1
|
Kogo H, Kikuchi-Kokubo Y, Tajika Y, Iizuka-Kogo A, Yamamoto H, Ikezawa M, Kurahashi H, Matsuzaki T. Differential phosphorylation of two serine clusters in mouse HORMAD1 during meiotic prophase I progression. Exp Cell Res 2024; 440:114133. [PMID: 38897409 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Mouse HORMAD1 is a phospho-protein involved in multiple functions during meiotic prophase I. To obtain insight into the significance of its phosphorylation, we generated phospho-specific antibodies against two serine residues, Ser307 and Ser378, representing each of two serine clusters in mouse HORMAD1. The Ser307 phosphorylation is detectable from early leptotene substage in both wild-type and Spo11-/- spermatocytes, indicating that Ser307 is a primary and SPO11-independent phosphorylation site. In contrast, the Ser378 phosphorylation is negligible at earlier substages in wild-type and Spo11-/- spermatocytes. After mid-zygotene substage, the Ser378 phosphorylation is abundant on unsynapsed chromosome axes in wild-type spermatocytes and is detected only in a part of unsynapsed chromosome axes in Spo11-/- spermatocytes. We also generated a non-phosphorylated Ser307-specific antibody and found that Ser307 is phosphorylated on sex chromosome axes but is almost entirely unphosphorylated on desynapsed chromosome axes in diplotene spermatocytes. These results demonstrated a substage-specific phosphorylation status of mouse HORMAD1, which might be associated with multiple substage-specific functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kogo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Yuka Kikuchi-Kokubo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tajika
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akiko Iizuka-Kogo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hanako Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Maiko Ikezawa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsuzaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu X, Lu M, Yun D, Gao S, Sun F. Long-read single-cell sequencing reveals the transcriptional landscape of spermatogenesis in obstructive azoospermia and Sertoli cell-only patients. QJM 2024; 117:422-435. [PMID: 38192002 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is widely used in spermatogenesis. However, it only reveals short reads in germ and somatic cells, limiting the discovery of novel transcripts and genes. AIM This study shows the long-read transcriptional landscape of spermatogenesis in obstructive azoospermia (OA) and Sertoli cell-only patients. DESIGN Single cells were isolated from testicular biopsies of OA and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Cell culture was identified by comparing PacBio long-read single-cell sequencing (OA n = 3, NOA n = 3) with short-read scRNA-seq (OA n = 6, NOA n = 6). Ten germ cell types and eight somatic cell types were classified based on known markers. METHODS PacBio long-read single-cell sequencing, short-read scRNA-seq, polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total of 130 426 long-read transcripts (100 517 novel transcripts and 29 909 known transcripts) and 49 508 long-read transcripts (26 002 novel transcripts and 23 506 known transcripts) have been detected in OA and NOA patients, respectively. Moreover, 36 373 and 1642 new genes are identified in OA and NOA patients, respectively. Importantly, specific expressions of long-read transcripts were detected in germ and stomatic cells during normal spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION We have identified total full-length transcripts in OA and NOA, and new genes were found. Furthermore, specific expressed full-length transcripts were detected, and the genomic structure of transcripts was mapped in different cell types. These findings may provide valuable information on human spermatogenesis and the treatment of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - M Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - D Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - S Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - F Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pierson Smela M, Adams J, Ma C, Breimann L, Widocki U, Shioda T, Church GM. Induction of Meiosis from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596483. [PMID: 38854076 PMCID: PMC11160729 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
An in vitro model of human meiosis would accelerate research into this important reproductive process and development of therapies for infertility. We have developed a method to induce meiosis starting from male or female human pluripotent stem cells. We demonstrate that DNMT1 inhibition, retinoid signaling activation, and overexpression of regulatory factors (anti-apoptotic BCL2, and pro-meiotic HOXB5, BOLL, or MEIOC) rapidly activates meiosis, with leptonema beginning at 6 days, zygonema at 9 days, and pachynema at 12 days. Immunofluorescence microscopy shows key aspects of meiosis, including chromosome synapsis and sex body formation. The meiotic cells express genes similar to meiotic oogonia in vivo, including all synaptonemal complex components and machinery for meiotic recombination. These findings establish an accessible system for inducing human meiosis in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Adams
- Wyss Institute, Harvard University; Boston, 02215, USA
| | - Carl Ma
- Wyss Institute, Harvard University; Boston, 02215, USA
| | - Laura Breimann
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Ursula Widocki
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, 02138, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Mass. General Research Institute; Boston, 02129, USA
| | - George M. Church
- Wyss Institute, Harvard University; Boston, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou X, Fang K, Liu Y, Li W, Tan Y, Zhang J, Yu X, Wang G, Zhang Y, Shang Y, Zhang L, Chen CD, Wang S. ZFP541 and KCTD19 regulate chromatin organization and transcription programs for male meiotic progression. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13567. [PMID: 37921559 PMCID: PMC10984108 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful progression of meiosis prophase I requires integrating information from the structural and molecular levels. In this study, we show that ZFP541 and KCTD19 work in the same genetic pathway to regulate the progression of male meiosis and thus fertility. The Zfp541 and/or Kctd19 knockout male mice show various structural and recombination defects including detached chromosome ends, aberrant localization of chromosome axis components and recombination proteins, and globally altered histone modifications. Further analyses on RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq data provide molecular evidence for the above defects and reveal that ZFP541/KCTD19 activates the expression of many genes by repressing several major transcription repressors. More importantly, we reveal an unexpected role of ZFP541/KCTD19 in directly modulating chromatin organization. These results suggest that ZFP541/KCTD19 simultaneously regulates the transcription cascade and chromatin organization to ensure the coordinated progression of multiple events at chromosome structural and biochemical levels during meiosis prophase I.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Kailun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Weidong Li
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yingjin Tan
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Xiaoxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yanan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Charlie Degui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Shunxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive HealthShandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive HealthJinanShandongChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Chen Y, Gao J, Xie H, Guo Y, Yang J, Liu J, Chen Z, Li Q, Li M, Ren J, Wen L, Tang F. Mapping crossover events of mouse meiotic recombination by restriction fragment ligation-based Refresh-seq. Cell Discov 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 38443370 PMCID: PMC10915157 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell whole-genome sequencing methods have undergone great improvements over the past decade. However, allele dropout, which means the inability to detect both alleles simultaneously in an individual diploid cell, largely restricts the application of these methods particularly for medical applications. Here, we develop a new single-cell whole-genome sequencing method based on third-generation sequencing (TGS) platform named Refresh-seq (restriction fragment ligation-based genome amplification and TGS). It is based on restriction endonuclease cutting and ligation strategy in which two alleles in an individual cell can be cut into equal fragments and tend to be amplified simultaneously. As a new single-cell long-read genome sequencing method, Refresh-seq features much lower allele dropout rate compared with SMOOTH-seq. Furthermore, we apply Refresh-seq to 688 sperm cells and 272 female haploid cells (secondary polar bodies and parthenogenetic oocytes) from F1 hybrid mice. We acquire high-resolution genetic map of mouse meiosis recombination at low sequencing depth and reveal the sexual dimorphism in meiotic crossovers. We also phase the structure variations (deletions and insertions) in sperm cells and female haploid cells with high precision. Refresh-seq shows great performance in screening aneuploid sperm cells and oocytes due to the low allele dropout rate and has great potential for medical applications such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Junpeng Gao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
- Emergency Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haoling Xie
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Guo
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Yang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Jun'e Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Zonggui Chen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leem J, Lee C, Choi DY, Oh JS. Distinct characteristics of the DNA damage response in mammalian oocytes. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:319-328. [PMID: 38355825 PMCID: PMC10907590 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01178-2] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA damage is a critical threat that poses significant challenges to all cells. To address this issue, cells have evolved a sophisticated molecular and cellular process known as the DNA damage response (DDR). Among the various cell types, mammalian oocytes, which remain dormant in the ovary for extended periods, are particularly susceptible to DNA damage. The occurrence of DNA damage in oocytes can result in genetic abnormalities, potentially leading to infertility, birth defects, and even abortion. Therefore, understanding how oocytes detect and repair DNA damage is of paramount importance in maintaining oocyte quality and preserving fertility. Although the fundamental concept of the DDR is conserved across various cell types, an emerging body of evidence reveals striking distinctions in the DDR between mammalian oocytes and somatic cells. In this review, we highlight the distinctive characteristics of the DDR in oocytes and discuss the clinical implications of DNA damage in oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Leem
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Crystal Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Da Yi Choi
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jeong Su Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu W, Bruggeman JW, Lei Q, van Pelt AMM, Koster J, Hamer G. Germline specific genes increase DNA double-strand break repair and radioresistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:38. [PMID: 38216586 PMCID: PMC10786935 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
In principle, germline cells possess the capability to transmit a nearly unaltered set of genetic material to infinite future generations, whereas somatic cells are limited by strict growth constraints necessary to assure an organism's physical structure and eventual mortality. As the potential to replicate indefinitely is a key feature of cancer, we hypothesized that the activation of a "germline program" in somatic cells can contribute to oncogenesis. Our group recently described over one thousand germline specific genes that can be ectopically expressed in cancer, yet how germline specific processes contribute to the malignant properties of cancer is poorly understood. We here show that the expression of germ cell/cancer (GC) genes correlates with malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We found that LUAD cells expressing more GC genes can repair DNA double strand breaks more rapidly, show higher rates of proliferation and are more resistant to ionizing radiation, compared to LUAD cells that express fewer GC genes. In particular, we identified the HORMA domain protein regulator TRIP13 to be predominantly responsible for this malignant phenotype, and that TRIP13 inhibition or expression levels affect the response to ionizing radiation and subsequent DNA repair. Our results demonstrate that GC genes are viable targets in oncology, as they induce increased radiation resistance and increased propagation in cancer cells. Because their expression is normally restricted to germline cells, we anticipate that GC gene directed therapeutic options will effectively target cancer, with limited side effects besides (temporary) infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nikou N, López Panadés M, Roig I. Histological and Cytological Techniques to Study Perinatal Mouse Ovaries and Oocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2770:151-170. [PMID: 38351453 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3698-5_12] [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: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of female fertility in mammals depends on critical processes during oocyte development and maturation. Therefore, it is crucial to use specific approaches when studying mammalian female fertility to preserve ovary and oocyte structures effectively. The methods of collecting and culturing ovaries and oocytes play an essential role in the study of mammalian follicle development and oocyte quality. This chapter presents a collection of protocols that focus on various methods for studying mammalian ovaries and oocytes, providing researchers with a variety of approaches to choose from.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikoleta Nikou
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology and Histology Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria López Panadés
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology and Histology Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Roig
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology and Histology Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao X, Wang C, Yu W, Sun L, Lv Z, Xie X, Tian S, Yan L, Li L, Liu J. BCAS2 regulates oocyte meiotic prophase I by participating in mRNA alternative splicing. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23361. [PMID: 38085152 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301234rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte meiotic prophase I (MI) is an important event in female reproduction. Breast cancer amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is a component of the spliceosome. Previous reports have shown that BCAS2 is critical in male germ cell meiosis, oocyte development, and early embryo genome integrity. However, the role of BCAS2 in oocyte meiosis has not been reported. We used Stra8-GFPCre mice to knock out Bcas2 in oocytes during the pachytene phase. The results of fertility tests showed that Bcas2 conditional knockout (cKO) in oocytes results in infertility in female mice. Morphological analysis showed that the number of primordial follicles in the ovaries of 2-month-old (M) mice was significantly reduced and that follicle development was blocked. Further analysis showed that the number of primordial follicles decreased and that follicle development was slowed in 7-day postpartum (dpp) ovaries. Moreover, primordial follicles undergo apoptosis, and DNA damage cannot be repaired in primary follicle oocytes. Meiosis was abnormal; some oocytes could not reach the diplotene stage, and more oocytes could not develop to the dictyotene stage. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis revealed abnormal AS of deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) and diaphanous related formin 2 (Diaph2) oogenesis-related genes in cKO mouse ovaries, and the process of AS was involved by CDC5L and PRP19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiran Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wood BW, Shi X, Weil TT. F-actin coordinates spindle morphology and function in Drosophila meiosis. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011111. [PMID: 38206959 PMCID: PMC10807755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a highly conserved feature of sexual reproduction that ensures germ cells have the correct number of chromosomes prior to fertilization. A subset of microtubules, known as the spindle, are essential for accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. Building evidence in mammalian systems has recently highlighted the unexpected requirement of the actin cytoskeleton in chromosome segregation; a network of spindle actin filaments appear to regulate many aspects of this process. Here we show that Drosophila oocytes also have a spindle population of actin that appears to regulate the formation of the microtubule spindle and chromosomal movements throughout meiosis. We demonstrate that genetic and pharmacological disruption of the actin cytoskeleton has a significant impact on spindle morphology, dynamics, and chromosome alignment and segregation during maturation and the metaphase-anaphase transition. We further reveal a role for calcium in maintaining the microtubule spindle and spindle actin. Together, our data highlights potential conservation of morphology and mechanism of the spindle actin during meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W. Wood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xingzhu Shi
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy T. Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rahmawati M, Stadler KM, Lopez-Biladeau B, Hoisington TM, Law NC. Core binding factor subunit β plays diverse and essential roles in the male germline. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1284184. [PMID: 38020932 PMCID: PMC10653448 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1284184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of the foundation for lifelong spermatogenesis is established prior to puberty, and disruptions during this developmental window negatively impact fertility long into adulthood. However, the factors that coordinate prepubertal germline development are incompletely understood. Here, we report that core-binding factor subunit-β (CBFβ) plays critical roles in prepubertal development and the onset of spermatogenesis. Using a mouse conditional knockout (cKO) approach, inactivation of Cbfb in the male germline resulted in rapid degeneration of the germline during the onset of spermatogenesis, impaired overall sperm production, and adult infertility. Utilizing a different Cre driver to generate another Cbfb cKO model, we determined that the function of CBFβ in the male germline is likely limited to undifferentiated spermatogonia despite expression in other germ cell types. Within undifferentiated spermatogonia, CBFβ regulates proliferation, survival, and overall maintenance of the undifferentiated spermatogonia population. Paradoxically, we discovered that CBFβ also distally regulates meiotic progression and spermatid formation but only with Cbfb cKO within undifferentiated spermatogonia. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that CBFβ modulates cell cycle checkpoint control genes associated with both proliferation and meiosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that core programs established within the prepubertal undifferentiated spermatogonia population are necessary for both germline maintenance and sperm production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustika Rahmawati
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kassie M. Stadler
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Blanca Lopez-Biladeau
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Tia M. Hoisington
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nathan C. Law
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Herruzo E, Sánchez-Díaz E, González-Arranz S, Santos B, Carballo JA, San-Segundo PA. Exportin-mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport maintains Pch2 homeostasis during meiosis. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011026. [PMID: 37948444 PMCID: PMC10688877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The meiotic recombination checkpoint reinforces the order of events during meiotic prophase I, ensuring the accurate distribution of chromosomes to the gametes. The AAA+ ATPase Pch2 remodels the Hop1 axial protein enabling adequate levels of Hop1-T318 phosphorylation to support the ensuing checkpoint response. While these events are localized at chromosome axes, the checkpoint activating function of Pch2 relies on its cytoplasmic population. In contrast, forced nuclear accumulation of Pch2 leads to checkpoint inactivation. Here, we reveal the mechanism by which Pch2 travels from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm to maintain Pch2 cellular homeostasis. Leptomycin B treatment provokes the nuclear accumulation of Pch2, indicating that its nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by the Crm1 exportin recognizing proteins containing Nuclear Export Signals (NESs). Consistently, leptomycin B leads to checkpoint inactivation and impaired Hop1 axial localization. Pch2 nucleocytoplasmic traffic is independent of its association with Zip1 and Orc1. We also identify a functional NES in the non-catalytic N-terminal domain of Pch2 that is required for its nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and proper checkpoint activity. In sum, we unveil another layer of control of Pch2 function during meiosis involving nuclear export via the exportin pathway that is crucial to maintain the critical balance of Pch2 distribution among different cellular compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Herruzo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-USAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | - Beatriz Santos
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-USAL, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética. University of Salamanca. Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesús A. Carballo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC-USAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The p-arms of the five human acrocentric chromosomes bear nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) comprising ribosomal gene (rDNA) repeats that are organized in a homogeneous tandem array and transcribed in a telomere-to-centromere direction. Precursor ribosomal RNA transcripts are processed and assembled into ribosomal subunits, the nucleolus being the physical manifestation of this process. I review current understanding of nucleolar chromosome biology and describe current exploration into a role for the NOR chromosomal context. Full DNA sequences for acrocentric p-arms are now emerging, aided by the current revolution in long-read sequencing and genome assembly. Acrocentric p-arms vary from 10.1 to 16.7 Mb, accounting for ∼2.2% of the genome. Bordering rDNA arrays, distal junctions, and proximal junctions are shared among the p-arms, with distal junctions showing evidence of functionality. The remaining p-arm sequences comprise multiple satellite DNA classes and segmental duplications that facilitate recombination between heterologous chromosomes, which is likely also involved in Robertsonian translocations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian McStay
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wei Y, Geng W, Zhang T, He H, Zhai J. N-acetylcysteine rescues meiotic arrest during spermatogenesis in mice exposed to BDE-209. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50952-50968. [PMID: 36807852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Deca-bromodiphenyl ethers (BDE-209) has been widely used in electronic devices and textiles as additives to flame retardants. Growing evidence showed that BDE-209 exposure leads to poorer sperm quality and male reproductive dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of BDE-209 exposure caused a decline in sperm quality remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on meiotic arrest in spermatocytes and decreased sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. In the study, mice were treated with NAC (150 mg/kg BW) 2 h before administrated with BDE-209 (80 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks. For the in vitro studies, spermatocyte cell line GC-2spd cells were pretreated with NAC (5 mM) 2 h before treated with BDE-209 (50 μM) for 24 h. We found that pretreatment with NAC attenuated the oxidative stress status induced by BDE-209 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, pretreatment with NAC rescued the testicular histology impairment and decreased the testicular organ coefficient in BDE-209-exposed mice. In addition, NAC supplement partially promoted meiotic prophase and improved sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. Furthermore, NAC pretreatment effectively improved DNA damage repair by recovering DMC1, RAD51, and MLH1. In conclusion, BDE-209 caused spermatogenesis dysfunction related to the meiotic arrest medicated by oxidative stress, decreasing sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- Department of Health Supervision, Administrative Committee of Hefei Xinzhan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Wenzhong Rd 999, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Meng Q, Shao B, Zhao D, Fu X, Wang J, Li H, Zhou Q, Gao T. Loss of SUN1 function in spermatocytes disrupts the attachment of telomeres to the nuclear envelope and contributes to non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Hum Genet 2023; 142:531-541. [PMID: 36933034 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the most severe forms of infertility in humans, caused by gametogenic failure, is non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Approximately, 20-30% of men with NOA may have single-gene mutations or other genetic variables that cause this disease. While a range of single-gene mutations associated with infertility has been identified in prior whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies, current insight into the precise genetic etiology of impaired human gametogenesis remains limited. In this paper, we described a proband with NOA who experienced hereditary infertility. WES analyses identified a homozygous variant in the SUN1 (Sad1 and UNC84 domain containing 1) gene [c. 663C > A: p.Tyr221X] that segregated with infertility. SUN1 encodes a LINC complex component essential for telomeric attachment and chromosomal movement. Spermatocytes with the observed mutations were incapable of repairing double-strand DNA breaks or undergoing meiosis. This loss of SUN1 functionality contributes to significant reductions in KASH5 levels within impaired chromosomal telomere attachment to the inner nuclear membrane. Overall, our results identify a potential genetic driver of NOA pathogenesis and provide fresh insight into the role of the SUN1 protein as a regulator of prophase I progression in the context of human meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Binbin Shao
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital With, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Xu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital With, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Tingting Gao
- Changzhou Medical Center, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Novel deleterious splicing variant in HFM1 causes gametogenesis defect and recurrent implantation failure: concerning the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023. [PMID: 36864181 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor ovarian response (POR) affects approximately 9% to 24% of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, resulting in fewer eggs obtained and increasing clinical cycle cancellation rates. The pathogenesis of POR is related to gene variations. Our study included a Chinese family comprising two siblings with infertility born to consanguineous parents. Poor ovarian response (POR) was identified in the female patient who had multiple embryo implantation failures occurring in subsequent assisted reproductive technology cycles. Meanwhile, the male patient was diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and rigorous bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify the underlying genetic causes. Moreover, the pathogenicity of the identified splicing variant was assessed using a minigene assay in vitro. The remaining poor-quality blastocyst and abortion tissues from the female patient were detected for copy number variations. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous splicing variant in HFM1 (NM_001017975.6: c.1730-1G > T) in two siblings. Apart from NOA and POI, biallelic variants in HFM1 were also associated with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Additionally, we demonstrated that splicing variants caused abnormal alternative splicing of HFM1. Using copy number variation sequencing, we found that the embryos of the female patients had either euploidy or aneuploidy; however, both harbored chromosomal microduplications of maternal origin. CONCLUSION Our results reveal the different effects of HFM1 on reproductive injury in males and females, extend the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of HFM1, and show the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities under the RIF phenotype. Moreover, our study provides new diagnostic markers for the genetic counseling of POR patients.
Collapse
|
19
|
Irregularities in Meiotic Prophase I as Prerequisites for Reproductive Isolation in Experimental Hybrids Carrying Robertsonian Translocations. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The basic causes of postzygotic isolation can be elucidated if gametogenesis is studied, which is a drastically different process in males and females. As a step toward clarifying this problem, we obtained an experimental inbred lineage of the eastern mole vole Ellobius tancrei, whose founder animals were animals with identical diploid numbers 2n = 50 but with different Robertsonian translocations (Rb), namely 2Rb4.12 and 2Rb9.13 in the female and 2Rb.2.18 and 2Rb5.9 in the male. Here, we analyzed strictly inbred hybrids (F1, fertile and F10, sterile) using immunocytochemical methods in order to study spermatocytes during the meiotic prophase I. Previously, the presence of trivalents was assumed to have no significant effect on spermatogenesis and fertility in hybrids, but we demonstrated that spermatogenesis might be disturbed due to the cumulative effects of the retarded synapses of Rb bivalents as well as trivalents and their associations with XX sex bivalents. Alterations in the number of gametes due to the described processes led to a decrease in reproductive capacity up to sterility and can be examined as a mechanism for reproductive isolation, thus starting speciation.
Collapse
|
20
|
de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang J, Wang Y, Li C, Han W, Liu W, Xiong S, Zhang Q, Tong K, Huang G, Zhang X. Variation of Female Pronucleus Reveals Oocyte or Embryo Chromosomal Copy Number Variations. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200001. [PMID: 36910589 PMCID: PMC10000260 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of the human pronuclei (PNs), which exist 16-22 h after fertilization, appear to serve as good indicators to evaluate the quality of human oocyte and embryo, and may reflect the status of female and male chromosome composition. Here, a quantitative PN measurement method that is generated by applying expert experience combined with deep learning from large annotated datasets is reported. After mathematic reconstruction of PNs, significant differences are obtained in chromosome-normal rate and chromosomal small errors such as copy number variants by comparing the size of the reconstructive female PN. After integrating the whole procedure of PN dynamics and adjusting for errors that occur during PN identification, the results are robust. Notably, all positive prediction results are obtained from the female propositus population. Thus, the size of female PNs may mirror the internal quality of the chromosomal integrity of the oocyte. Embryos that develop from zygotes with larger female PNs may have a reduced risk of copy number variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Yikang Wang
- Department of Mechatronics Graduate School of Medicine, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences University of Yamanashi Yamanashi-ken 400-8510 Japan
| | - Chong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Shun Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Keya Tong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human embryo Engineering Chongqing 400010 China.,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reprodutive Medicine Chongqing 400010 China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Garretson A, Dumont BL, Handel MA. Reproductive genomics of the mouse: implications for human fertility and infertility. Development 2023; 150:dev201313. [PMID: 36779988 PMCID: PMC10836652 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201313] [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] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetic analyses of mammalian gametogenesis and fertility have the potential to inform about two important and interrelated clinical areas: infertility and contraception. Here, we address the genetics and genomics underlying gamete formation, productivity and function in the context of reproductive success in mammalian systems, primarily mouse and human. Although much is known about the specific genes and proteins required for meiotic processes and sperm function, we know relatively little about other gametic determinants of overall fertility, such as regulation of gamete numbers, duration of gamete production, and gamete selection and function in fertilization. As fertility is not a binary trait, attention is now appropriately focused on the oligogenic, quantitative aspects of reproduction. Multiparent mouse populations, created by complex crossing strategies, exhibit genetic diversity similar to human populations and will be valuable resources for genetic discovery, helping to overcome current limitations to our knowledge of mammalian reproductive genetics. Finally, we discuss how what we know about the genomics of reproduction can ultimately be brought to the clinic, informing our concepts of human fertility and infertility, and improving assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Garretson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Beth L. Dumont
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mary Ann Handel
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
DNA repair protein FANCD2 has both ubiquitination-dependent and ubiquitination-independent functions during germ cell development. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102905. [PMID: 36642183 PMCID: PMC9971320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
When DNA interstrand crosslink lesions occur, a core complex of Fanconi anemia proteins promotes the ubiquitination of FANCD2 and FANCI, which recruit downstream factors to repair the lesion. However, FANCD2 maintains genome stability not only through its ubiquitination-dependent but also its ubiquitination-independent functions in various DNA damage response pathways. Increasing evidence suggests that FANCD2 is essential for fertility, but its ubiquitination-dependent and ubiquitination-independent roles during germ cell development are not well characterized. In this study, we analyzed germ cell development in Fancd2 KO and ubiquitination-deficient mutant (Fancd2K559R/K559R) mice. We showed that in the embryonic stage, both the ubiquitination-dependent and ubiquitination-independent functions of FANCD2 were required for the expansion of primordial germ cells and establishment of the reproductive reserve by reducing transcription-replication conflicts and thus maintaining genome stability in primordial germ cells. Furthermore, we found that during meiosis in spermatogenesis, FANCD2 promoted chromosome synapsis and regulated crossover formation independently of its ubiquitination, but that both ubiquitinated and nonubiquitinated FANCD2 functioned in programmed double strand break repair. Finally, we revealed that on meiotic XY chromosomes, H3K4me2 accumulation required ubiquitination-independent functionality of FANCD2, while the regulation of H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 depended on FANCD2 ubiquitination. Taken together, our findings suggest that FANCD2 has distinct functions that are both dependent on and independent of its ubiquitination during germ cell development.
Collapse
|
24
|
Gómez R, Viera A, Moreno-Mármol T, Berenguer I, Guajardo-Grence A, Tóth A, Parra MT, Suja JA. Kinase PLK1 regulates the disassembly of the lateral elements and the assembly of the inner centromere during the diakinesis/metaphase I transition in male mouse meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1069946. [PMID: 36733339 PMCID: PMC9887526 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1069946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PLK1 is a serine/threonine kinase with crucial roles during mitosis. However, its involvement during mammalian male meiosis remains largely unexplored. By inhibiting the kinase activity of PLK1 using BI 2536 on organotypic cultures of seminiferous tubules, we found that the disassembly of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 from the lateral elements of the synaptonemal complex during diakinesis is impeded. We also found that the normal recruitment of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 to the inner centromere in prometaphase I spermatocytes did not occur. Additionally, we analyzed the participation of PLK1 in the assembly of the inner centromere by studying its implication in the Bub1-H2AT120ph-dependent recruitment of shugoshin SGO2, and the Haspin-H3T3ph-dependent recruitment of Aurora B/C and Borealin. Our results indicated that both pathways are regulated by PLK1. Altogether, our results demonstrate that PLK1 is a master regulator of the late prophase I/metaphase I transition in mouse spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Gómez
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
| | - Alberto Viera
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Moreno-Mármol
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Berenguer
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Guajardo-Grence
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Suja
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bruggeman JW, Koster J, van Pelt AMM, Speijer D, Hamer G. How germline genes promote malignancy in cancer cells. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200112. [PMID: 36300921 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancers often express hundreds of genes otherwise specific to germ cells, the germline/cancer (GC) genes. Here, we present and discuss the hypothesis that activation of a "germline program" promotes cancer cell malignancy. We do so by proposing four hallmark processes of the germline: meiosis, epigenetic plasticity, migration, and metabolic plasticity. Together, these hallmarks enable replicative immortality of germ cells as well as cancer cells. Especially meiotic genes are frequently expressed in cancer, implying that genes unique to meiosis may play a role in oncogenesis. Because GC genes are not expressed in healthy somatic tissues, they form an appealing source of specific treatment targets with limited side effects besides infertility. Although it is still unclear why germ cell specific genes are so abundantly expressed in cancer, from our hypothesis it follows that the germline's reproductive program is intrinsic to cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Speijer
- Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huang Y, Roig I. Genetic control of meiosis surveillance mechanisms in mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1127440. [PMID: 36910159 PMCID: PMC9996228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1127440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division that generates haploid gametes and is critical for successful sexual reproduction. During the extended meiotic prophase I, homologous chromosomes progressively pair, synapse and desynapse. These chromosomal dynamics are tightly integrated with meiotic recombination (MR), during which programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed and subsequently repaired. Consequently, parental chromosome arms reciprocally exchange, ultimately ensuring accurate homolog segregation and genetic diversity in the offspring. Surveillance mechanisms carefully monitor the MR and homologous chromosome synapsis during meiotic prophase I to avoid producing aberrant chromosomes and defective gametes. Errors in these critical processes would lead to aneuploidy and/or genetic instability. Studies of mutation in mouse models, coupled with advances in genomic technologies, lead us to more clearly understand how meiosis is controlled and how meiotic errors are linked to mammalian infertility. Here, we review the genetic regulations of these major meiotic events in mice and highlight our current understanding of their surveillance mechanisms. Furthermore, we summarize meiotic prophase genes, the mutations that activate the surveillance system leading to meiotic prophase arrest in mouse models, and their corresponding genetic variants identified in human infertile patients. Finally, we discuss their value for the diagnosis of causes of meiosis-based infertility in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Histology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ignasi Roig
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Histology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Cytology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang J, Wang W, Li J, Zhang Y, Luo K, Han L, Xiang C, Chai M, Luo Z, Zhao R, Liu S. Formation of the synaptonemal complex in a gynogenetic allodiploid hybrid fish. Front Genet 2023; 14:998775. [PMID: 36923790 PMCID: PMC10009232 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.998775] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The correct pairing and separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis is crucial to ensure both genetic stability and genetic diversity within species. In allodiploid organisms, synapsis often fails, leading to sterility. However, a gynogenetic allodiploid hybrid clone line (GDH), derived by crossing red crucian carp (Carassius auratus ♀) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio ♂), stably produces diploid eggs. Because the GDH line carries 100 chromosomes with 50 chromosomes from the red crucian carp (RCC; ♀, 2n = 2x = 100) and 50 chromosomes from the common carp (CC; C. carpio L., ♂, 2n = 2x = 100), it is interesting to study the mechanisms of homologous chromosome pairing during meiosis in GDH individuals. Methods: By using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a probe specific to the red crucian carp to label homologous chromosomes, we identified the synaptonemal complex via immunofluorescence assay of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3). Results: FISH results indicated that, during early ovarian development, the GDH oogonium had two sets of chromosomes with only one set from Carassius auratus, leading to the failure formation of normal bivalents and the subsequently blocking of meiosis. This inhibition lasted at least 5 months. After this long period of inhibition, pairs of germ cells fused, doubling the chromosomes such that the oocyte contained two sets of chromosomes from each parent. After chromosome doubling at 10 months old, homologous chromosomes and the synaptonemal complex were identified. Discussion: Causally, meiosis proceeded normally and eventually formed diploid germ cells. These results further clarify the mechanisms by which meiosis proceeds in hybrids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jihong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yirui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Kaikun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Linmei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Caixia Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingli Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziye Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Rurong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The Male Mouse Meiotic Cilium Emanates from the Mother Centriole at Zygotene Prior to Centrosome Duplication. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010142. [PMID: 36611937 PMCID: PMC9818220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like projections of the plasma membrane with an inner microtubule skeleton known as axoneme. Motile cilia and flagella beat to displace extracellular fluids, playing important roles in the airways and reproductive system. On the contrary, primary cilia function as cell-type-dependent sensory organelles, detecting chemical, mechanical, or optical signals from the extracellular environment. Cilia dysfunction is associated with genetic diseases called ciliopathies and with some types of cancer. Cilia have been recently identified in zebrafish gametogenesis as an important regulator of bouquet conformation and recombination. However, there is little information about the structure and functions of cilia in mammalian meiosis. Here we describe the presence of cilia in male mouse meiotic cells. These solitary cilia formed transiently in 20% of zygotene spermatocytes and reached considerable lengths (up to 15-23 µm). CEP164 and CETN3 localization studies indicated that these cilia emanate from the mother centriole prior to centrosome duplication. In addition, the study of telomeric TFR2 suggested that cilia are not directly related to the bouquet conformation during early male mouse meiosis. Instead, based on TEX14 labeling of intercellular bridges in spermatocyte cysts, we suggest that mouse meiotic cilia may have sensory roles affecting cyst function during prophase I.
Collapse
|
29
|
Huang L, Zhang J, Zhang P, Huang X, Yang W, Liu R, Sun Q, Lu Y, Zhang M, Fu Q. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers dynamic roadmap and cell-cell communication during buffalo spermatogenesis. iScience 2022; 26:105733. [PMID: 36582818 PMCID: PMC9793287 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105733] [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] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis carries the task of precise intergenerational transmission of genetic information from the paternal genome and involves complex developmental processes regulated by the testicular microenvironment. Studies performed mainly in mouse models have established the theoretical basis for spermatogenesis, yet the wide interspecies differences preclude direct translation of the findings, and farm animal studies are progressing slowly. More than 32,000 cells from prepubertal (3-month-old) and pubertal (24-month-old) buffalo testes were analyzed by using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and dynamic gene expression roadmaps of germ and somatic cell development were generated. In addition to identifying the dynamic processes of sequential cell fate transitions, the global cell-cell communication essential to maintain regular spermatogenesis in the buffalo testicular microenvironment was uncovered. The findings provide the theoretical basis for establishing buffalo germline stem cells in vitro or culturing organoids and facilitating the expansion of superior livestock breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Institute of Medical and Health, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Xingchen Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Weihan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Runfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Qinqiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
| | - Ming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
| | - Qiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chromosome Inequality: Causes and Consequences of Non-Random Segregation Errors in Mitosis and Meiosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223564. [PMID: 36428993 PMCID: PMC9688425 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancer and a major cause of miscarriages in humans. It is caused by chromosome segregation errors during cell divisions. Evidence is mounting that the probability of specific chromosomes undergoing a segregation error is non-random. In other words, some chromosomes have a higher chance of contributing to aneuploid karyotypes than others. This could have important implications for the origins of recurrent aneuploidy patterns in cancer and developing embryos. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the prevalence and causes of non-random chromosome segregation errors in mammalian mitosis and meiosis. We evaluate its potential impact on cancer and human reproduction and discuss possible research avenues.
Collapse
|
31
|
Li Y, Meng R, Li S, Gu B, Xu X, Zhang H, Tan X, Shao T, Wang J, Xu D, Wang F. The ZFP541-KCTD19 complex is essential for pachytene progression by activating meiotic genes during mouse spermatogenesis. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:1029-1041. [PMID: 35341968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.03.005] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for fertility in sexually reproducing species and this sophisticated process has been extensively studied. Notwithstanding these efforts, key factors involved in meiosis have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigate the regulatory roles of zinc finger protein 541 (ZFP541) and its interacting protein potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 19 (KCTD19) in spermatogenesis. ZFP541 is expressed from leptotene to the round spermatid stage, while the expression of KCTD19 is initiated in pachytene. Depletion of Zfp541 or Kctd19 leads to infertility in male mice and delays progression from early to mid/late pachynema. In addition, Zfp541-/- spermatocytes show abnormal programmed DNA double-strand break repair, impaired crossover formation and resolution, and asynapsis of the XY chromosomes. ZFP541 interacts with KCTD19, histone deacetylase 1/2 (HDAC1/2), and deoxynucleotidyl transferase terminal-interacting protein 1 (DNTTIP1). Moreover, ZFP541 binds to and activates the expression of genes involved in meiosis and post-meiosis including Kctd19; in turn, KCTD19 promotes the transcriptional activation activity of ZFP541. Taken together, our studies reveal that the ZFP541/KCTD19 signaling complex, acting as a key transcription regulator, plays an indispensable role in male fertility by regulating pachytene progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Li
- The School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Ranran Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shanze Li
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Bowen Gu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Haihang Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xinshui Tan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Tianyu Shao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Dan Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences Beijing, Beijing 102206, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Xu Y, Chen Z, Wu P, Qu W, Shi H, Cheng M, Xu Y, Jin T, Liu C, Liu C, Li Y, Luo M. Nuclear localization of human MEIOB requires its NLS in the OB domain and interaction with SPATA22. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 55:154-161. [PMID: 36331299 PMCID: PMC10157540 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIOB is a vital protein in meiotic homologous recombination and plays an indispensable role in human gametogenesis. In mammals, MEIOB and its partner SPATA22 form a heterodimer, ensuring their effective localization on single-strand DNA (ssDNA) and proper synapsis processes. Mutations in human MEIOB (hMEIOB) cause human infertility attributed to the failure of its interaction with human SPATA22 (hSPATA22) and ssDNA binding. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In our study, truncated or full-length hMEIOB and hSPATA22 are traced by fused expression with fluorescent proteins (i.e., copGFP or mCherry), and the live cell imaging system is used to observe the expression and localization of the proteins. When transfected alone, hMEIOB accumulates in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, a covered NLS in the OB domain of hMEIOB is identified, which can be exposed by hSPATA22 and is necessary for the nuclear localization of hMEIOB. When hSPATA22 loses its hMEIOB interacting domain or NLS, the nuclear localization of hMEIOB is aborted. Collectively, our results prove that the NLS in the OB domain of hMEIOB and interaction with hSPATA22 are required for hMEIOB nuclear localization.
Collapse
|
33
|
Marín-Gual L, González-Rodelas L, M. Garcias M, Kratochvíl L, Valenzuela N, Georges A, Waters PD, Ruiz-Herrera A. Meiotic chromosome dynamics and double strand break formation in reptiles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1009776. [PMID: 36313577 PMCID: PMC9597255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1009776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, tightly regulated processes take place, from pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes to recombination, which are essential for the generation of genetically variable haploid gametes. These processes have canonical meiotic features conserved across different phylogenetic groups. However, the dynamics of meiotic prophase I in non-mammalian vertebrates are poorly known. Here, we compare four species from Sauropsida to understand the regulation of meiotic prophase I in reptiles: the Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), two geckos (Paroedura picta and Coleonyx variegatus) and the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). We first performed a histological characterization of the spermatogenesis process in both the bearded dragon and the painted turtle. We then analyzed prophase I dynamics, including chromosome pairing, synapsis and the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs). We show that meiosis progression is highly conserved in reptiles with telomeres clustering forming the bouquet, which we propose promotes homologous pairing and synapsis, along with facilitating the early pairing of micro-chromosomes during prophase I (i.e., early zygotene). Moreover, we detected low levels of meiotic DSB formation in all taxa. Our results provide new insights into reptile meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Marín-Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Laura González-Rodelas
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Maria M. Garcias
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Lukáš Kratochvíl
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Paul D. Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- *Correspondence: Aurora Ruiz-Herrera,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Feng W, Wang J, Liu X, Wu H, Liu M, Zhang H, Zheng X, Wang P, Zhang Z. Distinctive phosphorylation pattern during mitotic exit network (MEN) regulation is important for the development and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae. STRESS BIOLOGY 2022; 2:41. [PMID: 37676543 PMCID: PMC10441846 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The mitotic exit network (MEN) pathway is a vital kinase cascade regulating the timely and correct progress of cell division. In the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the MEN pathway, consisting of conserved protein kinases MoSep1 and MoMob1-MoDbf2, is important in the development and pathogenicity of the fungus. We found that deletion of MoSEP1 affects the phosphorylation of MoMob1, but not MoDbf2, in contrast to what was found in the buddy yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and verified this finding by in vitro phosphorylation assay and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. We also found that S43 residue is the critical phosphor-site of MoMob1 by MoSep1, and proved that MoSep1-dependent MoMob1 phosphorylation is essential for cell division during the development of M. oryzae. We further provided evidence demonstrating that MoSep1 phosphorylates MoMob1 to maintain the cell cycle during vegetative growth and infection. Taken together, our results revealed that the MEN pathway has both distinct and conservative functions in regulating the cell cycle during the development and pathogenesis of M. oryzae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Feng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiansheng Wang
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Nanjing, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Haowen Wu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Muxing Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaobo Zheng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, and Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Zhengguang Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210095, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yu X, Meng F, Huang J, Li W, Zhang J, Yin S, Zhang L, Wang S. 1-Nitropyrene exposure induces mitochondria dysfunction and impairs oocyte maturation in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113921. [PMID: 35908531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte quality is essential for a successful pregnancy. 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) is a widely distributed pollutant in the environment and is well-known for its mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. However, whether 1-NP has toxic effects on mammalian oocyte quality remains unknown. In the present study, we focused on the effect of 1-NP on oocyte maturation using mouse oocytes as an in vitro model. Our study showed that 1-NP exposure disrupted the meiotic spindle assembly and caused chromosome misalignment, further impaired first polar body extrusion, and significantly decreased the fertilization capability in mouse oocytes. Further investigation showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels were decreased, and the expression of genes encoding components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain was inhibited in 1-NP exposed oocytes. Meanwhile, 1-NP exposure increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, and increased the frequency of early apoptotic oocytes. Overall, our data suggest that 1-NP exposure disrupts mitochondrial function and intracellular redox balance, ultimately impairing oocyte maturation. These findings reveal the adverse effect of 1-NP exposure on oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang Q, Tao C, Gao S, Li S, Xu B, Ke H, Wang Y, Zhang F, Qin Y, Zhang L, Guo T. Homozygous Variant in KASH5 Causes Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Disordered Meiotic Homologous Pairing. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2589-2597. [PMID: 35708642 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% to 3.7% of women at reproductive age, and its etiology is heterogeneous. The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, consisting of KASH5 and SUN1, plays an indispensable role in meiotic homolog pairing, determining the ovarian reserve. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of POI are unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of KASH5 variation in the pathogenesis of POI. DESIGN Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a pedigree with 2 POI patients. The pathogenicity of identified variant was illustrated by in vitro functional studies, and its effect on ovarian function and meiosis was confirmed by histological analysis and oocyte spreads with Kash5 C-terminal deleted mice model. RESULTS A homozygous splicing site variant in KASH5 (c.747G > A) was identified. In vitro studies found the variant disturbed the nuclear membrane localization of KASH5 and its binding with SUN1. Moreover, the Kash5 C-terminal deleted mice revealed defective meiotic homolog pairing and accelerated depletion of oocytes. CONCLUSIONS The splicing site variant in KASH5 is responsible for POI due to defective meiotic homolog pairing and accelerated depletion of oocytes. Our study is the first to report disorganized LINC complex participating in POI pathogenesis, potentially suggesting the essential roles of meiotic telomere attachment and dynein-driven proteins for chromosome movement in ovarian function maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengqiu Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuchang Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Li W, Zhang J, Yu X, Meng F, Huang J, Zhang L, Wang S. Aristolochic acid I exposure decreases oocyte quality. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838992. [PMID: 36036003 PMCID: PMC9402977 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a determinant of a successful pregnancy. The final step of oocyte development is oocyte maturation, which is susceptible to environmental exposures. Aristolochic acids (AAs), widely existing in Aristolochia and Asarum plants that have been used in traditional medicine, can result in a smaller ovary and fewer superovulated oocytes after in vivo exposure to mice. However, whether AAs affect oocyte maturation and the underlying mechanism(s) are unclear. In this study, we focused on the effect of Aristolochic acid I (AAI), a major compound of AAs, on the maturation of in vitro cultured mouse oocytes. We showed that AAI exposure significantly decreased oocyte quality, including elevated aneuploidy, accompanied by aberrant chiasma patterns and spindle organization, and decreased first polar body extrusion and fertilization capability. Moreover, embryo development potential was also dramatically decreased. Further analyses revealed that AAI exposure significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis and increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), implying impaired mitochondrial function. Insufficient ATP supply can cause aberrant spindle assembly and excessive ROS can cause premature loss of sister chromatid cohesion and thus alterations in chiasma patterns. Both aberrant spindles and changed chiasma patterns can contribute to chromosome misalignment and thus aneuploidy. Therefore, AAI exposure decreases oocyte quality probably via impairing mitochondrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Shunxin Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang C, Lin X, Ji Z, Huang Y, Zhang L, Luo J, Chen H, Li P, Tian R, Zhi E, Hong Y, Zhou Z, Zhang F, Li Z, Yao C. Novel bi-allelic variants in KASH5 are associated with meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:gaac021. [PMID: 35674372 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KASH5 is an essential component of the LINC (linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex that regulates chromosome movements and nuclear envelope (NE) remodeling in mouse spermatocytes during meiosis prophase I, but its expression and function in human cells, as well as its association with male infertility are largely unknown. In this study, a novel heterozygous copy number variation (CNV) (seq [GRCh37] del(19) (19q13.33) chr19: g.49894043-49903011del) and a heterozygous loss of function variant (NM_144688: c.979_980del: p.R327Sfs*21) in human KASH5 were identified in a non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)-affected patient and in his infertile sister by whole-exome sequencing and CNV array. Spermatogenesis in the proband was arrested at zygotene-like stage with a deficiency in homolog pairing and synapsis. KASH5 protein expression in human spermatocytes was evaluated and reported first in this study. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that the LINC complex and associated genes in human and mouse shared a similar expression pattern, indicating a conserved mechanism in the regulation of chromosome movements and NE remodeling. Kash5 knockout mouse displayed similar phenotypes, including a meiotic arrest at a zygotene-like stage and impaired pairing and synapsis. Collectively, we have identified novel rare variants within human KASH5 in patients with NOA and meiosis arrest. Our study expands the knowledge of KASH5 and associated proteins in regulating human meiosis prophase I progress and provides new insight into the genetic etiology of NOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Successful in vitro spermatogenesis would generate functional haploid spermatids, and thus, form the basis for novel approaches to treat patients with impaired spermatogenesis or develop alternative strategies for male fertility preservation. Several culture strategies, including cell cultures using various stem cells and ex vivo cultures of testicular tissue, have been investigated to recapitulate spermatogenesis in vitro. Although some studies have described complete meiosis and subsequent generation of functional spermatids, key meiotic events, such as chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination required for successful meiosis and faithful in vitro-derived gametes, are often not reported. To guarantee the generation of in vitro-formed spermatids without persistent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations, criteria to evaluate whether all meiotic events are completely executed in vitro need to be established. In vivo, these meiotic events are strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that eliminate aberrant spermatocytes. To establish criteria to evaluate in vitro meiosis, we review the meiotic events and checkpoints that have been investigated by previous in vitro spermatogenesis studies. We found that, although major meiotic events such as initiation of DSBs and recombination, complete chromosome synapsis, and XY-body formation can be achieved in vitro, crossover formation, chiasmata frequency, and checkpoint mechanisms have been mostly ignored. In addition, complete spermiogenesis, during which round spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids, has not been achieved in vitro by various cell culture strategies. Finally, we discuss the implications of meiotic checkpoints for in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and future clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Oliver C, Martinez G. Accumulation dynamics of ARGONAUTE proteins during meiosis in Arabidopsis. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2022; 35:153-160. [PMID: 34812935 PMCID: PMC9110482 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-021-00434-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division that is key for reproduction and genetic diversity in sexually reproducing plants. Recently, different RNA silencing pathways have been proposed to carry a specific activity during meiosis, but the pathways involved during this process remain unclear. Here, we explored the subcellular localization of different ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins, the main effectors of RNA silencing, during male meiosis in Arabidopsis thaliana using immunolocalizations with commercially available antibodies. We detected the presence of AGO proteins associated with posttranscriptional gene silencing (AGO1, 2, and 5) in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, while AGOs associated with transcriptional gene silencing (AGO4 and 9) localized exclusively in the nucleus. These results indicate that the localization of different AGOs correlates with their predicted roles at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels and provide an overview of their timing and potential role during meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Oliver
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural, Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - German Martinez
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural, Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sing TL, Conlon K, Lu SH, Madrazo N, Morse K, Barker JC, Hollerer I, Brar GA, Sudmant PH, Ünal E. Meiotic cDNA libraries reveal gene truncations and mitochondrial proteins important for competitive fitness in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2022; 221:iyac066. [PMID: 35471663 PMCID: PMC9157139 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac066] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis is an evolutionarily conserved developmental program whereby a diploid progenitor cell undergoes meiosis and cellular remodeling to differentiate into haploid gametes, the precursors for sexual reproduction. Even in the simple eukaryotic organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the meiotic transcriptome is very rich and complex, thereby necessitating new tools for functional studies. Here, we report the construction of 5 stage-specific, inducible complementary DNA libraries from meiotic cells that represent over 84% of the genes found in the budding yeast genome. We employed computational strategies to detect endogenous meiotic transcript isoforms as well as library-specific gene truncations. Furthermore, we developed a robust screening pipeline to test the effect of each complementary DNA on competitive fitness. Our multiday proof-of-principle time course revealed 877 complementary DNAs that were detrimental for competitive fitness when overexpressed. The list included mitochondrial proteins that cause dose-dependent disruption of cellular respiration as well as library-specific gene truncations that expose a dominant negative effect on competitive growth. Together, these high-quality complementary DNA libraries provide an important tool for systematically identifying meiotic genes, transcript isoforms, and protein domains that are important for a specific biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina L Sing
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Katie Conlon
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Stephanie H Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nicole Madrazo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kaitlin Morse
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Juliet C Barker
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ina Hollerer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Gloria A Brar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter H Sudmant
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elçin Ünal
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shang Y, Huang J, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Shao Q, Tan T, Yin S, Zhang L, Wang S. MEIOK21 regulates oocyte quantity and quality via modulating meiotic recombination. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22357. [PMID: 35593531 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101950r] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive life span of females is largely determined by the number and quality of oocytes. Previously, we identified MEIOK21 as a meiotic recombination regulator required for male fertility. Here, we characterize the important roles of MEIOK21 in regulating female meiosis and oocyte number and quality. MEIOK21 localizes at recombination sites as a component of recombination bridges in oogenesis like in spermatogenesis. Meiok21-/- female mice show subfertility. Consistently, the size of the primordial follicle pool in Meiok21-/- females is only ~40% of wild-type females because a great number of oocytes with defects in meiotic recombination and/or synapsis are eliminated. Furthermore, the numbers of primordial and growing follicles show a more marked decrease in an age-dependent manner compared with wild-type females. Further analysis shows Meiok21-/- oocytes also have reduced rates of germinal vesicle breakdown and the first polar body extrusion when cultured in vitro, indicating poor oocyte quality. Additionally, Meiok21-/- oocytes have more chromosomes bearing a single distally localized crossover (chiasmata), suggesting a possible defect in crossover maturation. Taken together, our findings indicate critical roles for MEIOK21 in ensuring the number and quality of oocytes in the follicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Shang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiqi Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Taicong Tan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liangran Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Shunxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wellard SR, Skinner MW, Zhao X, Shults C, Jordan PW. PLK1 depletion alters homologous recombination and synaptonemal complex disassembly events during mammalian spermatogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar37. [PMID: 35274968 PMCID: PMC9282006 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-03-0115] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential meiotic process that contributes to the genetic variation of offspring and ensures accurate chromosome segregation. Recombination is facilitated by the formation and repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks. These DNA breaks are repaired via recombination between maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes and a subset result in the formation of crossovers. HR and crossover formation is facilitated by synapsis of homologous chromosomes by a proteinaceous scaffold structure known as the synaptonemal complex (SC). Recent studies in yeast and worms have indicated that polo-like kinases (PLKs) regulate several events during meiosis, including DNA recombination and SC dynamics. Mammals express four active PLKs (PLK1-4), and our previous work assessing localization and kinase function in mouse spermatocytes suggested that PLK1 coordinates nuclear events during meiotic prophase. Therefore, we conditionally mutated Plk1 in early prophase spermatocytes and assessed stages of HR, crossover formation, and SC processes. Plk1 mutation resulted in increased RPA foci and reduced RAD51/DMC1 foci during zygonema, and an increase of both class I and class II crossover events. Furthermore, the disassembly of SC lateral elements was aberrant. Our results highlight the importance of PLK1 in regulating HR and SC disassembly during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Wellard
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Marnie W. Skinner
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Xueqi Zhao
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Chris Shults
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Philip W. Jordan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Nabi S, Askari M, Rezaei-Gazik M, Salehi N, Almadani N, Tahamtani Y, Totonchi M. A rare frameshift mutation in SYCP1 is associated with human male infertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6563198. [PMID: 35377450 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper assembly of the synaptonemal complex is essential for successful meiosis, and impairments in the process lead to infertility. Meiotic transverse filament proteins encoded by the SYCP1 (synaptonemal complex protein 1) gene are one of the main components of the synaptonemal complex and play an important role in correct synapsis and recombination. Family-based whole exome sequencing revealed a rare homozygous SYCP1 frameshift mutation (c.2892delA: p.K967Nfs*1) in two men with severe oligozoospermia, followed by validation and segregation through Sanger sequencing. This single nucleotide deletion not only changes lysine 967 (K) into asparagine (N) but also causes a premature stop codon, which leads to deletion of 968-976 residues from the end of the C-tail region of the SYCP1 protein. Although, sycp1 knockout male mice are reported to be sterile with a complete lack of spermatids and spermatozoa, to date no SYCP1 variant has been associated with human oligozoospermia. HADDOCK analysis indicated that this mutation decreases the ability of the truncated SYCP1 protein to bind DNA. Immunodetection of ϒH2AX signal, in SYCP1 mutant semen cells and a 40% DNA fragmentation index might indicate that a small number of DNA double-strand breaks, which require SYCP1 and/or synapsis to be repaired, are not efficiently repaired, resulting in defects in differentiation of germline cells and appearance of the oligozoospermia phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of homozygous SYCP1 mutation that decreases sperm count. Further studies are required to determine the function of the SYCP1 mutation, which is potentially associated with human oligozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Nabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masomeh Askari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezaei-Gazik
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Tahamtani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lingg L, Rottenberg S, Francica P. Meiotic Genes and DNA Double Strand Break Repair in Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:831620. [PMID: 35251135 PMCID: PMC8895043 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells show widespread genetic alterations that change the expression of genes driving tumor progression, including genes that maintain genomic integrity. In recent years, it has become clear that tumors frequently reactivate genes whose expression is typically restricted to germ cells. As germ cells have specialized pathways to facilitate the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes, their aberrant regulation influences how cancer cells repair DNA double strand breaks (DSB). This drives genomic instability and affects the response of tumor cells to anticancer therapies. Since meiotic genes are usually transcriptionally repressed in somatic cells of healthy tissues, targeting aberrantly expressed meiotic genes may provide a unique opportunity to specifically kill cancer cells whilst sparing the non-transformed somatic cells. In this review, we highlight meiotic genes that have been reported to affect DSB repair in cancers derived from somatic cells. A better understanding of their mechanistic role in the context of homology-directed DNA repair in somatic cancers may provide useful insights to find novel vulnerabilities that can be targeted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Lingg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Rottenberg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
| | - Paola Francica
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hou D, Yao C, Xu B, Luo W, Ke H, Li Z, Qin Y, Guo T. Variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 Identified in Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:724-734. [PMID: 34718620 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) are the most severe diseases causing irreversible infertility in females and males, respectively. The contribution of synaptonemal complex (SC) gene variations in the pathogenesis of sporadic patients with POI and NOA has not been systematically illustrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of SC genes in the pathogenesis of sporadic POI and NOA. DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. INTERVENTION(S) The variations of SC genes were filtered in the in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations following recessive inheritance mode were selected according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effects of the variations were verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ACMG classification and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Two homozygous variations of C14ORF39 and 2 recessive variations of SYCE1 were first identified in sporadic patients with POI and NOA, respectively. Functional studies showed the C14ORF39 variations significantly accelerated the protein degradation and the variations in SYCE1 disrupted its interaction with SYCP1 or C14ORF39, both of which affected SC assembly and meiosis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identified novel pathogenic variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 in sporadic patients with POI or NOA, highlighting the essential role of SC genes in the maintenance of ovarian and testicular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Alavattam KG, Maezawa S, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and the XY body: a phase separation hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:18. [PMID: 34971404 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian male meiosis, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain unsynapsed and, as a result, are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is required for the successful completion of spermatogenesis. Following the initiation of MSCI, the X and Y chromosomes undergo various epigenetic modifications and are transformed into a nuclear body termed the XY body. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the initiation of two essential, sequential processes in meiotic prophase I: MSCI and XY-body formation. The initiation of MSCI is directed by the action of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways; downstream of the DDR, unique epigenetic states are established, leading to the formation of the XY body. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCI and subsequent XY-body formation may be driven by phase separation, a physical process that governs the formation of membraneless organelles and other biomolecular condensates. Thus, here we gather literature-based evidence to explore a phase separation hypothesis for the initiation of MSCI and the formation of the XY body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Catalano R, Bruckner T, Casey JA, Gemmill A, Margerison C, Hartig T. Twinning during the pandemic: Evidence of selection in utero. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:374-382. [PMID: 34858596 PMCID: PMC8634460 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The suspicion that a population stressor as profound as the COVID-19 pandemic would increase preterm birth among cohorts in gestation at its outset has not been supported by data collected in 2020. An evolutionary perspective on this circumstance suggests that natural selection in utero, induced by the onset of the pandemic, caused pregnancies that would otherwise have produced a preterm birth to end early in gestation as spontaneous abortions. We test this possibility using the odds of a live-born twin among male births in Norway as an indicator of the depth of selection in birth cohorts. Methodology We apply Box–Jenkins methods to 50 pre-pandemic months to estimate counterfactuals for the nine birth cohorts in gestation in March 2020 when the first deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in Norway. We use Alwan and Roberts outlier detection methods to discover any sequence of outlying values in the odds of a live-born twin among male births in exposed birth cohorts. Results We find a downward level shift of 27% in the monthly odds of a twin among male births beginning in May and persisting through the remainder of 2020. Conclusions and implications Consistent with evolutionary theory and selection in utero, birth cohorts exposed in utero to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic yielded fewer male twins than expected. Lay Summary Our finding of fewer than expected male twin births during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provides more evidence that evolution continues to affect the characteristics and health of contemporary populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tim Bruckner
- Program in Public Health and Center for Population, Inequality and Policy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claire Margerison
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Li Y, Wang Y, Wen Y, Zhang T, Wang X, Jiang C, Zheng R, Zhou F, Chen D, Yang Y, Shen Y. Whole-exome sequencing of a cohort of infertile men reveals novel causative genes in teratozoospermia that are chiefly related to sperm head defects. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:152-177. [PMID: 34791246 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) and in vitro validation studies identify new causative genes associated with teratozoospermia, particularly for sperm head defect? SUMMARY ANSWER We investigated a core group of infertile patients, including 82 cases with unexplained abnormal sperm head and 67 individuals with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), and revealed rare and novel deleterious gene variants correlated with morphological abnormalities of the sperm head or tail defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Teratozoospermia is one of the most common factors causing male infertility. Owing to high phenotypic variability, currently known genetic causes of teratozoospermia can only explain a rather minor component for patients with anomalous sperm-head shapes, and the agents responsible for atypical sperm head shapes remain largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We executed WES analysis of a Chinese cohort of patients (N = 149) with teratozoospermia to identify novel genetic causes particularly for defective sperm head. We also sought to reveal the influence of different abnormalities of sperm morphology on ICSI outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, a cohort of 149 infertile men (82 with abnormal sperm head and 67 with MMAF) were recruited. We implemented WES on infertile patients and analyzed the negative effects of the mutations of candidate genes on their protein conformations and/or expression. We also investigated the candidate genes' spatiotemporal expression/localization during spermatogenesis in both humans and mice, and explored their interactions with proteins that are known to be involved in sperm development. We also compared the ICSI outcomes of the affected individuals with various aberrations in sperm morphology. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified rare and deleterious variants of piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (PIWIL4: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1B (CC2D1B: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), cyclin B3 (CCNB3: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), KIAA1210 (KIAA1210: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) and choline phosphotransferase 1 (CHPT1: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), which are novel correlates of morphological abnormalities of the sperm head; functional evidence supports roles for all of these genes in sperm head formation. The mutations of septin 12 (SEPTIN12: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) are suggested to be associated with acrosome defects. We additionally observed novel causative mutations of dynein axonemal heavy chain 2 (DNAH2: 1/67 patients, 1.49%), dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 (DNAH10: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) and dynein axonemal heavy chain 12 (DNAH12: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) in patients with MMAF, and revealed a significantly lower fertilization rate of the abnormal sperm-head group compared to the MMAF group following ICSI. Consequently, our study also suggests that the mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B might be circumvented by ICSI to a degree, and that CHPT1 and KIAA1210 loss-of-function variants might be associated with failed ICSI treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, we discovered the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of the novel causative genes of sperm head deformities in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of the relevant genes involved in sperm head development needs to be further illuminated in future research. Furthermore, evidence should be provided using knockout/knock-in mouse models for additional confirmation of the roles of these novel genes in spermatogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This cohort study of 149 Chinese infertile men documents novel genetic factors involved in teratozoospermia, particularly in anomalous sperm head formation. For the first time, we suggest that SEPTIN12 is related to human acrosomal hypoplasia, and that CCNB3 is a novel causative gene for globozoospermia in humans. We also uncovered variants in two genes-KIAA1210 and CHPT1associated with acrosomal biogenesis in patients with small or absent acrosomes. Additionally, it is postulated that loss-of-function mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B have a contribution to the abnormal sperm-head formation. Furthermore, we are first to demonstrate the influence of different sperm morphologies on ICSI outcomes and indicates that the abnormal sperm head may play a significant role in fertilization failure. Our findings therefore provide valuable information for the diagnosis of teratozoospermia, particularly with respect to abnormalities of the sperm head. This will allow clinicians to adopt the optimal treatment strategy and to develop personalized medicine directly targeting these effects. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was financed by the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (KS369 and KL042). The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|