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Liu W, Du L, Li J, He Y, Tang M. Microenvironment of spermatogonial stem cells: a key factor in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:294. [PMID: 39256786 PMCID: PMC11389459 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03893-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play a crucial role in the male reproductive system, responsible for maintaining continuous spermatogenesis. The microenvironment or niche of SSCs is a key factor in regulating their self-renewal, differentiation and spermatogenesis. This microenvironment consists of multiple cell types, extracellular matrix, growth factors, hormones and other molecular signals that interact to form a complex regulatory network. This review aims to provide an overview of the main components of the SSCs microenvironment, explore how they regulate the fate decisions of SSCs, and discuss the potential impact of microenvironmental abnormalities on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Du
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
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2
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Tomizawa SI, Kuroha K, Ono M, Nakajima K, Ohbo K. A behind-the-scenes role of BDNF in the survival and differentiation of spermatogonia. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00225. [PMID: 39177410 DOI: 10.4103/aja202457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mouse spermatogenesis entails the maintenance and self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which require a complex web-like signaling network transduced by various cytokines. Although brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is expressed in Sertoli cells in the testis, and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) is expressed in the spermatogonial population containing SSCs, potential functions of BDNF for spermatogenesis have not been uncovered. Here, we generate BDNF conditional knockout mice and find that BDNF is dispensable for in vivo spermatogenesis and fertility. However, in vitro, we reveal that BDNF-deficient germline stem cells (GSCs) exhibit growth potential not only in the absence of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a master regulator for GSC proliferation, but also in the absence of other factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and insulin. GSCs grown without these factors are prone to differentiation, yet they maintain expression of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (Plzf), an undifferentiated spermatogonial marker. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Src pathways all interfere with the growth of BDNF-deficient GSCs. Thus, our findings suggest a role for BDNF in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, particularly in situations where there is a shortage of growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Tomizawa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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3
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Ou N, Wang Y, Xu S, Luo J, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Shi X, Xiong M, Zhao L, Ji Z, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Bai H, Tian R, Li P, Zhi E, Huang Y, Chen W, Wang R, Jin Y, Wang D, Li Z, Chen H, Yao C. Primate-Specific DAZ Regulates Translation of Cell Proliferation-Related mRNAs and is Essential for Maintenance of Spermatogonia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400692. [PMID: 38783578 PMCID: PMC11304246 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Primate-specific DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) has evolved in the azoospermia factor c (AZFc) locus on the Y chromosome. Loss of DAZ is associated with azoospermia in patients with deletion of the AZFc region (AZFc_del). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAZ in spermatogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the molecular mechanism of DAZ is identified, which is unknown since it is identified 40 years ago because of the lack of a suitable model. Using clinical samples and cell models, it is shown that DAZ plays an important role in spermatogenesis and that loss of DAZ is associated with defective proliferation of c-KIT-positive spermatogonia in patients with AZFc_del. Mechanistically, it is shown that knockdown of DAZ significantly downregulated global translation and subsequently decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, DAZ interacted with PABPC1 via the DAZ repeat domain to regulate global translation. DAZ targeted mRNAs that are involved in cell proliferation and cell cycle phase transition. These findings indicate that DAZ is a master translational regulator and essential for the maintenance of spermatogonia. Loss of DAZ may result in defective proliferation of c-KIT-positive spermatogonia and spermatogenic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningjing Ou
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
- Department of UrologyDepartment of Interventional MedicineGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical ImagingThe Fifth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityZhuhaiGuangdong519000China
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Yuci Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Chenwang Zhang
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Yangyi Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Minggang Xiong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of UrologyDepartment of Interventional MedicineGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical ImagingThe Fifth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityZhuhaiGuangdong519000China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Yuxuan Jin
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Dian Wang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsJoint Laboratory of Guangdong & Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and DiseasesSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of AndrologyCenter for Men's HealthUrologic Medical CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
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4
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Verma S, Lin X, Coulson-Thomas VJ. The Potential Reversible Transition between Stem Cells and Transient-Amplifying Cells: The Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38727284 PMCID: PMC11083486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) undergo asymmetric division, producing transit-amplifying cells (TACs) with increased proliferative potential that move into tissues and ultimately differentiate into a specialized cell type. Thus, TACs represent an intermediary state between stem cells and differentiated cells. In the cornea, a population of stem cells resides in the limbal region, named the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). As LESCs proliferate, they generate TACs that move centripetally into the cornea and differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. Upon limbal injury, research suggests a population of progenitor-like cells that exists within the cornea can move centrifugally into the limbus, where they dedifferentiate into LESCs. Herein, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the mechanism that governs the differentiation of LESCs into TACs, and thereafter, into corneal epithelial cells. We also outline the evidence in support of the existence of progenitor-like cells in the cornea and whether TACs could represent a population of cells with progenitor-like capabilities within the cornea. Furthermore, to gain further insights into the dynamics of TACs in the cornea, we outline the most recent findings in other organ systems that support the hypothesis that TACs can dedifferentiate into SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
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5
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Song Y, Zhang X, Desmarais JA, Nagano M. Postnatal development of mouse spermatogonial stem cells as determined by immunophenotype, regenerative capacity, and long-term culture-initiating ability: a model for practical applications. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2299. [PMID: 38280889 PMCID: PMC10821885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52824-8] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of life-long spermatogenesis. While SSC research has advanced greatly over the past two decades, characterization of SSCs during postnatal development has not been well documented. Using the mouse as a model, in this study, we defined the immunophenotypic profiles of testis cells during the course of postnatal development using multi-parameter flow cytometry with up to five cell-surface antigens. We found that the profiles progress over time in a manner specific to developmental stages. We then isolated multiple cell fractions at different developmental stages using fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) and identified specific cell populations with prominent capacities to regenerate spermatogenesis upon transplantation and to initiate long-term SSC culture. The data indicated that the cell fraction with the highest level of regeneration capacity exhibited the most prominent potential to initiate SSC culture, regardless of age. Interestingly, refinement of cell fractionation using GFRA1 and KIT did not lead to further enrichment of regenerative and culture-initiating stem cells, suggesting that when a high degree of SSC enrichment is achieved, standard markers of SSC self-renewal or commitment may lose their effectiveness to distinguish cells at the stem cell state from committed progenitors. This study provides a significant information resource for future studies and practical applications of mammalian SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Xiangfan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Joëlle A Desmarais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- JEFO Nutrition Inc, 5020 Avenue Jefo, Saint-Hyachinthe, Quebec, J2R 2E7, Canada
| | - Makoto Nagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, and the Child Health and Human Development Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Rm# EM0.2212, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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6
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Li B, Zhao X, Jin T, Wu Z, Yang H. Efficient isolation and purification of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids from mice, piglets, and adult boars using an optimized STA-PUT method. Theriogenology 2024; 213:97-108. [PMID: 37820498 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.023] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a delicate and complex biological process in which spermatogonial stem cells continue to proliferate and differentiate into mature spermatozoa, maintaining sperm production in male mammals throughout the lifetime. To study the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis, researchers had to isolate different germ cell subpopulations for in vitro culture and characterization. However, due to the existence of several stages of germ cells and a variety of populations of somatic cells in the testis of male mammals, it is a challenge for us to obtain high-purity germ cell subpopulations for further research. Here, we optimized the STA-PUT device and successfully applied it to isolate and purify spermatogonia populations in piglets, and multiple germ cell populations at different developmental stages in testes of adult mice and boars. This work provides a simple platform for germ cell fractionation to facilitate the molecular mechanistic study of animal spermatogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Taili Jin
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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7
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Cai Y, Liu Z, Zhang G, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Wang F, Deng M. miR-101-5p overexpression suppresses the proliferation of goat spermatogonial stem cells by targeting EZH2. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107281. [PMID: 37352705 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107281] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as post-transcriptional gene mediators, regulate the biological characteristics of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the potential roles and mechanisms by which miR-101-5p affected the biological characters of goat SSCs have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we reported that miR-101-5p overexpression decreased cell viability (P < 0.01), arrested cell cycle in the G1 phase (P < 0.05), and aggravated apoptosis of goat SSCs (P < 0.01) compared with negative control (NC), as determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, PCNA protein expression was attenuated by miR-101-5p overexpression (P < 0.05). Notably, the expression of SSCs specific genes Oct4 (P < 0.05), PLZF (P < 0.01) and DAZL (P < 0.01) were decreased in miR-101-5p overexpressed SSCs. Furthermore, the dual luciferase reporter assay showed that, when co-transfected with miR-101-5p mimics, the relative luciferase activity of EZH2 wide-type (WT) was inhibited (P < 0.05) compared with the transfection of EZH2 mutant (MUT). EZH2 expression was negatively correlated with miR-101-5p expression in goat SSCs. Collectively, our data implicates that miR-101-5p overexpression aggravates cell apoptosis, and suppresses cell proliferation of goat SSCs via targeting EZH2, which may impair spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yingnan Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Mingtian Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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8
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Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [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: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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9
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Rabbani M, Zheng X, Manske GL, Vargo A, Shami AN, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. Decoding the Spermatogenesis Program: New Insights from Transcriptomic Analyses. Annu Rev Genet 2022; 56:339-368. [PMID: 36070560 PMCID: PMC10722372 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-080320-040045] [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: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process coordinated spatiotemporally across and along seminiferous tubules. Cellular heterogeneity has made it challenging to obtain stage-specific molecular profiles of germ and somatic cells using bulk transcriptomic analyses. This has limited our ability to understand regulation of spermatogenesis and to integrate knowledge from model organisms to humans. The recent advancement of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies provides insights into the cell type diversity and molecular signatures in the testis. Fine-grained cell atlases of the testis contain both known and novel cell types and define the functional states along the germ cell developmental trajectory in many species. These atlases provide a reference system for integrated interspecies comparisons to discover mechanistic parallels and to enable future studies. Despite recent advances, we currently lack high-resolution data to probe germ cell-somatic cell interactions in the tissue environment, but the use of highly multiplexed spatial analysis technologies has begun to resolve this problem. Taken together, recent single-cell studies provide an improvedunderstanding of gametogenesis to examine underlying causes of infertility and enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Gabe L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander Vargo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Adrienne N Shami
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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10
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Song H, Park HJ, Lee WY, Lee KH. Models and Molecular Markers of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Vertebrates: To Find Models in Nonmammals. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:4755514. [PMID: 35685306 PMCID: PMC9174007 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4755514] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germline stem cells that are essential for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in the testis. However, it has not been sufficiently understood in amphibians, reptiles, and fish because numerous studies have been focused mainly on mammals. The aim of this review is to discuss scientific ways to elucidate SSC models of nonmammals in the context of the evolution of testicular organization since rodent SSC models. To further understand the SSC models in nonmammals, we point out common markers of an SSC pool (undifferentiated spermatogonia) in various types of testes where the kinetics of the SSC pool appears. This review includes the knowledge of (1) common molecular markers of vertebrate type A spermatogonia including putative SSC markers, (2) localization of the markers on the spermatogonia that have been reported in previous studies, (3) highlighting the most common markers in vertebrates, and (4) suggesting ways of finding SSC models in nonmammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, KIT, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Natural Resources, Sangji University, Wonju-si 26339, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Young Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju-si 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hoon Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology, KIT, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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11
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Liang D, Sun Q, Zhu Z, Wang C, Ye S, Li Z, Wang Y. Xenotransplantation of Human Spermatogonia Into Various Mouse Recipient Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883314. [PMID: 35676935 PMCID: PMC9168328 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are the foundation of continuous spermatogenesis in adult mammals. Xenograft models have been established to define human SSCs, mostly using infertile and immune-deficient mice as the recipients for human germ cell transplantation. However, it is time-consuming to prepare such recipients using irradiation or chemotherapeutic agents, and this approach may also introduce confounding factors when residual endogenous germ cells recover in transplanted recipients. It remains to be determined whether immune-competent genetically infertile mice can be suitable recipients for xenotransplantation. In this study, we observed similar engraftment efficiencies when using spermatogonia from human biopsied testes across immune-deficient nude mice, immune-competent ICR mice, and genetically infertile Kit w/w-v mice, suggesting minimal immunological rejection from immune-competent mouse recipients upon xenotransplantation of human germ cells. More importantly, we derived EpCAM negative and TNAP positive spermatogonia-like cells (SLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which highly expressed spermatogonial markers including PLZF, INTERGRINα6, TKTL1, CD90, and DRMT3. We found that upon transplantation, these SLCs proliferated and colonized at the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules in testes of both immune-deficient nude mice and Kit w/w-v mice, though complete spermatogenesis would likely require supporting human signaling factors and microenvironment. Taken together, our study functionally defined the cell identity of PSC-derived SLCs, and supported xenotransplantation using genetically infertile recipients as a convenient model for functionally evaluating spermatogonia derived from different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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12
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Wang M, Zeng L, Su P, Ma L, Zhang M, Zhang YZ. Autophagy: a multifaceted player in the fate of sperm. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:200-231. [PMID: 34967891 PMCID: PMC8889000 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process of degrading and recycling proteins and organelles to modulate various physiological and pathological events, including cell differentiation and development. Emerging data indicate that autophagy is closely associated with male reproduction, especially the biosynthetic and catabolic processes of sperm. Throughout the fate of sperm, a series of highly specialized cellular events occur, involving pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular events. Nonetheless, the most fundamental question of whether autophagy plays a protective or harmful role in male reproduction, especially in sperm, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We summarize the functional roles of autophagy in the pre-testicular (hypothalamic–pituitary–testis (HPG) axis), testicular (spermatocytogenesis, spermatidogenesis, spermiogenesis, spermiation) and post-testicular (sperm maturation and fertilization) processes according to the timeline of sperm fate. Additionally, critical mechanisms of the action and clinical impacts of autophagy on sperm are identified, laying the foundation for the treatment of male infertility. SEARCH METHODS In this narrative review, the PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed publications for summarizing the functional roles of autophagy in the fate of sperm using the following terms: ‘autophagy’, ‘sperm’, ‘hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis’, ‘spermatogenesis’, ‘spermatocytogenesis’, ‘spermatidogenesis’, ‘spermiogenesis’, ‘spermiation’, ‘sperm maturation’, ‘fertilization’, ‘capacitation’ and ‘acrosome’ in combination with autophagy-related proteins. We also performed a bibliographic search for the clinical impact of the autophagy process using the keywords of autophagy inhibitors such as ‘bafilomycin A1’, ‘chloroquine’, ‘hydroxychloroquine’, ‘3-Methyl Adenine (3-MA)’, ‘lucanthone’, ‘wortmannin’ and autophagy activators such as ‘rapamycin’, ‘perifosine’, ‘metformin’ in combination with ‘disease’, ‘treatment’, ‘therapy’, ‘male infertility’ and equivalent terms. In addition, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional relevant publications. All relevant publications until August 2021 were critically evaluated and discussed on the basis of relevance, quality and timelines. OUTCOMES (i) In pre-testicular processes, autophagy-related genes are involved in the regulation of the HPG axis; and (ii) in testicular processes, mTORC1, the main gate to autophagy, is crucial for spermatogonia stem cell (SCCs) proliferation, differentiation, meiotic progression, inactivation of sex chromosomes and spermiogenesis. During spermatidogenesis, autophagy maintains haploid round spermatid chromatoid body homeostasis for differentiation. During spermiogenesis, autophagy participates in acrosome biogenesis, flagella assembly, head shaping and the removal of cytoplasm from elongating spermatid. After spermatogenesis, through PDLIM1, autophagy orchestrates apical ectoplasmic specialization and basal ectoplasmic specialization to handle cytoskeleton assembly, governing spermatid movement and release during spermiation. In post-testicular processes, there is no direct evidence that autophagy participates in the process of capacitation. However, autophagy modulates the acrosome reaction, paternal mitochondria elimination and clearance of membranous organelles during fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Deciphering the roles of autophagy in the entire fate of sperm will provide valuable insights into therapies for diseases, especially male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Science Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhen Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
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13
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Shetty G, Mitchell JM, Lam TN, Phan TT, Zhang J, Tailor RC, Peters KA, Penedo MC, Hanna CB, Clark AT, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Postpubertal spermatogonial stem cell transplantation restores functional sperm production in rhesus monkeys irradiated before and after puberty. Andrology 2021; 9:1603-1616. [PMID: 33960147 PMCID: PMC8815151 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer treatment of prepubertal patients impacts future fertility due to the abolition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In macaques, spermatogenesis could be regenerated by intratesticular transplantation of SSCs, but no studies have involved cytotoxic treatment before puberty and transplantation after puberty, which would be the most likely clinical scenario. OBJECTIVES To evaluate donor-derived functional sperm production after SSC transplantation to adult monkeys that had received testicular irradiation during the prepubertal period. MATERIALS AND METHODS We obtained prepubertal testis tissue by unilaterally castrating six prepubertal monkeys and 2 weeks later irradiated the remaining testes with 6.9 Gy. However, because spermatogenic recovery was observed, we irradiated them again 14 months later with 7 Gy. Three of the monkeys were treated with GnRH-antagonist (GnRH-ant) for 8 weeks. The cryopreserved testis cells from the castrated testes were then allogeneically transplanted into the intact testes of all monkeys. Tissues were harvested 10 months later for analyses. RESULTS In three of the six monkeys, 61%, 38%, and 11% of the epididymal sperm DNA were of the donor genotype. The ability to recover donor-derived sperm production was not enhanced by the GnRH-ant pretreatment. However, the extent of filling seminiferous tubules during the transplantation procedure was correlated with the eventual production of donor spermatozoa. The donor epididymal spermatozoa from the recipient with 61% donor contribution were capable of fertilizing rhesus eggs and forming embryos. Although the transplantation was done into the rete testis, two GnRH-ant-treated monkeys, which did not produce donor-derived epididymal spermatozoa, displayed irregular tubular cords in the interstitium containing testicular spermatozoa derived from the transplanted donor cells. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results further support that sperm production can be restored in non-human primates from tissues cryopreserved prior to prepubertal and post-pubertal gonadotoxic treatment by transplantation of these testicular cells after puberty into seminiferous tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jennifer M. Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Truong N.A. Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Thien T. Phan
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ramesh C. Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Karen A. Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Carol B. Hanna
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Amander T. Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Marvin L. Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
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14
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Zhou D, Fan J, Liu Z, Tang R, Wang X, Bo H, Zhu F, Zhao X, Huang Z, Xing L, Tao K, Zhang H, Nie H, Zhang H, Zhu W, He Z, Fan L. TCF3 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Targeting PODXL. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695545. [PMID: 34422820 PMCID: PMC8377737 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the initial cells for the spermatogenesis. Although much progress has been made on uncovering a number of modulators for the SSC fate decisions in rodents, the genes mediating human SSCs remain largely unclear. Here we report, for the first time, that TCF3, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcriptional modulator proteins, can stimulate proliferation and suppress the apoptosis of human SSCs through targeting podocalyxin-like protein (PODXL). TCF3 was expressed primarily in GFRA1-positive spermatogonia, and EGF (epidermal growth factor) elevated TCF3 expression level. Notably, TCF3 enhanced the growth and DNA synthesis of human SSCs, whereas it repressed the apoptosis of human SSCs. RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that TCF3 protein regulated the transcription of several genes, including WNT2B, TGFB3, CCN4, MEGF6, and PODXL, while PODXL silencing compromised the stem cell activity of SSCs. Moreover, the level of TCF3 protein was remarkably lower in patients with spermatogenesis failure when compared to individuals with obstructive azoospermia with normal spermatogenesis. Collectively, these results implicate that TCF3 modulates human SSC proliferation and apoptosis through PODXL. This study is of great significance since it would provide a novel molecular mechanism underlying the fate determinations of human SSCs and it could offer new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyu Fan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ruiling Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xingming Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Bo
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xueheng Zhao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liu Xing
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Tao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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15
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Wei YL, She ZY, Huang T, Zhang HT, Wang XR. Male reproductive systems of Macaca mulatta: Gonadal development, spermatogenesis and applications in spermatogonia stem cell transplantation. Res Vet Sci 2021; 137:127-137. [PMID: 33965833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is widely applied in animal model construction of infertility, spermatogonia stem cell transplantation and male reproductive diseases. In this review, we describe the seasonal changes of the reproductive system in rhesus macaques, the regular pattern of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation, and the differentiation of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The duration of the M. mulatta spermatogenesis is approximately 10 days and seminiferous epithelium cycles mainly consist of 12 stages, which provide a suitable model for reproductive studies in non-human primates. Here, we summarize the features of gonadal development and sperm maturation in the rhesus monkeys, which provide important information in the studies of reproductive biology. Rhesus macaque is an excellent animal model in spermatogonia stem cell transplantation. We discuss the applications and progresses of assisted reproductive technologies in sperm liquefaction, semen cryopreservation and spermatogonia stem cell transplantation of rhesus macaques. Besides, we sort out recent proteomic analyses of male reproductive systems and semen samples in rhesus macaques. This review mainly focuses on male reproductive biology and application studies using M. mulatta, which would promote the development of new therapeutic interventions on assisted reproduction and reproductive disease studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China
| | - Xin-Rui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350013, China.
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16
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Mao GP, Niu MH, Cui YH, Tang RL, Chen W, Liu B, He Z. Characterization, isolation, and culture of spermatogonial stem cells in Macaca fascicularis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:240-248. [PMID: 33533740 PMCID: PMC8152426 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_95_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have great applications in both reproductive and regenerative medicine. Primates including monkeys are very similar to humans with regard to physiology and pathology. Nevertheless, little is known about the isolation, the characteristics, and the culture of primate SSCs. This study was designed to identify, isolate, and culture monkey SSCs. Immunocytochemistry was used to identify markers for monkey SSCs. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRA1)-enriched spermatogonia were isolated from monkeys, namely Macaca fascicularis (M. fascicularis), by two-step enzymatic digestion and magnetic-activated cell sorting, and they were cultured on precoated plates in the conditioned medium. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, and RNA sequencing were used to compare phenotype and transcriptomes in GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia between 0 day and 14 days of culture, and xenotransplantation was performed to evaluate the function of GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia. SSCs shared some phenotypes with rodent and human SSCs. GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia with high purity and viability were isolated from M. fascicularis testes. The freshly isolated cells expressed numerous markers for rodent SSCs, and they were cultured for 14 days. The expression of numerous SSC markers was maintained during the cultivation of GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia. RNA sequencing reflected a 97.3% similarity in global gene profiles between 0 day and 14 days of culture. The xenotransplantation assay indicated that the GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia formed colonies and proliferated in vivo in the recipient c-KitW/W (W) mutant mice. Collectively, GFRA1-enriched spermatogonia are monkey SSCs phenotypically both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that monkey might provide an alternative to human SSCs for basic research and application in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ping Mao
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ming-Hui Niu
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ying-Hong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Rui-Ling Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Bang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
- Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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17
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Khampang S, Parnpai R, Mahikul W, Easley CA, Cho IK, Chan AWS. CAG repeat instability in embryonic stem cells and derivative spermatogenic cells of transgenic Huntington's disease monkey. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1215-1229. [PMID: 33611676 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The expansion of CAG (glutamine; Q) trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) predominantly occurs through male lineage in Huntington's disease (HD). As a result, offspring will have larger CAG repeats compared to their fathers, which causes an earlier onset of the disease called genetic anticipation. This study aims to develop a novel in vitro model to replicate CAG repeat instability in early spermatogenesis and demonstrate the biological process of genetic anticipation by using the HD stem cell model for the first time. METHODS HD rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (rESCs) were cultured in vitro for an extended period. Male rESCs were used to derive spermatogenic cells in vitro with a 10-day differentiation. The assessment of CAG repeat instability was performed by GeneScan and curve fit analysis. RESULTS Spermatogenic cells derived from rESCs exhibit progressive expansion of CAG repeats with high daily expansion rates compared to the extended culture of rESCs. The expansion of CAG repeats is cell type-specific and size-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report a novel stem cell model that replicates genome instability and CAG repeat expansion in in vitro derived HD monkey spermatogenic cells. The in vitro spermatogenic cell model opens a new opportunity for studying TNR instability and the underlying mechanism of genetic anticipation, not only in HD but also in other TNR diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujittra Khampang
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Wiriya Mahikul
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charles A Easley
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - In Ki Cho
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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18
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Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Cai Y, Wang J, Zou K. The Progresses of Spermatogonial Stem Cells Sorting Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:94-102. [PMID: 31792769 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the research on stem cells has been more and more in-depth, and many achievements have been made in application. However, due to the small number of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and deficiency of efficient markers, it is difficult to obtain very pure SSCs, which results in the research on them being hindered. In fact, many methods have been developed to isolate and purify SSCs, but these methods have their shortcomings. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), as a method to enrich SSCs with the help of specific surface markers, has the characteristics of high efficiency and accuracy in enrichment of SSCs, thus it is widely accepted as an effective method for purification of SSCs. This review summarizes the recent studies on the application of FACS in SSCs, and introduces some commonly used markers of effective SSCs sorting, aiming to further optimize the FACS sorting method for SSCs, so as to promote the research of germline stem cells and provide new ideas for the research of reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Cai
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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20
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Shetty G, Mitchell JM, Meyer JM, Wu Z, Lam TN, Phan TT, Zhang J, Hill L, Tailor RC, Peters KA, Penedo MC, Hanna C, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Restoration of functional sperm production in irradiated pubertal rhesus monkeys by spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Andrology 2020; 8:1428-1441. [PMID: 32351003 PMCID: PMC7521830 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In male pre-pubertal cancer patients, radiation and chemotherapy impact future fertility by eradication of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In macaques, spermatogenesis could be regenerated by intratesticular transplantation of SSCs, but only a small percentage of spermatozoa produced were of donor origin. Transient hormone suppression with a GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) enhanced spermatogenic recovery from transplanted SSCs. OBJECTIVES To evaluate donor-derived and endogenous spermatogenic recovery after SSC transplantation into irradiated monkeys and to test whether hormone suppression around the time of transplantation facilitates spermatogenic recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Testes of 15 adult rhesus monkeys were irradiated with 7 Gy and 4 months later transplanted, to one of the testes, with cryopreserved testicular cells containing SSCs from unrelated monkeys. Monkeys were either treated with GnRH-ant for 8 weeks before transplantation, GnRH-ant from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after transplantation, or with no GnRH-ant. Tissues were harvested 10 months after transplantation. RESULTS Two of the 15 monkeys, a control and a pre-transplantation GnRH-ant-treated, showed substantially higher levels of testicular spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm output in the transplanted side as compared to the untransplanted. Over 84% of epididymal spermatozoa on the transplanted side had the donor genotype and were capable of fertilizing eggs after intracytoplasmic sperm injection forming morulae of the donor paternal origin. Low levels of donor spermatozoa (~1%) were also identified in the epididymis of three additional monkeys. Transplantation also appeared to enhance endogenous spermatogenesis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We confirmed that SSC transplantation can be used for restoration of fertility in male cancer survivors exposed to irradiation as a therapeutic agent. The success rate of this procedure, however, is low. The success of filling the tubules with the cell suspension, but not the GnRH-ant treatment, was related to the level of colonization by transplanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer M. Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer M. Meyer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhuang Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Truong N.A. Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Thien T. Phan
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lorraine Hill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ramesh C. Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen A. Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria C. Penedo
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Carol Hanna
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marvin L. Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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21
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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22
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Clever F, Cho IK, Yang J, Chan AWS. Progressive Polyglutamine Repeat Expansion in Peripheral Blood Cells and Sperm of Transgenic Huntington's Disease Monkeys. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 8:443-448. [PMID: 31561381 PMCID: PMC6839466 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-190359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The expanded CAG repeat results in somatic mosaicism and genetic anticipation in Huntington’s disease (HD). Here we report a longitudinal study examining CAG repeat instability in lymphocytes and sperm of three HD monkeys throughout their whole life-span that encompass the prodromal to symptomatic stages of HD. We demonstrate a progressive increase in CAG repeat length in lymphocytes and sperm as the animals aged. We also examined the impact of CAG repeat length on expansion rate, which showed a clear linear correlation up to 62Q, and high instability after. Our findings stress the importance of further investigation in CAG instability in peripheral blood cells longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Clever
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - In Ki Cho
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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Ren F, Fang Q, Xi H, Feng T, Wang L, Hu J. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and epidermal growth factor promote dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells proliferation via Ras/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Theriogenology 2020; 155:205-212. [PMID: 32721699 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have been used for the production of transgenic animals and for the recovery of male fertility. However, the proliferation of SSCs in vitro is still immature, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the proliferation of SSCs are not clear. Here, the effects of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation of dairy goat SSCs in vitro were detected. The results showed that 20 ng/ml PDGF-BB or 25 ng/ml EGF was the optimum concentration, and that the BCL2 in the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control (P < 0.05), while BAX and BAD were dramatically downregulated (P < 0.05). The pERK1/2 in the experimental groups was about 3-5 times higher than that in the control. After the specific MEK1/2 inhibitor was added, BCL2 was reduced significantly (P < 0.001), while BAX and BAD were upregulated (P < 0.001). The expression of pERK1/2 decreased by 10%-30%. We speculated that these two growth factors may be mediated through the Ras/ERK1/2 signaling pathway to regulate the expression of pERK1/2 protein, and thus enhance the resistance of SSCs to apoptosis. However, further studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Qian Fang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Huaming Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Tianyu Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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24
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Ibtisham F, Honaramooz A. Spermatogonial Stem Cells for In Vitro Spermatogenesis and In Vivo Restoration of Fertility. Cells 2020; 9:E745. [PMID: 32197440 PMCID: PMC7140722 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only adult stem cells capable of passing genes onto the next generation. SSCs also have the potential to provide important knowledge about stem cells in general and to offer critical in vitro and in vivo applications in assisted reproductive technologies. After century-long research, proof-of-principle culture systems have been introduced to support the in vitro differentiation of SSCs from rodent models into haploid male germ cells. Despite recent progress in organotypic testicular tissue culture and two-dimensional or three-dimensional cell culture systems, to achieve complete in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) using non-rodent species remains challenging. Successful in vitro production of human haploid male germ cells will foster hopes of preserving the fertility potential of prepubertal cancer patients who frequently face infertility due to the gonadotoxic side-effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, the development of optimal systems for IVS would allow designing experiments that are otherwise difficult or impossible to be performed directly in vivo, such as genetic manipulation of germ cells or correction of genetic disorders. This review outlines the recent progress in the use of SSCs for IVS and potential in vivo applications for the restoration of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
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25
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Pelzman DL, Orwig KE, Hwang K. Progress in translational reproductive science: testicular tissue transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:500-509. [PMID: 32111477 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first child conceived via in vitro fertilization 40 years ago, fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology have allowed many couples to reach their reproductive goals. As of yet, no fertility options are available for men who cannot produce functional sperm, but many experimental therapies have demonstrated promising results in animal models. Both autologous (stem cell transplantation, de novo morphogenesis, and testicular tissue grafting) and outside-the-body (xenografting and in vitro spermatogenesis) approaches exist for restoring sperm production in infertile animals with varying degrees of success. Once safety profiles are established and an ideal patient population is chosen, some of these techniques may be ready for human experimentation in the near future, with likely clinical implementation within the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Pelzman
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathleen Hwang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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26
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Hermann BP, Cheng K, Singh A, Roa-De La Cruz L, Mutoji KN, Chen IC, Gildersleeve H, Lehle JD, Mayo M, Westernströer B, Law NC, Oatley MJ, Velte EK, Niedenberger BA, Fritze D, Silber S, Geyer CB, Oatley JM, McCarrey JR. The Mammalian Spermatogenesis Single-Cell Transcriptome, from Spermatogonial Stem Cells to Spermatids. Cell Rep 2019; 25:1650-1667.e8. [PMID: 30404016 PMCID: PMC6384825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic cellular differentiation process critical to male reproduction and sustained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although patterns of gene expression have been described for aggregates of certain spermatogenic cell types, the full continuum of gene expression patterns underlying ongoing spermatogenesis in steady state was previously unclear. Here, we catalog single-cell transcriptomes for >62,000 individual spermatogenic cells from immature (postnatal day 6) and adult male mice and adult men. This allowed us to resolve SSC and progenitor spermatogonia, elucidate the full range of gene expression changes during male meiosis and spermiogenesis, and derive unique gene expression signatures for multiple mouse and human spermatogenic cell types and/or subtypes. These transcriptome datasets provide an information-rich resource for studies of SSCs, male meiosis, testicular cancer, male infertility, or contraceptive development, as well as a gene expression roadmap to be emulated in efforts to achieve spermatogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Keren Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Anukriti Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-De La Cruz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Kazadi N Mutoji
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - I-Chung Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Heidi Gildersleeve
- Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jake D Lehle
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Max Mayo
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Birgit Westernströer
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Danielle Fritze
- The UT Transplant Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- The Infertility Center of St. Louis, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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27
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Oncofertility: Pharmacological Protection and Immature Testicular Tissue (ITT)-Based Strategies for Prepubertal and Adolescent Male Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205223. [PMID: 31640294 PMCID: PMC6834329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While the incidence of cancer in children and adolescents has significantly increased over the last decades, improvements made in the field of cancer therapy have led to an increased life expectancy for childhood cancer survivors. However, the gonadotoxic effect of the treatments may lead to infertility. Although semen cryopreservation represents the most efficient and safe fertility preservation method for males producing sperm, it is not feasible for prepubertal boys. The development of an effective strategy based on the pharmacological protection of the germ cells and testicular function during gonadotoxic exposure is a non-invasive preventive approach that prepubertal boys could benefit from. However, the progress in this field is slow. Currently, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) containing spermatogonial stem cells is offered to prepubertal boys as an experimental fertility preservation strategy by a number of medical centers. Several in vitro and in vivo fertility restoration approaches based on the use of ITT have been developed so far with autotransplantation of ITT appearing more promising. In this review, we discuss the pharmacological approaches for fertility protection in prepubertal and adolescent boys and the fertility restoration approaches developed on the utilization of ITT.
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28
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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29
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Wang J, Liu C, Fujino M, Tong G, Zhang Q, Li XK, Yan H. Stem Cells as a Resource for Treatment of Infertility-related Diseases. Curr Mol Med 2019; 19:539-546. [PMID: 31288721 PMCID: PMC6806537 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190709172636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, infertility affects 8-12% of couples of reproductive age and has become a common problem. There are many ways to treat infertility, including medication, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. In recent years, stem-cell therapy has raised new hope in the field of reproductive disability management. Stem cells are self-renewing, self-replicating undifferentiated cells that are capable of producing specialized cells under appropriate conditions. They exist throughout a human’s embryo, fetal, and adult stages and can proliferate into different cells. While many issues remain to be addressed concerning stem cells, stem cells have undeniably opened up new ways to treat infertility. In this review, we describe past, present, and future strategies for the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chi Liu
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Guoqing Tong
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinxiu Zhang
- Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hua Yan
- Reproductive Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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30
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Vermeulen M, Giudice MG, Del Vento F, Wyns C. Role of stem cells in fertility preservation: current insights. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2019; 12:27-48. [PMID: 31496751 PMCID: PMC6689135 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s178490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While improvements made in the field of cancer therapy allow high survival rates, gonadotoxicity of chemo- and radiotherapy can lead to infertility in male and female pre- and postpubertal patients. Clinical options to preserve fertility before starting gonadotoxic therapies by cryopreserving sperm or oocytes for future use with assisted reproductive technology (ART) are now applied worldwide. Cryopreservation of pre- and postpubertal ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles, though still considered experimental, has already led to the birth of healthy babies after autotransplantation and is performed in an increasing number of centers. For prepubertal boys who do not produce gametes ready for fertilization, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) containing spermatogonial stem cells may be proposed as an experimental strategy with the aim of restoring fertility. Based on achievements in nonhuman primates, autotransplantation of ITT or testicular cell suspensions appears promising to restore fertility of young cancer survivors. So far, whether in two- or three-dimensional culture systems, in vitro maturation of immature male and female gonadal cells or tissue has not demonstrated a capacity to produce safe gametes for ART. Recently, primordial germ cells have been generated from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, but further investigations regarding efficiency and safety are needed. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells to improve the vascularization of gonadal tissue grafts, increase the colonization of transplanted cells, and restore the damaged somatic compartment could overcome the current limitations encountered with transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vermeulen
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Maria-Grazia Giudice
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Federico Del Vento
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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31
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Shetty G, Mitchell JM, Lam TNA, Wu Z, Zhang J, Hill L, Tailor RC, Peters KA, Penedo MC, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Donor spermatogenesis in de novo formed seminiferous tubules from transplanted testicular cells in rhesus monkey testis. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2249-2255. [PMID: 30358843 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can transplanted primate testicular cells form seminiferous tubules de novo, supporting complete spermatogenesis? SUMMARY ANSWER Cryopreserved testicular cells from a prepubertal monkey can reorganize in an adult monkey recipient testis forming de novo seminiferous tubular cords supporting complete spermatogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY De novo morphogenesis of testicular tissue using aggregated cells from non-primate species grafted either subcutaneously or in the testis can support spermatogenesis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two postpubertal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were given testicular irradiation. One monkey was given GnRH-antagonist treatment from 8 to 16 weeks after irradiation, while the other received sham injections. At 16 weeks, cryopreserved testicular cells from two different prepubertal monkeys [43 × 106 viable (Trypan-blue excluding) cells in 260 μl, and 80 × 106 viable cells in 400 μl] were transplanted via ultrasound-guided injections to one of the rete testis in each recipient, and immune suppression was given. The contralateral testis was sham transplanted. Testes were analyzed 9 months after transplantation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Spermatogenic recovery was assessed by testicular volume, weight, histology and immunofluorescence. Microsatellite genotyping of regions of testicular sections obtained by LCM determined whether the cells were derived from the host or transplanted cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transplanted testis of the GnRH-antagonist-treated recipient, but not the sham-treated recipient, contained numerous irregularly shaped seminiferous tubular cords, 89% of which had differentiating germ cells, including sperm in a few of them. The percentages of donor genotype in different regions of this testis were as follows: normal tubule, 0%; inflammatory, 0%; abnormal tubule region, 67%; whole interior of abnormal tubules, >99%; adluminal region of the abnormal tubules, 92%. Thus, these abnormal tubules, including the enclosed germ cells, were derived de novo from the donor testicular cells. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The de novo tubules were observed in only one out of the two monkeys transplanted with prepubertal donor testicular cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings may represent a promising strategy for restoration of fertility in male childhood cancer survivors. The approach could be particularly useful in those exposed to therapeutic agents that are detrimental to the normal development of the tubule somatic cells affecting the ability of the endogenous tubules to support spermatogenesis, even from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by research grants P01 HD075795 from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD/NIH) to K.E.O and Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016672 from NCI/NIH to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Truong Nguyen Anh Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuang Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorraine Hill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ramesh C Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen A Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Sharma S, Schlatt S, Van Pelt A, Neuhaus N. Characterization and population dynamics of germ cells in adult macaque testicular cultures. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218194. [PMID: 31226129 PMCID: PMC6588212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From a biological and clinical perspective, it is imperative to establish primate spermatogonial cultures. Due to limited availability of human testicular tissues, the macaque (Macaca fascicularis) was employed as non-human primate model. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of somatic as well as germ cell markers in testicular tissues and to establish macaque testicular primary cell cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Characterization of macaque testicular cell population was performed by immunohistochemical analyses for somatic cell markers (SOX9, VIM, SMA) as well as for germ cell markers (UTF1, MAGEA4, VASA). Testicular cells from adult macaque testes (n = 4) were isolated and cultured for 21 days using three stem cell culture media (SSC, PS and SM). An extended marker gene panel (SOX9, VIM, ACTA2; UTF1, FGFR3, MAGEA4, BOLL, DDX4) was then employed to assess the changes in gene expression levels and throughout the in vitro culture period. Dynamics of the spermatogonial population was further investigated by quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence-labeled MAGEA4-positive cells (n = 3). RESULTS RNA expression analyses of cell cultures revealed that parallel to decreasing SOX9-expressing Sertoli cells, maintenance of VIM and ACTA2-expressing somatic cells was observed. Expression levels of germ cell marker genes UTF1, FGFR3 and MAGEA4 were maintained until day 14 in SSC and SM media. Findings from MAGEA4 immunofluorescence staining corroborate mRNA expression profiling and substantiate the overall maintenance of MAGEA4-positive pre- and early meiotic germ cells until day 14. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate maintenance of macaque germ cell subpopulations in vitro. This study provides novel perspective and proof that macaques could be used as a research model for establishing in vitro germ cell-somatic cell cultures, to identify ideal culture conditions for long-term maintenance of primate germ cell subpopulation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Ans Van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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Valdivia M, Castañeda-Zegarra S, Lévano G, Lazo J, Reyes J, Bravo Z, Santiani A, Mujica F, Ruíz J, Gonzales GF. Spermatogonial stem cells identified by molecular expression of PLZF, integrin β1 and reactivity to Dolichos biflorus agglutinin in alpaca adult testes. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13283. [PMID: 30957907 DOI: 10.1111/and.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification system of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) was established in alpaca using the molecular expression as well as the reactivity pattern to Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) by flow cytometry. Twenty-four testicles with their epididymis were recovered from adult alpacas at the slaughterhouse of Huancavelica-Perú. Samples were transported to the Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Testes were selected for our study when the progressive motility of epididymal spermatozoa (ESPM) was above 30%. Isolation of SSC was performed with two enzymatic digestions. Finally, sperm viability was evaluated by means of the trypan blue vital stain in spermatogonial round cells. Samples with more than 80% viability were selected. Isolated cells cultured for 2 days were used for identifying the presence of SSCs by the expression of integrin β1 (116 bp) and PLZF (206 bp) genes. Spermatogonia were classified according to the DBA reactivity. Spermatogonia with a strong positive to DBA (sDBA+ ) were classified as SSC (Mean ± SEM=4.44 ± 0.68%). Spermatogonia in early differentiation stages stained weakly positive with DBA (wDBA+ ) (Mean ± SEM=37.44 ± 3.07%) and differentiated round cells as DBA negative (Mean ± SEM=54.12 ± 3.18%). With the use of molecular and DBA markers, it is possible to identify easily the spermatogonial stem cells in alpaca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Valdivia
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú.,Endocrine and Reproductive Laboratory, Department of Biological and Physiological Science, Laboratory of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Sergio Castañeda-Zegarra
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Gloria Lévano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Jorge Lazo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Jhakelin Reyes
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Zezé Bravo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Alexei Santiani
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Fidel Mujica
- Biological Sciences Faculty, Universidad Nacional San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Ayacucho, Perú
| | - Jaime Ruíz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Huancavelica, Perú
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Endocrine and Reproductive Laboratory, Department of Biological and Physiological Science, Laboratory of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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Lara NDLEM, Costa GMJ, Avelar GF, Guimarães DA, França LR. Postnatal testis development in the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), with emphasis on spermatogonial stem cells markers and niche. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:98-107. [PMID: 29763586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) present a unique testis cytoarchitecture, where Leydig cells (LC) are mainly located in cords around the seminiferous tubules (ST) lobes. This peculiar arrangement is very useful to better investigate and understand the role of LC in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) biology and niche. Recent studies from our laboratory using adult peccaries have shown that the undifferentiated type A spermatogonia (Aund or SSCs) are preferentially located in ST regions adjacent to the intertubular compartment without LC. Following these studies, our aims were to investigate the collared peccary postnatal testis development, from birth to adulthood, with emphasis on the establishment of LC cytoarchitecture and the SSCs niche. Our findings demonstrated that the unique LC cytoarchitecture is already present in the neonate peccary's testis, indicating that this arrangement is established during fetal development. Based on the most advanced germ cell type present at each time period evaluated, puberty (the first sperm release in the ST lumen) in this species was reached at around one year of age, being preceded by high levels of estradiol and testosterone and the end of Sertoli cell proliferation. Almost all gonocytes and SSCs expressed Nanos1, Nanos2 and GFRA1. The analysis of SSCs preferential location indicated that the establishment of SSCs niche is coincident with the occurrence of puberty. Taken together, our findings reinforced and extended the importance of the collared peccary as an animal model to investigate testis function in mammals, particularly the aspects related to testis organogenesis and the SSCs biology and niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gleide Fernandes Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Diva Anelie Guimarães
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Luiz Renato França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; National Institute for Amazonian Research, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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Kanbar M, de Michele F, Wyns C. Cryostorage of testicular tissue and retransplantation of spermatogonial stem cells in the infertile male. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:103-115. [PMID: 30448111 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of own cryostored spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a promising technique for fertility restoration when the SSC pool has been depleted. In this regard, cryopreservation of pre-pubertal testicular tissue or SSCs suspensions before gonadotoxic therapies is ethically accepted and increasingly proposed. SSC transplantation has also been considered to treat other causes of infertility relying on the possibility of propagating SSCs retrieved in the testes of infertile men before autologous re-transplantation. Although encouraging results were achieved in animals and in preclinical experiments, clinical perspectives are still limited by a number of unresolved technical and safety issues, such as the risk of cancer cell contamination of cells intended for transplantation and the genetic and epigenetic stability of SCCs when cultured before re-transplantation. Moreover, while genome editing techniques raise the hope of modifying the SSCs genome before re-transplantation, their application for reproductive purposes might be a step too far for the moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kanbar
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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36
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Sosa E, Chen D, Rojas EJ, Hennebold JD, Peters KA, Wu Z, Lam TN, Mitchell JM, Sukhwani M, Tailor RC, Meistrich ML, Orwig KE, Shetty G, Clark AT. Differentiation of primate primordial germ cell-like cells following transplantation into the adult gonadal niche. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5339. [PMID: 30559363 PMCID: PMC6297357 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in stem cell differentiation is the availability of bioassays to prove cell types generated in vitro are equivalent to cells in vivo. In the mouse, differentiation of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent cells was validated by transplantation, leading to the generation of spermatogenesis and to the birth of offspring. Here we report the use of xenotransplantation (monkey to mouse) and homologous transplantation (monkey to monkey) to validate our in vitro protocol for differentiating male rhesus (r) macaque PGCLCs (rPGCLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (riPSCs). Specifically, transplantation of aggregates containing rPGCLCs into mouse and nonhuman primate testicles overcomes a major bottleneck in rPGCLC differentiation. These findings suggest that immature rPGCLCs once transplanted into an adult gonadal niche commit to differentiate towards late rPGCs that initiate epigenetic reprogramming but do not complete the conversion into ENO2-positive spermatogonia. Human embryonic stem cells can be differentiated in vitro into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) that resemble early primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here the authors transplant PGCLCs generated from rhesus macaque iPSCs into mouse and rhesus macaque seminiferous tubules, which matures these into late PGCs and spermatogonia-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sosa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ernesto J Rojas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Karen A Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Zhuang Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Truong N Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ramesh C Tailor
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Shetty G, Wu Z, Lam TNA, Phan TT, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Effect of hormone modulations on donor-derived spermatogenesis or colonization after syngeneic and xenotransplantation in mice. Andrology 2018; 7:257-265. [PMID: 30471208 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytotoxic cancer treatments, such as irradiation, can cause permanent sterility in male mammals owing to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells. In animal models, spermatogenesis could be restored from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells. Previously, we showed that transient suppression of FSH, LH, and testosterone in the recipient with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant), given immediately after irradiation, enhanced spermatogenesis from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in mice and monkeys. OBJECTIVES To explore improvements in the preparation of the recipient for efficient and reliable spermatogenic recovery from spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, so that it can be used effectively in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In mouse recipients, we evaluated the effects of hormone suppression given after germ cell depletion was complete, which is a more clinically relevant model, and also the importance of total androgen ablation and maintenance of FSH levels. Three regimens, GnRH-ant, GnRH-ant plus flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist), and GnRH-ant plus FSH, were administered prior to and around the time of transplantation of testis cells from immature mice or from prepubertal monkeys. RESULTS Treatment with GnRH-ant resulted in a fourfold increase in spermatogenic recovery from GFP-marked transplanted mouse cells. Total androgen ablation with the addition of flutamide, started two weeks before transplantation, did not further enhance recovery. Surprisingly, FSH supplementation, started around the time of transplantation, actually reduced spermatogenic recovery from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in GnRH-ant-treated mice. When prepubertal monkey testicular cells were transplanted into nude mice that were given the same hormone treatments, the numbers of donor-derived colonies were independent of hormone treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The enhancements in spermatogenic recovery may only occur when syngeneic or closely related donor-recipient pairs are used. These results are useful in further investigations in choosing a hormone suppression regimen in combination with spermatogonial transplantation as a treatment to restore fertility in primates after cytotoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Z Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T N A Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T T Phan
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Huang Y, Zhao L, Yao C, Yang C, Zhu Z, Li P, Tian R, Chen H, He Z, Li Z. Effect of Kallikrein-related Peptidase KLK1 on Ameliorating Spermatogenesis Regeneration in Busulfan-induced Azoospermic Mice and Promoting Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cell Proliferation In Vitro. Urology 2018; 122:89-96. [PMID: 30171922 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of kallikrein-related peptidase KLK1 on azoospermic mice induced by busulfan and mouse spermatogonial stem cell. METHODS Mice were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of busulfan, and 4 weeks later, they received a daily intraperitoneal injection of KLK1 at different doses for another 4 weeks. Eight weeks after the busulfan treatment, all mice were sacrificed and their testes were collected for histological evaluation, immunostaining and protein extraction. In vitro, immortalized mouse spermatogonial stem cells, namely C18-4 cells, were treated with KLK1 for proliferation assays. RESULTS Histological evaluation of testes, epididymis and epididymal fluid showed that KLK1-treated mice had better spermatogenesis than the control group. Immunostaining showed that tissue samples from testes of KLK1-treated mice had more PLZF- and SCP3-positive cells per seminiferous tubule as well as more PNA-positive cells in the seminiferous tubules. Western blots revealed higher expression levels of PCNA in KLK1-treated mice than in control mice. C18-4 cells treated with KLK1 had a higher proliferation rate and higher expression levels of PCNA, Cyclin A and Cyclin E, and the level of phosphorylated ERK2 were increased after KLK1 treatment. CONCLUSION Collectively, KLK1 can improve spermatogenesis in azoospermic mice, and KLK1 can promote the proliferation of mouse spermatogonial stem cells via activating ERK1/2 and cell cycle proteins Cyclin A and Cyclin E. This study could offer novel approach and provide new targets for the treatment of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuping He
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Goissis MD, Giassetti MI, Worst RA, Mendes CM, Moreira PV, Assumpção MEOA, Visintin JA. Spermatogonial stem cell potential of CXCR4-positive cells from prepubertal bull testes. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:219-229. [PMID: 30120011 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) have the potential to restore spermatogenesis when transplanted into testes depleted of germ cells. Due to this property, SSC could be used in breeding programs and in transgenic animal research. Particularly in cattle, SSC are not as well characterized as in mice or humans. In mice, C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 positive (CXCR4+) testicular cells have high SSC potential. It, therefore, was hypothesized that CXCR4 is a marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle. Using samples from pre-pubertal calves, the CXCR4 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in a few cells of the seminiferous tubules. Testicular cells were isolated, frozen-thawed and submitted to magnetic-activated cell sorting using anti-CXCR4 antibody. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that CXCR4+ cells had THY1, OCT4 and ZBTB16 (or PLZF) mRNA in these cells. Flow cytometry results indicated that the proportion of THY1+ cells is enriched in CXCR4+ populations. Colonization potential of CXCR4+ cells was assessed after xenotransplantation into testes of nude mice treated with busulfan. Transplantation of CXCR4+ cells yielded an increase of 5.4-fold when compared to CXCR4- cells. These results indicate that CXCR4 could be used as a marker to enrich and sort cells of bulls with putative spermatogonial stem cell potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mariana I Giassetti
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robinson A Worst
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camilla M Mendes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro V Moreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra E O A Assumpção
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Fayomi AP, Orwig KE. Spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis in mice, monkeys and men. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:207-214. [PMID: 29730571 PMCID: PMC6010318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous spermatogenesis in post-pubertal mammals is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which balance self-renewing divisions that maintain stem cell pool with differentiating divisions that sustain continuous sperm production. Rodent stem and progenitor spermatogonia are described by their clonal arrangement in the seminiferous epithelium (e.g., Asingle, Apaired or Aaligned spermatogonia), molecular markers (e.g., ID4, GFRA1, PLZF, SALL4 and others) and most importantly by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis when transplanted into recipient testes. In contrast, stem cells in the testes of higher primates (nonhuman and human) are defined by description of their nuclear morphology and staining with hematoxylin as Adark and Apale spermatogonia. There is limited information about how dark and pale descriptions of nuclear morphology in higher primates correspond with clone size, molecular markers or transplant potential. Do the apparent differences in stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development between rodents and primates represent true biological differences or simply differences in the volume of research and the vocabulary that has developed over the past half century? This review will provide an overview of stem, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia that support spermatogenesis; identifying parallels between rodents and primates where they exist as well as features unique to higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetunji P Fayomi
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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Jabarpour M. Evaluation of the effect of follicular stimulating hormone on the in vitro bovine spermatogonial stem cells self-renewal: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.12.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Jabarpour M, Tajik P. Evaluation of the effect of follicular stimulating hormone on the in vitro bovine spermatogonial stem cells self-renewal: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017; 15:795-802. [PMID: 29492477 PMCID: PMC5816240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are undifferentiated cells which are highly reproducible and expandable. Several studies have been conducted to reproduce these cells in culture. They used growth factors, hormones and different feeder cells to improve survival and proliferation of SSCs. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) on gene expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in Sertoli cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sertoli cells and SSCs were isolated from 3-5 month-old calves. Bovine testicular cells were cultured for 15 days with or without FSH. Identification of these cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry analysis. Colony formation of SSCs was evaluated using an inverted microscope. The gene expression of FGF2 and GDNF and the gene markers bcl6b, thy-1, and C-kit were evaluated using the quantitative RT-PCR technique. RESULTS The results indicated that FSH increased colonization of SSCs. the expression of GDNF, FGF2, and markers of undifferentiated spermatogonia was increased following culture in control and FSH groups (p<0.05), this increase was more in FSH group. Conversely, the expression of C-kit was decreased in both groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The results showed that FSH can increase the self-renewal of SSCs in vitro via upregulation of GDNF and FGF2 expression in Sertoli cells.
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von Kopylow K, Spiess AN. Human spermatogonial markers. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:300-309. [PMID: 29239848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide an up-to-date compilation of published human spermatogonial markers, with focus on the three nuclear subtypes Adark, Apale and B. In addition, we have extended our recently published list of putative spermatogonial markers with protein expression and RNA-sequencing data from the Human Protein Atlas and supported these by literature evidence. Most importantly, we have put substantial effort in acquiring a comprehensive list of new and potentially interesting markers by refiltering the raw data of 15 published germ cell expression datasets (four human, eleven rodent) and subsequent building of intersections to acquire a robust, cross-species set of spermatogonia-enriched or -specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrein von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Differential regulation of spermatogenic process by Lkb1 isoforms in mouse testis. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3121. [PMID: 29022902 PMCID: PMC5682689 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Liver serine/threonine kinase B1 (LKB1) is a tumor suppressor associated with the pathogenesis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Affected males are at increased risk of developing Sertoli cell tumors and display defective spermatogenesis. Male mice lacking the short isoform (Lkb1S) of Lkb1 were sterile and exhibited abnormal spermiogenesis. In addition to the short isoform, the long isoform of Lkb1 (Lkb1L) is also expressed in testis; however, the requirement of the long isoform for fertility and the functional difference between the isoforms remain unknown. Herein, different from the spermiation failure reported in Lkb1S knockout mice, conditional deletion (cKO) of both isoforms of Lkb1 in germ cells resulted in male sterility stemming from defects in acrosome formation, as well as nuclear elongation and condensation during spermatid differentiation. Additionally, cKO mice showed a progressive germ cell loss that was never reported in mice with Lkb1S deletion. Further experiments revealed that the defect resulted from the failure of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) maintenance. Although increased mTORC1 activity in postnatal cKO testes was consistent with a tendency toward germline stem cell differentiation, in vivo inhibition of the pathway by rapamycin treatment failed to rescue the phenotype. Concurrently, we detected a significant reduction of mitochondrial activity in Lkb1deficient SPCs. The results suggest that the regulation of LKB1 on SPCs' maintenance is associated with mitochondrial functions but not through the mTOR signaling pathway. In summary, our study supports different roles of Lkb1 isoforms in spermatogenesis with Lkb1L directing SPCs maintenance, and Lkb1L and Lkb1S coordinately regulating spermatid differentiation.
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Sharma S, Portela JMD, Langenstroth-Röwer D, Wistuba J, Neuhaus N, Schlatt S. Male germline stem cells in non-human primates. Primate Biol 2017; 4:173-184. [PMID: 32110705 PMCID: PMC7041516 DOI: 10.5194/pb-4-173-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, several studies have attempted to decipher the
biology of mammalian germline stem cells (GSCs). These studies provide
evidence that regulatory mechanisms for germ cell specification and migration
are evolutionarily conserved across species. The characteristics and
functions of primate GSCs are highly distinct from rodent species; therefore
the findings from rodent models cannot be extrapolated to primates. Due to
limited availability of human embryonic and testicular samples for research
purposes, two non-human primate models (marmoset and macaque monkeys) are
extensively employed to understand human germline development and
differentiation. This review provides a broader introduction to the in vivo
and in vitro germline stem cell terminology from primordial to
differentiating germ cells. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the most
immature germ cells colonizing the gonad prior to sex differentiation into
testes or ovaries. PGC specification and migratory patterns among different
primate species are compared in the review. It also reports the distinctions
and similarities in expression patterns of pluripotency markers (OCT4A,
NANOG, SALL4 and LIN28) during embryonic developmental stages, among
marmosets, macaques and humans. This review presents a comparative summary
with immunohistochemical and molecular evidence of germ cell marker
expression patterns during postnatal developmental stages, among humans and
non-human primates. Furthermore, it reports findings from the recent
literature investigating the plasticity behavior of germ cells and stem cells
in other organs of humans and monkeys. The use of non-human primate models
would enable bridging the knowledge gap in primate GSC research and
understanding the mechanisms involved in germline development. Reported
similarities in regulatory mechanisms and germ cell expression profile in
primates demonstrate the preclinical significance of monkey models for
development of human fertility preservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Joana M D Portela
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Daniel Langenstroth-Röwer
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
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Di Persio S, Saracino R, Fera S, Muciaccia B, Esposito V, Boitani C, Berloco BP, Nudo F, Spadetta G, Stefanini M, de Rooij DG, Vicini E. Spermatogonial kinetics in humans. Development 2017; 144:3430-3439. [PMID: 28827392 DOI: 10.1242/dev.150284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human spermatogonial compartment is essential for daily production of millions of sperm. Despite this crucial role, the molecular signature, kinetic behavior and regulation of human spermatogonia are poorly understood. Using human testis biopsies with normal spermatogenesis and by studying marker protein expression, we have identified for the first time different subpopulations of spermatogonia. MAGE-A4 marks all spermatogonia, KIT marks all B spermatogonia and UCLH1 all Apale-dark (Ap-d) spermatogonia. We suggest that at the start of the spermatogenic lineage there are Ap-d spermatogonia that are GFRA1High, likely including the spermatogonial stem cells. Next, UTF1 becomes expressed, cells become quiescent and GFRA1 expression decreases. Finally, GFRA1 expression is lost and subsequently cells differentiate into B spermatogonia, losing UTF1 and acquiring KIT expression. Strikingly, most human Ap-d spermatogonia are out of the cell cycle and even differentiating type B spermatogonial proliferation is restricted. A novel scheme for human spermatogonial development is proposed that will facilitate further research in this field, the understanding of cases of infertility and the development of methods to increase sperm output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Rossana Saracino
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Fera
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Barbara Muciaccia
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Carla Boitani
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo P Berloco
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Nudo
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gustavo Spadetta
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mario Stefanini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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Enrichment and In Vitro Culture of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Pre-Pubertal Monkey Testes. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 14:557-566. [PMID: 30603509 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for spermatogenesis throughout the lifespan of the male. However, the rarity of SSCs has raised the need for an efficient selection method, but little is known about culture conditions that stimulate monkey SSC proliferation in vitro. In this study, we report the development of effective enrichment techniques and in vitro culturing of germ cells from pre-pubertal monkey testes. Testis cells were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting techniques and were transplanted into the testes of nude mice to characterize SSCs. Thy-1-positive cells showed a higher number of colonies than the unselected control after xenotransplantation. Extensive colonization of monkey cells in the mouse testes indicated the presence of highly enriched populations of SSCs in the Thy-1-positive sorted cells. Furthermore, monkey testis cells were enriched by differential plating using extracellular matrix, laminin, and gelatin, and then cultured under various conditions. Isolation of monkey testicular germ cells by differential plating increased germ cell purity by 2.7-fold, following the combinational isolation method using gelatin and laminin. These enriched germ cells actively proliferated under culture conditions involving StemPro medium supplemented with bFGF, GDNF, LIF, and EGF at 37 °C. These results suggest that the enrichment and in vitro culture method proposed in the present study for harvesting a large number of functionally active monkey SSCs can be applied as the basis for efficient in vitro expansion of human SSCs.
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Clark AT, Gkountela S, Chen D, Liu W, Sosa E, Sukhwani M, Hennebold JD, Orwig KE. Primate Primordial Germ Cells Acquire Transplantation Potential by Carnegie Stage 23. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:329-341. [PMID: 28579394 PMCID: PMC5511048 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the earliest embryonic progenitors in the germline. Correct formation of PGCs is critical to reproductive health as an adult. Recent work has shown that primate PGCs can be differentiated from pluripotent stem cells; however, a bioassay that supports their identity as transplantable germ cells has not been reported. Here, we adopted a xenotransplantation assay by transplanting single-cell suspensions of human and nonhuman primate embryonic Macaca mulatta (rhesus macaque) testes containing PGCs into the seminiferous tubules of adult busulfan-treated nude mice. We discovered that both human and nonhuman primate embryonic testis are xenotransplantable, generating colonies while not generating tumors. Taken together, this work provides two critical references (molecular and functional) for defining transplantable primate PGCs. These results provide a blueprint for differentiating pluripotent stem cells to transplantable PGC-like cells in a species that is amenable to transplantation and fertility studies. Rhesus PGCs in Carnegie stage 23 correspond to human PGCs at 8–10 weeks Carnegie stage 23 PGCs co-express cKIT, OCT4, TFAP2C, BLIMP1, SOX17, and VASA Carnegie stage 23 PGCs generate colonies following xenotransplantation Carnegie stage 23 PGCs do not yield tumors following xenotransplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Sofia Gkountela
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Enrique Sosa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Singh D, Paduch DA, Schlegel PN, Orwig KE, Mielnik A, Bolyakov A, Wright WW. The production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor by human sertoli cells is substantially reduced in sertoli cell-only testes. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1108-1117. [PMID: 28369535 PMCID: PMC6075567 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do human Sertoli cells in testes that exhibit the Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype produce substantially less glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) than Sertoli cells in normal testes? SUMMARY ANSWER In human SCO testes, both the amounts of GDNF mRNA per testis and the concentration of GDNF protein per Sertoli cell are markedly reduced as compared to normal testes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vivo, GDNF is required to sustain the numbers and function of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and their immediate progeny, transit-amplifying progenitor spermatogonia. GDNF is expressed in the human testis, and the ligand-binding domain of the GDNF receptor, GFRA1, has been detected on human SSCs. The numbers and/or function of these stem cells are markedly reduced in some infertile men, resulting in the SCO histological phenotype. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION We determined the numbers of human spermatogonia per mm2 of seminiferous tubule surface that express GFRA1 and/or UCHL1, another marker of human SSCs. We measured GFRA1 mRNA expression in order to document the reduced numbers and/or function of SSCs in SCO testes. We quantified GDNF mRNA in testes of humans and mice, a species with GDNF-dependent SSCs. We also compared GDNF mRNA expression in human testes with normal spermatogenesis to that in testes exhibiting the SCO phenotype. As controls, we also measured transcripts encoding two other Sertoli cell products, kit ligand (KITL) and clusterin (CLU). Finally, we compared the amounts of GDNF per Sertoli cell in normal and SCO testes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Normal human testes were obtained from beating heart organ donors. Biopsies of testes from men who were infertile due to maturation arrest or the SCO phenotype were obtained as part of standard care during micro-testicular surgical sperm extraction. Cells expressing GFRA1, UCHL1 or both on whole mounts of normal human seminiferous tubules were identified by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy and their numbers were determined by image analysis. Human GDNF mRNA and GFRA1 mRNA were quantified by use of digital PCR and Taqman primers. Transcripts encoding mouse GDNF and human KITL, CLU and 18 S rRNA, used for normalization of data, were quantified by use of real-time PCR and Taqman primers. Finally, we used two independent methods, flow cytometric analysis of single cells and ELISA assays of homogenates of whole testis biopsies, to compare amounts of GDNF per Sertoli cell in normal and SCO testes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Normal human testes contain a large population of SSCs that express GFRA1, the ligand-binding domain of the GDNF receptor. In human SCO testes, GFRA1 mRNA was detected but at markedly reduced levels. Expression of GDNF mRNA and the amount of GDNF protein per Sertoli cell were also significantly reduced in SCO testes. These results were observed in multiple, independent samples, and the reduced amount of GDNF in Sertoli cells of SCO testes was demonstrated using two different analytical approaches. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There currently are no approved protocols for the in vivo manipulation of human testis GDNF concentrations. Thus, while our data suggest that insufficient GDNF may be the proximal cause of some cases of human male infertility, our results are correlative in nature. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We propose that insufficient GDNF expression may contribute to the infertility of some men with an SCO testicular phenotype. If their testes contain some SSCs, an approach that increases their testicular GDNF concentrations might expand stem cell numbers and possibly sperm production. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility Program (NCTRI) Grant 1R01HD074542-04, as well as grants R01 HD076412-02 and P01 HD075795-02 and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Support for this research was also provided by NIH P50 HD076210, the Robert Dow Foundation, the Frederick & Theresa Dow Wallace Fund of the New York Community Trust and the Brady Urological Foundation. There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - D. A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - P. N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - K. E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - A. Mielnik
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - A. Bolyakov
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Foundation, and Cornell Reproductive Medicine Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - W. W. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Kotzur T, Benavides-Garcia R, Mecklenburg J, Sanchez JR, Reilly M, Hermann BP. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes spermatogenic regeneration from surviving spermatogonia after high-dose alkylating chemotherapy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:7. [PMID: 28077131 PMCID: PMC5225630 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lifesaving chemotherapy and radiation treatments that allow patients to survive cancer can also result in a lifetime of side-effects, including male infertility. Infertility in male cancer survivors is thought to primarily result from killing of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) responsible for producing spermatozoa since SSCs turn over slowly and are thereby sensitive to antineoplastic therapies. We previously demonstrated that the cytokine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can preserve spermatogenesis after alkylating chemotherapy (busulfan). METHODS Male mice were treated with G-CSF or controls before and/or after sterilizing busulfan treatment and evaluated immediately or 10-19 weeks later for effects on spermatogenesis. RESULTS We demonstrated that the protective effect of G-CSF on spermatogenesis was stable for at least 19 weeks after chemotherapy, nearly twice as long as previously shown. Further, G-CSF treatment enhanced spermatogenic measures 10 weeks after treatment in the absence of a cytotoxic insult, suggesting G-CSF acts as a mitogen in steady-state spermatogenesis. In agreement with this conclusion, G-CSF treatment for 3 days before busulfan treatment exacerbated the loss of spermatogenesis observed with G-CSF alone. Reciprocally, spermatogenic recovery was modestly enhanced in mice treated with G-CSF for 4 days after busulfan. These results suggested that G-CSF promoted spermatogonial proliferation, leading to enhanced spermatogenic regeneration from surviving SSCs. Similarly, there was a significant increase in proportion of PLZF+ undifferentiated spermatogonia that were Ki67+ (proliferating) 1 day after G-CSF treatment. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results clarify that G-CSF protects spermatogenesis after alkylating chemotherapy by stimulating proliferation of surviving spermatogonia, and indicate it may be useful as a retrospective fertility-restoring treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Kotzur
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Roberto Benavides-Garcia
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Jennifer Mecklenburg
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Jamila R. Sanchez
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Matthew Reilly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University, 1080 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
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