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Maeda N, Tsuchida J, Nishimune Y, Tanaka H. Analysis of Ser/Thr Kinase HASPIN-Interacting Proteins in the Spermatids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169060. [PMID: 36012324 PMCID: PMC9409403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169060] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HASPIN is predominantly expressed in spermatids, and plays an important role in cell division in somatic and meiotic cells through histone H3 phosphorylation. The literature published to date has suggested that HASPIN may play multiple roles in cells. Here, 10 gene products from the mouse testis cDNA library that interact with HASPIN were isolated using the two-hybrid system. Among them, CENPJ/CPAP, KPNA6/importin alpha 6, and C1QBP/HABP1 were analyzed in detail for their interactions with HASPIN, with HASPIN phosphorylated C1QBP as the substrate. The results indicated that HASPIN is involved in spermatogenesis through the phosphorylation of C1QBP in spermatids, and also may be involved in the formation of centrosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Maeda
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junji Tsuchida
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Nishimune
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo 859-3298, Nagasaki, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-956-20-5651
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Kuriyama S, Tamiya Y, Tanaka M. Spatiotemporal expression of UPK3B and its promoter activity during embryogenesis and spermatogenesis. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:17-26. [PMID: 27577269 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Uroplakin (Upk) 3 is one of the main structural components of the urothelium tissue. Although expression of UPK3B is seen in a wider variety of the tissues and organs than UPK3A, tissue-specific expression has not yet been analyzed. Here, we analyzed the Cre recombinase activity driven by the Upk3b promoter in transgenic mice and the endogenous localization of UPK3B. We generated Tg(Upk3b-Cre)/R26tdTomato mice by crossing ROSA26tm14(CAG-tdTomato) (R26tdTomato) mice with Tg(Upk3b-Cre) mice and investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of tdTomato in embryonic and adult mice. In embryos, we detected Cre recombinase activity in neural crest cells and the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. In adult mice, Cre recombinase activity was detected in male and female genital organs; however, the activity was absent in the bladder. Histological analyses revealed that both tdTomato and UPK3B were present in testicular and epididymal sperm; however, tdTomato was not present in the ductus epididymis, where the endogenous expression of UPK3B was detected. In female siblings, both tdTomato and UPK3B expressions were detected in the follicles of the ovary, whereas no tdTomato expression was found in the mucosal epithelium of the fallopian tubes, where the endogenous UPK3B was expressed. These data suggest that UPK3B may play a pivotal role in the maturation of gametes and gamete-delivery organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei Kuriyama
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Graduate School Medicine Akita University, Hondo 1-1-1, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Yuutaro Tamiya
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Graduate School Medicine Akita University, Hondo 1-1-1, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.,Department of Lifescience, Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuenmachi, Akita City, Akita, 010-8502, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Graduate School Medicine Akita University, Hondo 1-1-1, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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A novel transcriptional factor Nkapl is a germ cell-specific suppressor of Notch signaling and is indispensable for spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124293. [PMID: 25875095 PMCID: PMC4397068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an elaborately regulated system dedicated to the continuous production of spermatozoa via the genesis of spermatogonia. In this process, a variety of genes are expressed that are relevant to the differentiation of germ cells at each stage. Although Notch signaling plays a critical role in germ cell development in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans, its function and importance for spermatogenesis in mammals is controversial. We report that Nkapl is a novel germ cell-specific transcriptional suppressor in Notch signaling. It is also associated with several molecules of the Notch corepressor complex such as CIR, HDAC3, and CSL. It was expressed robustly in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes after the age of 3 weeks. Nkapl-deleted mice showed complete arrest at the level of pachytene spermatocytes. In addition, apoptosis was observed in this cell type. Overexpression of NKAPL in germline stem cells demonstrated that Nkapl induced changes in spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) markers and the reduction of differentiation factors through the Notch signaling pathway, whereas testes with Nkapl deleted showed inverse changes in those markers and factors. Therefore, Nkapl is indispensable because aberrantly elevated Notch signaling has negative effects on spermatogenesis, affecting SSC maintenance and differentiation factors. Notch signaling should be properly regulated through the transcriptional factor Nkapl.
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Matsubara Y, Kato T, Kashimada K, Tanaka H, Zhi Z, Ichinose S, Mizutani S, Morio T, Chiba T, Ito Y, Saga Y, Takada S, Asahara H. TALEN-Mediated Gene Disruption on Y Chromosome Reveals Critical Role of EIF2S3Y in Mouse Spermatogenesis. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1164-70. [PMID: 25579647 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Y chromosome plays a critical role in spermatogenesis. Formerly, it had been difficult to generate knockout mice with specific Y chromosome mutations using conventional gene-targeting strategies. Recently, a transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) was successfully used for editing a mouse Y chromosome-linked gene. Here, we report the generation of a mouse model with a mutation in EIF2S3Y, a Y chromosome-linked gene, and analysis of its phenotype. The mouse carrying a targeted mutation of EIF2S3Y was infertile and had hypoplastic testes. Histological and electron microscopic analyses showed that differentiation of spermatogonia was arrested at the stage of spermatogonial stem cells (undifferentiated spermatogonia) and that the progression of spermatogenesis was interrupted, resulting in azoospermia. Using TALEN, we verified that EIF2S3Y performs a key function in differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Matsubara
- 1 Department of Systems BioMedicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
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Park AK, Liegel RP, Ronchetti A, Ebert AD, Geurts A, Sidjanin DJ. Targeted disruption of Tbc1d20 with zinc-finger nucleases causes cataracts and testicular abnormalities in mice. BMC Genet 2014; 15:135. [PMID: 25476608 PMCID: PMC4266191 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-014-0135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loss-of-function mutations in TBC1D20 cause Warburg Micro syndrome 4 (WARBM4), which is an autosomal recessive syndromic disorder characterized by eye, brain, and genital abnormalities. Blind sterile (bs) mice carry a Tbc1d20-null mutation and exhibit cataracts and testicular phenotypes similar to those observed in WARBM4 patients. In addition to TBC1D20, mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2 and RAB18 cause WARBM1-3 respectively. However, regardless of which gene harbors the causative mutation, all individuals affected with WARBM exhibit indistinguishable clinical presentations. In contrast, bs, Rab3gap1-/-, and Rab18-/- mice exhibit distinct phenotypes; this phenotypic variability of WARBM mice was previously attributed to potential compensatory mechanisms. Rab3gap1-/- and Rab18-/- mice were genetically engineered using standard approaches, whereas the Tbc1d20 mutation in the bs mice arose spontaneously. There is the possibility that another unidentified mutation within the bs linkage disequilibrium may be contributing to the bs phenotypes and thus contributing to the phenotypic variability in WARBM mice. The goal of this study was to establish the phenotypic consequences in mice caused by the disruption of the Tbc1d20 gene. Results The zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) mediated genomic editing generated a Tbc1d20 c.[418_426del] deletion encoding a putative TBC1D20-ZFN protein with an in-frame p.[H140_Y143del] deletion within the highly conserved TBC domain. The evaluation of Tbc1d20ZFN/ZFN eyes identified severe cataracts and thickened pupillary sphincter muscle. Tbc1d20ZFN/ZFN males are infertile and the analysis of the seminiferous tubules identified disrupted acrosomal development. The compound heterozygote Tbc1d20ZFN/bs mice, generated from an allelic bs/+ X Tbc1d20ZFN/+ cross, exhibited cataracts and aberrant acrosomal development indicating a failure to complement. Conclusions Our findings show that the disruption of Tbc1d20 in mice results in cataracts and aberrant acrosomal formation, thus establishing bs and Tbc1d20ZFN/ZFN as allelic variants. Although the WARBM molecular disease etiology remains unclear, both the bs and Tbc1d20ZFN/ZFN mice are excellent model organisms for future studies to establish TBC1D20-mediated molecular and cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kyunglim Park
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Ryan P Liegel
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Adam Ronchetti
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Allison D Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Aron Geurts
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA. .,Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Duska J Sidjanin
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA. .,Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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6
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Albumin is synthesized in epididymis and aggregates in a high molecular mass glycoprotein complex involved in sperm-egg fertilization. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103566. [PMID: 25084016 PMCID: PMC4118885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis has an important role in the maturation of sperm for fertilization, but little is known about the epididymal molecules involved in sperm modifications during this process. We have previously described the expression pattern for an antigen in epididymal epithelial cells that reacts with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 54. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses suggest that the epitope of the epididymal antigen probably involves a sugar moiety that is released into the epididymal lumen in an androgen-dependent manner and subsequently binds to luminal sperm. Using column chromatography, SDS-PAGE with insitu digestion and mass spectrometry, we have identified the protein recognized by mAb TRA 54 in mouse epididymal epithelial cells. The ∼65 kDa protein is part of a high molecular mass complex (∼260 kDa) that is also present in the sperm acrosomal vesicle and is completely released after the acrosomal reaction. The amino acid sequence of the protein corresponded to that of albumin. Immunoprecipitates with anti-albumin antibody contained the antigen recognized by mAb TRA 54, indicating that the epididymal molecule recognized by mAb TRA 54 is albumin. RT-PCR detected albumin mRNA in the epididymis and fertilization assays invitro showed that the glycoprotein complex containing albumin was involved in the ability of sperm to recognize and penetrate the egg zona pellucida. Together, these results indicate that epididymal-derived albumin participates in the formation of a high molecular mass glycoprotein complex that has an important role in egg fertilization.
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Liegel RP, Ronchetti A, Sidjanin DJ. Alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS) deficient mice: models for rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctate type 3 (RCDP3) malformation syndrome. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2014; 1:299-311. [PMID: 25197626 PMCID: PMC4151185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by congenital cataracts, shortening of the proximal limbs, neurological abnormalities, seizures, growth delays, and severe intellectual disability. Most RCDP children die in the first decade of life due to respiratory complications. Mutations in alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS) cause RCDP type 3 (RCDP3). We've previously established that cataracts and male infertility in blind sterile 2 (bs2) mice are caused by a spontaneous hypomorphic mutation in Agps. As a part of this study, we set out to further explore the bs2 phenotypes and how they correlate to the clinical presentations of RCDP3 patients. Our results show that ∼50% bs2 mice die embryonically and surviving bs2 mice exhibit growth delays that they overcome by adulthood. The X-ray analysis of adult bs2 mice revealed significant humeral, but not femoral shortening. Clinical and histological eye evaluations revealed that bs2 lenses undergo normal development with first opacities developing at P21 that by P28 rapidly progress to mature cataracts. Evaluation of testes determined that infertility in bs2 mice is due to the aberrant formation of multicellular cellular clusters that undergo apoptosis. Given that the bs2 locus is a hypomorphic Agps mutation, we set out to generate Agps knockout mice utilizing Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP) resource. Our results showed that ∼85% of Agps knock-out mice die embryonically whereas surviving adult Agps knock-out mice phenotypically exhibit cataracts and testicular abnormalities similar to those observed in bs2 mice. Given that the majority of Agps knock-out mice die embryonically presented a challenge for further analyses of Agps deficiency in mouse models. Although not done as a part of this study, Agps-KOMP mice or ES cells can be further modified with FLP recombinase to generate mice suitable for subsequent matings with a transgenic Cre strain of choice, thereby providing an opportunity to study conditional Agps deficiency in a specific tissue or desired developmental time points without Agps deficiency-mediated embryonic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Liegel
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Adam Ronchetti
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - D J Sidjanin
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI ; Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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8
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Liegel R, Handley M, Ronchetti A, Brown S, Langemeyer L, Linford A, Chang B, Morris-Rosendahl D, Carpanini S, Posmyk R, Harthill V, Sheridan E, Abdel-Salam G, Terhal P, Faravelli F, Accorsi P, Giordano L, Pinelli L, Hartmann B, Ebert A, Barr F, Aligianis I, Sidjanin D. Loss-of-function mutations in TBC1D20 cause cataracts and male infertility in blind sterile mice and Warburg micro syndrome in humans. Am J Hum Genet 2013; 93:1001-14. [PMID: 24239381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
blind sterile (bs) is a spontaneous autosomal-recessive mouse mutation discovered more than 30 years ago. Phenotypically, bs mice exhibit nuclear cataracts and male infertility; genetic analyses assigned the bs locus to mouse chromosome 2. In this study, we first positionally cloned the bs locus and identified a putative causative mutation in the Tbc1d20 gene. Functional analysis established the mouse TBC1D20 protein as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for RAB1 and RAB2, and bs as a TBC1D20 loss-of-function mutation. Evaluation of bs mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) identified enlarged Golgi morphology and aberrant lipid droplet (LD) formation. Based on the function of TBC1D20 as a RABGAP and the bs cataract and testicular phenotypes, we hypothesized that mutations in TBC1D20 may contribute to Warburg micro syndrome (WARBM); WARBM constitutes a spectrum of disorders characterized by eye, brain, and endocrine abnormalities caused by mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, and RAB18. Sequence analysis of a cohort of 77 families affected by WARBM identified five distinct TBC1D20 loss-of-function mutations, thereby establishing these mutations as causative of WARBM. Evaluation of human fibroblasts deficient in TBC1D20 function identified aberrant LDs similar to those identified in the bs mEFs. Additionally, our results show that human fibroblasts deficient in RAB18 and RAB3GAP1 function also exhibit aberrant LD formation. These findings collectively indicate that a defect in LD formation/metabolism may be a common cellular abnormality associated with WARBM, although it remains unclear whether abnormalities in LD metabolism are contributing to WARBM disease pathology.
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Arrotéia KF, Joazeiro PP, Yamada AT, Tanaka H, Nishimune Y, Pereira LAV. Identification and Characterization of an Antigen Recognized by Monoclonal Antibody TRA 54 in Mouse Epididymis and Vas Deferens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 25:914-21. [PMID: 15477363 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb03161.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa in testicular fluid are known to have weak forward motility and cannot fertilize eggs. The epididymis is known to participate in sperm maturation leading fertilization, but little is known about the specific epididymal molecules involved in the modification of sperm. In this study, we characterized the new pattern of expression of an antigen previously identified in testicular germ cells by monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 54. This antigen is expressed in epididymal and vas deferens epithelial cells in mice older than 24 days but not during younger developmental stages. Evaluation by immunohistochemistry shows that antigen expression is limited to the cytoplasm of a specific cell population of epithelia along the epididymal regions and vas deferens of adult mice. The molecules synthesized and released by epididymal and vas deferens epithelia into their lumen seem to bind on spermatozoa moving down through the ducts. Immunoblot analysis showed that the molecules recognized by mAb TRA 54 in testis and epididymis were similar and share a common epitope involving carbohydrate domains. Interestingly, the antigens identified in epididymal and vas deferens epithelial cells were expressed independently of testicular germ cells and are produced in an androgen-dependent manner. Finally, the molecules recognized by mAb TRA 54 seem to play an important role in spermatogenesis, as well as in epididymal function related to spermatozoa maturation and ability to fertilize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kélen F Arrotéia
- Laboratory of Cytochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), PO Box 6109, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Orchidopexy restores morphometric-stereologic changes in the caput epididymis and daily sperm production in cryptorchidic mice, although sperm transit time and fertility parameters remain impaired. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:739-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kawamata M, Inoue H, Nishimori K. Male-Specific Function of Dmrt7 by Sexually Dimorphic Translation in Mouse Testis. Sex Dev 2008; 1:297-304. [DOI: 10.1159/000108932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2007] [Accepted: 08/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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12
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Tokuhiro K, Miyagawa Y, Yamada S, Hirose M, Ohta H, Nishimune Y, Tanaka H. The 193-Base Pair Gsg2 (Haspin) Promoter Region Regulates Germ Cell-Specific Expression Bidirectionally and Synchronously. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:407-14. [PMID: 17123944 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.055236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Haspin is a unique protein kinase expressed predominantly in haploid male germ cells. The genomic structure of haspin (Gsg2) has revealed it to be intronless, and the entire transcription unit is in an intron of the integrin alphaE (Itgae) gene. Transcription occurs from a bidirectional promoter that also generates an alternatively spliced integrin alphaE-derived mRNA (Aed). In mice, the testis-specific alternative splicing of Aed is expressed bidirectionally downstream from the Gsg2 transcription initiation site, and a segment consisting of 26 bp transcribes both genomic DNA strands between Gsg2 and the Aed transcription initiation sites. To investigate the mechanisms for this unique gene regulation, we cloned and characterized the Gsg2 promoter region. The 193-bp genomic fragment from the 5' end of the Gsg2 and Aed genes, fused with EGFP and DsRed genes, drove the expression of both proteins in haploid germ cells of transgenic mice. This promoter element contained only a GC-rich sequence, and not the previously reported DNA sequences known to bind various transcription factors--with the exception of E2F1, TCFAP2A1 (AP2), and SP1. Here, we show that the 193-bp DNA sequence is sufficient for the specific, bidirectional, and synchronous expression in germ cells in the testis. We also demonstrate the existence of germ cell nuclear factors specifically bound to the promoter sequence. This activity may be regulated by binding to the promoter sequence with germ cell-specific nuclear complex(es) without regulation via DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Tokuhiro
- Tanaka Project, Center for Advanced Science and Innovation, and Research Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Pan J, Goodheart M, Chuma S, Nakatsuji N, Page DC, Wang PJ. RNF17, a component of the mammalian germ cell nuage, is essential for spermiogenesis. Development 2005; 132:4029-39. [PMID: 16093322 PMCID: PMC1994335 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nuages are found in the germ cells of diverse organisms. However, nuages in postnatal male germ cells of mice are poorly studied. Previously, we cloned a germ cell-specific gene named Rnf17, which encodes a protein containing both a RING finger and tudor domains. Here, we report that RNF17 is a component of a novel nuage in male germ cells--the RNF17 granule, which is an electron-dense non-membrane bound spherical organelle with a diameter of 0.5 mum. RNF17 granules are prominent in late pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes, and in elongating spermatids. RNF17 granules are distinguishable from other known nuages, such as chromatoid bodies. RNF17 is able to form dimers or polymers both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that it may play a role in the assembly of RNF17 granules. Rnf17-deficient male mice were sterile and exhibited a complete arrest in round spermatids, demonstrating that Rnf17 encodes a novel key regulator of spermiogenesis. Rnf17-null round spermatids advanced to step 4 but failed to produce sperm. These results have shown that RNF17 is a component of a novel germ cell nuage and is required for differentiation of male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyan Pan
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Matsuoka Y, Iguchi N, Kitamura K, Nishimura H, Manabe H, Miyagawa Y, Koga M, Matsumiya K, Okuyama A, Tanaka H, Nishimune Y. Cloning and characterization of a mouse spergen-1 localized in sperm mitochondria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 27:152-60. [PMID: 15139970 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2004.00466.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Development of spermatozoa is a complex process involving specific morphological formation of flagella, nucleus and mitochondria. Although detailed morphological observations of these events are available, the molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. We report here the molecular cloning and characterization of mouse spergen-1 encoding a sperm specific mitochondrial protein, from a haploid germ cell-specific subtracted cDNA library of mouse testis. Isolated cDNA is c. 0.7 kb and contains a 465 bp ORF that encodes mouse spergen-1, a sperm mitochondrial protein consisting of 154 predicted amino acids. Antibodies raised against mouse Spergen-1 identified a testis-specific c. 18 Mr x 10(3) band in Western blot analysis. The protein was localized to the mitochondria of mouse sperm. Comparison of the mouse and human genomic sequences showed that 55 bps of the 5'-upstream region containing a CAAT box and binding sequence for NF-kappa B is conserved and could be important for specific expression of mouse spergen-1 in haploid germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Matsuoka
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565 0871, Japan
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15
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Ventelä S, Toppari J, Parvinen M. Intercellular organelle traffic through cytoplasmic bridges in early spermatids of the rat: mechanisms of haploid gene product sharing. Mol Biol Cell 2003; 14:2768-80. [PMID: 12857863 PMCID: PMC165675 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e02-10-0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable cytoplasmic bridges (or ring canals) connecting the clone of spermatids are assumed to facilitate the sharing of haploid gene products and synchronous development of the cells. We have visualized these cytoplasmic bridges under phase-contrast optics and recorded the sharing of cytoplasmic material between the spermatids by a digital time-lapse imaging system ex vivo. A multitude of small (ca. 0.5 microm) granules were seen to move continuously over the bridges, but only 28% of those entering the bridge were actually transported into other cell. The average speed of the granules decreased significantly during the passage. Immunocytochemistry revealed that some of the shared granules contained haploid cell-specific gene product TRA54. We also demonstrate the novel function for the Golgi complex in acrosome system formation by showing that TRA54 is processed in Golgi complex and is transported into acrosome system of neighboring spermatid. In addition, we propose an intercellular transport function for the male germ cell-specific organelle chromatoid body. This mRNA containing organelle, ca. 1.8 microm in diameter, was demonstrated to go over the cytoplasmic bridge from one spermatid to another. Microtubule inhibitors prevented all organelle movements through the bridges and caused a disintegration of the chromatoid body. This is the first direct demonstration of an organelle traffic through cytoplasmic bridges in mammalian spermatogenesis. Golgi-derived haploid gene products are shared between spermatids, and an active involvement of the chromatoid body in intercellular material transport between round spermatids is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ventelä
- Department of Anatomy, Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Science, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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Abstract
The piwi family genes are crucial for stem cell self-renewal, RNA silencing, and translational regulation in diverse organisms. However, their function in mammals remains unexplored. Here we report the cloning of a murine piwi gene (miwi) essential for spermatogenesis. miwi encodes a cytoplasmic protein specifically expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids. miwi(null) mice display spermatogenic arrest at the beginning of the round spermatid stage, resembling the phenotype of CREM, a master regulator of spermiogenesis. Furthermore, mRNAs of ACT (activator of CREM in testis) and CREM target genes are downregulated in miwi(null) testes. Whereas MIWI and CREM do not regulate each other's expression, MIWI complexes with mRNAs of ACT and CREM target genes. Hence, MIWI may control spermiogenesis by regulating the stability of these mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3709, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Ling X, Tanaka H, Tsuchida J, Nishimune Y. Identification of differentiation antigens in mouse testicular germ cells recognized by monoclonal antibody TRA 55. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2000; 23:29-35. [PMID: 10632759 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2605.2000.00200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 55, which recognizes mouse testicular germ cells from mid-pachytene spermatocytes to the early stages of haploid spermatids during differentiation. Immunohistochemical analysis produced strong positive staining of the nuclei and faint staining in the cytoplasm of germ cells. At meiotic division, when the nuclear membrane disappeared, a specific positive signal could be observed on metaphase chromosomes. When germ cells produced haploid spermatids, antigenicity became suddenly weak and soon disappeared. TRA 55 did not react with testicular somatic cells, such as Sertoli cells or Leydig cells. Western blot analysis of the whole testis showed four positive bands with molecular weights of 43, 46, 49 and 55 kDa. Three bands of 43, 49 and 55 kDa, and a single band of 46 kDa were recovered in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of testicular germ cells, respectively. Chronological changes in the Western blot pattern indicated that these antigens became detectable in the testis at the age of 10 days. Furthermore, all antigens were resistant to periodate treatment, suggesting that the epitope was in an amino acid rather than a sugar moiety. These antigen molecules may play important roles in the differentiation of germ cells at the later stages of meiotic prophase and meiotic division in the mouse testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Ling
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Japan
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