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Cheng D, Lu CF, Gong F, Du J, Yuan S, Luo KL, Tan YQ, Lu GX, Lin G. A case report of a normal fertile woman with 46,XX/46,XY somatic chimerism reveals a critical role for germ cells in sex determination. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:849-855. [PMID: 38420683 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae026] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with 46,XX/XY chimerism can display a wide range of characteristics, varying from hermaphroditism to complete male or female, and can display sex chromosome chimerism in multiple tissues, including the gonads. The gonadal tissues of females contain both granulosa and germ cells. However, the specific sex chromosome composition of the granulosa and germ cells in 46,XX/XY chimeric female is currently unknown. Here, we reported a 30-year-old woman with secondary infertility who displayed a 46,XX/46,XY chimerism in the peripheral blood. FISH testing revealed varying degrees of XX/XY chimerism in multiple tissues of the female patient. Subsequently, the patient underwent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) treatment, and 26 oocytes were retrieved. From the twenty-four biopsied mature oocytes, a total of 23 first polar bodies (PBs) and 10 second PBs were obtained. These PBs and two immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes only displayed X chromosome signals with no presence of the Y, suggesting that all oocytes in this chimeric female were of XX germ cell origin. On the other hand, granulosa cells obtained from individual follicles exhibited varied proportions of XX/XY cell types, and six follicles possessed 100% XX or XY granulosa cells. A total of 24 oocytes were successfully fertilized, and 12 developed into blastocysts, where 5 being XY and 5 were XX. Two blastocysts were transferred with one originating from an oocyte aspirated from a follicle containing 100% XY granulosa cells. This resulted in a twin pregnancy. Subsequent prenatal diagnosis confirmed normal male and female karyotypes. Ultimately, healthy boy-girl twins were delivered at full term. In summary, this 46,XX/XY chimerism with XX germ cells presented complete female, suggesting that germ cells may exert a significant influence on the sexual determination of an individual, which provide valuable insights into the intricate processes associated with sexual development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Cheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Chang-Fu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Shimin Yuan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Ke-Li Luo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
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2
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Zhu Y. Metalloproteases in gonad formation and ovulation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 314:113924. [PMID: 34606745 PMCID: PMC8576836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Changes in expression or activation of various metalloproteases including matrix metalloproteases (Mmp), a disintegrin and metalloprotease (Adam) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motif (Adamts), and their endogenous inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases, Timp), have been shown to be critical for ovulation in various species from studies in past decades. Some of these metalloproteases such as Adamts1, Adamts9, Mmp2, and Mmp9 have also been shown to be regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or progestin, which are essential triggers for ovulation in all vertebrate species. Most of these metalloproteases also express broadly in various tissues and cells including germ cells and somatic gonad cells. Thus, metalloproteases likely play roles in gonad formation processes comprising primordial germ cell (PGC) migration, development of germ and somatic cells, and sex determination. However, our knowledge on the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteases in these processes in vertebrates is still lacking. This review will summarize our current knowledge on the metalloproteases in ovulation and gonad formation with emphasis on PGC migration and germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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3
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Cao D. Reverse complementary matches simultaneously promote both back-splicing and exon-skipping. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:586. [PMID: 34344317 PMCID: PMC8330042 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07910-w] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play diverse roles in different biological and physiological environments and are always expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Especially, circRNAs are enriched in the brain tissues of almost all investigated species, including humans, mice, Drosophila, etc. Although circRNAs were found in C. elegans, the neuron-specific circRNA data is not available yet. Exon-skipping is found to be correlated to circRNA formation, but the mechanisms that link them together are not clear. Results Here, through large-scale neuron isolation from the first larval (L1) stage of C. elegans followed by RNA sequencing with ribosomal RNA depletion, the neuronal circRNA data in C. elegans were obtained. Hundreds of novel circRNAs were annotated with high accuracy. circRNAs were highly expressed in the neurons of C. elegans and were positively correlated to the levels of their cognate linear mRNAs. Disruption of reverse complementary match (RCM) sequences in circRNA flanking introns effectively abolished circRNA formation. In the zip-2 gene, deletion of either upstream or downstream RCMs almost eliminated the production of both the circular and the skipped transcript. Interestingly, the 13-nt RCM in zip-2 is highly conserved across five nematode ortholog genes, which show conserved exon-skipping patterns. Finally, through in vivo one-by-one mutagenesis of all the splicing sites and branch points required for exon-skipping and back-splicing in the zip-2 gene, I showed that back-splicing still happened without exon-skipping, and vice versa. Conclusions Through protocol optimization, total RNA obtained from sorted neurons is increased to hundreds of nanograms. circRNAs highly expressed in the neurons of C. elegans are more likely to be derived from genes also highly expressed in the neurons. RCMs are abundant in circRNA flanking introns, and RCM-deletion is an efficient way to knockout circRNAs. More importantly, these RCMs are not only required for back-splicing but also promote the skipping of exon(s) to be circularized. Finally, RCMs in circRNA flanking introns can directly promote both exon-skipping and back-splicing, providing a new explanation for the correlation between them. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07910-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Cao
- Information Processing Biology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Kunigami, 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan.
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4
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Sexual fate of murine external genitalia development: Conserved transcriptional competency for male-biased genes in both sexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024067118. [PMID: 34074765 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024067118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular androgen is a master endocrine factor in the establishment of external genital sex differences. The degree of androgenic exposure during development is well known to determine the fate of external genitalia on a spectrum of female- to male-specific phenotypes. However, the mechanisms of androgenic regulation underlying sex differentiation are poorly defined. Here, we show that the genomic environment for the expression of male-biased genes is conserved to acquire androgen responsiveness in both sexes. Histone H3 at lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) are enriched at the enhancer of male-biased genes in an androgen-independent manner. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1), acting as a collaborative transcription factor of androgen receptor, regulates H3K27ac enrichment to establish conserved transcriptional competency for male-biased genes in both sexes. Genetic manipulation of MafB, a key regulator of male-specific differentiation, and Sp1 regulatory MafB enhancer elements disrupts male-type urethral differentiation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate conservation of androgen responsiveness in both sexes, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying sexual fate during external genitalia development.
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5
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Miyawaki S, Kuroki S, Maeda R, Okashita N, Koopman P, Tachibana M. The mouse Sry locus harbors a cryptic exon that is essential for male sex determination. Science 2020; 370:121-124. [PMID: 33004521 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb6430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian sex-determining gene Sry induces male development. Since its discovery 30 years ago, Sry has been believed to be a single-exon gene. Here, we identified a cryptic second exon of mouse Sry and a corresponding two-exon type Sry (Sry-T) transcript. XY mice lacking Sry-T were sex-reversed, and ectopic expression of Sry-T in XX mice induced male development. Sry-T messenger RNA is expressed similarly to that of canonical single-exon type Sry (Sry-S), but SRY-T protein is expressed predominantly because of the absence of a degron in the C terminus of SRY-S. Sry exon2 appears to have evolved recently in mice through acquisition of a retrotransposon-derived coding sequence to replace the degron. Our findings suggest that in nature, SRY-T, not SRY-S, is the bona fide testis-determining factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Miyawaki
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Ryo Maeda
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Naoki Okashita
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
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6
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Sakashita A, Wakai T, Kawabata Y, Nishimura C, Sotomaru Y, Alavattam KG, Namekawa SH, Kono T. XY oocytes of sex-reversed females with a Sry mutation deviate from the normal developmental process beyond the mitotic stage†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:697-710. [PMID: 30289439 PMCID: PMC6437265 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertility of sex-reversed XY female mice is severely impaired by a massive loss of oocytes and failure of meiotic progression. This phenomenon remains an outstanding mystery. We sought to determine the molecular etiology of XY oocyte dysfunction by generating sex-reversed females that bear genetic ablation of Sry, a vital sex determination gene, on an inbred C57BL/6 background. These mutant mice, termed XYsry− mutants, showed severe attrition of germ cells during fetal development, resulting in the depletion of ovarian germ cells prior to sexual maturation. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and postnatal oocytes demonstrated that XYsry− females had deviated significantly from normal developmental processes during the stages of mitotic proliferation. The impaired proliferation of XYsry− PGCs was associated with aberrant β-catenin signaling and the excessive expression of transposable elements. Upon entry to the meiotic stage, XYsry− oocytes demonstrated extensive defects, including the impairment of crossover formation, the failure of primordial follicle maintenance, and no capacity for embryo development. Together, these results suggest potential molecular causes for germ cell disruption in sex-reversed female mice, thereby providing insights into disorders of sex differentiation in humans, such as “Swyer syndrome,” in which patients with an XY karyotype present as typical females and are infertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Takuya Wakai
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kawabata
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Nishimura
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sotomaru
- Natural Science Centre for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tomohiro Kono
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Ortega EA, Salvador Q, Fernandez M, Ward MA. Alterations of sex determination pathways in the genital ridges of males with limited Y chromosome genes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:810-823. [PMID: 30285093 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that in the mouse only two Y chromosome genes are required for a male to produce an offspring with the help of assisted reproduction technologies (ART): testis determinant Sry and spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Subsequently, we have shown that the function of these genes can be replaced by transgenic overexpression of their homologs, autosomally encoded Sox9 and X-chromosome encoded Eif2s3x. Males with Y chromosome contribution limited to two (XEif2s3yOSry), one (XEif2s3yOSox9 and XOSry,Eif2s3x), and no genes (XOSox9,Eif2s3x) produced haploid germ cells and sired offspring after ART. However, despite successful assisted reproductive outcome, they had smaller testes and displayed abnormal development of the seminiferous epithelium and testicular interstitium. Here we explored whether these testicular defects originated from altered pro-testis and pro-ovary factor signaling in genital ridges at the time of sex determination. Timed pregnancies were generated to obtain transgenic XEif2s3yOSry, XEif2s3yOSox9, XOSry,Eif2s3x, XOSox9,Eif2s3x, and wild-type XX and XY fetuses at 12.5 days post coitum. Dissected genital ridges were assessed for their morphology and anatomy, and expression of pro-testis and pro-ovary transcripts. All transgenic males displayed incomplete masculinization of gonadal shape, impaired development of testicular cords and gonadal vasculature, and decreased expression of factors promoting male pathway. Fetal gonad masculinization was more effective when sex determination was driven by the Sry transgene, in the presence of Y chromosome genes, and to a lesser extent a double dosage of X genes. The study adds to the understanding of the role of Y chromosome genes and their homologs during sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglė A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Quinci Salvador
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Mayumi Fernandez
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Capel B. WOMEN IN REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE: To be or not to be a testis. Reproduction 2019; 158:F101-F111. [PMID: 31265995 PMCID: PMC9945370 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Work that established the testis as the driver of male development, and the Y chromosome as the bearer of the male-determining gene, established a working model, and set the stage for the molecular age of mammalian sex determination. The discovery and characterization of Sry/SRY at the top of the hierarchy in mammals launched the field in two major directions. The first was to identify the downstream transcription factors and other molecular players that drive the bifurcation of Sertoli and granulosa cell differentiation. The second major direction was to understand organogenesis of the early bipotential gonad, and how divergence of its two distinct morphogenetic pathways (testis and ovary) is regulated at the cellular level. This review will summarize the early discoveries soon after Sry was identified and focus on my study of the gonad as a model of organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanche Capel
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Baudat F, de Massy B, Veyrunes F. Sex chromosome quadrivalents in oocytes of the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides that harbors non-conventional sex chromosomes. Chromosoma 2019; 128:397-411. [PMID: 30919035 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eutherian mammals have an extremely conserved sex-determining system controlled by highly differentiated sex chromosomes. Females are XX and males XY, and any deviation generally leads to infertility, mainly due to meiosis disruption. The African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides) presents an atypical sex determination system with three sex chromosomes: the classical X and Y chromosomes and a feminizing X chromosome variant, called X*. Thus, three types of females coexist (XX, XX*, and X*Y) that all show normal fertility. Moreover, the three chromosomes (X and Y on one side and X* on the other side) are fused to different autosomes, which results in the inclusion of the sex chromosomes in a quadrivalent in XX* and X*Y females at meiotic prophase. Here, we characterized the configurations adopted by these sex chromosome quadrivalents during meiotic prophase. The XX* quadrivalent displayed a closed structure in which all homologous chromosome arms were fully synapsed and with sufficient crossovers to ensure the reductional segregation of all chromosomes at the first meiotic division. Conversely, the X*Y quadrivalents adopted either a closed configuration with non-homologous synapsis of the X* and Y chromosomes or an open chain configuration in which X* and Y remained asynapsed and possibly transcriptionally silenced. Moreover, the number of crossovers was insufficient to ensure chromosome segregation in a significant fraction of nuclei. Together, these findings raise questions about the mechanisms allowing X*Y females to have a level of fertility as good as that of XX and XX* females, if not higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Baudat
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Bernard de Massy
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE), Montpellier, France.
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10
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Abstract
Mammalian sex determination is triggered by activation of the mammalian sex-determining gene, Sry, in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. Because reduced or delayed Sry expression results in male-to-female sex reversal, male development is highly dependent on the accurate transcription of Sry. SRY dysregulation is a potential cause of human disorders of sex development (DSD). In addition to changes in DNA sequences, gene expression is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation ensures spatial and temporal accuracy of the expression of developmentally regulated genes. Epigenetic regulation such as histone tail modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation engages several biological processes in multicellular organisms. In recent years, it has been revealed that various types of epigenetic regulation are involved in accurate gonadal differentiation in mammals. In particular, histone modification plays an integral part in sex determination, which is the first step of gonadal differentiation. Here, we focus on the findings on the epigenetic modifications that regulate Sry expression. Finally, we discuss the role of metabolism that potentially alters the epigenetic state in response to environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Miyawaki
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan; Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan; Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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Wilusz JE. A 360° view of circular RNAs: From biogenesis to functions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2018; 9:e1478. [PMID: 29655315 PMCID: PMC6002912 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The first circular RNA (circRNA) was identified more than 40 years ago, but it was only recently appreciated that circRNAs are common outputs of many eukaryotic protein-coding genes. Some circRNAs accumulate to higher levels than their associated linear mRNAs, especially in the nervous system, and have clear regulatory functions that result in organismal phenotypes. The pre-mRNA splicing machinery generates circRNAs via backsplicing reactions, which are often facilitated by intronic repeat sequences that base pair to one another and bring the intervening splice sites into close proximity. When spliceosomal components are limiting, circRNAs can become the preferred gene output, and backsplicing reactions are further controlled by exon skipping events and the combinatorial action of RNA binding proteins. This allows circRNAs to be expressed in a tissue- and stage-specific manner. Once generated, circRNAs are highly stable transcripts that often accumulate in the cytoplasm. The functions of most circRNAs remain unknown, but some can regulate the activities of microRNAs or be translated to produce proteins. Circular RNAs can further interface with the immune system as well as control gene expression events in the nucleus, including alternative splicing decisions. Circular RNAs thus represent a large class of RNA molecules that are tightly regulated, and it is becoming increasingly clear that they likely impact many biological processes. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy E. Wilusz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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12
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Kuroki S, Tachibana M. Epigenetic regulation of mammalian sex determination. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:31-38. [PMID: 29248548 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence is governed by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation is important for changing chromatin structure in response to environmental cues as well as maintaining chromatin structure after cell division. The epigenetic machinery can reversibly change chromatin function, allowing a wide variety of biological processes in multicellular organisms to be controlled. Epigenetic regulation ensures spatial and temporal accuracy of the expression of developmentally regulated genes. So far, few studies have focused on the relationship between epigenetic regulation and mammalian sex development, despite this being an interesting area of research. Sex development consists of three sequential stages: the undifferentiated stage, gonadal differentiation into testes or ovaries, and differentiation of internal and external genitalia. Some genetic studies have revealed that epigenetic regulation is required for proper gonadal differentiation in mice. Particularly, the epigenetic machinery plays an integral part in sex determination, which is the first step of gonadal differentiation. Mammalian sex determination is triggered by activation of the mammalian sex-determining gene, Sry, in a spatially and temporally accurate manner. Several studies have demonstrated that expression of Sry is controlled not only by specific transcription factors but also by the epigenetic machinery. Here, we focus on the epigenetic regulation of Sry expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kuroki
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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Stévant I, Papaioannou MD, Nef S. A brief history of sex determination. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:3-10. [PMID: 29635012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental biological question that has puzzled, but also fascinated mankind since antiquity is the one pertaining to the differences between sexes. Ancient cultures and mythologies poetically intended to explain the origin of the two sexes; philosophy offered insightful albeit occasionally paradoxical perceptions about men and women; and society as a whole put forward numerous intuitive observations about the traits that distinguish the two sexes. However, it was only through meticulous scientific research that began in the 16th century, and gradual technical improvements that followed over the next centuries, that the study of sex determination bore fruit. Here, we present a brief history of sex determination studies from ancient times until today, by selectively interviewing some of the milestones in the field. We complete our review by outlining some yet unanswered questions and proposing future experimental directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marilena D Papaioannou
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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14
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Ruthig VA, Nielsen T, Riel JM, Yamauchi Y, Ortega EA, Salvador Q, Ward MA. Testicular abnormalities in mice with Y chromosome deficiencies. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:694-706. [PMID: 28339606 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently investigated mice with Y chromosome gene contribution limited to two, one, or no Y chromosome genes in respect to their ability to produce haploid round spermatids and live offspring following round spermatid injection. Here we explored the normalcy of germ cells and Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules, and the interstitial tissue of the testis in these mice. We performed quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis and interstitial tissue on Periodic acid-Schiff and hematoxylin-stained mouse testis sections. The seminiferous epithelium of mice with limited Y gene contribution contained various cellular abnormalities, the total number of which was higher than in the males with an intact Y chromosome. The distribution of specific abnormality types varied among tested genotypes. The males with limited Y genes also had an increased population of testicular macrophages and internal vasculature structures. The data indicate that Y chromosome gene deficiencies in mice are associated with cellular abnormalities of the seminiferous epithelium and some changes within the testicular interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Torbjoern Nielsen
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM - Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Que., Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que., Canada H3T 1J4
| | - Jonathan M Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Egle A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Koopman P, Sinclair A, Lovell-Badge R. Of sex and determination: marking 25 years of Randy, the sex-reversed mouse. Development 2017; 143:1633-7. [PMID: 27190031 DOI: 10.1242/dev.137372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
On Thursday 9 May 1991, the world awoke to front-page news of a breakthrough in biological research. From Washington to Wollongong, newspapers, radio and TV were abuzz with the story of a transgenic mouse in London called Randy. Why was this mouse so special? The mouse in question was a chromosomal female (XX) made male by the presence of a transgene containing the Y chromosome gene Sry This sex-reversal provided clear experimental proof that Sry was the elusive mammalian sex-determining gene. Twenty-five years on, we reflect on what this discovery meant for our understanding of how males and females arise and what remains to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
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16
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Mawaribuchi S, Takahashi S, Wada M, Uno Y, Matsuda Y, Kondo M, Fukui A, Takamatsu N, Taira M, Ito M. Sex chromosome differentiation and the W- and Z-specific loci in Xenopus laevis. Dev Biol 2017; 426:393-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Sánchez L, Chaouiya C. Primary sex determination of placental mammals: a modelling study uncovers dynamical developmental constraints in the formation of Sertoli and granulosa cells. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2016; 10:37. [PMID: 27229461 PMCID: PMC4880855 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sex determination in placental mammals is a very well studied developmental process. Here, we aim to investigate the currently established scenario and to assess its adequacy to fully recover the observed phenotypes, in the wild type and perturbed situations. Computational modelling allows clarifying network dynamics, elucidating crucial temporal constrains as well as interplay between core regulatory modules. RESULTS Relying on a comprehensive revision of the literature, we define a logical model that integrates the current knowledge of the regulatory network controlling this developmental process. Our analysis indicates the necessity for some genes to operate at distinct functional thresholds and for specific developmental conditions to ensure the reproducibility of the sexual pathways followed by bi-potential gonads developing into either testes or ovaries. Our model thus allows studying the dynamics of wild type and mutant XX and XY gonads. Furthermore, the model analysis reveals that the gonad sexual fate results from the operation of two sub-networks associated respectively with an initiation and a maintenance phases. At the core of the process is the resolution of two connected feedback loops: the mutual inhibition of Sox9 and ß-catenin at the initiation phase, which in turn affects the mutual inhibition between Dmrt1 and Foxl2, at the maintenance phase. Three developmental signals related to the temporal activity of those sub-networks are required: a signal that determines Sry activation, marking the beginning of the initiation phase, and two further signals that define the transition from the initiation to the maintenance phases, by inhibiting the Wnt4 signalling pathway on the one hand, and by activating Foxl2 on the other hand. CONCLUSIONS Our model reproduces a wide range of experimental data reported for the development of wild type and mutant gonads. It also provides a formal support to crucial aspects of the gonad sexual development and predicts gonadal phenotypes for mutations not tested yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Sánchez
- Dpto. Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (C. S. I. C.), c/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Claudine Chaouiya
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência - IGC, Rua da Quinta Grande, 6, P-2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Ruthig VA, Ortega EA, Mitchell MJ, Ward MA. Two genes substitute for the mouse Y chromosome for spermatogenesis and reproduction. Science 2016; 351:514-6. [PMID: 26823431 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome is considered a symbol of maleness, as it encodes a gene driving male sex determination, Sry, as well as a battery of other genes important for male reproduction. We previously demonstrated in the mouse that successful assisted reproduction can be achieved when the Y gene contribution is limited to only two genes, Sry and spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Here, we replaced Sry by transgenic activation of its downstream target Sox9, and Eif2s3y, by transgenic overexpression of its X chromosome-encoded homolog Eif2s3x. The resulting males with no Y chromosome genes produced haploid male gametes and sired offspring after assisted reproduction. Our findings support the existence of functional redundancy between the Y chromosome genes and their homologs encoded on other chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Jonathan M Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Eglė A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, GMGF UMR_S 910, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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19
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Ruthig V, Ward MA. Mouse Y-Encoded Transcription Factor Zfy2 Is Essential for Sperm Formation and Function in Assisted Fertilization. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005476. [PMID: 26719889 PMCID: PMC4697804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a key developmental process allowing for a formation of a mature male gamete. During its final phase, spermiogenesis, haploid round spermatids undergo cellular differentiation into spermatozoa, which involves extensive restructuring of cell morphology, DNA, and epigenome. Using mouse models with abrogated Y chromosome gene complements and Y-derived transgene we identified Y chromosome encoded Zfy2 as the gene responsible for sperm formation and function. In the presence of a Zfy2 transgene, mice lacking the Y chromosome and transgenic for two other Y-derived genes, Sry driving sex determination and Eif2s3y initiating spermatogenesis, are capable of producing sperm which when injected into the oocytes yield live offspring. Therefore, only three Y chromosome genes, Sry, Eif2s3y and Zfy2, constitute the minimum Y chromosome complement compatible with successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the mouse. The mammalian Y chromosome was once thought to be a genetic wasteland with testis determinant Sry being the only gene of importance. We now know that there are many genes on this chromosome crucial for male reproduction but their specific roles are often undefined. Here, we investigated the function of the Y chromosome gene Zfy2 during a final step of male gamete formation. We demonstrated that Zfy2 is responsible for allowing sperm precursor cells, haploid round spermatids, to undergo transformation into spermatozoa, and that these sperm are capable of yielding live offspring when injected into the oocytes. Thus, we identified a novel role of the Zfy2 gene during spermatogenesis and fertilization. Considering that in human sperm formation is a prerequisite for male infertility treatment using assisted reproduction technologies, our finding bear translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Victor Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Ortega EA, Ruthig VA, Ward MA. Sry-Independent Overexpression of Sox9 Supports Spermatogenesis and Fertility in the Mouse. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:141. [PMID: 26536904 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Y chromosome gene Sry is responsible for sex determination in mammals and initiates a cascade of events that direct differentiation of bipotential genital ridges toward male-specific fate. Sox9 is an autosomal gene and a primary downstream target of SRY. The activation of Sox9 in the absence of Sry is sufficient for initiation of male-specific sex determination. Sry-to-Sox9 replacement has mostly been studied in the context of sex determination during early embryogenesis. Here, we tested whether Sry-to-Sox9 replacement affects male fertility in adulthood. We examined males with the Y chromosome carrying a deletion removing the endogenous Sry, with testes determination driven either by the Sox9 (XY(Tdym1)Sox9) or the Sry (XY(Tdym1)Sry) transgenes as well as wild-type males (XY). XY(Tdym1)Sox9 males had reduced testes size, altered testes shape and vasculature, and increased incidence of defects in seminiferous epithelium underlying the coelomic blood vessel region when compared to XY(Tdym1)Sry and XY. There were no differences between XY(Tdym1)Sry and XY(Tdym1)Sox9 males in respect to sperm number, motility, morphology, and ability to fertilize oocytes in vitro, but for some parameters, transgenic males were impaired when compared to XY. In fecundity trials, XY(Tdym1)Sry, XY(Tdym1)Sox9, and XY males yielded similar average numbers of pups and litters. Overall, our findings support that males lacking the testis determinant Sry can be fertile and reinforce the notion that Sry does not play a role in mature gonads. Although transgenic Sox9 overexpression in the absence of Sry results in certain testicular abnormalities, it does not translate into fertility impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
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21
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Larney C, Bailey TL, Koopman P. Conservation analysis of sequences flanking the testis-determining gene Sry in 17 mammalian species. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 15:34. [PMID: 26444262 PMCID: PMC4595323 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex determination in mammals requires expression of the Y-linked gene Sry in the bipotential genital ridges of the XY embryo. Even minor delay of the onset of Sry expression can result in XY sex reversal, highlighting the need for accurate gene regulation during sex determination. However, the location of critical regulatory elements remains unknown. Here, we analysed Sry flanking sequences across many species, using newly available genome sequences and computational tools, to better understand Sry's genomic context and to identify conserved regions predictive of functional roles. METHODS Flanking sequences from 17 species were analysed using both global and local sequence alignment methods. Multiple motif searches were employed to characterise common motifs in otherwise unconserved sequence. RESULTS We identified position-specific conservation of binding motifs for multiple transcription factor families, including GATA binding factors and Oct/Sox dimers. In contrast with the landscape of extremely low sequence conservation around the Sry coding region, our analysis highlighted a strongly conserved interval of ~106 bp within the Sry promoter (which we term the Sry Proximal Conserved Interval, SPCI). We further report that inverted repeats flanking murine Sry are much larger than previously recognised. CONCLUSIONS The unusually fast pace of sequence drift on the Y chromosome sharpens the likely functional significance of both the SPCI and the identified binding motifs, providing a basis for future studies of the role(s) of these elements in Sry regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Larney
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy L Bailey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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22
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Larney C, Bailey TL, Koopman P. Switching on sex: transcriptional regulation of the testis-determining gene Sry. Development 2014; 141:2195-205. [PMID: 24866114 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sex determination hinges on the development of ovaries or testes, with testis fate being triggered by the expression of the transcription factor sex-determining region Y (Sry). Reduced or delayed Sry expression impairs testis development, highlighting the importance of its accurate spatiotemporal regulation and implying a potential role for SRY dysregulation in human intersex disorders. Several epigenetic modifiers, transcription factors and kinases are implicated in regulating Sry transcription, but it remains unclear whether or how this farrago of factors acts co-ordinately. Here we review our current understanding of Sry regulation and provide a model that assembles all known regulators into three modules, each converging on a single transcription factor that binds to the Sry promoter. We also discuss potential future avenues for discovering the cis-elements and trans-factors required for Sry regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Larney
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy L Bailey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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23
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Vernet N, Mahadevaiah SK, Yamauchi Y, Decarpentrie F, Mitchell MJ, Ward MA, Burgoyne PS. Mouse Y-linked Zfy1 and Zfy2 are expressed during the male-specific interphase between meiosis I and meiosis II and promote the 2nd meiotic division. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004444. [PMID: 24967676 PMCID: PMC4072562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse Zfy1 and Zfy2 encode zinc finger transcription factors that map to the short arm of the Y chromosome (Yp). They have previously been shown to promote meiotic quality control during pachytene (Zfy1 and Zfy2) and at the first meiotic metaphase (Zfy2). However, from these previous studies additional roles for genes encoded on Yp during meiotic progression were inferred. In order to identify these genes and investigate their function in later stages of meiosis, we created three models with diminishing Yp and Zfy gene complements (but lacking the Y-long-arm). Since the Y-long-arm mediates pairing and exchange with the X via their pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) we added a minute PAR-bearing X chromosome derivative to enable formation of a sex bivalent, thus avoiding Zfy2-mediated meiotic metaphase I (MI) checkpoint responses to the unpaired (univalent) X chromosome. Using these models we obtained definitive evidence that genetic information on Yp promotes meiosis II, and by transgene addition identified Zfy1 and Zfy2 as the genes responsible. Zfy2 was substantially more effective and proved to have a much more potent transactivation domain than Zfy1. We previously established that only Zfy2 is required for the robust apoptotic elimination of MI spermatocytes in response to a univalent X; the finding that both genes potentiate meiosis II led us to ask whether there was de novo Zfy1 and Zfy2 transcription in the interphase between meiosis I and meiosis II, and this proved to be the case. X-encoded Zfx was also expressed at this stage and Zfx over-expression also potentiated meiosis II. An interphase between the meiotic divisions is male-specific and we previously hypothesised that this allows meiosis II critical X and Y gene reactivation following sex chromosome silencing in meiotic prophase. The interphase transcription and meiosis II function of Zfx, Zfy1 and Zfy2 validate this hypothesis. The mouse Y chromosome genes Zfy1 and Zfy2 were first identified in the late 1980s during the search for the gene on the Y that triggers male development; they encode proteins that regulate the expression of other genes to which they bind via a ‘zinc finger’ domain. We have now discovered that these genes play important roles during spermatogenesis. Zfy2 proved to be essential for the efficient operation of a ‘checkpoint’ during the first meiotic division that identifies and kills cells that would otherwise produce sperm with an unbalanced chromosome set. Female meiosis, which does not have an equivalent checkpoint, generates a significant proportion of eggs with an unbalanced chromosome set. In the present study we show that Zfy2 also has a major role in ensuring that the second meiotic division occurs, with Zfy1 and a related gene, Zfx, on the X chromosome providing some support. In order to fulfil this function all three genes are expressed in the ‘interphase’ stage between the two divisions. In female meiosis there is no interphase stage between the two meiotic divisions but in this case essential functions during the divisions are supported by stored RNAs, so an interphase is not needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of functional genomics and cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- * E-mail: ,
| | | | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | | | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Marseille, France
- Inserm UMR_S 910, Marseille, France
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Paul S. Burgoyne
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
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Vernet N, Szot M, Mahadevaiah SK, Ellis PJI, Decarpentrie F, Ojarikre OA, Rattigan Á, Taketo T, Burgoyne PS. The expression of Y-linked Zfy2 in XY mouse oocytes leads to frequent meiosis 2 defects, a high incidence of subsequent early cleavage stage arrest and infertility. Development 2014; 141:855-66. [PMID: 24496622 PMCID: PMC3912830 DOI: 10.1242/dev.091165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Outbred XYSry- female mice that lack Sry due to the 11 kb deletion Srydl1Rlb have very limited fertility. However, five lines of outbred XYd females with Y chromosome deletions YDel(Y)1Ct-YDel(Y)5Ct that deplete the Rbmy gene cluster and repress Sry transcription were found to be of good fertility. Here we tested our expectation that the difference in fertility between XO, XYd-1 and XYSry- females would be reflected in different degrees of oocyte depletion, but this was not the case. Transgenic addition of Yp genes to XO females implicated Zfy2 as being responsible for the deleterious Y chromosomal effect on fertility. Zfy2 transcript levels were reduced in ovaries of XYd-1 compared with XYSry- females in keeping with their differing fertility. In seeking the biological basis of the impaired fertility we found that XYSry-, XYd-1 and XO,Zfy2 females produce equivalent numbers of 2-cell embryos. However, in XYSry- and XO,Zfy2 females the majority of embryos arrested with 2-4 cells and almost no blastocysts were produced; by contrast, XYd-1 females produced substantially more blastocysts but fewer than XO controls. As previously documented for C57BL/6 inbred XY females, outbred XYSry- and XO,Zfy2 females showed frequent failure of the second meiotic division, although this did not prevent the first cleavage. Oocyte transcriptome analysis revealed major transcriptional changes resulting from the Zfy2 transgene addition. We conclude that Zfy2-induced transcriptional changes in oocytes are sufficient to explain the more severe fertility impairment of XY as compared with XO females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
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25
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Stoytcheva Z, Ward MA. Two Y genes can replace the entire Y chromosome for assisted reproduction in the mouse. Science 2014; 343:69-72. [PMID: 24263135 PMCID: PMC3880637 DOI: 10.1126/science.1242544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Y chromosome is thought to be important for male reproduction. We have previously shown that, with the use of assisted reproduction, live offspring can be obtained from mice lacking the entire Y chromosome long arm. Here, we demonstrate that live mouse progeny can also be generated by using germ cells from males with the Y chromosome contribution limited to only two genes, the testis determinant factor Sry and the spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Sry is believed to function primarily in sex determination during fetal life. Eif2s3y may be the only Y chromosome gene required to drive mouse spermatogenesis, allowing formation of haploid germ cells that are functional in assisted reproduction. Our findings are relevant, but not directly translatable, to human male infertility cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Jonathan M. Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Zoia Stoytcheva
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
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26
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Kato T, Miyata K, Sonobe M, Yamashita S, Tamano M, Miura K, Kanai Y, Miyamoto S, Sakuma T, Yamamoto T, Inui M, Kikusui T, Asahara H, Takada S. Production of Sry knockout mouse using TALEN via oocyte injection. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3136. [PMID: 24190364 PMCID: PMC3817445 DOI: 10.1038/srep03136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology has enabled the creation of knockout mice, even for genes on the Y chromosome. In this study, we generated a knockout mouse for Sry, a sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome, using microinjection of TALEN RNA into pronuclear stage oocytes. As expected, the knockout mouse had female external and internal genitalia, a female level of blood testosterone and a female sexually dimorphic nucleus in the brain. The knockout mouse exhibited an estrous cycle and performed copulatory behavior as females, although it was infertile or had reduced fertility. A histological analysis showed that the ovary of the knockout mouse displayed a reduced number of oocytes and luteinized unruptured follicles, implying that a reduced number of ovulated oocytes is a possible reason for infertility and/or reduced fertility in the KO mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kato
- 1] Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan [2]
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27
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Abstract
Sex differences in many behaviors such as cognition, mood, and motor skills are well-documented in animals and humans and are regulated by many neural circuits. Sexual dimorphisms within cell populations in these circuits play critical roles in the production of these behavioral dichotomies. Here we focus on three proteins that have well described sexual dimorphisms; calbindin-D28k, a calcium binding protein, tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme involved in dopamine synthesis and vasopressin, a neuropeptide with central and peripheral sites of action. We describe the sex differences in subpopulations of these proteins, with particular emphasis on laboratory mice. Our thrust is to examine genetic bases of sex differences and how the use of genetically modified models has advanced our understanding of this topic. Regional sex differences in the expression of these three proteins are driven by sex chromosome complement, steroid receptors or in some instances both. While studies of sex differences attributable to sex chromosome genes are still few in number it is exciting to note that this variable factors into expression differences for all three of these proteins. Different genetic mechanisms, which elaborate sex differences, may be employed stochastically in different cell populations. Alternately, general patterns involving the timing of differentiation of the sex differences, relative to the "critical period" in hormonal differences between males and female neonates may emerge. In conclusion, future directions in this area should include examination of the importance of location, timing, steroidal receptor/sex chromosome gene synergy and epigenetics in molding neural sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean LeBeau Abel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, PO Box 800733, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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28
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Vernet N, Mahadevaiah SK, Ellis PJI, de Rooij DG, Burgoyne PS. Spermatid development in XO male mice with varying Y chromosome short-arm gene content: evidence for a Y gene controlling the initiation of sperm morphogenesis. Reproduction 2012; 144:433-45. [PMID: 22869781 PMCID: PMC3464043 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We recently used three XO male mouse models with varying Y short-arm (Yp) gene complements, analysed at 30 days post partum, to demonstrate a Yp gene requirement for the apoptotic elimination of spermatocytes with a univalent X chromosome at the first meiotic metaphase. The three mouse models were i) XSxr(a)O in which the Yp-derived Tp(Y)1Ct(Sxr-a) sex reversal factor provides an almost complete Yp gene complement, ii) XSxr(b)O,Eif2s3y males in which Tp(Y)1Ct(Sxr-b) has a deletion completely or partially removing eight Yp genes - the Yp gene Eif2s3y has been added as a transgene to support spermatogonial proliferation, and iii) XOSry,Eif2s3y males in which the Sry transgene directs gonad development along the male pathway. In this study, we have used the same mouse models analysed at 6 weeks of age to investigate potential Yp gene involvement in spermiogenesis. We found that all three mouse models produce haploid and diploid spermatids and that the diploid spermatids showed frequent duplication of the developing acrosomal cap during the early stages. However, only in XSxr(a)O males did spermiogenesis continue to completion. Most strikingly, in XOSry,Eif2s3y males, spermatid development arrested at round spermatid step 7 so that no sperm head restructuring or tail development was observed. In contrast, in XSxr(b)O,Eif2s3y males, spermatids with substantial sperm head and tail morphogenesis could be easily found, although this was delayed compared with XSxr(a)O. We conclude that Sxr(a) (and therefore Yp) includes genetic information essential for sperm morphogenesis and that this is partially retained in Sxr(b).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Vernet
- Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK.
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29
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Bhandari RK, Sadler-Riggleman I, Clement TM, Skinner MK. Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TCF21 is a downstream target of the male sex determining gene SRY. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19935. [PMID: 21637323 PMCID: PMC3101584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cascade of molecular events involved in mammalian sex determination has been
shown to involve the SRY gene, but specific downstream events have eluded
researchers for decades. The current study identifies one of the first direct
downstream targets of the male sex determining factor SRY as the
basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TCF21. SRY was found to bind
to the Tcf21 promoter and activate gene expression. Mutagenesis
of SRY/SOX9 response elements in the Tcf21 promoter eliminated
the actions of SRY. SRY was found to directly associate with the
Tcf21 promoter SRY/SOX9 response elements in
vivo during fetal rat testis development. TCF21 was found to
promote an in vitro sex reversal of embryonic ovarian cells to
induce precursor Sertoli cell differentiation. TCF21 and SRY had similar effects
on the in vitro sex reversal gonadal cell transcriptomes.
Therefore, SRY acts directly on the Tcf21 promoter to in part
initiate a cascade of events associated with Sertoli cell differentiation and
embryonic testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K. Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences,
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of
America
| | - Ingrid Sadler-Riggleman
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences,
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of
America
| | - Tracy M. Clement
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences,
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of
America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences,
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of
America
- * E-mail:
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30
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Stoytcheva Z, Burgoyne PS, Ward MA. Deficiency in mouse Y chromosome long arm gene complement is associated with sperm DNA damage. Genome Biol 2010; 11:R66. [PMID: 20573212 PMCID: PMC2911114 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2010-11-6-r66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mice with severe non-PAR Y chromosome long arm (NPYq) deficiencies are infertile in vivo and in vitro. We have previously shown that sperm from these males, although having grossly malformed heads, were able to fertilize oocytes via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and yield live offspring. However, in continuing ICSI trials we noted a reduced efficiency when cryopreserved sperm were used and with epididymal sperm as compared to testicular sperm. In the present study we tested if NPYq deficiency is associated with sperm DNA damage - a known cause of poor ICSI success. Results We observed that epididymal sperm from mice with severe NPYq deficiency (that is, deletion of nine-tenths or the entire NPYq gene complement) are impaired in oocyte activation ability following ICSI and there is an increased incidence of oocyte arrest and paternal chromosome breaks. Comet assays revealed increased DNA damage in both epididymal and testicular sperm from these mice, with epididymal sperm more severely affected. In all mice the level of DNA damage was increased by freezing. Epididymal sperm from mice with severe NPYq deficiencies also suffered from impaired membrane integrity and abnormal chromatin condensation and suboptimal chromatin protamination. It is therefore likely that the increased DNA damage associated with NPYq deficiency is a consequence of disturbed chromatin remodeling. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence of DNA damage in sperm from mice with NPYq deficiencies and indicates that NPYq-encoded gene/s may play a role in processes regulating chromatin remodeling and thus in maintaining DNA integrity in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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31
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Panchal H, Wansbury O, Howard BA. Embryonic mammary anlagen analysis using immunolabelling of whole mounts. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 585:261-70. [PMID: 19908009 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-380-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mouse mammary gland is a unique organ since although the mammary gland primordium forms during embryogenesis, the majority of development occurs postnatally upon hormonal stimulation at puberty and full functionality (i.e. lactation) is not achieved until after parturition. Since both the epidermis and mammary glands share the same developmental origin, many mouse models with epidermal phenotypes often also exhibit abnormal mammary gland development. However, since the most widely used methods to analyse mammary glands are laborious and time-consuming, many mouse models exist that have not been analysed for mammary phenotypes. We have developed a simplified method that allows rapid analysis of embryonic mammary anlagen using immunolabelling of whole mounts that should facilitate more comprehensive studies of mouse mammary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Panchal
- The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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32
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Wong SJ, Ojarikre OA, Burgoyne PS, Ward MA. Live offspring from mice lacking the Y chromosome long arm gene complement. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:353-61. [PMID: 19420387 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.076307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse Y chromosome long arm (Yq) comprises approximately 70 Mb of repetitive, male-specific DNA together with a short (0.7-Mb) pseudoautosomal region (PAR). The repetitive non-PAR region (NPYq) encodes genes whose deficiency leads to subfertility and infertility, resulting from impaired spermiogenesis. In XSxr(a)Y*(X) mice, the only Y-specific material is provided by the Y chromosome short arm-derived sex reversal factor Sxr(a), which is attached to the X chromosome PAR; these males (NPYq- males) produce sperm with severely malformed heads and are infertile. In the present study, we investigated sperm function in these mice in the context of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Of 261 oocytes injected, 103 reached the 2-cell stage, and 46 developed to liveborn offspring. Using Xist RT-PCR genotyping as well as gamete and somatic cell karyotyping, all six predicted genotypes were identified among ICSI-derived progeny. The sex chromosome constitution of NPYq- males does not allow production of offspring with the same genotype, but one of the expected offspring genotypes is XY*(X)Sxr(a) (NPYq-(2)), which has the same Y gene complement as NPYq-. Analysis of NPYq-(2) males revealed they had normal-sized testes with ongoing spermatogenesis. Like NPYq- males, these males were infertile, and their sperm had malformed heads that nevertheless fertilized eggs via ICSI. In vitro fertilization (IVF), however, was unsuccessful. Overall, we demonstrated that a lack of NPYq-encoded genes does not interfere with the ability of sperm to fertilize oocytes via ICSI but does prevent fertilization via IVF. Thus, NPYq-encoded gene functions are not required after the sperm have entered the oocyte. The present work also led to development of a new mouse model lacking NPYq gene complement that will facilitate future studies of Y-encoded gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
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33
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Kaindl AM, Sifringer M, Koppelstaetter A, Genz K, Loeber R, Boerner C, Stuwe J, Klose J, Felderhoff-Mueser U. Erythropoietin protects the developing brain from hyperoxia-induced cell death and proteome changes. Ann Neurol 2009; 64:523-34. [PMID: 19067366 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxygen toxicity has been identified as a risk factor for adverse neurological outcome in survivors of preterm birth. In infant rodent brains, hyperoxia induces disseminated apoptotic neurodegeneration. Because a tissue-protective effect has been observed for recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo), widely used in neonatal medicine for its hematopoietic effect, we examined the effect of rEpo on hyperoxia-induced brain damage. METHODS Six-day-old C57Bl/6 mice or Wistar rats were exposed to hyperoxia (80% O(2)) or normoxia for 24 hours and received rEpo or normal saline injections intraperitoneally. The amount of degenerating cells in their brains was determined by DeOlmos cupric silver staining. Changes of their brain proteome were determined through two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Western blot, enzyme activity assays and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed for further analysis of candidate proteins. RESULTS Systemic treatment with 20,000 IE/kg rEpo significantly reduced hyperoxia-induced apoptosis and caspase-2, -3, and -8 activity in the brains of infant rodents. In parallel, rEpo inhibited most brain proteome changes observed in infant mice when hyperoxia was applied exclusively. Furthermore, brain proteome changes after a single systemic rEpo treatment point toward a number of mechanisms through which rEpo may generate its protective effect against oxygen toxicity. These include reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of hyperoxia-induced increased levels of proapoptotic factors, as well as decreased levels of neurotrophins. INTERPRETATION These findings are highly relevant from a clinical perspective because oxygen administration to neonates is often inevitable, and rEpo may serve as an adjunctive neuroprotective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Kaindl
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.
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McPhie-Lalmansingh AA, Tejada LD, Weaver JL, Rissman EF. Sex chromosome complement affects social interactions in mice. Horm Behav 2008; 54:565-70. [PMID: 18590732 PMCID: PMC2561329 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Revised: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in behavior can be attributed to differences in steroid hormones. Sex chromosome complement can also influence behavior, independent of gonadal differentiation. The mice used for this work combined a spontaneous mutation of the Sry gene with a transgene for Sry that is incorporated into an autosome thus disassociating gonad differentiation from sex chromosome complement. The resulting genotypes are XX and XY(-) females (ovary-bearing) along with XXSry and XY(-)Sry males (testes-bearing). Here we report results of basic behavioral phenotyping conducted with these mice. Motor coordination, use of olfactory cues to find a food item, general activity, foot shock threshold, and behavior in an elevated plus maze were not affected by gonadal sex or sex chromosome complement. In a one-way active avoidance learning task females were faster to escape an electric shock than males. In addition, sex chromosome complement differences were noted during social interactions with submissive intruders. Female XY(-) mice were faster to follow an intruder than XX female mice. All XY(-) mice spent more time sniffing and grooming the intruder than the XX mice, with XY(-) females spending the most amount of time in this activity. Finally, XX females were faster to display an asocial behavior, digging, and engaged in more digging than XXSry male mice. All of these behaviors were tested in gonadectomized adults, thus, differences in circulating levels of gonadal steroids cannot account for these effects. Taken together, these data show that sex chromosome complement affects social interaction style in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emilie F. Rissman
- Corresponding author. PO Box 800733, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. Fax: +1 434 243 8433. E-mail address: (E.F. Rissman)
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35
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Park JH, Burns-Cusato M, Dominguez-Salazar E, Riggan A, Shetty S, Arnold AP, Rissman EF. Effects of sex chromosome aneuploidy on male sexual behavior. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2008; 7:609-17. [PMID: 18363850 PMCID: PMC2563427 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2008.00397.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Incidence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in men is as high as 1:500. The predominant conditions are an additional Y chromosome (47,XYY) or an additional X chromosome (47,XXY). Behavioral studies using animal models of these conditions are rare. To assess the role of sex chromosome aneuploidy on sexual behavior, we used mice with a spontaneous mutation on the Y chromosome in which the testis-determining gene Sry is deleted (referred to as Y(-)) and insertion of a Sry transgene on an autosome. Dams were aneuploid (XXY(-)) and the sires had an inserted Sry transgene (XYSry). Litters contained six male genotypes, XY, XYY(-), XXSry, XXY(-)Sry, XYSry and XYY(-)Sry. In order to eliminate possible differences in levels of testosterone, all of the subjects were castrated and received testosterone implants prior to tests for male sex behavior. Mice with an additional copy of the Y(-) chromosome (XYY(-)) had shorter latencies to intromit and achieve ejaculations than XY males. In a comparison of the four genotypes bearing the Sry transgene, males with two copies of the X chromosome (XXSry and XXY(-)Sry) had longer latencies to mount and thrust than males with only one copy of the X chromosome (XYSry and XYY(-)Sry) and decreased frequencies of mounts and intromissions as compared with XYSry males. The results implicate novel roles for sex chromosome genes in sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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36
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Ilmonen P, Penn DJ, Damjanovich K, Clarke J, Lamborn D, Morrison L, Ghotbi L, Potts WK. Experimental infection magnifies inbreeding depression in house mice. J Evol Biol 2008; 21:834-41. [PMID: 18312317 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01510.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
It is often assumed that inbreeding reduces resistance to pathogens, yet there are few experimental tests of this idea in vertebrates, and no tests for the effects of moderate levels of inbreeding more commonly found in nature. We mated wild-derived mice with siblings or first cousins and compared the resistance of their offspring to Salmonella infection with outbred controls under laboratory and seminatural conditions. In the laboratory, full-sib inbreeding reduced resistance to Salmonella and survivorship, whereas first-cousin inbreeding had no detectable effects. In competitive population enclosures, we found that first-cousin inbreeding reduced male fitness by 57% in infected vs. only 34% in noninfected control populations. Our study provides experimental evidence that inbreeding reduces resistance and ability to survive pathogenic infection, and moreover, it shows that even moderate inbreeding can cause significant fitness declines under naturalistic conditions of social stress, and especially with exposure to infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ilmonen
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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37
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Marchal JA, Acosta MJ, Bullejos M, de la Guardia RD, Sánchez A. Origin and spread of the SRY gene on the X and Y chromosomes of the rodent Microtus cabrerae: Role of L1 elements. Genomics 2008; 91:142-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2007] [Revised: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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39
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Abstract
SRY was identified as the mammalian sex-determining gene more than 15 yr ago and has been extensively studied since. Although many of the pathways regulating sexual differentiation have been elucidated, direct downstream targets of SRY are still unclear, making a top down approach difficult. However, recent work has demonstrated that the fate of the gonad is actively contested by both male-promoting and female-promoting signals. Sox9 and Fgf9 push gonads towards testis differentiation. These two genes are opposed by Wnt4, and possibly RSPO1, which push gonads toward ovary differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the history of the field, current findings, and exciting new directions in vertebrate sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo DiNapoli
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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40
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Lefebvre V, Dumitriu B, Penzo-Méndez A, Han Y, Pallavi B. Control of cell fate and differentiation by Sry-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 39:2195-214. [PMID: 17625949 PMCID: PMC2080623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Revised: 05/24/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Maintain stemness, commit to a specific lineage, differentiate, proliferate, or die. These are essential decisions that every cell is constantly challenged to make in multi-cellular organisms to ensure proper development, adult maintenance, and adaptability. SRY-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors have emerged in the animal kingdom to help cells effect such decisions. They are encoded by 20 genes in humans and mice. They share a highly conserved high-mobility-group box domain that was originally identified in SRY, the sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome, and that has derived from a canonical high-mobility-group domain characteristic of chromatin-associated proteins. The high-mobility-group box domain binds DNA in the minor groove and increases its DNA binding affinity and specificity by interacting with many types of transcription factors. It also bends DNA and may thereby confer on Sox proteins a unique and critical role in the assembly of transcriptional enhanceosomes. Sox proteins fall into eight groups. Most feature a transactivation or transrepression domain and thereby also act as typical transcription factors. Each gene has distinct expression pattern and molecular properties, often redundant with those in the same group and overlapping with those in other groups. As a whole the Sox family controls cell fate and differentiation in a multitude of processes, such as male differentiation, stemness, neurogenesis, and skeletogenesis. We review their specific molecular properties and in vivo roles, stress recent advances in the field, and suggest directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Cell Biology, Lerner Research Institute and Orthopaedic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue (NC10), Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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King V, Goodfellow PN, Pearks Wilkerson AJ, Johnson WE, O'Brien SJ, Pecon-Slattery J. Evolution of the male-determining gene SRY within the cat family Felidae. Genetics 2007; 175:1855-67. [PMID: 17277366 PMCID: PMC1855139 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.106.066779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In most placental mammals, SRY is a single-copy gene located on the Y chromosome and is the trigger for male sex determination during embryonic development. Here, we present comparative genomic analyses of SRY (705 bp) along with the adjacent noncoding 5' flank (997 bp) and 3' flank (948 bp) in 36 species of the cat family Felidae. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the noncoding genomic flanks and SRY closely track species divergence. However, several inconsistencies are observed in SRY. Overall, the gene exhibits purifying selection to maintain function (omega = 0.815) yet SRY is under positive selection in two of the eight felid lineages. SRY has low numbers of nucleotide substitutions, yet most encode amino acid changes between species, and four different species have significantly altered SRY due to insertion/deletions. Moreover, fixation of nonsynonymous substitutions between sister taxa is not consistent and may occur rapidly, as in the case of domestic cat, or not at all over long periods of time, as observed within the Panthera lineage. The former resembles positive selection during speciation, and the latter purifying selection to maintain function. Thus, SRY evolution in cats likely reflects the different phylogeographic histories, selection pressures, and patterns of speciation in modern felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- V King
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
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Zorn AM, Wells JM. Molecular Basis of Vertebrate Endoderm Development. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 259:49-111. [PMID: 17425939 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)59002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The embryonic endoderm gives rise to the epithelial lining of the digestive and respiratory systems and organs such as the thyroid, lungs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Studies in Xenopus, zebrafish, and mice have revealed a conserved molecular pathway controlling vertebrate endoderm development. The TGFbeta/Nodal signaling pathway is at the top of this molecular hierarchy and controls the expression of a number of key transcription factors including Mix-like homeodomain proteins, Gata zinc finger factors, Sox HMG domain proteins, and Fox forkhead factors. Here we review the function of these molecules comparing and contrasting their roles in each model organism. Finally, we will describe how our understanding of the molecular pathway governing endoderm development in embryos is being used to differentiate embryonic stem cells in vitro along endodermal lineages, with the ultimate goal of making therapeutically useful tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research, Foundation and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Kim Y, Capel B. Balancing the bipotential gonad between alternative organ fates: a new perspective on an old problem. Dev Dyn 2006; 235:2292-300. [PMID: 16881057 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryonic gonads give rise to one of two morphologically and functionally different organs, a testis or an ovary. Sex determination is the embryonic process that determines the developmental fate of the gonad. In mammals, sex determination is regulated by a DNA binding protein encoded on the Y chromosome, Sry, and it's downstream mediator, Sox9, which trigger testis determination in the bipotential gonad. However, evidence suggests that the extracellular signals. Fgf9 and Wnt4, are also required to establish divergent organogenesis of the gonad. In this review, we discuss how these extracellular signals interface with cell-autonomous factors to determine the fate of the mammalian gonad, and we derive a model that could provide a molecular explanation for testis determination in vertebrates where Sry is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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44
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Barsoum I, Yao HHC. The road to maleness: from testis to Wolffian duct. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2006; 17:223-8. [PMID: 16822678 PMCID: PMC4073594 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2006.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of the male internal reproductive system involves two crucial events: the formation of the testis and the maintenance and differentiation of the Wolffian duct. Testis formation, particularly the specification of Sertoli cell and Leydig cell lineages, is controlled strictly by genetic components initiated by the testis-determining gene SRY (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome). Conversely, Wolffian duct differentiation is not directly mediated via the composition of the sex chromosome or SRY; instead, it relies on androgens derived from the Leydig cells. Leydig cells do not express SRY, indicating that a crosstalk must be present between the SRY-positive Sertoli and Leydig cells to ensure normal androgen production. Recent advancement of genetic and genomic approaches has unveiled the molecular pathways for differentiation of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells as well as development of the Wolffian duct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivraym Barsoum
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Bai T, Tanaka T, Yukawa K, Umesaki N, Matsumoto M, Akira S. Impaired postnatal development in C/EBPbeta-deficient mice. J Reprod Dev 2006; 52:645-9. [PMID: 16837772 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.17093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tail DNA genotyping of fetal and neonatal mice from C/EBPbeta heterozygous parents was performed to determine whether the decreased number of surviving C/EBPbeta mutants was caused by prenatal or postnatal death. Eighty-four 3-week-old mice born of heterozygous parents had significantly lower numbers of C/EBPbeta-deficient offspring than the expected Mendelian ratio (29.8%+/+, 65.5%+/-, 4.76%-/-, P<0.05). The genotypes of 72 fetal mice from intercrossed heterozygotes showed approximately the expected 1:2:1 Mendelian ratio (18.1% +/+, 52.8% +/-, 29.2% -/-, P>0.05). No difference in the proportions by sex could be detected in these perinates. This data indicates that C/EBPbeta-deficient mice have unknown lethal problems between the embryonic stage and weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wakayama Medical University, Kimi-idera, Wakayama, Japan
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DiNapoli L, Batchvarov J, Capel B. FGF9 promotes survival of germ cells in the fetal testis. Development 2006; 133:1519-27. [PMID: 16540514 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its role in somatic cell development in the testis, our data have revealed a role for Fgf9 in XY germ cell survival. In Fgf9-null mice, germ cells in the XY gonad decline in numbers after 11.5 days post coitum (dpc), while germ cell numbers in XX gonads are unaffected. We present evidence that germ cells resident in the XY gonad become dependent on FGF9 signaling between 10.5 dpc and 11.5 dpc, and that FGF9 directly promotes XY gonocyte survival after 11.5 dpc, independently from Sertoli cell differentiation. Furthermore, XY Fgf9-null gonads undergo true male-to-female sex reversal as they initiate but fail to maintain the male pathway and subsequently express markers of ovarian differentiation(Fst and Bmp2). By 14.5 dpc, these gonads contain germ cells that enter meiosis synchronously with ovarian gonocytes. FGF9 is necessary for 11.5 dpc XY gonocyte survival and is the earliest reported factor with a sex-specific role in regulating germ cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo DiNapoli
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Gatewood JD, Wills A, Shetty S, Xu J, Arnold AP, Burgoyne PS, Rissman EF. Sex chromosome complement and gonadal sex influence aggressive and parental behaviors in mice. J Neurosci 2006; 26:2335-42. [PMID: 16495461 PMCID: PMC6674813 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3743-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Across human cultures and mammalian species, sex differences can be found in the expression of aggression and parental nurturing behaviors: males are typically more aggressive and less parental than females. These sex differences are primarily attributed to steroid hormone differences during development and/or adulthood, especially the higher levels of androgens experienced by males, which are caused ultimately by the presence of the testis-determining gene Sry on the Y chromosome. The potential for sex differences arising from the different complements of sex-linked genes in male and female cells has received little research attention. To directly test the hypothesis that social behaviors are influenced by differences in sex chromosome complement other than Sry, we used a transgenic mouse model in which gonadal sex and sex chromosome complement are uncoupled. We find that latency to exhibit aggression and one form of parental behavior, pup retrieval, can be influenced by both gonadal sex and sex chromosome complement. For both behaviors, females but not males with XX sex chromosomes differ from XY. We also measured vasopressin immunoreactivity in the lateral septum, which was higher in gonadal males than females, but also differed according to sex chromosome complement. These results imply that a gene(s) on the sex chromosomes (other than Sry) affects sex differences in brain and behavior. Identifying the specific X and/or Y genes involved will increase our understanding of normal and abnormal aggression and parental behavior, including behavioral abnormalities associated with mental illness.
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Grishina IB, Kim SY, Ferrara C, Makarenkova HP, Walden PD. BMP7 inhibits branching morphogenesis in the prostate gland and interferes with Notch signaling. Dev Biol 2006; 288:334-47. [PMID: 16324690 PMCID: PMC2644052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2004] [Revised: 08/11/2005] [Accepted: 08/11/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mouse prostate gland develops by branching morphogenesis from the urogenital epithelium and mesenchyme. Androgens and developmental factors, including FGF10 and SHH, promote prostate growth (Berman, D.M., Desai, N., Wang, X., Karhadkar, S.S., Reynon, M., Abate-Shen, C., Beachy, P.A., Shen, M.M., 2004. Roles for Hedgehog signaling in androgen production and prostate ductal morphogenesis. Dev. Biol. 267, 387-398; Donjacour, A.A., Thomson, A.A., Cunha, G.R., 2003. FGF-10 plays an essential role in the growth of the fetal prostate. Dev. Biol. 261, 39-54), while BMP4 signaling from the mesenchyme has been shown to suppresses prostate branching (Lamm, M.L., Podlasek, C.A., Barnett, D.H., Lee, J., Clemens, J.Q., Hebner, C.M., Bushman, W., 2001. Mesenchymal factor bone morphogenetic protein 4 restricts ductal budding and branching morphogenesis in the developing prostate. Dev. Biol. 232, 301-314). Here, we show that Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) restricts branching of the prostate epithelium. BMP7 is expressed in the periurethral urogenital mesenchyme prior to formation of the prostate buds and, subsequently, in the prostate epithelium. We show that BMP7(lacZ/lacZ) null prostates show a two-fold increase in prostate branching, while recombinant BMP7 inhibits prostate morphogenesis in organ culture in a concentration-dependent manner. We further explore the mechanisms by which the developmental signals may be interpreted in the urogenital epithelium to regulate branching morphogenesis. We show that Notch1 activity is associated with the formation of the prostate buds, and that Notch1 signaling is derepressed in BMP7 null urogenital epithelium. Based on our studies, we propose a model that BMP7 inhibits branching morphogenesis in the prostate and limits the number of domains with high Notch1/Hes1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina B Grishina
- Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, VAMC, 423 East 23rd Street, 18064-South, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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Terashima M, Furusawa S, Hanzawa N, Tsuchiya K, Suyanto A, Moriwaki K, Yonekawa H, Suzuki H. Phylogeographic origin of Hokkaido house mice (Mus musculus) as indicated by genetic markers with maternal, paternal and biparental inheritance. Heredity (Edinb) 2006; 96:128-38. [PMID: 16391552 DOI: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined intraspecies genetic variation in house mice (Mus musculus molossinus) from the northern third of the Japanese Islands, in order to obtain evidence of the history of mouse colonization that might have shaped the current genetic diversity. We extended the previous sampling of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence and added information from the Y-linked Sry gene and ribosomal RNA gene surveys. We distinguish mitochondrial haplotypes characteristic of the North Asian musculus subspecies group (involving M. m. musculus and M. m. molossinus) as 'MUS', and that of the Southeast Asian castaneus subspecies group as 'CAS' (although the mice resemble MUS morphologically). There was a clear geographic partition of MUS and CAS types into southern and northern Hokkaido, respectively. Conversely, on Tohoku, the MUS and CAS types were interspersed without clear geographic subdivision. In contrast to the mtDNA data, all Hokkaido and Tohoku mice examined were found to possess a unique type for the Y-linked Sry gene, specific to Korea and Japan. Restriction site analysis of nuclear rDNA probe showed a consistent distribution of MUS and CAS types, as major and minor components, respectively, in the Hokkaido and Tohoku mice. These data support the previous notion that the Hokkaido and Tohoku mice experienced genetic hybridization between primary residents of CAS origin and MUS newcomers arriving via a southern route. The invasion of the MUS type could correspond with the evidence for arrival of prehistoric peoples. There are, however, alternative interpretations, including genetic admixture between MUS arriving by a southern route and CAS from a northern route.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Terashima
- 1Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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Nakamura K, Murata C, Ito M, Iwamori T, Nishimura S, Hisamatsu S, Sonoki S, Nakayama A, Suyama E, Kawasaki H, Taira K, Nishino K, Tachi C. Design of Hammerhead Ribozymes that Cleave Murine Sry mRNA In Vitro and In Vivo. J Reprod Dev 2006; 52:73-80. [PMID: 16293944 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.17060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As the first step in investigating the possiblity of applying ribozyme technology to artificial control of the sex ratios at birth in farm animals, where the demand for females exceeds that for males, we designed a hammerhead ribozyme (HHRz) and 2 tRNA(val)-hammerhead ribozyme complexes (tRNARz3 and tRNARz4), and examined their effects upon murine Sry mRNA in vitro and in cells. We demonstrated that HHRz and tRNARz3 could effectively cleave the target Sry mRNA in vitro. For the purpose of experiments in vivo, HHRz was cloned into the highly efficient pUC-CAGGS mammalian expression vector (pCAG/HHRz), and the tRNA ribozyme complexes were cloned into the pol III promoter-driven pPUR-KE vector (pPUR/tRNARz3 and pPUR/tRNARz4); the ribozyme vectors were co-transfected with the target vector (pCAG/Sry). A suppressive action (up to approx. 60%) was confirmed for pCAG/HHRz and pPUR/tRNARz3 upon the transiently expressed exogenously introduced Sry in M15 cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Nakamura
- Laboratory of Develomental and Reproductive Biotechnology, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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