained in isolated human testicular peritubular cells. We aimed to explore AR-regulated functions in human testicular peritubular cells. Bearing in mind that infertile men often have high aromatase activity, which may lower intratesticular androgen concentrations, an animal model for male infertility was studied. These mice display an age-dependent loss in spermatogenesis due to high aromatase activity. Human testicular peritubular cells were exposed to dihydrotestosterone or the antiandrogen flutamide. We studied AR, smooth muscle cell markers, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and 15 secreted factors previously identified, including CXCL12. We used qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA or selected reaction monitoring (SRM). In the animal model for male infertility, we employed qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Dihydrotestosterone increased AR and flutamide prevented these actions. The smooth muscle cell markers calponin and smooth muscle actin were likewise increased, while cell size or cellular proliferation was not changed. Dihydrotestosterone did not increase glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or CXCL12 secretion but increased levels of serine proteinase inhibitor (SERPIN) E1. The animal model for male infertility with high aromatase activity showed reduced numbers of AR-immunoreactive testicular peritubular cells, suggesting that altered androgen and/or oestrogen levels could influence AR-mediated responses in peritubular cells. Androgens act on human testicular peritubular cells to enhance AR levels, their contractile phenotype and to modulate the secretion of some secreted factors. This study suggests that some aspects of human peritubular cell functions are regulated by androgens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Mayer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - M Adam
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Walenta
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - N Schmid
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - H Heikelä
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - K Schubert
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - F Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - K-G Dietrich
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - S Gruschka
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - G J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - T Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - L Strauss
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - H Welter
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - M Poutanen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - A Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, BMC Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hakkarainen J, Zhang FP, Jokela H, Mayerhofer A, Behr R, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Nurmio M, Toppari J, Ohlsson C, Kotaja N, Sipilä P, Poutanen M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility. FASEB J 2018; 32:3229-3241. [PMID: 29401623 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700921r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrophins and testosterone are the main hormonal regulators of spermatogenesis, but estradiol is also known to play a role in the process. The hormonal responses in the testis are partially mediated by somatic Sertoli cells that provide nutritional and physical support for differentiating male germ cells. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) is a steroidogenic enzyme that especially catalyzes the conversion of low potent 17keto-steroids to highly potent 17β-hydroxysteroids. In this study, we show that Hsd17b1 is highly expressed in Sertoli cells of fetal and newborn mice, and HSD17B1 knockout males present with disrupted spermatogenesis with major defects, particularly in the head shape of elongating spermatids. The cell-cell junctions between Sertoli cells and germ cells were disrupted in the HSD17B1 knockout mice. This resulted in complications in the orientation of elongating spermatids in the seminiferous epithelium, reduced sperm production, and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. We also showed that the Sertoli cell-expressed HSD17B1 participates in testicular steroid synthesis, evidenced by a compensatory up-regulation of HSD17B3 in Leydig cells. These results revealed a novel role for HSD17B1 in the control of spermatogenesis and male fertility, and that Sertoli cells significantly contribute to steroid synthesis in the testis.-Hakkarainen, J., Zhang, F.-P., Jokela, H., Mayerhofer, A., Behr, R., Cisneros-Montalvo, S., Nurmio, M., Toppari, J., Ohlsson, C., Kotaja, N., Sipilä, P., Poutanen, M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heli Jokela
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Mirja Nurmio
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
ATP-mediated Events in Peritubular Cells Contribute to Sterile Testicular Inflammation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1431. [PMID: 29362497 PMCID: PMC5780482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular myoid cells, which form the walls of seminiferous tubules in the testis, are functionally unexplored. While they transport sperm and contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche, specifically their emerging role in the immune surveillance of the testis and in male infertility remains to be studied. Recently, cytokine production and activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were uncovered in cultured peritubular cells. We now show that human peritubular cells express purinergic receptors P2RX4 and P2RX7, which are functionally linked to TLRs, with P2RX4 being the prevalent ATP-gated ion channel. Subsequent ATP treatment of cultured peritubular cells resulted in up-regulated (pro-)inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion, while characteristic peritubular proteins, that is smooth muscle cell markers and extracellular matrix molecules, decreased. These findings indicate that extracellular ATP may act as danger molecule on peritubular cells, able to promote inflammatory responses in the testicular environment.
Collapse
|