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Li K, Li M, Luo Y, Zou D, Li Y, Mang X, Zhang Z, Li P, Lu Y, Miao S, Song W. Adeno-associated-virus-mediated delivery of CRISPR-CasRx induces efficient RNA knockdown in the mouse testis. Theranostics 2024; 14:3827-3842. [PMID: 38994027 PMCID: PMC11234267 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: In male mammals, many developmental-stage-specific RNA transcripts (both coding and noncoding) are preferentially or exclusively expressed in the testis, where they play important roles in spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, a reliable platform for efficiently depleting various types of RNA transcripts to study their biological functions during spermatogenesis in vivo has not been developed. Methods: We used an adeno-associated virus serotype nine (AAV9)-mediated CRISPR-CasRx system to knock down the expression of exogenous and endogenous RNA transcripts in the testis. Virus particles were injected into the seminiferous tubules via the efferent duct. Using an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), we optimized the AAV9 transduction efficiency in germ cells in vivo. Results: AAV9-mediated delivery of CRISPR-CasRx effectively and specifically induces RNA transcripts (both coding and noncoding) knockdown in the testis in vivo. In addition, we showed that the co-microinjection of AAV9 and 3-MA into the seminiferous tubules enabled long-term transgene expression in the testis. Finally, we found that a promoter of Sycp1 gene induced CRISPR-CasRx-mediated RNA transcript knockdown in a germ-cell-type-specific manner. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the efficacy and versatility of the AAV9-mediated CRISPR-CasRx system as a flexible knockdown platform for studying gene function during spermatogenesis in vivo. This approach may advance the development of RNA-targeting therapies for conditions affecting reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanyun Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yahui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zexuan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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2
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Liu MM, Fan CQ, Zhang GL. A Single-Cell Landscape of Spermioteleosis in Mice and Pigs. Cells 2024; 13:563. [PMID: 38607002 PMCID: PMC11011153 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070563] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Spermatozoa acquired motility and matured in epididymis after production in the testis. However, there is still limited understanding of the specific characteristics of sperm development across different species. In this study, we employed a comprehensive approach to analyze cell compositions in both testicular and epididymal tissues, providing valuable insights into the changes occurring during meiosis and spermiogenesis in mouse and pig models. Additionally, we identified distinct gene expression signatures associated with various spermatogenic cell types. (2) Methods: To investigate the differences in spermatogenesis between mice and pigs, we constructed a single-cell RNA dataset. (3) Results: Our findings revealed notable differences in testicular cell clusters between these two species. Furthermore, distinct gene expression patterns were observed among epithelial cells from different regions of the epididymis. Interestingly, regional gene expression patterns were also identified within principal cell clusters of the mouse epididymis. Moreover, through analysing differentially expressed genes related to the epididymis in both mouse and pig models, we successfully identified potential marker genes associated with sperm development and maturation for each species studied. (4) Conclusions: This research presented a comprehensive single-cell landscape analysis of both testicular and epididymal tissues, shedding light on the intricate processes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, specifically within mouse and pig models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guo-Liang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (M.-M.L.); (C.-Q.F.)
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3
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Romeo-Cardeillac C, Trovero MF, Radío S, Smircich P, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A, Sotelo-Silveira J. Uncovering a multitude of stage-specific splice variants and putative protein isoforms generated along mouse spermatogenesis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:295. [PMID: 38509455 PMCID: PMC10953240 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian testis is a highly complex and heterogeneous tissue. This complexity, which mostly derives from spermatogenic cells, is reflected at the transcriptional level, with the largest number of tissue-specific genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) compared to other tissues, and one of the highest rates of alternative splicing. Although it is known that adequate alternative-splicing patterns and stage-specific isoforms are critical for successful spermatogenesis, so far only a very limited number of reports have addressed a detailed study of alternative splicing and isoforms along the different spermatogenic stages. RESULTS In the present work, using highly purified stage-specific testicular cell populations, we detected 33,002 transcripts expressed throughout mouse spermatogenesis not annotated so far. These include both splice variants of already annotated genes, and of hitherto unannotated genes. Using conservative criteria, we uncovered 13,471 spermatogenic lncRNAs, which reflects the still incomplete annotation of lncRNAs. A distinctive feature of lncRNAs was their lower number of splice variants compared to protein-coding ones, adding to the conclusion that lncRNAs are, in general, less complex than mRNAs. Besides, we identified 2,794 unannotated transcripts with high coding potential (including some arising from yet unannotated genes), many of which encode unnoticed putative testis-specific proteins. Some of the most interesting coding splice variants were chosen, and validated through RT-PCR. Remarkably, the largest number of stage-specific unannotated transcripts are expressed during early meiotic prophase stages, whose study has been scarcely addressed in former transcriptomic analyses. CONCLUSIONS We detected a high number of yet unannotated genes and alternatively spliced transcripts along mouse spermatogenesis, hence showing that the transcriptomic diversity of the testis is considerably higher than previously reported. This is especially prominent for specific, underrepresented stages such as those of early meiotic prophase, and its unveiling may constitute a step towards the understanding of their key events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Romeo-Cardeillac
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Fernanda Trovero
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santiago Radío
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Smircich
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11,400, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - José Sotelo-Silveira
- Department of Genomics, IIBCE, 11,600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, 11,400, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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4
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Li X, Li K, Deng K, Liu Z, Huang X, Guo J, Yang F, Wang F. LncRNA12097.1 contributes to endometrial cell growth by enhancing YES1 activating β-catenin via sponging miR-145-5p. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128477. [PMID: 38035963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite previous investigations elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in endometrial function and reproductive disorders, the precise pathways through which lncRNAs impact endometrial functions and fertility remain unclear. In this study, we performed an expression profile analysis of lncRNAs in the endometrial tissue of Hu sheep with different prolificacy, identifying 13,707 lncRNAs. We discovered a bidirectional lncRNA, designated lncRNA12097.1, exhibiting significant up-regulation exclusively in the endometrium of Hu sheep with high fecundity. Functional analyses revealed lncRNA12097.1 significantly enhanced proliferation and cell cycle progression in both endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) and stromal cells (ESC), while inhibiting apoptosis in these cell types. Mechanistically, we demonstrated a directly interaction between lncRNA12097.1 and miR-145-5p, with YES proto-oncogene 1 (YES1) being identified as a validated target of miR-145-5p. Interference with lncRNA12097.1 resulted in suppressed cell growth through down-regulation of YES1 expression, which could be rescued by miR-145-5p. Furthermore, lncRNA12097.1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-145-5p in ESCs, sequestering miR-145-5p and preventing its binding to the 3'UTR of YES1 mRNA. This interaction led to increased expression of YES1 and subsequent activation of downstream β-catenin signaling, thereby promoting ESC growth in Hu sheep. These findings provide novel molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying prolificacy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kaiping Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinai Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Jiahe Guo
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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5
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Hashemi Karoii D, Azizi H. Functions and mechanism of noncoding RNA in regulation and differentiation of male mammalian reproduction. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:767-778. [PMID: 37583312 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are active regulators of a wide range of biological and physiological processes, including the majority of mammalian reproductive events. Knowledge of the biological activities of ncRNAs in the context of mammalian reproduction will allow for a more comprehensive and comparative understanding of male sterility and fertility. In this review, we describe recent advances in ncRNA-mediated control of mammalian reproduction and emphasize the importance of ncRNAs in several aspects of mammalian reproduction, such as germ cell biogenesis and reproductive organ activity. Furthermore, we focus on gene expression regulatory feedback loops including hormones and ncRNA expression to better understand germ cell commitment and reproductive organ function. Finally, this study shows the role of ncRNAs in male reproductive failure and provides suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
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6
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Hui L, Ziyue Z, Chao L, Bin Y, Aoyu L, Haijing W. Epigenetic Regulations in Autoimmunity and Cancer: from Basic Science to Translational Medicine. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2048980. [PMID: 36647268 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics, as a discipline that aims to explain the differential expression of phenotypes arising from the same gene sequence and the heritability of epigenetic expression, has received much attention in medicine. Epigenetic mechanisms are constantly being discovered, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs and m6A. The immune system mainly achieves an immune response through the differentiation and functional expression of immune cells, in which epigenetic modification will have an important impact. Because of immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy has become a research hotspot in tumor therapy. Epigenetics plays an important role in autoimmune diseases and cancers through immunology. An increasing number of drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and drug combinations, are being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers (including leukemia and osteosarcoma) and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis). This review summarizes the progress of epigenetic regulation for cancers and autoimmune diseases to date, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hui
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Ziyue
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Liu Chao
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yu Bin
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Li Aoyu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Wu Haijing
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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7
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Donizetti A, Venditti M, Arcaniolo D, Aliperti V, Carrese AM, De Sio M, Minucci S, Caraglia M, Aniello F. The long non-coding RNA transcript, LOC100130460 (CAND1.11) gene, encodes a novel protein highly expressed in cancer cells and tumor human testis tissues. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:343-353. [PMID: 37661873 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testis-specific genes encoding for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been detected in several cancers; many produce proteins with restricted or aberrant expression patterns in normal or cancer tissues. OBJECTIVE To characterize new lncRNA involved in normal and/or pathological differentiation of testicular cells. METHODS Using bioinformatics analysis, we found that lncRNA LOC100130460 (CAND1.11) is expressed in normal and tumor testis; its expression was assessed in several human cell lines by qRT-PCR. CAND1.11 protein, produced by a single nucleotide mutation, was studied by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis on normal, classic seminoma, and Leydig cell tumor testicular tissues. RESULTS CAND1.11 gene is primate-specific; its expression was low in SH-SY5Y cells and increased when differentiated with retinoic acid treatment. CAND1.11 expression in PC3 cells was higher than in PNT2 cells. CAND1.11 protein is present in the human testis and overexpressed in testicular cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS This report is one of the few providing evidence that a lncRNA produces a protein expressed in normal human tissues and overexpressed in several testicular cancers, suggesting its involvement in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Although further studies are needed to validate the results, our data indicate that CAND1.11 could be a potential new prognostic biomarker to use in proliferation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Donizetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Aliperti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Carrese
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
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8
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Tzur YB. lncRNAs in fertility: redefining the gene expression paradigm? Trends Genet 2022; 38:1170-1179. [PMID: 35728988 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Comparative transcriptome approaches assume that highly or dynamically expressed genes are important. This has led to the identification of many genes critical for cellular activity and organism development. However, while testes express the highest levels of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), there is scarcely any evidence for lncRNAs with significant roles in fertility. This was explained by changes in chromatin structure during spermatogenesis that lead to 'promiscuous transcription' with no functional roles for the transcripts. Recent discoveries offer novel and surprising alternatives. Here, I review the current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in fertility, why I find gametogenesis different from other developmental processes, offer models to explain why the experimental evidence did not meet theoretical predictions, and suggest possible approaches to test the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan B Tzur
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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9
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Ghasemi S, Shafiee M, Ferns GA, Tavakol-Afshari J, Saeedi M, Raji S, Mobarra N. Differentiation of Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Germ-Like Cells; emphasis on evaluation of Germ-long non-coding RNAs. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11901-11912. [PMID: 36241921 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into Germ-Like Cells (GLCs) is mediated by several growth factors and specific genes, of which some are related to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We have developed a modified differentiation process and identified a panel of GermlncRNAs related to GLCs. METHODS Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells were treated with 25 ng/ml Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 and 10- 5 M all-trans retinoic acid to differentiate them into germ-like cells. To confirm the differentiation, changes in the expression of Oct-4, C-kit, Stella, and Vasa genes were assessed using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and immunocytochemistry. QPCR was also used before and after differentiation to evaluate the changes in a lncRNA panel, using a 96-well array. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS 21. RESULTS After 21 days of induction, the HWJ-MSCs derived germ-like cells were formed. Also, qPCR and immunocytochemistry showed that the pluripotent Oct4 marker was expressed in the undifferentiated HWJ-MSCs, but its expression gradually decreased in the differentiated cells. C-kit was expressed on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation. Both GLC markers of Stella and Vasa genes/proteins were present only in differentiated cells. Of the 44 lncRNA genes array, 36 of them showed an increase and eight genes showed a decrease. CONCLUSION Our study showed that BMP4 and RA are effective in inducing HWJ-MSCs differentiation into GLCs. In addition, our study for the first time showed changes in the lncRNAs expression during the differentiation of HWJ-MSCs into GLCs by using BMP4 and RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shafiee
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Department of Immunology, BuAli Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Saeedi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sara Raji
- Persian Cohort Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Naser Mobarra
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University Of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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10
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Xiong B, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Han X, Zhang C, Zhong R, Ge W, Han B, Ge Z, Huang G, Yin S, Shen W, Sun Q, Sun Z, Zhao Y, Zhang H. LncRNA8276 primes cell‐cell adhesion for regulation of spermatogenesis. Andrology 2022; 10:1687-1701. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Yue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Yandi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Ruqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Baoquan Han
- Urology Department Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Shenzhen 518036 China
| | - Zhaojia Ge
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Gui'an Huang
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences Qingdao Agricultural University Qingdao 266109 P. R. China
| | - Qingyuang Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital Guangzhou 510317 P. R. China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Urology Department Shenzhen University General Hospital Shenzhen 518055 P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Institute of Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100193 P. R. China
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11
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Otsuka K, Yang H, Matsubara S, Shiraishi A, Kurihara M, Satake H, Kimura AP. Evidence for a functional role of Start, a long noncoding RNA, in mouse spermatocytes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273279. [PMID: 36006924 PMCID: PMC9409574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A mouse testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), Start, is localized in the cytosol of Leydig cells and in the nucleus of pachytene spermatocytes. We previously showed that Start regulates steroidogenesis through controlling the expression of Star and Hsd3b1 genes in Leydig cells, but its function in germ cells was not known. Here we verified that a spermatocyte-specific protease gene, Prss43/Tessp-3, was downregulated in Start-knockout testes. To investigate the transcriptional regulatory activity of Start in spermatocytes, we first performed a series of reporter gene assays using a thymidine kinase promoter in spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. A 5.4-kb genome sequence encompassing Start exhibited enhancer activity for this promoter, and the activity was decreased by knockdown of Start. Deletion of the Start promoter and replacement of the Start sequence abolished the enhancer activity and, consistently, the activity was detected in further experiments only when Start was actively transcribed. We then examined whether the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene could be a target of Start. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that the 5.4-kb sequence exhibited enhancer activity for a Prss43/Tessp-3 promoter in GC-2spd(ts) cells and that the activity was significantly decreased by knockdown of Start. These results suggest that Start functions in transcriptional activation of the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene in spermatocytes. Given that Start is presumed to regulate steroidogenic genes at the posttranscriptional level in Leydig cells, the function in spermatocytes is a novel role of Start. These findings provide an insight into multifunctionality of lncRNAs in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Otsuka
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California United States of America
| | - Hong Yang
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi P. Kimura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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12
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Huang Y, Shang R, Lu GA, Zeng W, Huang C, Zou C, Tang T. Spatiotemporal Regulation of a Single Adaptively Evolving Trans-Regulatory Element Contributes to Spermatogenetic Expression Divergence in Drosophila. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6605656. [PMID: 35687719 PMCID: PMC9254010 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to extensive pleiotropy, trans-acting elements are often thought to be evolutionarily constrained. While the impact of trans-acting elements on gene expression evolution has been extensively studied, relatively little is understood about the contribution of a single trans regulator to interspecific expression and phenotypic divergence. Here, we disentangle the effects of genomic context and miR-983, an adaptively evolving young microRNA, on expression divergence between Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. We show miR-983 effects promote interspecific expression divergence in testis despite its antagonism with the often-predominant context effects. Single-cyst RNA-seq reveals that distinct sets of genes gain and lose miR-983 influence under disruptive or diversifying selection at different stages of spermatogenesis, potentially helping minimize antagonistic pleiotropy. At the round spermatid stage, the effects of miR-983 are weak and distributed, coincident with the transcriptome undergoing drastic expression changes. Knocking out miR-983 causes reduced sperm length with increased within-individual variation in D. melanogaster but not in D. simulans, and the D. melanogaster knockout also exhibits compromised sperm defense ability. Our results provide empirical evidence for the resolution of antagonistic pleiotropy and also have broad implications for the function and evolution of new trans regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guang-An Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weishun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chenglong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chuangchao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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13
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Tommasi S, Kitapci TH, Blumenfeld H, Besaratinia A. Secondhand smoke affects reproductive functions by altering the mouse testis transcriptome, and leads to select intron retention in Pde1a. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107086. [PMID: 35063792 PMCID: PMC8891074 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is known to result in adverse effects in multiple organ systems. However, the impact of SHS on the male reproductive system, particularly on the regulation of genes and molecular pathways that govern sperm production, maturation, and functions remains largely understudied. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of SHS on the testis transcriptome in a validated mouse model. METHODS Adult male mice were exposed to SHS (5 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 months) as compared to controls (clean air-exposed). RNA-seq analysis was performed on the testis of SHS-exposed mice and controls. Variant discovery and plink association analyses were also conducted to detect exposure-related transcript variants in SHS-treated mice. RESULTS Exposure of mice to SHS resulted in the aberrant expression of 131 testicular genes. Whilst approximately two thirds of the differentially expressed genes were protein-coding, the remaining (30.5%) comprised noncoding elements, mostly lncRNAs (19.1%). Variant discovery analysis identified a homozygous frameshift variant that is statistically significantly associated with SHS exposure (P = 7.744e-06) and is generated by retention of a short intron within Pde1a, a key regulator of spermatogenesis. Notably, this SHS-associated intron variant harbors an evolutionarily conserved, premature termination codon (PTC) that disrupts the open reading frame of Pde1a, presumably leading to its degradation via nonsense-mediated decay. DISCUSSION SHS alters the expression of genes involved in molecular pathways that are crucial for normal testis development and function. Preferential targeting of lncRNAs in the testis of SHS-exposed mice is especially significant considering their crucial role in the spatial and temporal modulation of spermatogenesis. Equally important is our discovery of a novel homozygous frameshift variant that is exclusively and significantly associated with SHS-exposure and is likely to represent a safeguard mechanism to regulate transcription of Pde1a and preserve normal testis function during harmful exposure to environmental agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Tommasi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Tevfik H Kitapci
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Hannah Blumenfeld
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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14
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Xiang D, Jia B, Guo J, Shao Q, Hong Q, Wei H, Quan G, Wu G. Transcriptome Analysis of mRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs During Subsequent Embryo Development of Porcine Cloned Zygotes After Vitrification. Front Genet 2022; 12:753327. [PMID: 34976007 PMCID: PMC8718616 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.753327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of porcine cloned zygotes has important implications for biotechnology and biomedicine research; however, lower embryo developmental potential remains an urgent problem to be resolved. For exploring the sublethal cryodamages during embryo development, this study was designed to acquire the mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiles of 2-cells, 4-cells and blastocysts derived from vitrified porcine cloned zygotes using transcriptome sequencing. We identified 167 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 516 DE lncRNAs in 2-cell stage, 469 DE mRNAs and 565 lncRNAs in 4-cell stage, and 389 DE mRNAs and 816 DE lncRNAs in blastocyst stage. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DE mRNAs during embryo development were involved in many regulatory mechanisms related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism and others. Moreover, the target genes of DE lncRNAs in the three embryonic stages were also enriched in many key GO terms or pathways such as “defense response”, “linoleic acid metabolic process”, “embryonic axis specification”, “negative regulation of protein neddylation”, etc., In conclusion, the present study provided comprehensive transcriptomic data about mRNAs and lncRNAs for the vitrified porcine cloned zygotes during different developmental stages, which contributed to further understand the potential cryodamage mechanisms responsible for impaired embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decai Xiang
- Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Baoyu Jia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Gene Editing and Animal Cloning in Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianxiong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Gene Editing and Animal Cloning in Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Qingyong Shao
- Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Gene Editing and Animal Cloning in Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
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15
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Chen Z, Ling L, Shi X, Li W, Zhai H, Kang Z, Zheng B, Zhu J, Ye S, Wang H, Tong L, Ni J, Huang C, Li Y, Zheng K. Microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides into living mouse testis enables lncRNA function study. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:213. [PMID: 34920761 PMCID: PMC8684201 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been the focus of ongoing research in a diversity of cellular processes. LncRNAs are abundant in mammalian testis, but their biological function remains poorly known. Results Here, we established an antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-based targeting approach that can efficiently knock down lncRNA in living mouse testis. We cloned the full-length transcript of lncRNA Tsx (testis-specific X-linked) and defined its testicular localization pattern. Microinjection of ASOs through seminiferous tubules in vivo significantly lowered the Tsx levels in both nucleus and cytoplasm. This effect lasted no less than 10 days, conducive to the generation and maintenance of phenotype. Importantly, ASOs performed better in depleting the nuclear Tsx and sustained longer effect than small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In addition to the observation of an elevated number of apoptotic germ cells upon ASOs injection, which recapitulates the documented description of Tsx knockout, we also found a specific loss of meiotic spermatocytes despite overall no impact on meiosis and male fertility. Conclusions Our study detailed the characterization of Tsx and illustrates ASOs as an advantageous tool to functionally interrogate lncRNAs in spermatogenesis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00717-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolian Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Huicong Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenlong Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Suni Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingxiu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Ni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoyang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
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16
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Liu W, Zhao Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Ding J, Li Y, Tian Y, Wang H, Liu W, Lu Z. A Novel Meiosis-Related lncRNA, Rbakdn, Contributes to Spermatogenesis by Stabilizing Ptbp2. Front Genet 2021; 12:752495. [PMID: 34707642 PMCID: PMC8542969 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.752495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatocyte meiosis is the cornerstone of mammalian production. Thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be functional in various cellular processes, but the function of lncRNAs in meiosis remains largely unknown. Here, we profiled lncRNAs in spermatocytes at stage I of meiosis and identified a testis-specific lncRNA, Rbakdn, as a vital regulator of meiosis. Rbakdn is dynamically expressed during meiosis I, and Rbakdn knockdown inhibits meiosis in vitro. Furthermore, Rbakdn knockdown in testes in mice by intratesticular injection disturbs meiosis, reduces testicular volume, and increases apoptosis of spermatocytes, resulting in vacuolation of the seminiferous tubules. Rbakdn can bind to Ptbp2, an RNA-binding protein that is important in the regulation of the alternative splicing of many genes in spermatogenesis. Rbakdn knockdown leads to a decrease in Ptbp2 through the ubiquitination degradation pathway, indicating that Rbakdn maintains the stability of Ptbp2. In conclusion, our study identified an lncRNA, Rbakdn, with a crucial role in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yinan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiancheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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17
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Pei J, Zhang S, Yang X, Han C, Pan Y, Li J, Wang Z, Sun C, Zhang J. Long non-coding RNA RP11-283G6.5 confines breast cancer development through modulating miR-188-3p/TMED3/Wnt/β-catenin signalling. RNA Biol 2021; 18:287-302. [PMID: 34130584 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1941608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The contributions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) to breast cancer are critical areas of investigation. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA RP11-283G6.5 which was lowly expressed in breast cancer and whose low expression was correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival of breast cancer patients. Functional experiments revealed that ectopic expression of RP11-283G6.5 confined breast cancer cellular growth, migration, and invasion, and promoted cellular apoptosis. Conversely, RP11-283G6.5 silencing facilitated breast cancer cellular growth, migration, and invasion, and repressed cellular apoptosis. Moreover, RP11-283G6.5 was found to confine breast cancer tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RP11-283G6.5 competitively bound to ILF3, reduced the binding of ILF3to primary miR-188 (pri-miR-188), abolished the suppressive effect of ILF3 on pri-miR-188 processing, and therefore promoted pri-miR-188 processing, leading to the reduction of pri-miR-188 and the upregulation of mature miR-188-3p. The expression of RP11-283G6.5 was significantly positively correlated with that of miR-188-3p in breast cancer tissues. Through increasing miR-188-3p, RP11-283G6.5 decreased TMED3, a target of miR-188-3p. RP11-283G6.5 further suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signalling via decreasing TMED3. Rescue assays revealed that inhibition of miR-188-3p, overexpression of TMED3 or blocking Wnt/β-catenin signalling all attenuated the roles of RP11-283G6.5 in breast cancer. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that RP11-283G6.5 is a tumour suppressive lncRNA in breast cancer via modulating miR-188-3p/TMED3/Wnt/β-catenin signalling. This study indicated that RP11-283G6.5 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pei
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shengquan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunguang Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yubo Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaorui Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Tumor Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, China
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18
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Ma H, Yu J, Xie J, Liu D, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Wang C. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in male mice testes at the onset of puberty after low dose lead exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 422:115556. [PMID: 33932463 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many researchers have studied the relationship between lead (Pb) and testis injury, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The participation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological processes has been proposed. To comprehensively gain insight into the molecular toxicity of Pb, expression patterns are analysed through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in male mice treated with 200 mg/L of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days at the onset of puberty. A total of 614 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were included (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), of which 288 were up-regulated, and 326 were down-regulated. A total of 2295 DE mRNAs (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), including 1202 up-regulated and 1093 down-regulated ones, were found in the testes of Pb-exposed group. Functional analysis results showed that several lncRNAs might be implicated in the bio-pathway of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Finally, seven pairs of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression were established in mice testes and confirmed by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the DE genes were also altered in Sertoli cells. Therefore, our research might be helpful for future exploring the effects of Pb exposure on lncRNA in testis, as well as its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Duanya Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
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19
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Su X, Yu Z, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wei L, Sun L. Construction and Analysis of the Dysregulated ceRNA Network and Identification of Risk Long Noncoding RNAs in Breast Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:664393. [PMID: 34149805 PMCID: PMC8212960 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.664393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BRCA) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the development of BRCA is not fully understood. In this study, based on the miRNA-mediated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-protein coding gene (PCG) relationship and lncRNA-PCG co-expression information, we constructed and analyzed a specific dysregulated lncRNA-PCG co-expression network in BRCA. Then, we performed the random walk with restart (RWR) method to prioritize BRCA-related lncRNAs through comparing their RWR score and significance. As a result, we identified 30 risk lncRNAs for BRCA, which can distinguish normal and tumor samples. Moreover, through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, we found that these risk lncRNAs mainly synergistically exerted functions related to cell cycle and DNA separation and replication. At last, we developed a four-lncRNA prognostic signature (including AP000851.1, LINC01977, MAFG-DT, SIAH2-AS1) and assessed the survival accuracy of the signature by performing time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The areas under the ROC curve for 1, 3, 5, and 10 years of survival prediction were 0.68, 0.61, 0.62, and 0.63, respectively. The multivariable Cox regression results verified that the four-lncRNA signature could be used as an independent prognostic biomarker in BRCA. In summary, these results have important reference value for the study of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Su
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Zhaoyan Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yuexin Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- School of Medical Informatics, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Ling Wei
- School of Medical Informatics, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Liang Sun
- College of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
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20
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Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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21
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Yao X, Gao X, Bao Y, El-Samahy MA, Yang J, Wang Z, Li X, Zhang G, Zhang Y, Liu W, Wang F. lncRNA FDNCR promotes apoptosis of granulosa cells by targeting the miR-543-3p/DCN/TGF-β signaling pathway in Hu sheep. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:223-240. [PMID: 33767918 PMCID: PMC7973142 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the development of follicles and reproductive diseases, but the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate ovarian functions and fertility remain elusive. We profiled the expression of lncRNAs in ovarian tissues of Hu sheep with different prolificacy and identified 21,327 lncRNAs. Many of the lncRNAs were differentially expressed in different groups. We further characterized an lncRNA that was predominantly expressed in the ovaries of the low prolificacy FecB+ (LPB+) group and mainly present in granulosa cells (GCs), and the expression of this lncRNA decreased during follicular development, which we named follicular development-associated lncRNA (FDNCR). Next, we found that FDNCR directly binds miR-543-3p, and decorin (DCN) was identified as a target of miR-543-3p. FDNCR overexpression promoted GC apoptosis through increased expression of DCN, which could be attenuated by miR-543-3p. Furthermore, miR-543-3p increased and FDNCR reduced the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway-related genes, including TGF-β1 and inhibin beta A (INHBA), which were upregulated upon DCN silencing. Our results demonstrated that FDNCR sponges miR-543-3p in GCs and prevents miR-543-3p from binding to the DCN 3′ UTR, resulting in DCN transactivation and TGF-β pathway inhibition and promotion of GC apoptosis in Hu sheep. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying prolificacy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - XiaoXiao Gao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yongjin Bao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - M A El-Samahy
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinyu Yang
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wujun Liu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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22
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Sabetian S, Zarei M, Jahromi BN, Morowvat MH, Tabei SMB, Cava C. Exploring the dysregulated mRNAs-miRNAs-lncRNAs interactions associated to idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5956-5964. [PMID: 33499760 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1875879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most clinical problem in case of infertility. About 70% of NOA patients are idiopathic with uncharacterized molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to analyze the possible pathogenic miRNA-target gene interaction and lncRNA-miRNA association involved in NOA. In the current study, differentially expressed (DE) nRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs were determined using the microarray dataset and statistical software R. miRNAs-mRNA and miRNA-lncRNA interactions were identified and the base-pair binding between the seed region of miRNAs and complementary nucleotides in 3' UTR of mRNAs were analyzed. The influence of the validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was described by calculating the minimum free energy (MFE) of the interaction. A total of 74 mRNAs, 14 miRNAs, and 10 lncRNAs were identified to have significant differential expression in testicular tissue between patients and the fertile group. Four of the DE-mRNAs and all of the reported DE-miRNAs were upregulated. In addition, all of the represented DE-lncRNAs were showed to be downregulated. miR-509-5p and miR-27b-3p were found to interact with target gene polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Cysteine-rich secretory protein2 (CRISP2), respectively. Rs550967205 (A > G) positioned at 3' UTR CRISP2 and rs544604911 (T > C) located at 3' UTR PLK1, with lowest MFE in miRNA-mRNA interaction, were assumed to have possible pathogenic roles linked to spermatogenesis arrest. The results of the study provide new clues to understand the regulatory roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of idiopathic azoospermia. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Sabetian
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Zarei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Claudia Cava
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
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23
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Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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24
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Yeh YH, Hu M, Nakagawa T, Sakashita A, Yoshida S, Maezawa S, Namekawa SH. Isolation of Murine Spermatogenic Cells using a Violet-Excited Cell-Permeable DNA Binding Dye. J Vis Exp 2021:10.3791/61666. [PMID: 33522502 PMCID: PMC8260464 DOI: 10.3791/61666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolation of meiotic spermatocytes is essential to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying meiosis and spermatogenesis. Although there are established cell isolation protocols using Hoechst 33342 staining in combination with fluorescence-activated cell sorting, it requires cell sorters equipped with an ultraviolet laser. Here we describe a cell isolation protocol using the DyeCycle Violet (DCV) stain, a low cytotoxicity DNA binding dye structurally similar to Hoechst 33342. DCV can be excited by both ultraviolet and violet lasers, which improves the flexibility of equipment choice, including a cell sorter not equipped with an ultraviolet laser. Using this protocol, one can isolate three live-cell subpopulations in meiotic prophase I, including leptotene/zygotene, pachytene, and diplotene spermatocytes, as well as post-meiotic round spermatids. We also describe a protocol to prepare single-cell suspension from mouse testes. Overall, the procedure requires a short time to complete (4-5 hours depending on the number of needed cells), which facilitates many downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Yeh
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)
| | - So Maezawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University; Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine;
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25
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Otsuka K, Matsubara S, Shiraishi A, Takei N, Satoh Y, Terao M, Takada S, Kotani T, Satake H, Kimura AP. A Testis-Specific Long Noncoding RNA, Start, Is a Regulator of Steroidogenesis in Mouse Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:665874. [PMID: 33897623 PMCID: PMC8061315 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.665874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis expresses many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), but their functions and overview of lncRNA variety are not well understood. The mouse Prss/Tessp locus contains six serine protease genes and two lncRNAs that have been suggested to play important roles in spermatogenesis. Here, we found a novel testis-specific lncRNA, Start (Steroidogenesis activating lncRNA in testis), in this locus. Start is 1822 nucleotides in length and was found to be localized mostly in the cytosol of germ cells and Leydig cells, although nuclear localization was also observed. Start-knockout (KO) mice generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system were fertile and showed no morphological abnormality in adults. However, in adult Start-KO testes, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses revealed an increase in the expression of steroidogenic genes such as Star and Hsd3b1, while ELISA analysis revealed that the testosterone levels in serum and testis were significantly low. Interestingly, at 8 days postpartum, both steroidogenic gene expression and testosterone level were decreased in Start-KO mice. Since overexpression of Start in two Leydig-derived cell lines resulted in elevation of the expression of steroidogenic genes including Star and Hsd3b1, Start is likely to be involved in their upregulation. The increase in expression of steroidogenic genes in adult Start-KO testes might be caused by a secondary effect via the androgen receptor autocrine pathway or the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Additionally, we observed a reduced number of Leydig cells at 8 days postpartum. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that Start is a regulator of steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. The current study provides an insight into the overall picture of the function of testis lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Otsuka
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Natsumi Takei
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yui Satoh
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miho Terao
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of NCCHD Child Health and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kotani
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi P. Kimura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Atsushi P. Kimura,
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26
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Li K, Xu J, Luo Y, Zou D, Han R, Zhong S, Zhao Q, Mang X, Li M, Si Y, Lu Y, Li P, Jin C, Wang Z, Wang F, Miao S, Wen B, Wang L, Ma Y, Yu J, Song W. Panoramic transcriptome analysis and functional screening of long noncoding RNAs in mouse spermatogenesis. Genome Res 2020; 31:13-26. [PMID: 33328167 PMCID: PMC7849387 DOI: 10.1101/gr.264333.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as diverse functional regulators involved in mammalian development; however, large-scale functional investigation of lncRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis in vivo is lacking. Here, we delineated the global lncRNA expression landscape in mouse spermatogenesis and identified 968 germ cell signature lncRNAs. By combining bioinformatics and functional screening, we identified three functional lncRNAs (Gm4665, 1700027A15Rik, and 1700052I22Rik) that directly influence spermatogenesis in vivo. Knocking down Gm4665 hampered the development of round spermatids into elongating spermatids and disrupted key spermatogenic gene expression. Mechanistically, lncRNA Gm4665 localized in the nucleus of round spermatids and occupied the genomic regulatory region of important spermatogenic genes including Ip6k1 and Akap3. These findings provide a valuable resource and framework for future functional analysis of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis and their potential roles in other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiayue Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanyun Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ruiqin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shunshun Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanmin Si
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanni Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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27
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Yan XM, Zhang Z, Liu JB, Li N, Yang GW, Luo D, Zhang Y, Yuan B, Jiang H, Zhang JB. Genome-wide identification and analysis of long noncoding RNAs in longissimus muscle tissue from Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020; 34:1739-1748. [PMID: 33152223 PMCID: PMC8563250 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective In recent years, lncRNAs have been identified in many species, and some of them have been shown to play important roles in muscle development and myogenesis. However, the differences in lncRNAs between Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle remain undefined; therefore, we aimed to confirm whether lncRNAs are differentially expressed in the longissimus dorsi between these two types of cattle and whether differentially expressed lncRNAs regulate muscle differentiation. Methods We used RNA-seq technology to identify lncRNAs in longissimus muscles from these cattle. The expression of lncRNAs were analyzed using StringTie (1.3.1) in terms of the FPKM values of the encoding genes. The differential expression of the transcripts in the two samples were analyzed using the DESeq R software package. The resulting FDR was controlled by the Benjamini and Hochberg's approach. KOBAS software was utilized to measure the expression of different genes in KEGG pathways. We randomly selected eight lncRNA genes and validated them by RT-qPCR. Results We found that 182 lncRNA transcripts, including 102 upregulated and 80 downregulated transcripts, were differentially expressed between Kazakh cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle. The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with the sequencing results. Enrichment analysis and functional annotation of the target genes revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the MAPK, Ras and PI3k/Akt signaling pathways. We also constructed a lncRNA/mRNA coexpression network for the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion Our study provides insights into cattle muscle-associated lncRNAs and will contribute to a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying muscle growth and development in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Min Yan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry,Xinjiang Academy of Animal Husbandry, Urumqi (830057), Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, (712100), Shanxi, China
| | - Jian-Bo Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China
| | - Na Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry,Xinjiang Academy of Animal Husbandry, Urumqi (830057), Xinjiang, China
| | - Guang-Wei Yang
- Yili State Animal Husbandry General Station, Yili (835000), Xinjiang, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry,Xinjiang Academy of Animal Husbandry, Urumqi (830057), Xinjiang, China
| | - Bao Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun (130012), Jilin, China
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28
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Systematic analysis of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in C. elegans germline uncovers roles in somatic growth. RNA Biol 2020; 18:435-445. [PMID: 32892705 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1814549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are transcribed from non-coding loci yet undergo biosynthesis similar to coding mRNAs. The disproportional number of lincRNAs expressed in testes suggests that lincRNAs are important during gametogenesis, but experimental evidence has implicated very few lincRNAs in this process. We took advantage of the relatively limited number of lincRNAs in the genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to systematically analyse the functions of lincRNAs during meiosis. We deleted six lincRNA genes that are highly and dynamically expressed in the C. elegans gonad and tested the effects on central meiotic processes. Surprisingly, whereas the lincRNA deletions did not strongly impact fertility, germline apoptosis, crossovers, or synapsis, linc-4 was required for somatic growth. Slower growth was observed in linc-4-deletion mutants and in worms depleted of linc-4 using RNAi, indicating that linc-4 transcripts are required for this post-embryonic process. Unexpectedly, analysis of worms depleted of linc-4 in soma versus germline showed that the somatic role stems from linc-4 expression in germline cells. This unique feature suggests that some lincRNAs, like some small non-coding RNAs, are required for germ-soma interactions.
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