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Salimi H, Rahimi Feyli P, Yari K, Wong A, Moghaddam AA. Low Testosterone Concentration Improves Colonisation and Viability in the Co-Cultured Goat Spermatogonial Stem Cell With Sertoli Cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14729. [PMID: 39387247 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14729] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintain spermatogenesis through self-renewal and differentiation. The proliferation of SSCs in culture systems can provide a valuable source of germ cells. Several studies have investigated new reproductive technologies, including the production of transgenic animals and recombinant proteins secreted from milk in goats. While studies in other species exist, research on goat SSC culture remains limited. We investigated the impact of different testosterone concentrations on the survival and colonisation of cocultured goat SSCs with Sertoli cells. Cells were isolated from immature goats using two-step enzymatic digestion and enriched by differential exclusion method. DMEM/F12 culture medium containing 1% antibiotic and 5% FBS, supplemented with GDNF (20 ng/mL), EGF, bFGF and LIF (10 ng/mL), was used with different testosterone concentrations (0, 60, 120 and 240 μg/mL) and cultured for 10 days. SC subpopulations were confirmed using PGP9.5 immunocytochemistry, and the expression of germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, β1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was evaluated through RT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase activity provided additional SSC presence. The survival rate of SSCs after isolation and the number and area of colonies on Days 4, 7 and 10 were measured using an inverted microscope. The presence of PGP 9.5 antigens and germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, β1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. According to the results, the group with 60 μg/mL testosterone had the highest number and area of colonies. The number of colonies in the 60 μg/mL testosterone group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed compared to other groups (p ≥ 0.05). This study suggests that a low testosterone concentration (60 μg/mL) is optimal for goat SSC colonisation and viability in coculture with Sertoli cells, potentially leading to advancements in goat reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Salimi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Peyman Rahimi Feyli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alexei Wong
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Ali Asghar Moghaddam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
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2
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Liu W, Du L, Li J, He Y, Tang M. Microenvironment of spermatogonial stem cells: a key factor in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:294. [PMID: 39256786 PMCID: PMC11389459 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03893-z] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play a crucial role in the male reproductive system, responsible for maintaining continuous spermatogenesis. The microenvironment or niche of SSCs is a key factor in regulating their self-renewal, differentiation and spermatogenesis. This microenvironment consists of multiple cell types, extracellular matrix, growth factors, hormones and other molecular signals that interact to form a complex regulatory network. This review aims to provide an overview of the main components of the SSCs microenvironment, explore how they regulate the fate decisions of SSCs, and discuss the potential impact of microenvironmental abnormalities on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Du
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
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Liu L, Li J, Zhao C, Qu X, Liu X, Wang D, Wei J. The cellular expression patterns of gdnfa and gdnfb in the gonads of Nile tilapia and their differential response to retinoic acid. Theriogenology 2024; 224:1-8. [PMID: 38714023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.001] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a critical role in the self-renewal and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis and oogenesis in ovary, whilst retinoic acid (RA), the key factor of meiosis initiation, can downregulate its expression. Unlike mammals, two Gdnf replication genes are widely present in teleost fishes, however, our understanding of them is still poor. In the present study, two paralogous gdnf from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), namely as Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb, were characterized, and then their cellular expression profiles in testis and ovary and responsiveness to RA treatment at the tissue and cellular levels were investigated. In phylogenetic tree, the Gdnfa and Gdnfb from teleost fishes were clustered into two different subclasses, respectively, and then clustered with the homologs from cartilaginous fish and tetrapods, suggesting that OnGdnfa and OnGdnfb are orthologous to GDNF and paralogous to each other. Ongdnfa is expressed in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in testis and oocytes in ovary. The expression pattern of Ongdnfb is similar to Ongdnfa. In the ex vivo testicular organ culture, RA down-regulated the expression of Ongdnfa, whereas up-regulated the expression of Ongdnfb (P < 0.05), suggesting that they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling. RA treatment of the cultured cells derived from adult Nile tilapia testis which have the expression of RA receptors (RAR), Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb further confirmed the above result. Collectively, our study suggests that Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb have non-germline expression patterns in testis and germline expression patterns in ovary; furthermore, they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling, implying that they might have differential biological functions. This study broadens and enriches our understanding of fish GDNF homologs and lays foundation for the study of their biological functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jianeng Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Changle Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ximei Qu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chengdu Kangnuoxing Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Jing Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Pfaltzgraff NG, Liu B, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Mikedis MM. Destabilization of mRNAs enhances competence to initiate meiosis in mouse spermatogenic cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202740. [PMID: 38884383 PMCID: PMC11273298 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202740] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The specialized cell cycle of meiosis transforms diploid germ cells into haploid gametes. In mammals, diploid spermatogenic cells acquire the competence to initiate meiosis in response to retinoic acid. Previous mouse studies revealed that MEIOC interacts with RNA-binding proteins YTHDC2 and RBM46 to repress mitotic genes and to promote robust meiotic gene expression in spermatogenic cells that have initiated meiosis. Here, we have used the enhanced resolution of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq of developmentally synchronized spermatogenesis to define how MEIOC molecularly supports early meiosis in spermatogenic cells. We demonstrate that MEIOC mediates transcriptomic changes before meiotic initiation, earlier than previously appreciated. MEIOC, acting with YTHDC2 and RBM46, destabilizes its mRNA targets, including the transcriptional repressors E2f6 and Mga, in mitotic spermatogonia. MEIOC thereby derepresses E2F6- and MGA-repressed genes, including Meiosin and other meiosis-associated genes. This confers on spermatogenic cells the molecular competence to, in response to retinoic acid, fully activate the transcriptional regulator STRA8-MEIOSIN, which is required for the meiotic G1/S phase transition and for meiotic gene expression. We conclude that, in mice, mRNA decay mediated by MEIOC-YTHDC2-RBM46 enhances the competence of spermatogenic cells to initiate meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie G. Pfaltzgraff
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Bingrun Liu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maria M. Mikedis
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Amor H, Juhasz-Böss I, Bibi R, Hammadeh ME, Jankowski PM. H2BFWT Variations in Sperm DNA and Its Correlation to Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6048. [PMID: 38892236 PMCID: PMC11172515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in sperm nuclei and chromatin can interfere with normal fertilization, embryonic development, implantation, and pregnancy. We aimed to study the impact of H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA on ICSI outcomes in couples undergoing ART treatment. One hundred and nineteen partners were divided into pregnant (G1) and non-pregnant (G2) groups. After semen analysis, complete DNA was extracted from purified sperm samples. The sequence of the H2BFWT gene was amplified by PCR and then subjected to Sanger sequencing. The results showed that there are three mutations in this gene: rs7885967, rs553509, and rs578953. Significant differences were shown in the distribution of alternative and reference alleles between G1 and G2 (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0020, respectively) for rs553509 and rs578953. However, there was no association between these SNPs and the studied parameters. This study is the first to shed light on the connection between H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA and pregnancy after ICSI therapy. This is a pilot study, so further investigations about these gene variants at the transcriptional and translational levels will help to determine its functional consequences and to clarify the mechanism of how pregnancy can be affected by sperm DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Juhasz-Böss
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Michael Jankowski
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
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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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Dai P, Ma C, Chen C, Liang M, Dong S, Chen H, Zhang X. Unlocking Genetic Mysteries during the Epic Sperm Journey toward Fertilization: Further Expanding Cre Mouse Lines. Biomolecules 2024; 14:529. [PMID: 38785936 PMCID: PMC11117649 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050529] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions in animals. Conditional gene knockout using the cyclization recombination enzyme (Cre)/locus of crossover of P1 (Cre/LoxP) strategy has been extensively employed for functional assays at specific tissue or developmental stages. This approach aids in uncovering the associations between phenotypes and gene regulation while minimizing interference among distinct tissues. Various Cre-engineered mouse models have been utilized in the male reproductive system, including Dppa3-MERCre for primordial germ cells, Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre for spermatogonia, Prm1-Cre and Acrv1-iCre for haploid spermatids, Cyp17a1-iCre for the Leydig cell, Sox9-Cre for the Sertoli cell, and Lcn5/8/9-Cre for differentiated segments of the epididymis. Notably, the specificity and functioning stage of Cre recombinases vary, and the efficiency of recombination driven by Cre depends on endogenous promoters with different sequences as well as the constructed Cre vectors, even when controlled by an identical promoter. Cre mouse models generated via traditional recombination or CRISPR/Cas9 also exhibit distinct knockout properties. This review focuses on Cre-engineered mouse models applied to the male reproductive system, including Cre-targeting strategies, mouse model screening, and practical challenges encountered, particularly with novel mouse strains over the past decade. It aims to provide valuable references for studies conducted on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (P.D.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
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Liu W, Du L, Cui Y, He C, He Z. WNT5A regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and stemness of human stem Leydig cells via the β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:93. [PMID: 38367191 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) are essential for maintaining normal spermatogenesis as the significant component of testis microenvironment and gonadal aging. Although progress has been achieved in the regulation of male germ cells in mammals and humans, it remains unknown about the genes and signaling pathways of human SLCs. Here we have demonstrated, for the first time, that WNT5A (Wnt family member 5a) mediates the proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness of human SLCs, namely NGFR+ Leydig cells. We revealed that NGFR+ Leydig cells expressed NGFR, PDGFRA, NES, NR2F2, and THY1, hallmarks for SLCs. RNA-sequencing showed that WNT5A was expressed at a higher level in human SLCs than non-SLCs, while immunohistochemistry and Western blots further illustrated that WNT5A was predominantly expressed in human SLCs. Notably, CCK-8, EdU and Western blots displayed that WNT5A enhanced the proliferation and DNA synthesis and retained stemness of human SLCs, whereas flow cytometry and TUNEL analyses demonstrated that WNT5A inhibited the apoptosis of these cells. WNT5A knockdown caused an increase in LC lineage differentiation of human SLCs and reversed the effect of WNT5A overexpression on fate decisions of human SLCs. In addition, WNT5A silencing resulted in the decreases in nuclear translocation of β-catenin and expression levels of c-Myc, CD44, and Cyclin D1. Collectively, these results implicate that WNT5A regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and stemness of human SLCs through the activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway. This study thus provides a novel molecular mechanism underlying the fate determinations of human SLCs, and it offers a new insight into the niche regulation of human testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Du
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Caimei He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zuping He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Zhang P, Jing K, Tian Y, Li Y, Chai Z, Cai X. Additional glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro promotes the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia from sterile cattleyak. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107385. [PMID: 38056175 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107385] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cattleyak is a typically male sterile species. The meiosis process is blocked and the scarcity of spermatogenic stems cells are both contributing factors to the inability of male cattleyak to produce sperm. While Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is the first discovered growth factor known to promote the proliferation and self-renewal of spermatogenic stem cells, its relationship to the spermatogenesis arrest of cattleyak remains unclear. In this report, we studied the differential expression of GDNF in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and discussed the optimal concentration of GDNF in the culture medium of undifferentiated spermatogonia (UDSPG) of cattleyak in vitro and the effect of GDNF on the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG. The results indicated that GDNF expression in the testicular tissue of cattleyak was inferior to that of yak. Moreover, the optimum value for the UDSPG in vitro culture was determined to be 20-30 ng/mL for cattleyak. In vitro, the proliferation activity of UDSPG was observed to increase with additional GDNF due to the up-regulation of proliferation-related genes and the down-regulation of differentiation-related genes. We hereby report that the scarcity of cattleyak UDSPG is due to insufficient expression of GDNF, and that the addition of GDNF in vitro can promote the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG by regulating the expression of genes related to proliferation and differentiation. This work provides a new insight to solve the issue of spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Salehi N, Totonchi M. The construction of a testis transcriptional cell atlas from embryo to adult reveals various somatic cells and their molecular roles. J Transl Med 2023; 21:859. [PMID: 38012716 PMCID: PMC10680190 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04722-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The testis is a complex organ that undergoes extensive developmental changes from the embryonic stage to adulthood. The development of germ cells, which give rise to spermatozoa, is tightly regulated by the surrounding somatic cells. METHODS To better understand the dynamics of these changes, we constructed a transcriptional cell atlas of the testis, integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data from over 26,000 cells across five developmental stages: fetal germ cells, infants, childhood, peri-puberty, and adults. We employed various analytical techniques, including clustering, cell type assignments, identification of differentially expressed genes, pseudotime analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and evaluation of paracrine cell-cell communication, to comprehensively analyze this transcriptional cell atlas of the testis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed remarkable heterogeneity in both somatic and germ cell populations, with the highest diversity observed in Sertoli and Myoid somatic cells, as well as in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid germ cells. We also identified key somatic cell genes, including RPL39, RPL10, RPL13A, FTH1, RPS2, and RPL18A, which were highly influential in the weighted gene co-expression network of the testis transcriptional cell atlas and have been previously implicated in male infertility. Additionally, our analysis of paracrine cell-cell communication supported specific ligand-receptor interactions involved in neuroactive, cAMP, and estrogen signaling pathways, which support the crucial role of somatic cells in regulating germ cell development. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our transcriptional atlas provides a comprehensive view of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the testis and identifies key somatic cell genes and pathways that play a central role in male fertility across developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Chen T, Zhang L, Yao L, Luan J, Zhou X, Cong R, Guo X, Qin C, Song N. Zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced testis damage at single-cell resolution: Depletion of spermatogonia reservoir and disorder of Sertoli cell homeostasis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108292. [PMID: 37918063 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The widespread application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in our daily life has initiated an enhanced awareness of their biosafety concern. An incredible boom of evidence of organismal disorder has accumulated for ZnO NPs, yet there has been no relevant study at the single-cell level. Here, we profiled > 28,000 single-cell transcriptomes and assayed > 25,000 genes in testicular tissues from two healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and two SD rats orally exposed to ZnO NPs. We identified 10 cell types in the rat testis. ZnO NPs had more deleterious effects on spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and macrophages than on the other cell types. Cell-cell communication analysis indicated a sharp decrease of interaction intensity for all cell types except macrophages in the ZnO NPs group than in the control group. Interestingly, two distinct maturation states of spermatogonia were detected during pseudotime analysis, and ZnO NPs induced reservoir exhaustion of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Mechanically, ZnO NPs triggered fatty acid accumulation in GC-1 cells through protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα)/acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1) axis, contributing to cell apoptosis. In terms of Sertoli cells, downregulated genes were highly enriched for tight junction. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that ZnO NPs disrupted blood-testis barrier formation and growth factors synthesis, which subsequently inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of spermatogonia. As for the macrophages, ZnO NPs activated oxidative stress of Raw264.7 cells through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and promoted cell apoptosis through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway. Collectively, our work reveals the cell type-specific and cellularly heterogenetic mechanism of ZnO NPs-induced testis damage and paves the path for identifying putative biomarkers and therapeutics against this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, 250001 Jinan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Shandong University, 250001 Jinan, PR China
| | - Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jiaochen Luan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210000 Nanjing, PR China.
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12
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Liao X, Tao B, Zhang X, Chen L, Chen J, Song Y, Hu W. Loss of gdnfa disrupts spermiogenesis and male courtship behavior in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112010. [PMID: 37419437 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is essential for establishment and maintenance of reproduction in male vertebrates. Spermatogenesis, which is mainly regulated by the combined action of hormones, growth factors, and epigenetic factors, is highly conserved. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. In this study, global gdnfa knockout and Tg (gdnfa: mcherry) transgenic zebrafish lines were generated. Loss of gdnfa resulted in disorganized testes, decreased gonadosomatic index, and low percentage of mature spermatozoa. In the Tg (gdnfa: mcherry) zebrafish line, we found that gdnfa was expressed in Leydig cells. The mutation in gdnfa significantly decreased Leydig cell marker gene expression and androgen secretion in Leydig cells. In addition, courtship behavior was disrupted in the male mutants. We present in vivo data showing that global knockout of gdnfa disrupts spermiogenesis and male courtship behavior in zebrafish. The first viable vertebrate model with a global gdnfa knockout may be valuable for studying the role of GDNF in animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyao Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Binbin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Xiya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yanlong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modem Agriculture, China; Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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13
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Salem M, Khadivi F, Javanbakht P, Mojaverrostami S, Abbasi M, Feizollahi N, Abbasi Y, Heidarian E, Rezaei Yazdi F. Advances of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for in vitro spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:262. [PMID: 37735437 PMCID: PMC10512562 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of germ cells and spermatogenic failure in non-obstructive azoospermia are believed to be the main causes of male infertility. Laboratory studies have used in vitro testicular models and different 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems for preservation, proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in recent decades. The establishment of testis-like structures would facilitate the study of drug and toxicity screening, pathological mechanisms and in vitro differentiation of SSCs which resulted in possible treatment of male infertility. The different culture systems using cellular aggregation with self-assembling capability, the use of different natural and synthetic biomaterials and various methods for scaffold fabrication provided a suitable 3D niche for testicular cells development. Recently, 3D culture models have noticeably used in research for their architectural and functional similarities to native microenvironment. In this review article, we briefly investigated the recent 3D culture systems that provided a suitable platform for male fertility preservation through organ culture of testis fragments, proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Parinaz Javanbakht
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mojaverrostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abbasi
- School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidarian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Rezaei Yazdi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Fath-Bayati L, Naserpour L, Khoshandam M, Jannatifar R, Fazaeli H. Recent advances in developing 3D culture systems of spermatogonial stem cell preservation and differentiation: A narrative review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2023; 21:681-696. [PMID: 37969562 PMCID: PMC10643686 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i9.14397] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has received vast attention in recent years and has no clear etiology in almost 40% of cases. Several methods have been suggested for preserving sperm and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. The efficacy of these methods is related to their abilities, including providing an optimal environment for sperm preservation and long-term SSC culture for in vivo and in vitro differentiation of these cells. In this review article, a full MEDLINE/PubMed search was performed using the following search terms: "Spermatogonial Progenitor Cells, Stem Cells, Fertility Preservations, Sperm Freezing, Cell Differentiations, Tissue Scaffold, 3-Dimensional Cell Culture", which retrieved results from 1973-2022. Related articles were added to the bibliography of selected articles. Exclusion criteria included non-English language, abstract only, and unrelated articles. The production of functioning male germ cells is suggested by introducing modern bioengineered systems as a new hope for the maintenance of male fertility. Till now, few in vitro spermatogenesis investigations have provided appreciable amounts of mature gametes. Each method had benefits and disadvantages, but the 3-dimensional culture method had the greatest impact on the differentiation and preservation of SSCs. One of the critical elements of research is the preservation of sperm and the differentiation of SSCs. Several methods have been employed in this area. Various scaffolds providing an environment similar to an extracellular matrix and conditions for germ cell development and survival have been employed in recent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Fath-Bayati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Leila Naserpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Khoshandam
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahil Jannatifar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Hoda Fazaeli
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
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15
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Jin C, Wang Z, Li P, Tang J, Jiao T, Li Y, Ou J, Zou D, Li M, Mang X, Liu J, Ma Y, Wu X, Shi J, Chen S, He M, Lu Y, Zhang N, Miao S, Sun F, Wang L, Li K, Yu J, Song W. Decoding the spermatogonial stem cell niche under physiological and recovery conditions in adult mice and humans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq3173. [PMID: 37540753 PMCID: PMC10403211 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq3173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The intricate interaction between spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) and testicular niche is essential for maintaining SSC homeostasis; however, this interaction remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, to characterize the underlying signaling pathways and related paracrine factors, we delineated the intercellular interactions between SSC and niche cell in both adult mice and humans under physiological conditions and dissected the niche-derived regulation of SSC maintenance under recovery conditions, thus uncovering the essential role of C-C motif chemokine ligand 24 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 in SSC maintenance. We also established the clinical relevance of specific paracrine factors in human fertility. Collectively, our work on decoding the adult SSC niche serves as a valuable reference for future studies on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University (Foshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital), Foshan 528000, China
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Tao Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jinhuan Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanni Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regeneration Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Manman He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regeneration Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Chengdu 610052, China
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regeneration Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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16
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Tao HP, Lu TF, Li S, Jia GX, Zhang XN, Yang QE, Hou YP. Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 is selectively expressed by peritubular myoid cells in the murine testis and sustains long-term spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:217. [PMID: 37468762 PMCID: PMC11072130 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04872-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process of germ cell differentiation that occurs within the seminiferous tubule in the testis. Peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) produce major components of the basement membrane that separates and ensures the structural integrity of seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete niche factors to promote spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and mediate androgen signals to direct spermatid development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the identity and function of PTMCs have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (Pnliprp2) was restricted in PTMCs in the testis and that its genetic ablation caused age-dependent defects in spermatogenesis. The fertility of Pnliprp2 knockout animals (Pnliprp2-/-) was normal at a young age but declined sharply beginning at 9 months. Pnliprp2 deletion impaired the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia and severely disrupted the development and function of spermatids. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA-seq and metabolomics data revealed that glyceride metabolism was changed in PTMCs from Pnliprp2-/- mice. Further analysis found that 60 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the Pnliprp2-/- animals; notably, lipid metabolism was significantly dysregulated. Collectively, these results revealed that Pnliprp2 was exclusively expressed in PTMCs in the testis and played a novel role in supporting continual spermatogenesis in mice. The outcomes of these findings highlight the function of lipid metabolism in reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of PTMCs in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Teng-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China.
| | - Yun-Peng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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17
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Wu SX, Wang GW, Fang YG, Chen YW, Jin YY, Liu XT, Jia GX, Yang QE. Transcriptome analysis reveals dysregulated gene expression networks in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak hybrids. Theriogenology 2023; 203:33-42. [PMID: 36966583 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of yak and taurine cattle, exhibits male sterility with normal female fertility. Spermatogenesis is arrested in adult cattle-yak, and apoptosis is elevated in spermatogenic cells. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these defects remain elusive. Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells that directly interact with spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules and play essential roles in spermatogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate gene expression signatures and potential roles of Sertoli cells in hybrid sterility in cattle-yak. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the 5 mC and 5hmC signals in Sertoli cells of cattle-yaks were significantly different from those of age-matched yaks (P < 0.05). Transcriptome profiling of isolated Sertoli cells identified 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cattle-yaks and yaks. Notably, niche factor glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was upregulated, and genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) biogenesis were changed in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak, suggesting possible impairments of spermatogonial fate decisions. Further studies showed that the numbers of proliferative gonocytes and undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak were significantly higher than those in yak (P < 0.01). Exogenous GDNF significantly promoted the proliferation of UCHL1-positive spermatogonia in yaks. Therefore, we concluded that altered GDNF expression and RA signaling impacted the fate decisions of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak. Together, these findings highlight the role of Sertoli cells and their derived factors in hybrid sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - You-Gui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Agricultural Service Center of Maduo County, Qinghai, 813500, China
| | - Yong-Wei Chen
- Qinghai Headquarter of Animal Husbandry Extension Station, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Yan-Ying Jin
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention of Gangcha County, Qinghai, 812399, China
| | - Xue-Tong Liu
- Shaanxi General Animal Husbandry Station, Xian, Shaanxi, 710010, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China.
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18
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Sagaradze G, Monakova A, Efimenko A. Potency Assays for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome-Based Products for Tissue Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119379. [PMID: 37298329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119379] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells maintaining tissue homeostasis and regeneration are tightly regulated by their specific microenvironments or stem cell niches. The dysfunction of niche components may alter the activity of stem cells and ultimately lead to intractable chronic or acute disorders. To overcome this dysfunction, niche-targeting regenerative medicine treatments such as gene, cell, and tissue therapy are actively investigated. Here, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and particularly their secretomes, are of high interest due to their potency to recover and reactivate damaged or lost stem cell niches. However, a workflow for the development of MSC secretome-based products is not fully covered by regulatory authorities, and and this issue significantly complicates their clinical translation and has possibly been expressed in a huge number of failed clinical trials. One of the most critical issues in this regard relates to the development of potency assays. In this review, guidelines for biologicals and cell therapies are considered to be applied for the development of potency assays for the MSC secretome-based products that aim for tissue regeneration. Specific attention is paid to their possible effects on stem cell niches and to a spermatogonial stem cell niche in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgy Sagaradze
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Monakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
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19
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Huang Q, Man Y, Li W, Zhou Q, Yuan S, Yap YT, Nayak N, Zhang L, Song S, Dunbar J, Leff T, Yang X, Zhang Z. Inactivation of Cops5 in Smooth Muscle Cells Causes Abnormal Reproductive Hormone Homeostasis and Development in Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad062. [PMID: 37067025 PMCID: PMC10164660 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
COP9 constitutive photomorphogenic homolog subunit 5 (COPS5), also known as Jab1 or CSN5, has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular and developmental processes. By analyzing male germ cell-specific COPS5-deficient mice, we have demonstrated previously that COPS5 is essential to maintain male germ survival and acrosome biogenesis. To further determine the role of Cops5 in peritubular myoid cells, a smooth muscle lineage surrounding seminiferous tubules, we herein derived mice conditionally deficient for the Cops5 gene in smooth muscle cells using transgenic Myh11-Cre mice. Although these conditional Cops5-deficient mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratio and appeared to be normal within the first week after birth, the homozygous mice started to show growth retardation after 1 week. These mice also exhibited a variety of developmental and reproductive disorders, including failure of development of reproductive organs in both males and females, spermatogenesis defects, and impaired skeletal development and immune functions. Furthermore, conditional Cops5-deficient mice revealed dramatic impairment of the endocrine system associated with testicular functions, including a marked reduction in serum levels of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose, but not vasopressin. All homozygous mice died before age 67 days in the study. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that Cops5 in smooth muscle lineage plays an essential role in postnatal development and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yonghong Man
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Neha Nayak
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Shizheng Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Joseph Dunbar
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Todd Leff
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Arthroplasty Research Laboratory, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
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20
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Li C, Yao Z, Ma L, Song X, Wang W, Wan C, Ren S, Chen D, Zheng Y, Zhu YT, Chang G, Wu S, Miao K, Luo F, Zhao XY. Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of murine and primate spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:969-984. [PMID: 37044069 PMCID: PMC10147841 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche is critical for SSC maintenance and subsequent spermatogenesis. Numerous reproductive hazards impair the SSC niche, thereby resulting in aberrant SSC self-renewal and male infertility. However, promising agents targeting the impaired SSC niche to promote SSC self-renewal are still limited. Here, we screen out and assess the effects of Lovastatin on the self-renewal of mouse SSCs (mSSCs). Mechanistically, Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of mSSCs and inhibits its inflammation and apoptosis through the regulation of isoprenoid intermediates. Remarkably, treatment by Lovastatin could promote the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the male gonadotoxicity model generated by busulfan injection. Of note, we demonstrate that Lovastatin could enhance the proliferation of primate undifferentiated spermatogonia. Collectively, our findings uncover that lovastatin could promote the self-renewal of both murine and primate SSCs and have implications for the treatment of certain types of male infertility using small compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohui Li
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linzi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dingyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Tong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shihao Wu
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Miao
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China.
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China; Sino-America Joint Research Center for Translational Medicine in Developmental Disabilities, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Canter for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Mao Y, Li D, Yang Q, Pei X, Duan Z, Ma M. Prenatal BPA exposure disrupts male reproductive functions by interfering with DNA methylation and GDNF expression in the testes of male offspring rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:53741-53753. [PMID: 36864339 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BPA is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical, and maternal exposure to BPA is associated with impaired male reproductive functions; however, the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays an important role in maintaining normal spermatogenesis and fertility. However, the effect of prenatal BPA exposure on GDNF expression and its mechanism in the testis has not been reported. In this study, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were respectively exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/day BPA via oral gavage from gestational day (GD) 5 to GD 19, with 6 pregnant rats in each group. ELISA, histochemistry, real-time PCR, western blot, and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) were used to detect the sex hormone levels, testicular histopathology, mRNA and protein expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and GDNF, and the promoter methylation of Gdnf in the testes of male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 21 and PND 56. Prenatal BPA exposure increased body weight; decreased sperm counts and serum levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and induced testicular histological damage, which indicated the damage of male reproductive function. Prenatal BPA exposure also upregulated Dnmt1 in 5 mg/kg group and Dnmt3b in 0.5 mg/kg group, but down-regulated Dnmt1 in 50 mg/kg group at PND 21. At PND 56, Dnmt1 was significantly increased in 0.05 mg/kg group but decreased in 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg groups, Dnmt3a was decreased, and Dnmt3b was markedly increased in 0.05 and 0.5 mg/kg groups but decreased in 5 and 50 mg/kg groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Gdnf were decreased markedly in 0.5 and 50 mg/kg groups at PND 21. And the methylation level of Gdnf promoter was significantly increased in 0.5 mg/kg group, but decreased in 5 and 50 mg/kg groups at PND 21. In conclusion, our study indicates that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts male reproductive functions, interferes with the expression of DNMTs, and decreases Gdnf expression in the testes of male offspring. Gdnf expression may be regulated by DNA methylation; however, the detailed mechanism needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Mao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiucong Pei
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhiwen Duan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingyue Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China.
- Department of Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China.
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22
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Wegner S, Workman T, Park JJ, Harris S, Wallace J, Stanaway I, Hong S, Hansen B, Griffith WC, Faustman EM. A Dynamic In vitro developing testis model reflects structures and functions of testicular development in vivo. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 118:108362. [PMID: 37011698 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
To better define appropriate applications of our 3-dimensional testicular co-culture as a model for reproductive toxicology, we evaluated the ability of the model to capture structural and functional elements that can be targeted by reproductive toxicants. Testicular co-cultures were prepared from postnatal day 5 male rats and cultured with a Matrigel overlay. Following a 2-day acclimation period, we characterized functional pathway dynamics by evaluating morphology, protein expression, testosterone concentrations, and global gene expression at a range of timepoints from experimental days 0 to 21. Western blotting confirmed expression of Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, and spermatogonial cell-specific protein markers. Testosterone detected in cell culture media indicates active testosterone production. Quantitative pathway analysis identified Gene Ontology biological processes enriched among genes significantly changing over the course of 21 days. Processes enriched among genes significantly increasing through time include general developmental processes (morphogenesis, tissue remodeling, etc.), steroid regulation, Sertoli cell development, immune response, and stress and apoptosis. Processes enriched among genes significantly decreasing over time include several related to male reproductive development (seminiferous tubule development, male gonad development, Leydig cell differentiation, Sertoli cell differentiation), all of which appear to peak in expression between days 1 and 5 before decreasing at later timepoints. This analysis provides a temporal roadmap for specific biological process of interest for reproductive toxicology in the model and anchors the model to sensitive phases of in vivo development, helping to define the relevance of the model for in vivo processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Wegner
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomomi Workman
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie Juyoung Park
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean Harris
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Wallace
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ian Stanaway
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brad Hansen
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William C Griffith
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine M Faustman
- Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
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23
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Peng YJ, Tang XT, Shu HS, Dong W, Shao H, Zhou BO. Sertoli cells are the source of stem cell factor for spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:297262. [PMID: 36861441 PMCID: PMC10112922 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200706] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Several cell types have been proposed to create the required microenvironment for spermatogenesis. However, expression patterns of the key growth factors produced by these somatic cells have not been systematically studied and no such factor has been conditionally deleted from its primary source(s), raising the question of which cell type(s) are the physiological sources of these growth factors. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing and a series of fluorescent reporter mice, we found that stem cell factor (Scf), one of the essential growth factors for spermatogenesis, was broadly expressed in testicular stromal cells, including Sertoli, endothelial, Leydig, smooth muscle and Tcf21-CreER+ stromal cells. Both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia were associated with Scf-expressing Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule. Conditional deletion of Scf from Sertoli cells, but not any other Scf-expressing cells, blocked the differentiation of spermatogonia, leading to complete male infertility. Conditional overexpression of Scf in Sertoli cells, but not endothelial cells, significantly increased spermatogenesis. Our data reveal the importance of anatomical localization for Sertoli cells in regulating spermatogenesis and that SCF produced specifically by Sertoli cells is essential for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jacky Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Thomas Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Sophie Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Shao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, People's Republic of China
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24
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Wang X, Liu X, Qu M, Li H. Sertoli cell-only syndrome: advances, challenges, and perspectives in genetics and mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:67. [PMID: 36814036 PMCID: PMC11072804 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04723-w] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in spermatogenesis, which affects men's physical and mental health. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe histological phenotype of male infertility characterized by the depletion of germ cells with only Sertoli cells remaining in the seminiferous tubules. Most SCOS cases cannot be explained by the already known genetic causes including karyotype abnormalities and microdeletions of the Y chromosome. With the development of sequencing technology, studies on screening new genetic causes for SCOS are growing in recent years. Directly sequencing of target genes in sporadic cases and whole-exome sequencing applied in familial cases have identified several genes associated with SCOS. Analyses of the testicular transcriptome, proteome, and epigenetics in SCOS patients provide explanations regarding the molecular mechanisms of SCOS. In this review, we discuss the possible relationship between defective germline development and SCOS based on mouse models with SCO phenotype. We also summarize the advances and challenges in the exploration of genetic causes and mechanisms of SCOS. Knowing the genetic factors of SCOS offers a better understanding of SCO and human spermatogenesis, and it also has practical significance for improving diagnosis, making appropriate medical decisions, and genetic counseling. For therapeutic implications, SCOS research, along with the achievements in stem cell technologies and gene therapy, build the foundation to develop novel therapies for SCOS patients to produce functional spermatozoa, giving them hope to father children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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25
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Liu YR, Li WC, Hu JH, Li QQ, Zhang YP, Lu KH, Xu HY, Liang XW, Lu YQ, Yang XG. Comparison of the effects of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF on the in vitro culture of buffalo spermatogonia. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:981-989. [PMID: 36691872 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important growth factor that supports the culture and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by suppressing spontaneous differentiation. Different LIF sequences may lead to differences in function. The protein sequences of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF differed by 65.5% according to MEGA software analysis. The PB-LIF-GFP-Puro vector was constructed, and the CHO-K1 cell line was established. The final LIF protein concentration in the CHO-K1 cell culture medium was approximately 4.268 ng/mL. Here, we report that buffalo LIF effectively maintains the self-renewal of buffalo spermatogonia during culture. Buffalo spermatogonia were cultured in conditioned medium containing no LIF (0 ng/mL), mouse LIF (1 ng/mL), mouse LIF (10 ng/mL), or buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL). Furthermore, the effects of mouse LIF and buffalo LIF culture on the maintenance of buffalo spermatogonia were determined by analyzing cell colony formation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, cell immunofluorescence, and cell counting. The buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL) group showed similar maintenance of the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia to that in the mouse LIF (10 ng/mL) group. These results demonstrated that the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia can be maintained in vitro by adding a low dose of buffalo LIF. This study provides a foundation for the further optimization of in vitro buffalo SSC culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ru Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wang Chang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jia Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qi Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ya Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ke Huan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yang Qing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao Gan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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26
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Suzuki T. Overview of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and its application to spermatogenesis research. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12502. [PMID: 36726594 PMCID: PMC9884325 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Single-cell transcriptomics allows parallel analysis of multiple cell types in tissues. Because testes comprise somatic cells and germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis, single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for investigating the complex process of spermatogenesis. However, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis needs extensive knowledge of experimental technologies and bioinformatics, making it difficult for many, particularly experimental biologists and clinicians, to use it. Methods Aiming to make single-cell RNA sequencing analysis familiar, this review article presents an overview of experimental and computational methods for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis with a history of transcriptomics. In addition, combining the PubMed search and manual curation, this review also provides a summary of recent novel insights into human and mouse spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Main Findings Single-cell RNA sequencing identified mesenchymal cells and type II innate lymphoid cells as novel testicular cell types in the adult mouse testes, as well as detailed subtypes of germ cells. This review outlines recent discoveries into germ cell development and subtypes, somatic cell development, and cell-cell interactions. Conclusion The findings on spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing may contribute to a deeper understanding of spermatogenesis and provide new directions for male fertility therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS)Yokohama CityKanagawaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical Life ScienceYokohama City UniversityYokohama CityKanagawaJapan
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Liebich A, Schmid N, Koupourtidou C, Herrmann C, Dietrich KG, Welter H, Ninkovic J, Mayerhofer A. The Molecular Signature of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223685. [PMID: 36429113 PMCID: PMC9688777 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells of the human testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. They are crucial for sperm transport, and they emerge as contributors to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. They are among the least known cell types of the human body. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing of cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), which had been isolated from testicular samples of donors with normal spermatogenesis. The significant overlap between our results and recently published ex vivo data indicates that HTPCs are a highly adequate cellular model to define and study these cells. Thus, based on the expression of several markers, HTPCs can be classified as testicular smooth muscle cells. Small differences between the in vivo/in vitro expressed genes may be due to cellular plasticity. Plasticity was also shown upon addition of FCS to the culture medium. Based on transcriptome similarities, four cellular states were identified. Further analyses confirmed the presence of known stem cell niche-relevant factors (e.g., GDNF) and identified unknown functions, e.g., the ability to produce retinoic acid. Therefore, HTPCs allow us to define the signature(s) and delineate the functions of human testicular peritubular cells. The data may also serve as a resource for future studies to better understand male (in)fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Liebich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-75859
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Sagaradze G, Monakova A, Basalova N, Popov V, Balabanyan V, Efimenko A. Regenerative medicine for male infertility: A focus on stem cell niche injury models. Biomed J 2022; 45:607-614. [PMID: 35123107 PMCID: PMC9486244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem and progenitor cells located within stem cell niches maintain the renewal and regeneration of tissues and organs throughout the life of an adult organism. Stem cell niche component dysfunction might alter the activity of stem cells and ultimately lead to the development of difficult-to-treat chronic or acute disorders. Of note, some cases of idiopathic male infertility, a highly prevalent diagnosis with no specific treatment options, might be associated with a spermatogonial stem cell(SSC) niche disturbance. To overcome this disease entity, approaches aiming at launching the regeneration of an altered stem cell niche are worth considering. Particularly, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or their secretome might fulfill this task due to their promising contribution in recovering injured stem cell niches. However, the successful application of MSC-based treatment is limited by the uncovered mechanisms of action of MSCs and their secretome. Specific animal models should be developed or adapted to reveal the role of MSCs and their secretome in a stem cell niche recovery. In this review, in a bid to consider MSCs and their secretome as a therapeutic regenerative approach for idiopathic male infertility we focus on the rationale of SSC niche injury modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgy Sagaradze
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Monakova
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya Basalova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Popov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Balabanyan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Functions of somatic cells for spermatogenesis in
stallions. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:654-670. [PMID: 35969700 PMCID: PMC9353347 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and testis development are highly structured physiological
processes responsible for post-pubertal fertility in stallions. Spermatogenesis
comprises spermatocytogenesis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Although germ cell
degeneration is a continuous process, its effects are more pronounced during
spermatocytogenesis and meiosis. The productivity and efficiency of
spermatogenesis are directly linked to pubertal development, degenerated germ
cell populations, aging, nutrition, and season of the year in stallions. The
multiplex interplay of germ cells with somatic cells, endocrine and paracrine
factors, growth factors, and signaling molecules contributes to the regulation
of spermatogenesis. A cell-to-cell communication within the testes of these
factors is a fundamental requirement of normal spermatogenesis. A noteworthy
development has been made recently on discovering the effects of different
somatic cells including Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular myoid cells on
manipulation the fate of spermatogonial stem cells. In this review, we discuss
the self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptotic roles of somatic cells and the
relationship between somatic and germ cells during normal spermatogenesis. We
also summarize the roles of different growth factors, their
paracrine/endocrine/autocrine pathways, and the different cytokines associated
with spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight important matters for further
studies on the regulation of spermatogenesis. This review presents an insight
into the mechanism of spermatogenesis, and helpful in developing better
understanding of the functions of somatic cells, particularly in stallions and
would offer new research goals for developing curative techniques to address
infertility/subfertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture
University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Reseach Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
- Corresponding author: Minjung Yoon,
Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea. Tel: +82-54-530-1233, E-mail:
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32
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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Calandra RS, Mayerhofer A, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Pleiotropic actions of melatonin in testicular peritubular myoid cells of immature Syrian hamsters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130187. [PMID: 35691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritubular myoid cells are emerging as key regulators of testicular function in adulthood. However, little is known about the role of testicular peritubular myoid cells (TPMCs) in the development of the male gonad. We found that, compared to testes of young adult hamsters, gonads of 21 day-old animals show increased melatonin concentration, seminiferous tubular wall thickening and a heterogeneous packaging of its collagen fibers thus raising the question whether melatonin may be involved in the regulation of TPMCs. METHODS We established primary cultures of TPMCs from immature hamsters (ihaTPMCs), which we found express melatonergic receptors. RESULTS Exogeneous melatonin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (NLRP3 inflammasome, IL1β) but increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, key enzyme mediating prostaglandin synthesis) and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in ihaTPMCs. Melatonin also stimulated ihaTPMCs proliferation and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type I and IV. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction assays revealed an enhanced ability of ihaTPMCs to contract in the presence of melatonin. CONCLUSION Melatonin regulates immune and inflammatory functions as well as contractile phenotype of the peritubular wall in the hamster testis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE If transferable to the in vivo situation, melatonin-dependent induction of ihaTPMCs to produce factors known to exert paracrine effects in other somatic cell populations of the gonad suggests that the influence of melatonin may go beyond the peritubular wall and indicates its contribution to testicular development and the establishment of a normal and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1405CAE, Argentina.
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Kawabe Y, Numabe T, Tanemura K, Hara K. Characteristics of alpha smooth muscle actin-positive peritubular cells in prepubertal bovine testes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 609:48-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Marcantonini G, Bartolini D, Zatini L, Costa S, Passerini M, Rende M, Luca G, Basta G, Murdolo G, Calafiore R, Galli F. Natural Cryoprotective and Cytoprotective Agents in Cryopreservation: A Focus on Melatonin. Molecules 2022; 27:3254. [PMID: 35630729 PMCID: PMC9145333 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryoprotective and cytoprotective agents (Cytoprotective Agents) are fundamental components of the cryopreservation process. This review presents the essentials of the cryopreservation process by examining its drawbacks and the role of cytoprotective agents in protecting cell physiology. Natural cryoprotective and cytoprotective agents, such as antifreeze proteins, sugars and natural deep eutectic systems, have been compared with synthetic ones, addressing their mechanisms of action and efficacy of protection. The final part of this article focuses melatonin, a hormonal substance with antioxidant properties, and its emerging role as a cytoprotective agent for somatic cells and gametes, including ovarian tissue, spermatozoa and spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Marcantonini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipidomics and Micronutrient Vitamins Laboratory and Human Anatomy Laboratory, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (L.Z.)
| | - Desirée Bartolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipidomics and Micronutrient Vitamins Laboratory and Human Anatomy Laboratory, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (L.Z.)
| | - Linda Zatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipidomics and Micronutrient Vitamins Laboratory and Human Anatomy Laboratory, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (L.Z.)
| | - Stefania Costa
- Angelantoni Life Science S.r.l., 06056 Massa Martana, Italy; (S.C.); (M.P.)
| | | | - Mario Rende
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human, Clinic and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.L.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.L.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.L.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.L.); (G.B.); (G.M.); (R.C.)
- Centro Biotecnologico Internazionale di Ricerca Traslazionale ad Indirizzo Endocrino, Metabolico ed Embrio-Riproduttivo (CIRTEMER), 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipidomics and Micronutrient Vitamins Laboratory and Human Anatomy Laboratory, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (D.B.); (L.Z.)
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Thiageswaran S, Steele H, Voigt AL, Dobrinski I. A Role for Exchange of Extracellular Vesicles in Porcine Spermatogonial Co-Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094535. [PMID: 35562927 PMCID: PMC9103065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide the basis for lifelong male fertility through self-renewal and differentiation. Prepubertal male cancer patients may be rendered infertile by gonadotoxic chemotherapy and, unlike sexually mature men, cannot store sperm. Alternatively, testicular biopsies taken prior to treatment may be used to restore fertility in adulthood. Testicular SSC populations are limited, and in vitro culture systems are required to increase numbers of SSCs for treatment, demanding culture systems for SSC propagation. Using the pig as a non-rodent model, we developed culture systems to expand spermatogonia from immature testis tissue, comparing different feeders (Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) and pig fetal fibroblasts (PFFs)). Spermatogonia co-cultured with Sertoli cells, PMCs and PFFs had comparable rates of proliferation and apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanism behind the beneficial nature of feeder layers, we investigated the role of extracellular vesicles in crosstalk between spermatogonia and feeder cells. Sertoli cell-released exosomes are incorporated by spermatogonia, and inhibition of exosomal release reduces spermatogonial proliferation. Together, these results show that PMCs, PFFs and Sertoli cells promote spermatogonial proliferation in co-culture, with exosomal exchange representing one possible mechanism. Further characterization of exosomal cargo may ultimately allow the development of feeder-free culture systems for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiama Thiageswaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Heather Steele
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-403-210-6532
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Gdnf Acts as a Germ Cell-Derived Growth Factor and Regulates the Zebrafish Germ Stem Cell Niche in Autocrine- and Paracrine-Dependent Manners. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081295. [PMID: 35455974 PMCID: PMC9030868 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor (GDNF Family Receptor α1-GFRα1) are well known to mediate spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation and survival in mammalian testes. In nonmammalian species, Gdnf and Gfrα1 orthologs have been found but their functions remain poorly investigated in the testes. Considering this background, this study aimed to understand the roles of the Gdnf-Gfrα1 signaling pathway in zebrafish testes by combining in vivo, in silico and ex vivo approaches. Our analysis showed that zebrafish exhibit two paralogs for Gndf (gdnfa and gdnfb) and its receptor, Gfrα1 (gfrα1a and gfrα1b), in accordance with a teleost-specific third round of whole genome duplication. Expression analysis further revealed that both ligands and receptors were expressed in zebrafish adult testes. Subsequently, we demonstrated that gdnfa is expressed in the germ cells, while Gfrα1a/Gfrα1b was detected in early spermatogonia (mainly in types Aund and Adiff) and Sertoli cells. Functional ex vivo analysis showed that Gdnf promoted the creation of new available niches by stimulating the proliferation of both type Aund spermatogonia and their surrounding Sertoli cells but without changing pou5f3 mRNA levels. Strikingly, Gdnf also inhibited late spermatogonial differentiation, as shown by the decrease in type B spermatogonia and down-regulation of dazl in a co-treatment with Fsh. Altogether, our data revealed that a germ cell-derived factor is involved in maintaining germ cell stemness through the creation of new available niches, supporting the development of spermatogonial cysts and inhibiting late spermatogonial differentiation in autocrine- and paracrine-dependent manners.
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Liu R, Liu Z, Guo M, Zeng W, Zheng Y. SETDB1 Regulates Porcine Spermatogonial Adhesion and Proliferation through Modulating MMP3/10 Transcription. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030370. [PMID: 35159180 PMCID: PMC8834347 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from gonocytes into spermatogonia takes place during the homing process. A subpopulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in niche then shifts to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), accompanied by the self-renewal ability to maintain life-long fertility in males. Enormous changes in cell morphology, gene expression, and epigenetic features have been reported during spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the difference of these features in SSCs during aging. Here, we examined the dynamics of SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1) expression in porcine testes. SETDB1 was expressed in postnatal undifferentiated spermatogonia, while gradually disappeared after being packed within the basal compartment of seminiferous tubules. In addition, the cell-adhesion ability, proliferative activity, and trimethylation of the histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3) level were significantly altered in SETDB1-deficient porcine SSCs. Moreover, the matrix metalloproteinases 3/10 (MMP3/10) was upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels. These results illustrate the significance of SETDB1 in modulating early male germ cell development.
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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Hofmann MC, McBeath E. Sertoli Cell-Germ Cell Interactions Within the Niche: Paracrine and Juxtacrine Molecular Communications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897062. [PMID: 35757413 PMCID: PMC9226676 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell development depends on multiple biological events that combine epigenetic reprogramming, cell cycle regulation, and cell migration in a spatio-temporal manner. Sertoli cells are a crucial component of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and provide essential growth factors and chemokines to developing germ cells. This review focuses mainly on the activation of master regulators of the niche in Sertoli cells and their targets, as well as on novel molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth and differentiation factors such as GDNF and retinoic acid by NOTCH signaling and other pathways.
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Cdc42 activity in Sertoli cells is essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109885. [PMID: 34706238 PMCID: PMC8604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are highly polarized testicular supporting cells that simultaneously nurture multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Proper localization of polarity protein complexes within Sertoli cells, including those responsible for blood-testis barrier formation, is vital for spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms and developmental timing that underlie Sertoli cell polarity are poorly understood. We investigate this aspect of testicular function by conditionally deleting Cdc42, encoding a Rho GTPase involved in regulating cell polarity, specifically in Sertoli cells. Sertoli Cdc42 deletion leads to increased apoptosis and disrupted polarity of juvenile and adult testes but does not affect fetal and postnatal testicular development. The onset of the first wave of spermatogenesis occurs normally, but it fails to progress past round spermatid stages, and by young adulthood, conditional knockout males exhibit a complete loss of spermatogenic cells. These findings demonstrate that Cdc42 is essential for Sertoli cell polarity and for maintaining steady-state sperm production. Sertoli cells of the testicular seminiferous tubule must be highly polarized to simultaneously sustain multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Heinrich et al. use a Sertoli-specific conditional deletion mouse model to address the roles of CDC42-mediated apicobasal cell polarity in promoting testis development and spermatogenesis.
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N'Tumba-Byn T, Yamada M, Seandel M. Loss of tyrosine kinase receptor Ephb2 impairs proliferation and stem cell activity of spermatogonia in culture†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:950-962. [PMID: 31836902 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem and progenitor cells can be extracted from the adult mouse testis and maintained long-term in vitro. Yet, the optimal culture conditions for preserving stem cell activity are unknown. Recently, multiple members of the Eph receptor family were detected in murine spermatogonia, but their roles remain obscure. One such gene, Ephb2, is crucial for maintenance of somatic stem cells and was previously found enriched at the level of mRNA in murine spermatogonia. We detected Ephb2 mRNA and protein in primary adult spermatogonial cultures and hypothesized that Ephb2 plays a role in maintenance of stem cells in vitro. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeting and generated stable mutant SSC lines with complete loss of Ephb2. The characteristics of Ephb2-KO cells were interrogated using phenotypic and functional assays. Ephb2-KO SSCs exhibited reduced proliferation compared to wild-type cells, while apoptosis was unaffected. Therefore, we examined whether Ephb2 loss correlates with activity of canonical pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Ephb2-KO cells had reduced ERK MAPK signaling. Using a lentiviral transgene, Ephb2 expression was rescued in Ephb2-KO cells, which partially restored signaling and proliferation. Transplantation analysis revealed that Ephb2-KO SSCs cultures formed significantly fewer colonies than WT, indicating a role for Ephb2 in preserving stem cell activity of cultured cells. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and Ephb2-KO SSCs identified Dppa4 and Bnc1 as differentially expressed, Ephb2-dependent genes that are potentially involved in stem cell function. These data uncover for the first time a crucial role for Ephb2 signaling in cultured SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry N'Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
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42
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Mori Y, Takashima S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Yi Z, Shinohara T. Cdc42 is required for male germline niche development in mice. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109550. [PMID: 34407418 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are maintained in a special microenvironment called a niche. However, much is unknown about components that constitute the niche. Here, we report that Cdc42 is essential for germline niche development. Sertoli cell-specific Cdc42-deficient mice showed normal premeiotic spermatogenesis. However, germ cells gradually disappeared during haploid cell formation and few germ cells remained in the mature testes. Spermatogonial transplantation experiments revealed a significant loss of SSCs in Cdc42-deficient testes. Moreover, Cdc42 deficiency in Sertoli cells downregulated GDNF, a critical factor for SSC maintenance. Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells also exhibited lower nuclear MAPK1/3 staining. Inhibition of MAP2K1 or depletion of Pea15a scaffold protein downregulated GDNF expression. A screen of transcription factors revealed that Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells downregulate DMRT1 and SOX9, both of which are critical for Sertoli cell development. These results indicate that Cdc42 is essential for niche function via MAPK1/3-dependent GDNF secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Mori
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Zheng Yi
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Molecular Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Morimoto H, Ogonuki N, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Matoba S, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation into nonablated mouse recipient testes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1832-1844. [PMID: 34143973 PMCID: PMC8282430 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial transplantation has been used as a standard assay for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). After transplantation into the seminiferous tubules, SSCs transmigrate through the blood-testis barrier (BTB) between Sertoli cells and settle in a niche. Unlike in the repair of other self-renewing systems, SSC transplantation is generally performed after complete destruction of endogenous spermatogenesis. Here, we examined the impacts of recipient conditioning on SSC homing. Germ cell ablation downregulated the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, which has been shown to attract SSCs to niches, implying that nonablated niches would attract SSCs more efficiently. As expected, SSCs colonized nonablated testes when transplanted into recipients with the same genetic background. Moreover, although spermatogenesis was arrested at the spermatocyte stage in Cldn11-deficient mice without a BTB, transplantation not only enhanced donor colonization but also restored normal spermatogenesis. The results show promise for the development of a new transplantation strategy to overcome male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Xia Q, Cui G, Fan Y, Wang X, Hu G, Wang L, Luo X, Yang L, Cai Q, Xu K, Guo W, Gao M, Li Y, Wu J, Li W, Chen J, Qi H, Peng G, Yao H. RNA helicase DDX5 acts as a critical regulator for survival of neonatal mouse gonocytes. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13000. [PMID: 33666296 PMCID: PMC8088469 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mammalian spermatogenesis is a biological process of male gamete formation. Gonocytes are the only precursors of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which develop into mature spermatozoa. DDX5 is one of DEAD-box RNA helicases and expresses in male germ cells, suggesting that Ddx5 plays important functions during spermatogenesis. Here, we explore the functions of Ddx5 in regulating the specification of gonocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Germ cell-specific Ddx5 knockout (Ddx5-/- ) mice were generated. The morphology of testes and epididymides and fertility in both wild-type and Ddx5-/- mice were analysed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to profile the transcriptome in testes from wild-type and Ddx5-/- mice at postnatal day (P) 2. Dysregulated genes were validated by single-cell qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS In male mice, Ddx5 was expressed in germ cells at different stages of development. Germ cell-specific Ddx5 knockout adult male mice were sterile due to completely devoid of germ cells. Male germ cells gradually disappeared in Ddx5-/- mice from E18.5 to P6. Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that genes involved in cell cycle and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) pathway were significantly decreased in Ddx5-deficient gonocytes. Notably, Ddx5 ablation impeded the proliferation of gonocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the critical roles of Ddx5 in fate determination of gonocytes, offering a novel insight into the pathogenesis of male sterility.
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Heinrich A, Potter SJ, Guo L, Ratner N, DeFalco T. Distinct Roles for Rac1 in Sertoli Cell Function during Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107513. [PMID: 32294451 PMCID: PMC7213061 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are supporting cells of the testicular seminiferous tubules, which provide a nurturing environment for spermatogenesis. Adult Sertoli cells are polarized so that they can simultaneously support earlier-stage spermatogenic cells (e.g., spermatogonia) basally and later-stage cells (e.g., spermatids) apically. To test the consequences of disrupting cell polarity in Sertoli cells, we perform a Sertoli-specific conditional deletion of Rac1, which encodes a Rho GTPase required for apicobasal cell polarity. Rac1 conditional knockout adults exhibit spermatogenic arrest at the round spermatid stage, with severe disruption of Sertoli cell polarity, and show increased germline and Sertoli cell apoptosis. Thus, Sertoli Rac1 function is critical for the progression of spermatogenesis but, surprisingly, is dispensable for fetal testicular development, adult maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and meiotic entry. Our data indicate that Sertoli Rac1 function is required only for certain aspects of spermatogenesis and reveal that there are distinct requirements for cell polarity during cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heinrich
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sarah J Potter
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Li Guo
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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Zhao X, Wen X, Ji M, Guan X, Chen P, Hao X, Chen F, Hu Y, Duan P, Ge RS, Chen H. Differentiation of seminiferous tubule-associated stem cells into leydig cell and myoid cell lineages. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 525:111179. [PMID: 33515640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Peritubular stem Leydig cells (SLCs) have been identified from rat testicular seminiferous tubules. However, no stem cells for peritubular myoid cells have been reported in the adult testis so far. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the peritubular SLCs are multipotent and able to form either Leydig or myoid cells. Using cultured tubules, we show that in the presence of PDGFAA and luteinizing hormone, SLCs became testosterone-producing Leydig cells, while in the presence of PDGFBB and TGFB, the cells formed α-smooth muscle actin-expressing myoid cells. This multipotency was also confirmed by culture of isolated CD90+ SLCs. These results suggest that these stem cells outside the myoid layer are multipotent and give rise to either Leydig or myoid cells, depending on the inducing factors. These cells may serve as a common precursor population for maintaining homeostasis of both Leydig and myoid cell populations in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoju Guan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xinrui Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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Abstract
Organoids are 3-dimensional (3D) structures grown in vitro that emulate the cytoarchitecture and functions of true organs. Therefore, testicular organoids arise as an important model for research on male reproductive biology. These organoids can be generated from different sources of testicular cells, but most studies to date have used immature primary cells for this purpose. The complexity of the mammalian testicular cytoarchitecture and regulation poses a challenge for working with testicular organoids, because, ideally, these 3D models should mimic the organization observed in vivo. In this review, we explore the characteristics of the most important cell types present in the testicular organoid models reported to date and discuss how different factors influence the regulation of these cells inside the organoids and their outcomes. Factors such as the developmental or maturational stage of the Sertoli cells, for example, influence organoid generation and structure, which affect the use of these 3D models for research. Spermatogonial stem cells have been a focus recently, especially in regard to male fertility preservation. The regulation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche inside testicular organoids is discussed in the present review, as this research area may be positively affected by recent progress in organoid generation and tissue engineering. Therefore, the testicular organoid approach is a very promising model for male reproductive biology research, but more studies and improvements are necessary to achieve its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sadman Sakib
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Correspondence: Ina Dobrinski, DrMedVet, MVSc, PhD, Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 404 HMRB, 3300 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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48
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Gu X, Li SY, DeFalco T. Immune and vascular contributions to organogenesis of the testis and ovary. FEBS J 2021; 289:2386-2408. [PMID: 33774913 PMCID: PMC8476657 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gonad development is a highly regulated process that coordinates cell specification and morphogenesis to produce sex-specific organ structures that are required for fertility, such as testicular seminiferous tubules and ovarian follicles. While sex determination occurs within specialized gonadal supporting cells, sexual differentiation is evident throughout the entire organ, including within the interstitial compartment, which contains immune cells and vasculature. While immune and vascular cells have been traditionally appreciated for their supporting roles during tissue growth and homeostasis, an increasing body of evidence supports the idea that these cell types are critical drivers of sexually dimorphic morphogenesis of the gonad. Myeloid immune cells, such as macrophages, are essential for multiple aspects of gonadogenesis and fertility, including for forming and maintaining gonadal vasculature in both sexes at varying stages of life. While vasculature is long known for supporting organ growth and serving as an export mechanism for gonadal sex steroids in utero, it is also an important component of fetal testicular morphogenesis and differentiation; additionally, it is vital for ovarian corpus luteal function and maintenance of pregnancy. These findings point toward a new paradigm in which immune cells and blood vessels are integral components of sexual differentiation and organogenesis. In this review, we discuss the state of the field regarding the diverse roles of immune and vascular cells during organogenesis of the testis and ovary and highlight outstanding questions in the field that could stimulate new research into these previously underappreciated constituents of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Gu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Shu-Yun Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA
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49
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Novel Gene Regulation in Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030666. [PMID: 33802813 PMCID: PMC8002376 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic process which is precisely controlledby genetic and epigenetic factors. With the development of new technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing), increasingly more regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis have been identified. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of novel genes in regulating the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we discussed the functions and signaling pathways of key new genes in mediating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rodent and human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as well as in controlling the meiosis of spermatocytes and other germ cells. Additionally, we summarized the gene regulation in the abnormal testicular microenvironment or the niche by Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Finally, we pointed out the future directions for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis. This review could offer novel insights into genetic regulation in the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis, and it provides new molecular targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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50
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Li JY, Liu YF, Xu HY, Zhang JY, Lv PP, Liu ME, Ying YY, Qian YQ, Li K, Li C, Huang Y, Xu GF, Ding GL, Mao YC, Xu CM, Liu XM, Sheng JZ, Zhang D, Huang HF. Basonuclin 1 deficiency causes testicular premature aging: BNC1 cooperates with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:71-83. [PMID: 31065688 PMCID: PMC7052986 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Basonuclin (BNC1) is expressed primarily in proliferative keratinocytes and gametogenic cells. However, its roles in spermatogenesis and testicular aging were not clear. Previously we discovered a heterozygous BNC1 truncation mutation in a premature ovarian insufficiency pedigree. In this study, we found that male mice carrying the truncation mutation exhibited progressively fertility loss and testicular premature aging. Genome-wide expression profiling and direct binding studies (by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) with BNC1 in mouse testis identified several spermatogenesis-specific gene promoters targeted by BNC1 including kelch-like family member 10 (Klhl10), testis expressed 14 (Tex14), and spermatogenesis and centriole associated 1 (Spatc1). Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that BNC1 was associated with TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 7 like (TAF7L), a germ cell-specific paralogue of the transcription factor IID subunit TAF7, both in vitro and in testis, suggesting that BNC1 might directly cooperate with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. The truncation mutation disabled nuclear translocation of the BNC1/TAF7L complex, thus, disturbing expression of related genes and leading to testicular premature aging. Similarly, expressions of BNC1, TAF7L, Y-box-binding protein 2 (YBX2), outer dense fiber of sperm tails 1 (ODF1), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogenic (GAPDHS) were significantly decreased in the testis of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. The present study adds to the understanding of the physiology of male reproductive aging and the mechanism of spermatogenic failure in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yi-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jun-Yu Zhang
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Miao-E Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yan-Yun Ying
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ye-Qing Qian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Cheng Li
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Gu-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Guo-Lian Ding
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu-Chan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chen-Ming Xu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin-Mei Liu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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