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Oliveira ECS, Hu P, Shook DR, Wallrabe H, Townsend NN, Bingham GC, Barker TH, Hinton BT. Biomechanical properties of the capsule and extracellular matrix play a major role during the Wolffian/epididymal duct development. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38988181 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13692] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis is important for sperm maturation and without its proper development, male infertility will result. Biomechanical properties of tissues/organs play key roles during their morphogenesis, including the Wolffian duct. It is hypothesized that structural/bulk stiffness of the capsule and mesenchyme/extracellular matrix that surround the duct is a major biomechanical property that regulates Wolffian duct morphogenesis. These data will provide key information as to the mechanisms that regulate the development of this important organ. OBJECTIVES To measure the structural/bulk stiffness in Pascals (force/area) of the capsule and the capsule and mesenchyme together that surrounds the Wolffian duct during the development. To examine the relative membrane tension of mesenchymal cells during the Wolffian duct development. Since Ptk7 was previously shown to regulate ECM integrity and Wolffian duct elongation and coiling, the hypothesis that Ptk7 regulates structural/bulk stiffness and mesenchymal cell membrane tension was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS Atomic force microscopy and a microsquisher compression apparatus were used to measure the structural stiffness. Biomechanical properties within the membranes of cells within the capsule and mesenchyme were examined using a membrane-tension fluorescent probe. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The structural stiffness (Pascals) of the capsule and underlying mesenchyme was relatively constant during development, with a significant increase in the capsule at the later stages. However, this increase may reflect the ECM and associated mesenchyme being close to the capsule because the coiling of the duct pushed or compressed them into that space. Keeping the capsule and mesenchyme/ECM at constant stiffness would ensure that the duct will continue to coil under similar biomechanical forces throughout the development. Cells within the capsule and mesenchyme at different Wolffian duct regions during the development had varying degrees of membrane lipid tension. It is hypothesized that the dynamic changes ensure the duct is kept at a constant stiffness regardless of any external forces. Loss of Ptk7 resulted in an increase in stiffness at E18.5, which was presumable due to the loss of integrity of the ECM within the mesenchyme. CONCLUSION Biomechanical properties of the capsule and the mesenchyme/extracellular matrix that surround the Wolffian duct play an important role toward Wolffian duct morphogenesis, thereby allowing for the proper development of the epididymis and subsequent male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika C S Oliveira
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David R Shook
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Horst Wallrabe
- W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Natalie N Townsend
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Grace C Bingham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Pinn Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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2
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Lee V, Hinton BT, Hirashima T. Collective cell dynamics and luminal fluid flow in the epididymis: A mechanobiological perspective. Andrology 2024; 12:939-948. [PMID: 37415418 PMCID: PMC11278975 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian epididymis is a specialized duct system that serves a critical role in sperm maturation and storage. Its distinctive, highly coiled tissue morphology provides a unique opportunity to investigate the link between form and function in reproductive biology. Although recent genetic studies have identified key genes and signaling pathways involved in the development and physiological functions of the epididymis, there has been limited discussion about the underlying dynamic and mechanical processes that govern these phenomena. AIMS In this review, we aim to address this gap by examining two key aspects of the epididymis across its developmental and physiological phases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION First, we discuss how the complex morphology of the Wolffian/epididymal duct emerges through collective cell dynamics, including duct elongation, cell proliferation, and arrangement during embryonic development. Second, we highlight dynamic aspects of luminal fluid flow in the epididymis, essential for regulating the microenvironment for sperm maturation and motility, and discuss how this phenomenon emerges and interplays with epididymal epithelial cells. CONCLUSION This review not only aims to summarize current knowledge but also to provide a starting point for further exploration of mechanobiological aspects related to the cellular and extracellular fluid dynamics in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Lee
- Mechanobiology, Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barry T. Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Mechanobiology, Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Li L, Lin W, Wang Z, Huang R, Xia H, Li Z, Deng J, Ye T, Huang Y, Yang Y. Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5805. [PMID: 38891991 PMCID: PMC11172568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The testes serve as the primary source of androgens and the site of spermatogenesis, with their development and function governed by hormonal actions via endocrine and paracrine pathways. Male fertility hinges on the availability of testosterone, a cornerstone of spermatogenesis, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signaling is indispensable for the proliferation, differentiation, and proper functioning of Sertoli and germ cells. This review covers the research on how androgens, FSH, and other hormones support processes crucial for male fertility in the testis and reproductive tract. These hormones are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, which is either quiescent or activated at different stages of the life course, and the regulation of the axis is crucial for the development and normal function of the male reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances, whether due to genetic predispositions or environmental influences, leading to hypogonadism or hypergonadism, can precipitate reproductive disorders. Investigating the regulatory network and molecular mechanisms involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis is instrumental in developing new therapeutic methods, drugs, and male hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Wanqing Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Jingxian Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
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5
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Jia S, Zhao F. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the neonatal oviduct and uterus reveals new insights into upper Müllerian duct regionalization. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23632. [PMID: 38686936 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400303r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The upper Müllerian duct (MD) is patterned and specified into two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, the oviduct and uterus. It is known that this regionalization process is instructed by inductive signals from the adjacent mesenchyme. However, the interaction landscape between epithelium and mesenchyme during upper MD development remains largely unknown. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse neonatal oviducts and uteri at the initiation of MD epithelial differentiation (postnatal day 3). We identified major cell types including epithelium, mesenchyme, pericytes, mesothelium, endothelium, and immune cells in both organs with established markers. Moreover, we uncovered region-specific epithelial and mesenchymal subpopulations and then deduced region-specific ligand-receptor pairs mediating mesenchymal-epithelial interactions along the craniocaudal axis. Unexpectedly, we discovered a mesenchymal subpopulation marked by neurofilaments with specific localizations at the mesometrial pole of both the neonatal oviduct and uterus. Lastly, we analyzed and revealed organ-specific signature genes of pericytes and mesothelial cells. Taken together, our study enriches our knowledge of upper MD development, and provides a manageable list of potential genes, pathways, and region-specific cell subtypes for future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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6
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Taelman J, Czukiewska SM, Moustakas I, Chang YW, Hillenius S, van der Helm T, van der Meeren LE, Mei H, Fan X, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Characterization of the human fetal gonad and reproductive tract by single-cell transcriptomics. Dev Cell 2024; 59:529-544.e5. [PMID: 38295793 PMCID: PMC10898717 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During human fetal development, sex differentiation occurs not only in the gonads but also in the adjacent developing reproductive tract. However, while the cellular composition of male and female human fetal gonads is well described, that of the adjacent developing reproductive tract remains poorly characterized. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomics on male and female human fetal gonads together with the adjacent developing reproductive tract from first and second trimesters, highlighting the morphological and molecular changes during sex differentiation. We validated different cell populations of the developing reproductive tract and gonads and compared the molecular signatures between the first and second trimesters, as well as between sexes, to identify conserved and sex-specific features. Together, our study provides insights into human fetal sex-specific gonadogenesis and development of the reproductive tract beyond the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sylwia M Czukiewska
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yolanda W Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hillenius
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Wilbourne J, Jia S, Fogarty A, Takaku M, Zhao F. Crucial Roles of the Mesenchymal Androgen Receptor in Wolffian Duct Development. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad193. [PMID: 38146640 PMCID: PMC10763607 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian duct (WD) maintenance and differentiation is predominantly driven by the androgen action, which is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). It is well established that the mesenchyme indicates the fate and differentiation of epithelial cells. However, in vivo developmental requirement of mesenchymal AR in WD development is still undefined. By designing a mesenchyme-specific Ar knockout (ARcKO), we discovered that the loss of mesenchymal Ar led to the bilateral or unilateral degeneration of caudal WDs and cystic formation at the cranial WDs. Ex vivo culture of ARcKO WDs invariably resulted in bilateral defects, suggesting that some factor(s) originating from surrounding tissues in vivo might promote WD survival and growth even in the absence of mesenchymal Ar. Mechanistically, we found cell proliferation was significantly reduced in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments; but cell apoptosis was not affected. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing of E14.5 mesonephroi revealed 131 differentially expressed genes. Multiple downregulated genes (Top2a, Wnt9b, Lama2, and Lamc2) were associated with morphological and cellular changes in ARcKO male embryos (ie, reduced cell proliferation and decreased number of epithelial cells). Mesenchymal differentiation into smooth muscle cells that are critical for morphogenesis was also impaired in ARcKO male embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial roles of the mesenchymal AR in WD maintenance and morphogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Motoki Takaku
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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8
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Jia S, Zhao F. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the neonatal oviduct and uterus reveals new insights into upper Müllerian duct regionalization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572607. [PMID: 38187777 PMCID: PMC10769252 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The upper Müllerian duct (MD) is patterned and specified into two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, the oviduct and uterus. It is known that this regionalization process is instructed by inductive signals from the adjacent mesenchyme. However, the interaction landscape between epithelium and mesenchyme during upper MD development remains largely unknown. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse neonatal oviducts and uteri at the initiation of MD epithelial differentiation (postnatal day 3). We identified major cell types including epithelium, mesenchyme, pericytes, mesothelium, endothelium, and immune cells in both organs with established markers. Moreover, we uncovered region-specific epithelial and mesenchymal subpopulations and then deduced region-specific ligand-receptor pairs mediating mesenchymal-epithelial interactions along the craniocaudal axis. Unexpectedly, we discovered a mesenchymal subpopulation marked by neurofilaments with specific localizations at the mesometrial pole of both the neonatal oviduct and uterus. Lastly, we analyzed and revealed organ-specific signature genes of pericytes and mesothelial cells. Taken together, our study enriches our knowledge of upper Müllerian duct development, and provides a manageable list of potential genes, pathways, and region-specific cell subtypes for future functional studies.
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9
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Crossen MJ, Wilbourne J, Fogarty A, Zhao F. Epithelial and mesenchymal fate decisions in Wolffian duct development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:462-473. [PMID: 37330364 PMCID: PMC10524679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.007] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the paired embryonic structures that give rise to internal male reproductive tract organs. WDs are initially formed in both sexes but have sex-specific fates during sexual differentiation. Understanding WD differentiation requires insights into the process of fate decisions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which are tightly coordinated by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals. In this review, we discuss current advances in understanding the fate-decision process of WD epithelial and mesenchymal lineages from their initial formation at the embryonic stage to postnatal differentiation. Finally, we discuss aberrant cell differentiation in WD abnormalities and pathologies and identify opportunities for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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10
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Sun W, Ma S, Jin X, Ma Y. Combined analysis of mRNA-miRNA from testis tissue in Tibetan sheep with different FecB genotypes. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220605. [PMID: 37250847 PMCID: PMC10224625 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis size is important for identifying breeding animals with adequate sperm production. The aim of this study was to survey the expression profile of mRNA and miRNA in testis tissue from rams carrying different FecB genotypes, including the wild-type and heterozygous genotypes in Tibetan sheep. Comparative transcriptome profiles for ovine testes were established for wild-type and heterozygote Tibetan sheep by next-generation sequencing. RNA-seq results identified 3,910 (2,034 up- and 1,876 downregulated) differentially expressed (DE) genes and 243 (158 up- and 85 downregulated) DE microRNAs (miRNAs) in wild-type vs heterozygote sheep, respectively. Combined analysis of mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq revealed that 20 miRNAs interacted with 48 true DE target genes in wild-type testes compared to heterozygous genotype testes. These results provide evidence for a functional series of genes operating in Tibetan sheep testis. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression trends of randomly selected DE genes in testis tissues from different genotypes were consistent with high-throughput sequencing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Sun
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Genetics and Breeding on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xining, 810016, China
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Shike Ma
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Genetics and Breeding on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xining, 810016, China
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Xiayang Jin
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Genetics and Breeding on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xining, 810016, China
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Genetics and Breeding on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xining, 810016, China
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810016, China
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11
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Alves MBR, Girardet L, Augière C, Moon KH, Lavoie-Ouellet C, Bernet A, Soulet D, Calvo E, Teves ME, Beauparlant CJ, Droit A, Bastien A, Robert C, Bok J, Hinton BT, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling regulates Wolffian duct development through the primary cilium†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:241-257. [PMID: 36525341 PMCID: PMC9930401 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia play pivotal roles in embryonic patterning and organogenesis through transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh). Although mutations in Hh morphogens impair the development of the gonads and trigger male infertility, the contribution of Hh and primary cilia in the development of male reproductive ductules, including the epididymis, remains unknown. From a Pax2Cre; IFT88fl/fl knock-out mouse model, we found that primary cilia deletion is associated with imbalanced Hh signaling and morphometric changes in the Wolffian duct (WD), the embryonic precursor of the epididymis. Similar effects were observed following pharmacological blockade of primary cilia formation and Hh modulation on WD organotypic cultures. The expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, canonical Hh and WD development was significantly altered after treatments. Altogether, we identified the primary cilia-dependent Hh signaling as a master regulator of genes involved in WD development. This provides new insights regarding the etiology of sexual differentiation and male infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kyeong Hye Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosciences, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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12
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Amato CM, Yao HHC, Zhao F. One Tool for Many Jobs: Divergent and Conserved Actions of Androgen Signaling in Male Internal Reproductive Tract and External Genitalia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:910964. [PMID: 35846302 PMCID: PMC9280649 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.910964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1940s, Alfred Jost demonstrated the necessity of testicular secretions, particularly androgens, for male internal and external genitalia differentiation. Since then, our knowledge of androgen impacts on differentiation of the male internal (Wolffian duct) and external genitalia (penis) has been drastically expanded upon. Between these two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, divergent signals facilitate the establishment of tissue-specific identities. Conversely, conserved actions of androgen signaling are present in both tissues and are largely responsible for the growth and expansion of the organs. In this review we synthesize the existing knowledge of the cell type-specific, organ specific, and conserved signaling mechanisms of androgens. Mechanistic studies on androgen signaling in the Wolffian duct and male external genitalia have largely been conducted in mouse model organisms. Therefore, the majority of the review is focused on mouse model studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro M. Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C. Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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13
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Crucial Convolution: Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Coiling during Epididymis Formation and Development in Embryogenesis. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020025. [PMID: 35735916 PMCID: PMC9225329 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As embryonic development proceeds, numerous organs need to coil, bend or fold in order to establish their final shape. Generally, this occurs so as to maximise the surface area for absorption or secretory functions (e.g., in the small and large intestines, kidney or epididymis); however, mechanisms of bending and shaping also occur in other structures, notably the midbrain–hindbrain boundary in some teleost fish models such as zebrafish. In this review, we will examine known genetic and molecular factors that operate to pattern complex, coiled structures, with a primary focus on the epididymis as an excellent model organ to examine coiling. We will also discuss genetic mechanisms involving coiling in the seminiferous tubules and intestine to establish the final form and function of these coiled structures in the mature organism.
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14
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Miyake T, Kuge M, Matsumoto Y, Shimada M. α-glucosyl-rutin activates immediate early genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2021; 56:102511. [PMID: 34455240 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rutin is a natural flavonoid glycoside found in several vegetables and fruits such as buckwheat and onion. Rutin has a range of pharmacological effects that include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities. α-glucosyl-rutin (AGR) is a derivative of rutin with increased water solubility that is used in cosmetics and foods. However, the effects of AGR on cellular responses have not been clarified, especially in stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show high proliferative activity and pluripotency; however, regulation of molecular machinery such as cell cycle, metabolism, and DNA repair differs between iPSCs and somatic cells. Here, we compared the effects of AGR on iPSCs and differentiated cells (fibroblasts and skin keratinocytes). AGR-treated iPSCs exhibited increased cell viability. RNA sequencing and reverse transcriptase PCR analysis revealed that AGR induced expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) and differentiation-related genes in iPSCs. Our results suggest that AGR may activate differentiation signals mediated by IEG responses in iPSCs, resulting in altered metabolic activity and increased cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Miyake
- Cosmetic R&D Department, Takara Belmont Corp, 7-1-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan.
| | - Munekazu Kuge
- Cosmetic R&D Department, Takara Belmont Corp, 7-1-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Mikio Shimada
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
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15
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Unilateral Urogenital Disontogeny in a Dog. Case Rep Vet Med 2021; 2021:8831551. [PMID: 33936833 PMCID: PMC8060101 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8831551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this report was to describe an uncommon congenital anomaly in a dog. An 8-year-old, mixed-breed, male dog, was referred because of progressive difficulties on defecation. A complete diagnostic work-up (hematological analysis, radiology, ultrasound, and computed tomography), followed by surgery and histopathology, allowed us to diagnose the condition as unilateral urogenital disontogeny. The disorder was characterized by unilateral anomalies of the urinary tract (ectopic and dilated hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and renal dysplasia) associated with ipsilateral anomalies of the genital system (partial permanence of the duct of Wolff evolved into an epididymal-like structure and testicular agenesis). En bloc surgical excision of the complex of urogenital anomalies was performed with no complications during or after surgery. Surgery was considered to be effective in this dog since he no longer showed clinical signs of illness.
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16
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Hess RA, Sharpe RM, Hinton BT. Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens. Differentiation 2021; 118:41-71. [PMID: 33441255 PMCID: PMC8026493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802 USA and Epivara, Inc., Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Dr., Suite 230G, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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17
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Whiley PAF, O'Donnell L, Moody SC, Handelsman DJ, Young JC, Richards EA, Almstrup K, Western PS, Loveland KL. Activin A Determines Steroid Levels and Composition in the Fetal Testis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5818588. [PMID: 32274496 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin A promotes fetal mouse testis development, including driving Sertoli cell proliferation and cord morphogenesis, but its mechanisms of action are undefined. We performed ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) on testicular somatic cells from fetal activin A-deficient mice (Inhba KO) and wildtype littermates at embryonic day (E) E13.5 and E15.5. Analysis of whole gonads provided validation, and cultures with a pathway inhibitor discerned acute from chronic effects of altered activin A bioactivity. Activin A deficiency predominantly affects the Sertoli cell transcriptome. New candidate targets include Minar1, Sel1l3, Vnn1, Sfrp4, Masp1, Nell1, Tthy1 and Prss12. Importantly, the testosterone (T) biosynthetic enzymes present in fetal Sertoli cells, Hsd17b1 and Hsd17b3, were identified as activin-responsive. Activin-deficient testes contained elevated androstenedione (A4), displayed an Inhba gene dose-dependent A4/T ratio, and contained 11-keto androgens. The remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in both Sertoli and germ cells at E15.5 indicated impaired lipid metabolism in the absence of activin A. This demonstrated for the first time that activin A acts on Sertoli cells to determine local steroid production during fetal testis development. These outcomes reveal how compounds that perturb fetal steroidogenesis can function through cell-specific mechanisms and can indicate how altered activin levels in utero may impact testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A F Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julia C Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Richards
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Hirashima T, Adachi T. Polarized cellular mechano-response system for maintaining radial size in developing epithelial tubes. Development 2019; 146:dev.181206. [PMID: 31619390 PMCID: PMC6918744 DOI: 10.1242/dev.181206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Size control in biological tissues involves multicellular communication via mechanical forces during development. Although fundamental cellular behaviours in response to mechanical stimuli underlie size maintenance during morphogenetic processes, the mechanisms underpinning the cellular mechano-response system that maintains size along an axis of a polarized tissue remain elusive. Here, we show how the diameter of an epithelial tube is maintained during murine epididymal development by combining quantitative imaging, mechanical perturbation and mathematical modelling. We found that epithelial cells counteract compressive forces caused by cell division exclusively along the circumferential axis of the tube to produce polarized contractile forces, eventually leading to an oriented cell rearrangement. Moreover, a mathematical model that includes the polarized mechano-responsive regime explains how the diameter of proliferating tubes is maintained. Our findings pave the way for an improved understanding of the cellular response to mechanical forces that involves collective multicellular behaviours for organizing diverse tissue morphologies. Summary: Polarized cellular constriction responding to mechanical stress controls the diameter of a developing epithelial tube during murine epididymal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Department of Pathology and Biology of Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 6068501, Kyoto, Japan .,Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 6068501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taiji Adachi
- Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 6068501, Kyoto, Japan
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19
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Sutherland A, Keller R, Lesko A. Convergent extension in mammalian morphogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 100:199-211. [PMID: 31734039 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Convergent extension is a fundamental morphogenetic process that underlies not only the generation of the elongated vertebrate body plan from the initially radially symmetrical embryo, but also the specific shape changes characteristic of many individual tissues. These tissue shape changes are the result of specific cell behaviors, coordinated in time and space, and affected by the physical properties of the tissue. While mediolateral cell intercalation is the classic cellular mechanism for producing tissue convergence and extension, other cell behaviors can also provide similar tissue-scale distortions or can modulate the effects of mediolateral cell intercalation to sculpt a specific shape. Regulation of regional tissue morphogenesis through planar polarization of the variety of underlying cell behaviors is well-recognized, but as yet is not well understood at the molecular level. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the cellular basis for convergence and extension and its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Sutherland
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Raymond Keller
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
| | - Alyssa Lesko
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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20
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Zhao F, Yao HHC. A tale of two tracts: history, current advances, and future directions of research on sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:602-616. [PMID: 31058957 PMCID: PMC6791057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alfred Jost's work in the 1940s laid the foundation of the current paradigm of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts, which contends that testicular hormones drive the male patterning of reproductive tract system whereas the female phenotype arises by default. Once established, the sex-specific reproductive tracts undergo morphogenesis, giving rise to anatomically and functionally distinct tubular organs along the rostral-caudal axis. Impairment of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts by genetic alteration and environmental exposure are the main causes of disorders of sex development, and infertility at adulthood. This review covers past and present work on sexual differentiation and morphogenesis of reproductive tracts, associated human disorders, and emerging technologies that have made impacts or could radically expand our knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Wong J, Juma AR, Tran SC, Gasperoni JG, Grommen SVH, De Groef B. Deficiency of the transcription factor PLAG1 results in aberrant coiling and morphology of the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2019; 22:342-347. [PMID: 31464202 PMCID: PMC7406099 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_87_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice deficient in the transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) exhibit reproductive issues that are characterized, in part, by decreased progressive sperm motility in the male. However, the underlying cause of this impairment is unknown. As epididymal transit is critical for sperm maturation and motility, the morphology of the epididymis of Plag1-deficient mice was investigated and the spatial expression patterns of PLAG1 protein and mRNA were identified. Using X-gal staining and in situ hybridization, PLAG1 was shown to be widely expressed in both the epithelium and stroma in all regions of the mouse epididymis. Interestingly, the X-gal staining pattern was markedly different in the cauda, where it could be suggestive of PLAG1 secretion into the epididymal lumen. At all ages investigated, the morphology of epididymides from Plag1 knockout (KO) mice was aberrant; the tubule failed to elongate and coil, particularly in the corpus and cauda, and the cauda was malformed, lacking its usual bulbous shape. Moreover, the epididymides from Plag1 KO mice were significantly reduced in size relative to body weight. In 20% of Plag1-deficient mice, the left testicle and epididymis were lacking. The impaired morphogenesis of the epididymal tubule is likely to be a major contributing factor to the fertility problems observed in male Plag1-deficient mice. These results also establish PLAG1 as an important regulator of male reproduction, not only through its involvement in testicular sperm production, but also via its role in the development and function of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Almas R Juma
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Stephanie C Tran
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Jemma G Gasperoni
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Sylvia V H Grommen
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Bert De Groef
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
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22
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. Activins, follistatin and immunoregulation in the epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:703-711. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - M. P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
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23
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de Mello Santos T, Hinton BT. We, the developing rete testis, efferent ducts, and Wolffian duct, all hereby agree that we need to connect. Andrology 2019; 7:581-587. [PMID: 31033257 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms by which the rete testis joins the efferent ducts, which joins the Wolffian duct during development, are not known. Mouse and chick models have been helpful in identifying genes that are important for the development of each part, but genes have not been identified as to those that play a role in the joining of each part. Clinical implications of the failure of the male reproductive tract to form a fully functional conduit for spermatozoa are not trivial. Epididymal disjunction, the failure of the efferent ducts to join the testis, is one of several epididymal anomalies that have been observed in some boys who were cryptorchid at birth. OBJECTIVE A systematic review of studies focusing on the morphogenesis of the mesonephric duct and mesonephric tubules in different species, and identification of clinical issues should there be failure of these tissues to develop. DESIGN PubMed and GUDMAP databases, and review of books on kidney development were searched for studies reporting on the mechanisms of morphogenesis of the kidney and epididymis. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S) Gaps in our knowledge were identified, and hypotheses coupled with suggestions for future experiments were presented. RESULTS A total of 64 papers were identified as relevant, of which 53 were original research articles and 11 were book chapters and reviews covering morphogenesis and clinical issues. Investigators utilized multiple species including, human, mouse, chick, Xenopus, bovine, and sheep. CONCLUSION Fundamental understanding of the morphogenesis of the male reproductive tract is limited, especially the morphogenesis of the rete testis and efferent ducts. Therefore, it is not surprising that we do not understand how each part unites to form a whole. Only one mechanism of joining of one part of the tract to another was identified: the joining of the Wolffian duct to the cloaca via controlled apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T de Mello Santos
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - B T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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24
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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25
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM, Sreenivasan R, Ludlow H, Middendorff R, Meinhardt A, Loveland KL, Hedger MP. Comparative analysis of activins A and B in the adult mouse epididymis and vas deferens. Reproduction 2018; 155:15-23. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A regulates testicular and epididymal development, but the role of activin B in the epididymis and vas deferens is unknown. Mouse models with reduced activin A (Inhba+/− and InhbaBK/+), or its complete absence (InhbaBK/BK), were investigated to identify specific roles of activins in the male reproductive tract. In 8-week-old Inhba+/− mice, serum activin A decreased by 70%, with a 50% reduction of gene expression and protein in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens. Activin B and the activin-binding protein, follistatin, were similar to wild-type. Testis weights were slightly reduced in Inhba+/− mice, but the epididymis and vas deferens were normal, while the mice were fertile. Activin A was decreased by 70% in the serum, testis, epididymis and vas deferens of InhbaBK/+ mice and was undetectable in InhbaBK/BK mice, but activin B and follistatin levels were similar to wild-type. In 6-week-old InhbaBK/BK mice, testis weights were 60% lower and epididymal weights were 50% lower than in either InhbaBK/+ or wild-type mice. The cauda epididymal epithelium showed infoldings and less intra-luminal sperm, similar to 3.5-week-old wild-type mice, but at 8 weeks, no structural differences in the testis or epididymis were noted between InhbaBK/BK and wild-type mice. Thus, Inhbb can compensate for Inhba in regulating epididymal morphology, although testis and epididymal maturation is delayed in mice lacking Inhba. Crucially, reduction or absence of activin A, at least in the presence of normal activin B levels, does not lead to major defects in the adult epididymis or vas deferens.
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26
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Xu J, Yao G, Ru Y, Xie S. Expression of tamoxifen-inducible CRE recombinase in Lcn5-CreER T2 transgenic mouse caput epididymis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:257-264. [PMID: 28029195 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis, which connects the testis to vas deferens, plays a crucial role regulating sperm maturation and fertilization. Here, a tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase transgenic mouse was generated to study the function of genes in the caput epididymis using the Cre/LoxP system, which is driven by the 1.8-kb Lcn5 promoter (Lcn5-CreERT2 ). Both CRE recombinase and ERT2 mRNA were specifically expressed in the caput epididymis, beginning at postnatal Day 30 and increasing thereafter. Crossing these Lcn5-CreERT2 transgenic mice with Rosa26; mT/mG reporter mice, which express membrane-bound GFP (mGFP) only after CRE is active at its genetic locus, resulted in the presence of GFP only in the middle/distal caput epididymis after tamoxifen induction. Efficiency of the CRE recombinase production in the caput epididymis was dose- and time-dependent. These tamoxifen-inducible caput epididymis-specific CRE recombinase transgenic mice thus provides a simple approach to modulate epididymal principal cells in vivo, allowing for the genetic investigation of caput epididymis-specific gene functions during sperm maturation. 84: 257-264, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yanfei Ru
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
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27
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Wijayarathna R, Sarraj MA, Genovese R, Girling JE, Michel V, Ludlow H, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract: activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288. Andrology 2017; 5:578-588. [PMID: 28235253 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M A Sarraj
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V Michel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Ludlow
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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28
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Ribeiro CM, Ferreira LGA, Thimoteo DS, Smith LB, Hinton BT, Avellar MCW. Novel androgen-induced activity of an antimicrobial β-defensin: Regulation of Wolffian duct morphogenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 442:142-152. [PMID: 27989506 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Wolffian duct (WD) undergoes morphological changes induced by androgens to form the epididymis, which is an organ essential for sperm maturation. Androgen action in WD epithelium involves paracrine factors of mesenchymal origin that function by still poorly understood mechanisms. Here we studied the antimicrobial β-defensin SPAG11C as a new player in duct morphogenesis, localized prenatally in the WD mesenchyme. Organotypic culture of rat WDs and tissues from Androgen Receptor (AR) knockout mice (ARKO) were used. Our results show that androgen/AR signaling differentially regulated SPAG11C expression at mRNA and protein levels in the developing WD. WDs incubated with recombinant human SPAG11C were shorter and less coiled as a result of reduced epithelial cell proliferation, but not increased apoptosis. Our results suggested β-defensin SPAG11C as an androgen-target required for WD morphogenesis. This highlights the multifunctional repertoire of the β-defensin protein family and their potential contribution to the in utero environment that determines male reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas G A Ferreira
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Thimoteo
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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29
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Sipilä P, Björkgren I. Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression. Reproduction 2016; 152:R91-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
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30
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Parker CC, Gopalakrishnan S, Carbonetto P, Gonzales NM, Leung E, Park YJ, Aryee E, Davis J, Blizard DA, Ackert-Bicknell CL, Lionikas A, Pritchard JK, Palmer AA. Genome-wide association study of behavioral, physiological and gene expression traits in outbred CFW mice. Nat Genet 2016; 48:919-26. [PMID: 27376237 PMCID: PMC4963286 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although mice are the most widely used mammalian model organism, genetic studies have suffered from limited mapping resolution due to extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) that is characteristic of crosses among inbred strains. Carworth Farms White (CFW) mice are a commercially available outbred mouse population that exhibit rapid LD decay in comparison to other available mouse populations. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of behavioral, physiological and gene expression phenotypes using 1,200 male CFW mice. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to obtain genotypes at 92,734 SNPs. We also measured gene expression using RNA sequencing in three brain regions. Our study identified numerous behavioral, physiological and expression quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We integrated the behavioral QTL and eQTL results to implicate specific genes, including Azi2 in sensitivity to methamphetamine and Zmynd11 in anxiety-like behavior. The combination of CFW mice, GBS and RNA sequencing constitutes a powerful approach to GWAS in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa C. Parker
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Psychology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Museum of Natural History, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Carbonetto
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- AncestryDNA, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | | | - Emily Leung
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yeonhee J Park
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Emmanuel Aryee
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Joe Davis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - David A. Blizard
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Ackert-Bicknell
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14624, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14624, USA
| | - Arimantas Lionikas
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, Scotland UK
| | - Jonathan K. Pritchard
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Abraham A. Palmer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92103, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92103, USA
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31
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Hirashima T. Mathematical study on robust tissue pattern formation in growing epididymal tubule. J Theor Biol 2016; 407:71-80. [PMID: 27396360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tissue pattern formation during development is a reproducible morphogenetic process organized by a series of kinetic cellular activities, leading to the building of functional and stable organs. Recent studies focusing on mechanical aspects have revealed physical mechanisms on how the cellular activities contribute to the formation of reproducible tissue patterns; however, the understanding for what factors achieve the reproducibility of such patterning and how it occurs is far from complete. Here, I focus on a tube pattern formation during murine epididymal development, and show that two factors influencing physical design for the patterning, the proliferative zone within the tubule and the viscosity of tissues surrounding to the tubule, control the reproducibility of epididymal tubule pattern, using a mathematical model based on experimental data. Extensive numerical simulation of the simple mathematical model revealed that a spatially localized proliferative zone within the tubule, observed in experiments, results in more reproducible tubule pattern. Moreover, I found that the viscosity of tissues surrounding to the tubule imposes a trade-off regarding pattern reproducibility and spatial accuracy relating to the region where the tubule pattern is formed. This indicates an existence of optimality in material properties of tissues for the robust patterning of epididymal tubule. The results obtained by numerical analysis based on experimental observations provide a general insight on how physical design realizes robust tissue pattern formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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32
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Schagdarsurengin U, Western P, Steger K, Meinhardt A. Developmental origins of male subfertility: role of infection, inflammation, and environmental factors. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:765-781. [PMID: 27315198 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Male gamete development begins with the specification of primordial cells in the epiblast of the early embryo and is not complete until spermatozoa mature in the epididymis of adult males. This protracted developmental process involves extensive alteration of the paternal germline epigenome. Initially, epigenetic reprogramming in fetal germ cells results in removal of most DNA methylation, including parent-specific epigenetic information. The germ cells then establish sex-specific epigenetic information through de novo methylation and undergo spermatogenesis. Chromatin in haploid germ cells is repackaged into protamines during spermiogenesis, providing further widespread epigenetic reorganization. Finally, after fertilization, epigenetic reprogramming in the preimplantation embryo is necessary for regaining totipotency. These events provide substantial windows during which epigenetic errors either may be corrected or may occur in the germline. There is now increasing evidence that environmental factors such as exposure to toxicants, the parents' and individual's diet, and even infectious and inflammatory events in the male reproductive tract may influence epigenetic reprogramming. This, together with other damage inflicted on the germline chromatin, may result in negative consequences for fertility and health. Large epidemiological birth cohort studies have yielded insight into possible causative environmental factors. Together with experimental animal studies, a clearer view of environmental impacts on fetal development and their intergenerational and even transgenerational effects on reproductive health has emerged and is reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute for Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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33
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Murashima A, Xu B, Hinton BT. Understanding normal and abnormal development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct by using transgenic mice. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:749-55. [PMID: 26112482 PMCID: PMC4577584 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct is crucial for proper function and, therefore, male fertility. The development of the epididymis is complex; the initial stages form as a transient embryonic kidney; then the mesonephros is formed, which in turn undergoes extensive morphogenesis under the influence of androgens and growth factors. Thus, understanding of its full development requires a wide and multidisciplinary view. This review focuses on mouse models that display abnormalities of the Wolffian duct and mesonephric development, the importance of these mouse models toward understanding male reproductive tract development, and how these models contribute to our understanding of clinical abnormalities in humans such as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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34
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Domeniconi RF, Souza ACF, Xu B, Washington AM, Hinton BT. Is the Epididymis a Series of Organs Placed Side By Side? Biol Reprod 2016; 95:10. [PMID: 27122633 PMCID: PMC5029429 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is more than a highly convoluted tube divided into four regions: initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda. It is a highly segmented structure with each segment expressing its own and overlapping genes, proteins, and signal transduction pathways. Therefore, the epididymis may be viewed as a series of organs placed side by side. In this review we discuss the contributions of septa that divide the epididymis into segments and present hypotheses as to the mechanism by which septa form. The mechanisms of Wolffian duct segmentation are likened to the mechanisms of segmentation of the renal nephron and somites. The renal nephron may provide valuable clues as to how the Wolffian duct is patterned during development, whereas somitogenesis may provide clues as to the timing of the development of each segment. Emphasis is also placed upon how segments are differentially regulated, in support of the idea that the epididymis can be considered a series of multiple organs placed side by side. One region in particular, the initial segment, which consists of 2 or 4 segments in mice and rats, respectively, is unique with respect to its regulation and vascularity compared to other segments; loss of development of these segments leads to male infertility. Different ways of thinking about how the epididymis functions may provide new directions and ideas as to how sperm maturation takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel F Domeniconi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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35
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Kumar M, Syed SM, Taketo MM, Tanwar PS. Epithelial Wnt/βcatenin signalling is essential for epididymal coiling. Dev Biol 2016; 412:234-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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36
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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Effects of 11-ketotestosterone and temperature on inhibin subunit mRNA levels in the ovary of the shortfinned eel, Anguilla australis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 187:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Kaftanovskaya EM, Lopez C, Ferguson L, Myhr C, Agoulnik AI. Genetic ablation of androgen receptor signaling in fetal Leydig cell lineage affects Leydig cell functions in adult testis. FASEB J 2015; 29:2327-37. [PMID: 25713029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-263632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that androgen-producing fetal Leydig cells (FLC) are substituted by adult Leydig cells (ALC) during perinatal testis development. The mechanisms influencing this process are unclear. We used mice with a retinoid acid receptor 2 promoter-Cre recombinase transgene (Rarb-cre) expressed in embryonic FLC precursors, but not in postnatal testis, and a dual fluorescent Cre recombinase reporter to label FLC and ALC in vivo. All FLC in newborn testis had the recombinant, whereas the majority of LC in adult testis had the nonrecombinant reporter. Primary LC cultures from adult testis had either recombinant (20%) or nonrecombinant (80%) cells, demonstrating that the FLC survive in adult testis and their ontogeny is distinct from ALC. Conditional inactivation of androgen receptor (AR) allele using the Rarb-cre transgene resulted in a 50% increase of AR-negative LC in adult testis. The mutant males became infertile with age, with all LC in older testis showing signs of incomplete differentiation, such as a large number of big lipid droplets, an increase of finger-like protrusions, and a misexpression of steroidogenic or FLC- and ALC-specific genes. We propose that the antiandrogenic exposure during early development may similarly result in an increase of FLC in adult testis, leading to abnormal LC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Carolina Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Hirashima T. Pattern Formation of an Epithelial Tubule by Mechanical Instability during Epididymal Development. Cell Rep 2014; 9:866-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Nie X, Arend LJ. Novel roles of Pkd2 in male reproductive system development. Differentiation 2014; 87:161-71. [PMID: 24951251 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common inherited genetic diseases, caused by mutations in PKD1 and/ or PKD2. Infertility and reproductive tract abnormalities in male ADPKD patients are very common and have higher incidence than in the general population. In this work, we reveal novel roles of Pkd2 for male reproductive system development. Disruption of Pkd2 caused dilation of mesonephric tubules/efferent ducts, failure of epididymal coiling, and defective testicular development. Deletion of Pkd2 in the epithelia alone was sufficient to cause reproductive tract defects seen in Pkd2(-/-) mice, suggesting that epithelial Pkd2 plays a pivotal role for development and maintenance of the male reproductive tract. In the testis, Pkd2 also plays a role in interstitial tissue and testicular cord development. In-depth analysis of epithelial-specific knockout mice revealed that Pkd2 is critical to maintain cellular phenotype and developmental signaling in the male reproductive system. Taken together, our data for the first time reveal novel roles for Pkd2 in male reproductive system development and provide new insights in male reproductive system abnormality and infertility in ADPKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Nie
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Ross 632 E, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Lois J Arend
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Ross 632 E, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Abstract
The Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the progenitors of the epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles. They form initially as nephric ducts that acquire connection to the developing testis as the mesonephros regresses. The development of the WDs is dependent on androgens. Conventionally, the active androgen is believed to be testosterone delivered locally rather than via the systemic circulation. However, recent studies in marsupials show that 5α-reduced steroids are essential and that these can induce virilisation even when they are delivered via the systemic circulation. The development of the WDs involves an interplay between the duct epithelium and underlying mesenchyme; androgen receptors in both the epithelium and mesenchyme are needed. The epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor may play a role, possibly via activation of androgen receptor. The formation of the epididymis involves a complex morphogenetic program to achieve the normal pattern of coiling, formation of septae, and regional functional differentiation. In part, this process may be mediated by inhibin beta A as well as by genes from the HOX cluster. Whilst the development of the WD is androgen dependent, it is clear that there is a complex interplay between androgens, genes and growth factors in the tissues that leads to the formation of the complex anatomy of the male reproductive duct system in the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Shaw
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Murashima A, Kishigami S, Thomson A, Yamada G. Androgens and mammalian male reproductive tract development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:163-70. [PMID: 24875095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the main functions of androgen is in the sexually dimorphic development of the male reproductive tissues. During embryogenesis, androgen determines the morphogenesis of male specific organs, such as the epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate and penis. Despite the critical function of androgens in masculinization, the downstream molecular mechanisms of androgen signaling are poorly understood. Tissue recombination experiments and tissue specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mouse studies have revealed epithelial or mesenchymal specific androgen-AR signaling functions. These findings also indicate that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are a key feature of AR specific activity, and paracrine growth factor action may mediate some of the effects of androgens. This review focuses on mouse models showing the interactions of androgen and growth factor pathways that promote the sexual differentiation of reproductive organs. Recent studies investigating context dependent AR target genes are also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Murashima
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Axel Thomson
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Av, Montreal, Québec, H3A 1A4, Canada
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan.
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Rosenow A, Noben JP, Bouwman FG, Mariman ECM, Renes J. Hypoxia-mimetic effects in the secretome of human preadipocytes and adipocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2013; 1834:2761-71. [PMID: 24140569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
White adipose tissue (WAT) regulates energy metabolism by secretion of proteins with endocrine and paracrine effects. Dysregulation of the secretome of obesity-associated enlarged WAT may lead to obesity-related disorders. This can be caused by hypoxia as a result of poorly vascularized WAT. The effect of hypoxia on the secretome of human (pre)adipocytes is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CoCl2, a hypoxia mimetic, on the secretome of human SGBS (pre)adipocytes by a proteomics approach combined with bioinformatic analysis. In addition, regulation of protein secretion was examined by protein turnover experiments. As such, secretome changes were particularly associated with protein down-regulation and extracellular matrix protein dysregulation. The observed up-regulation of collagens in adipocytes may be essential for cell survival while down-regulation of collagens in preadipocytes may indicate a disturbed differentiation process. These CoCl2-induced changes reflect WAT dysfunction that ultimately may lead to obesity-associated complications. In addition, 9 novel adipocyte secreted proteins were identified from which 6 were regulated by CoCl2. Mass spectrometry data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000162.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Rosenow
- NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Pkd1 is required for male reproductive tract development. Mech Dev 2013; 130:567-76. [PMID: 23933588 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive tract abnormalities and male infertility have higher incidence in ADPKD patients than in general populations. In this work, we reveal that Pkd1, whose mutations account for 85% of ADPKD cases, is essential for male reproductive tract development. Disruption of Pkd1 caused multiple organ defects in the murine male reproductive tract. The earliest visible defect in the Pkd1(-/-) reproductive tract was cystic dilation of the efferent ducts, which are derivatives of the mesonephric tubules. Epididymis development was delayed or arrested in the Pkd1(-/-) mice. No sign of epithelial coiling was seen in the null mutants. Disruption of Pkd1 in epithelium alone using the Pax2-cre mice was sufficient to cause efferent duct dilation and coiling defect in the epididymis, suggesting that Pkd1 is critical for epithelium development and maintenance in male reproductive tract. In-depth analysis showed that Pkd1 is required to maintain tubulin cytoskeleton and important for Tgf-β/Bmp signal transduction in epithelium of male reproductive tract. Altogether, our results for the first time provide direct evidence for developmental roles of Pkd1 in the male reproductive tract and provide new insights in reproductive tract abnormalities and infertility in ADPKD patients.
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Zhang M, Sheng X, Sun R, Li Q, Zhang H, Zhou J, Xu M, Weng Q, Watanabe G, Taya K. Seasonal changes in immunoreactivity of inhibin/activin subunits in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt). J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:302-7. [PMID: 23535148 PMCID: PMC3934136 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibin/activin subunits (α, βA and βB) have been found in epididymal tissue of many mammals, but there have been no data available for wild seasonal breeders so far. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoreactivities of inhibin/activin α, βA and βB subunits in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect the epididymal immunolocalizations and immunoreactivities of the three subunits. Strong immunostaining of α subunit was present in the interstitial part of the caput epididymis and epithelial parts of the corpus epididymis and cauda epididymis during the breeding season, whereas no α subunit was found in the nonbreeding season. βA and βB subunits were expressed in all cell types of the epithelium throughout the whole seasonal cycle, and immunostaining in the breeding season was likely stronger compared with that of the nonbreeding season. These results suggested that the epididymis might be a potential source of inhibin and activin in the wild male ground squirrel, and the secretion of epididymal inhibin and activin showed distinct seasonal changes. Furthermore, inhibin and activin might function as paracrine and/or autocrine factors that have an effect on the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
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Xie S, Xu J, Ma W, Liu Q, Han J, Yao G, Huang X, Zhang Y. Lcn5 Promoter Directs the Region-Specific Expression of Cre Recombinase in Caput Epididymidis of Transgenic Mice1. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:71. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Seachrist DD, Johnson E, Magee C, Clay CM, Graham JK, Veeramachaneni DNR, Keri RA. Overexpression of follistatin in the mouse epididymis disrupts fluid resorption and sperm transit in testicular excurrent ducts. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:41. [PMID: 22649074 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.097527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin is a well-established modulator of male and female reproduction that stimulates the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone. Nonpituitary effects of activin have also been reported, although the paracrine actions of this growth factor in several reproductive tissues are not well understood. To identify the paracrine functions of activin during mammary gland morphogenesis and tumor progression, we produced transgenic mice that overexpress follistatin (FST), an intrinsic inhibitor of activin, under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. Although the MMTV-Fst mice were constructed to assess the role of activin in females, expression of the transgene was also observed in the testes and epididymides of males. While all 17 transgenic founder males exhibited copulatory behavior and produced vaginal plugs in females, only one produced live offspring. In contrast, transgenic females were fertile, permitting expansion of transgenic mouse lines. Light and transmission electron microscopic examination of the transgenic testes and epididymides revealed impairment of fluid resorption and sperm transit in the efferent ducts and initial segment of the epididymis, as indicated by accumulation of fluid and sperm stasis. Consequently, a variety of degenerative lesions were observed in the seminiferous epithelium, such as vacuolation and early stages of mineralization and fibrosis. Sperm collected from the caudae epididymidis of MMTV-Fst males had detached heads and were immotile. Together, these data reveal that activin signaling is essential for normal testicular excurrent duct function and that its blockade impairs fertility. These results also suggest that selective inhibitors of activin signaling may provide a useful approach for the development of male contraceptives without compromising androgen synthesis and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4965, USA
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Björkgren I, Saastamoinen L, Krutskikh A, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M, Sipilä P. Dicer1 ablation in the mouse epididymis causes dedifferentiation of the epithelium and imbalance in sex steroid signaling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38457. [PMID: 22701646 PMCID: PMC3368854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The postnatal development of the epididymis is a complex process that results in a highly differentiated epithelium, divided into several segments. Recent studies indicate a role for RNA interference (RNAi) in the development of the epididymis, however, the actual requirement for RNAi has remained elusive. Here, we present the first evidence of a direct need for RNAi in the differentiation of the epididymal epithelium. Methodology/Principal Findings By utilizing the Cre-LoxP system we have generated a conditional knock-out of Dicer1 in the two most proximal segments of the mouse epididymis. Recombination of Dicer1, catalyzed by Defb41iCre/wt, took place before puberty, starting from 12 days postpartum. Shortly thereafter, downregulation of the expression of two genes specific for the most proximal epididymis (lipocalin 8 and cystatin 8) was observed. Following this, segment development continued until week 5 at which age the epithelium started to regress back to an undifferentiated state. The dedifferentiated epithelium also showed an increase in estrogen receptor 1 expression while the expression of androgen receptor and its target genes; glutathione peroxidase 5, lipocalin 5 and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 was downregulated, indicating imbalanced sex steroid signaling. Conclusions/Significance At the time of the final epididymal development, Dicer1 acts as a regulator of signaling pathways essential for maintaining epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Saastamoinen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anton Krutskikh
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, (TCDM), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, (TCDM), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- * E-mail:
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Wang H, Kumar TR. Segment- and cell-specific expression of D-type cyclins in the postnatal mouse epididymis. Gene Expr Patterns 2012; 12:136-44. [PMID: 22289519 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sperm transport, maturation and storage are the essential functions of the epididymis. The epididymis in the mouse is structurally characterized by regional and segmental organization including caput, corpus and cauda epididymis that are comprised of 10 segments. Although several growth factor signaling pathways have been discovered in the epididymis, how these converge onto the cell cycle components is unknown. To begin to elucidate the growth factor control of cell cycle events in the epididymis, we analyzed the expression of D-type cyclins at different postnatal ages. At 7d, cyclin D1 was mainly expressed in the cauda epithelium, by 14d its expression occurred in the epithelium of caput, corpus and cauda that persisted up to 21d. By 42d, cyclin D1 was mostly detectable in the principal cells of the caput and corpus (segments 1-7) but not in the cauda epididymis. Expression of cyclin D2, unlike that of cyclin D1, was evident only at 42d but not earlier, and was mostly confined to corpus and cauda epithelium. In contrast to both cyclins D1 and D2, cyclin D3 was expressed primarily in the interstitium at 7d and by 21d its expression was localized to the epithelium of the corpus and cauda epididymis. By 42d, expression of cyclin D3 peaked in segments 6-10 and confined to basal and principal cells of the corpus and apical cells of the cauda epithelium. Ki67 immunoreactivity confirmed absence of cell proliferation despite continued expression of D-type cyclins in the adult epididymis. Collectively, on the basis of our immunophenotyping and protein expression data, we conclude that the D-type cyclins are expressed in a development-, segment-, and cell-specific manner in the postnatal mouse epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
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Archambeault DR, Tomaszewski J, Childs AJ, Anderson RA, Yao HHC. Testicular somatic cells, not gonocytes, are the major source of functional activin A during testis morphogenesis. Endocrinology 2011; 152:4358-67. [PMID: 21952240 PMCID: PMC3199008 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Proper development of the seminiferous tubules (or testis cords in embryos) is critical for male fertility. Sertoli cells, somatic components of the seminiferous tubules, serve as nurse cells to the male germline, and thus their numbers decide the quantity of sperm output in adulthood. We previously identified activin A, the protein product of the activin βA (Inhba) gene, as a key regulator of murine Sertoli cell proliferation and testis cord expansion during embryogenesis. Although our genetic studies implicated fetal Leydig cells as the primary producers of testicular activin A, gonocytes are another potential source. To investigate the relative contribution of gonocyte-derived activin A to testis morphogenesis, we compared testis development in the Inhba global knockout mouse, which lacks activin A production in all cells (including the gonocytes), and a steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1)-specific conditional knockout model in which activin A expression in testicular somatic cells is disrupted but gonocyte expression of activin A remains intact. Surprisingly, testis development was comparable in these two models of activin A insufficiency, with similar reductions in Sertoli cell proliferation and minor differences in testis histology. Thus, our findings suggest activin A from male gonocytes is insufficient to promote Sertoli cell proliferation and testis cord expansion in the absence of somatic cell-derived activin A. Evaluation of adult male mice with fetal disruption of activin A revealed reduced testis size, lowered sperm production, altered testicular histology, and elevated plasma FSH levels, defects reminiscent of human cases of androgen-sufficient idiopathic oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise R Archambeault
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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