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Estermann MA, Grimm S, Kitakule A, Rodriguez K, Brown P, McClelland K, Amato C, Yao HHC. NR2F2 regulation of interstitial to fetal Leydig cell differentiation in the testis: insights into differences of sex development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.16.613312. [PMID: 39345510 PMCID: PMC11429913 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.16.613312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Testicular fetal Leydig cells are a specialized cell type responsible for embryo masculinization. Fetal Leydig cells produce androgens, that induce the differentiation of male reproductive system and sexual characteristics. Deficiencies in Leydig cell differentiation leads to various disorders of sex development and male reproductive defects such as ambiguous genitalia, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and infertility. Fetal Leydig cells are thought to originate from proliferating progenitor cells in the testis interstitium, marked by genes like Arx , Pdgfra , Tcf21 and Wnt5a . However, the precise mechanisms governing the transition from interstitial cells to fetal Leydig cells remain elusive. Through integrated approaches involving mouse models and single-nucleus multiomic analyses, we discovered that fetal Leydig cells originate from a Nr2f2 -positive non-steroidogenic interstitial cell population. Embryonic deletion of Nr2f2 in mouse testes resulted in disorders of sex development, including dysgenic testes, Leydig cell hypoplasia, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias. We found that NR2F2 promotes the progenitor cell fate while suppresses Leydig cell differentiation by directly and indirectly controlling a cohort of transcription factors and downstream genes. Bioinformatic analyses of single-nucleus ATAC-seq and NR2F2 ChIP-seq data revealed putative transcription factors co-regulating the process of interstitial to Leydig cell differentiation. Collectively, our findings not only highlight the critical role of Nr2f2 in orchestrating the transition from interstitial cells to fetal Leydig cells, but also provide molecular insight into the disorders of sex development as a result of Nr2f2 mutations.
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Wankanit S, Zidoune H, Bignon-Topalovic J, Schlick L, Houzelstein D, Fusée L, Boukri A, Nouri N, McElreavey K, Bashamboo A, Elzaiat M. Evidence for NR2F2/COUP-TFII involvement in human testis development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17869. [PMID: 39090159 PMCID: PMC11294483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
NR2F2 encodes COUP-TFII, an orphan nuclear receptor required for the development of the steroidogenic lineages of the murine fetal testes and ovaries. Pathogenic variants in human NR2F2 are associated with testis formation in 46,XX individuals, however, the function of COUP-TFII in the human testis is unknown. We report a de novo heterozygous variant in NR2F2 (c.737G > A, p.Arg246His) in a 46,XY under-masculinized boy with primary hypogonadism. The variant, located within the ligand-binding domain, is predicted to be highly damaging. In vitro studies indicated that the mutation does not impact the stability or subcellular localization of the protein. NR5A1, a related nuclear receptor that is a key factor in gonad formation and function, is known to physically interact with COUP-TFII to regulate gene expression. The mutant protein did not affect the physical interaction with NR5A1. However, in-vitro assays demonstrated that the mutant protein significantly loses the inhibitory effect on NR5A1-mediated activation of both the LHB and INSL3 promoters. The data support a role for COUP-TFII in human testis formation. Although mutually antagonistic sets of genes are known to regulate testis and ovarian pathways, we extend the list of genes, that together with NR5A1 and WT1, are associated with both 46,XX and 46,XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somboon Wankanit
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Housna Zidoune
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
- Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, 25017, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | - Laurène Schlick
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Denis Houzelstein
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Leila Fusée
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Asma Boukri
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Ibn Badis Constantine, Constantine, Algeria
- Metabolic Disease Research Laboratory, Salah Boubnider Constantine 3 University, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Nassim Nouri
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Ibn Badis Constantine, Constantine, Algeria
- Metabolic Disease Research Laboratory, Salah Boubnider Constantine 3 University, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maëva Elzaiat
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France.
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Wang FC, Zhang XN, Wu SX, He Z, Zhang LY, Yang QE. Loss of PBX1 function in Leydig cells causes testicular dysgenesis and male sterility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:212. [PMID: 38724675 PMCID: PMC11082031 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05249-5] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Leydig cells are essential components of testicular interstitial tissue and serve as a primary source of androgen in males. A functional deficiency in Leydig cells often causes severe reproductive disorders; however, the transcriptional programs underlying the fate decisions and steroidogenesis of these cells have not been fully defined. In this study, we report that the homeodomain transcription factor PBX1 is a master regulator of Leydig cell differentiation and testosterone production in mice. PBX1 was highly expressed in Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells in the adult testis. Conditional deletion of Pbx1 in Leydig cells caused spermatogenic defects and complete sterility. Histological examinations revealed that Pbx1 deletion impaired testicular structure and led to disorganization of the seminiferous tubules. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that loss of Pbx1 function affected the fate decisions of progenitor Leydig cells and altered the transcription of genes associated with testosterone synthesis in the adult testis. Pbx1 directly regulates the transcription of genes that play important roles in steroidogenesis (Prlr, Nr2f2 and Nedd4). Further analysis demonstrated that deletion of Pbx1 leads to a significant decrease in testosterone levels, accompanied by increases in pregnenolone, androstenedione and luteinizing hormone. Collectively, our data revealed that PBX1 is indispensable for maintaining Leydig cell function. These findings provide insights into testicular dysgenesis and the regulation of hormone secretion in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu-Yao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China.
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Candelaria NR, Richards JS. Targeted deletion of NR2F2 and VCAM1 in theca cells impacts ovarian follicular development: insights into polycystic ovary syndrome?†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:782-797. [PMID: 38224314 PMCID: PMC11017119 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Defining features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include elevated expression of steroidogenic genes, theca cell androgen biosynthesis, and peripheral levels of androgens. In previous studies, we identified vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) as a selective androgen target gene in specific NR2F2/SF1 (+/+) theca cells. By deleting NR2F2 and VCAM1 selectively in CYP17A1 theca cells in mice, we documented that NR2F2 and VCAM1 impact distinct and sometimes opposing theca cell functions that alter ovarian follicular development in vivo: including major changes in ovarian morphology, steroidogenesis, gene expression profiles, immunolocalization images (NR5A1, CYP11A1, NOTCH1, CYP17A1, INSL3, VCAM1, NR2F2) as well as granulosa cell functions. We propose that theca cells impact follicle integrity by regulating androgen production and action, as well as granulosa cell differentiation/luteinization in response to androgens and gonadotropins that may underlie PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholes R Candelaria
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Liang Y, Wan L, Liu X, Zhang J, Zhu G, Yang G. Infantile epileptic spasm syndrome as a new NR2F1 gene phenotype. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:75-83. [PMID: 38010976 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10309] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NR2F1 pathogenetic variants are associated with the Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS). Recent studies indicate that BBSOAS patients not only have visual impairments but may also have developmental delays, hypotonia, thin corpus callosum and epileptic seizures. However, reports of BBSOAS occurrence along with infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) are rare. METHODS Here, we report three cases involving children with IESS and BBSOAS caused by de novo NR2F1 pathogenetic variants and summarize the genotype, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of them. RESULTS All three children experienced epileptic spasms and global developmental delays, with brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suggesting abnormalities (thinning of the corpus callosum or widened extracerebral spaces) and two of the children exhibiting abnormal visual evoked potentials. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that new missense NR2F1 pathogenetic variants may lead to IESS with abnormal visual evoked potentials. Thus, clinicians should be aware of the Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome and regular monitoring of the fundus, and the optic nerve is necessary during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
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Mehanovic S, Pierre KJ, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. COUP-TFII interacts and functionally cooperates with GATA4 to regulate Amhr2 transcription in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells. Andrology 2022; 10:1411-1425. [PMID: 35973717 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13266] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells produce testosterone and insulin-like 3, two hormones essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive function. The orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII and the zinc finger factor GATA4 are two transcription factors involved in Leydig cell differentiation, gene expression and function. OBJECTIVES Several Leydig cell gene promoters contain binding motifs for both GATA factors and nuclear receptors. The goal of present study is to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII cooperate to regulate gene expression in Leydig cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The transcriptomes from GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells were analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Functional cooperation between GATA4 and COUP-TFII, and other related family members, was assessed by transient transfections in Leydig (MA-10 and MLTC-1) and fibroblast (CV-1) cell lines on several gene promoters. Recruitment of GATA4 and COUP-TFII to gene promoters was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII interact in MA-10 Leydig cells. RESULTS Transcriptomic analyses of GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells revealed 44 commonly regulated genes including the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor (Amhr2) gene. GATA4 and COUP-TFII independently activated the Amhr2 promoter, and their combination led to a stronger activation. A GC-rich element, located in the proximal Amhr2 promoter was found to be essential for GATA4- and COUP-TFII-dependent activation as well as for the COUP-TFII/GATA4 cooperation. COUP-TFII and GATA4 directly interacted in MA-10 Leydig cell extracts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that GATA4 and COUP-TFII are recruited to the proximal Amhr2 promoter, which contains binding sites for both factors in addition to the GC-rich element. Cooperation between COUP-TFII and GATA6, but not GATA1 and GATA3, was also observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results establish the importance of a physical and functional cooperation between COUP-TFII/GATA4 in the regulation of gene expression in MA-10 Leydig cells, and more specifically the Amhr2 gene. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Mehanovic
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Kenley Joule Pierre
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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The Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Contributes to cAMP-Induced Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells produce androgens which are essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive functions. Steroidogenesis, as well as expression of several genes in Leydig cells, are stimulated by LH/cAMP and repressed by AMP/AMPK. One of those genes is Plau, which codes for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a secreted serine protease. The role of uPA and the regulation of Plau expression in Leydig cells remain unknown. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, uPA was required for maximal cAMP-induced STAR and steroid hormone production in MA-10 Leydig cells. Analysis of Plau mRNA levels and promoter activity revealed that its expression is strongly induced by cAMP; this induction is blunted by AMPK. The cAMP-responsive region was located, in part, in the proximal Plau promoter that contains a species-conserved GC box at −56 bp. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) activated the Plau promoter. Mutation of the GC box at −56 bp abolished KLF6-mediated activation and significantly reduced cAMP-induced Plau promoter activity. These data define a role for uPA in Leydig cell steroidogenesis and provide insights into the regulation of Plau gene expression in these cells.
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de Mattos K, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. Transcription Factors in the Regulation of Leydig Cell Gene Expression and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881309. [PMID: 35464056 PMCID: PMC9022205 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell differentiation and acquisition of specialized functions are inherent steps in events that lead to normal tissue development and function. These processes require accurate temporal, tissue, and cell-specific activation or repression of gene transcription. This is achieved by complex interactions between transcription factors that form a unique combinatorial code in each specialized cell type and in response to different physiological signals. Transcription factors typically act by binding to short, nucleotide-specific DNA sequences located in the promoter region of target genes. In males, Leydig cells play a crucial role in sex differentiation, health, and reproductive function from embryonic life to adulthood. To better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating Leydig cell differentiation and function, several transcription factors important to Leydig cells have been identified, including some previously unknown to this specialized cell type. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge on transcription factors in fetal and adult Leydig cells, describing their roles and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert S. Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jacques J. Tremblay,
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