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Ma X, Li P, Sun X, Sun Y, Hu R, Yuan P. Differentiation of female Oct4-GFP embryonic stem cells into germ lineage cells. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:488-494. [PMID: 29271529 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to high infertility ratio nowadays, it is essential to explore efficient ways of enhancing mammalian reproductivity, in particular female reproductivity. Using female Oct4-GFP embryonic stem cells, we mimic the in vivo development procedure to induce ES cells into epiblast cell-like cells (EpiLCs) and then primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). GFP positive PGCLCs that showed typical PGC markers and epigenetic modification were efficiently obtained. Further transplantation of the GFP positive PGCLC and native ovary cell mixture into ovary of infertile mice revealed that both MVH and GFP positive cells could be developed in ovary, but no later developmental stage germ cells were observed. This study suggested that Oct4-GFP ES cells may be only suitable for tracing early germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ma
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Disease, No.22 Nonglin Road, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Li
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yifeng Sun
- Sing Loong Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, China
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Yang S, Yuan Q, Niu M, Hou J, Zhu Z, Sun M, Li Z, He Z. BMP4 promotes mouse iPS cell differentiation to male germ cells via Smad1/5, Gata4, Id1 and Id2. Reproduction 2016; 153:211-220. [PMID: 27864336 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Generation of male germ cells from pluripotent cells could provide male gametes for treating male infertility and offer an ideal model for unveiling molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis. However, the influence and exact molecular mechanisms, especially downstream effectors of BMP4 signaling pathways, in male germ cell differentiation of the induce pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, remain unknown. This study was designed to explore the role and mechanism of BMP4 signaling in the differentiation of mouse iPS cells to male germ cells. Embryoid body (EB) formation and recombinant BMP4 or Noggin were utilized to evaluate the effect of BMP4 on male germ cell generation from mouse iPS cells. Germ cell-specific genes and proteins as well as the downstream effectors of BMP4 signaling pathway were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blots. We found that BMP4 ligand and its multiple receptors, including BMPR1a, BMPR1b and BMPR2, were expressed in mouse iPS cells. Real-time PCR and Western blots revealed that BMP4 could upregulate the levels of genes and proteins for germ cell markers in iPS cells-derived EBs, whereas Noggin decreased their expression in these cells. Moreover, Smad1/5 phosphorylation, Gata4 transcription and the transcripts of Id1 and Id2 were enhanced by BMP4 but decreased when exposed to Noggin. Collectively, these results suggest that BMP4 promotes the generation of male germ cells from iPS cells via Smad1/5 pathway and the activation of Gata4, Id1 and Id2 This study thus offers novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingmei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of AndrologyUrologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of AndrologyUrologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China .,Department of UrologyRen Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai, China
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Zhang LJ, Chen B, Feng XL, Ma HG, Sun LL, Feng YM, Liang GJ, Cheng SF, Li L, Shen W. Exposure to Brefeldin A promotes initiation of meiosis in murine female germ cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:294-303. [PMID: 24209976 DOI: 10.1071/rd13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, ontogenesis starts from a fusion of spermatozoon and oocyte, which are produced by reductive nuclear division of a diploid germ cell in a specialised but complex biological process known as meiosis. However, little is known about the mechanism of meiotic initiation in germ cells, although many factors may be responsible for meiosis both in male and female gonads. In this study, 11.5 days post coitum (dpc) female fetal mouse genital ridges were cultured in vitro with exposure to Brefeldin A (BFA) for 6h, and the changes in meiosis were detected. Synaptonemal-complex analysis implied that BFA played a positive role in meiosis initiation and this hypothesis was confirmed by quantitative PCR of meiosis-specific genes: stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) and deleted in a zoospermia-like (DAZL). At the same time, mRNA expression of retinoic acid synthetase (Raldh2) and retinoic acid (RA) receptors increased in female gonads with in vitro exposure to BFA. Transplanting genital ridges treated with BFA into the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice demonstrated that the development capacity of female germ cells was normal, while formation of primordial follicles was seen to be a result of accelerated meiosis after exposure to BFA. In conclusion, the study indicated that BFA stimulated meiosis initiation partly by RA signalling and then promoted the development of follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xin-Lei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Hua-Gang Ma
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, 261041, China
| | - Li-Lan Sun
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, 261041, China
| | - Yan-Min Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Gui-Jin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
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In vitro differentiation process of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells to male germ cells in the presence of gonadal and non-gonadal conditioned media with retinoic acid. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015; 51:1093-101. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Bahmanpour S, Zarei Fard N, Talaei-Khozani T, Hosseini A, Esmaeilpour T. Effect of BMP4 preceded by retinoic acid and co-culturing ovarian somatic cells on differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into oocyte-like cells. Dev Growth Differ 2015; 57:378-388. [PMID: 26041547 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and retinoic acid (RA) signaling are the key regulators for germ cell and meiosis induction, respectively. Gonadal tissue also provides an appropriate microenvironment for oocyte differentiation in vivo. The current study aimed to determine whether mimicking in vivo niche is more efficient for oocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, differentiation of mouse ES cells toward oocyte-like cells using embryoid body (EB) and monolayer protocols was induced in the presence (+BMP4) or absence (-BMP4) of BMP4. On day 5, each group was co-cultured with ovarian somatic cells in the presence or absence of RA (+RA or -RA) for an additional 14 days. Our results showed a significant increase in expression of meiotic markers in the +BMP4 condition in EB differentiation protocol. Further differentiation with ovarian somatic cells led to a subpopulation of oocyte-like cell formation. Compared to the controls, the +RA condition resulted in a significant elevation of the meiotic gene expression in contrast to Oct4 that significantly decreased in both protocols. In the cells pre-treated with BMP4 and then exposed to RA in the monolayer differentiation protocol, the gene expression levels of germ cell, Mvh, and maturation markers, Cx37, Zp2, and Gdf9, were also upregulated significantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that +BMP4 and +RA along with ovarian somatic cell co-culture improved the rate of in vitro oocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Bahmanpour
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nehleh Zarei Fard
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Esmaeilpour
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Sriraman K, Bhartiya D, Anand S, Bhutda S. Mouse Ovarian Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Resist Chemotherapy and Retain Ability to Initiate Oocyte-Specific Differentiation. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:884-903. [PMID: 25779995 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115576727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate stem cells in adult mouse ovary, the effect of chemotherapy on them and their potential to differentiate into germ cells. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) that were SCA-1+/Lin-/CD45-, positive for nuclear octamer-binding transforming factor 4 (OCT-4), Nanog, and cell surface stage-specific embryonic antigen 1, were identified in adult mouse ovary. Chemotherapy resulted in complete loss of follicular reserve and cytoplasmic OCT-4 positive progenitors (ovarian germ stem cells) but VSELs survived. In ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cell cultures from chemoablated ovary, proliferating germ cell clusters and mouse vasa homolog/growth differentiation factor 9-positive oocyte-like structure were observed by day 6, probably arising as a result of differentiation of the surviving VSELs. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) exerted a direct stimulatory action on the OSE and induced stem cells proliferation and differentiation into premeiotic germ cell clusters during intact chemoablated ovaries culture. The FSH analog pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatment to chemoablated mice increased the percentage of surviving VSELs in ovary. The results of this study provide evidence for the presence of potential VSELs in mouse ovaries and show that they survive chemotherapy, are modulated by FSH, and retain the ability to undergo oocyte-specific differentiation. These results show relevance to women who undergo premature ovarian failure because of oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Smita Bhutda
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Niu Z, Hu Y, Liao M, Yu M, Zhu H, Wang L, Wu J, Bai C, Li G, Hua J. Conservation and function of Dazl in promoting the meiosis of goat male germline stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:2697-707. [PMID: 24477583 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dazl (deleted in azoospermia-like) is a conserved gene in mammalian meiosis, which encodes RNA binding protein required for spermatocyte meiosis. Up to date, the expression and function of Dazl in the goat testis are unknown. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression pattern of Dazl in dairy goat testis and their function in male germline stem cells (mGSCs). The results first revealed that the expression level of Dazl in adult testes was significantly higher than younger and immature goats, and azoospermia and male intersex testis. The dairy goat Dazl is highly conserved analysed by several online and bioinformatics software, respectively. Over-expression of Dazl promoted the expression of meiosis-related genes in dairy goat mGSCs. The expression of Stra8 was up-regulated by over-expression of Dazl analysed by Luciferase reporter assay. Taken together, results suggest the Dazl plays an important role in dairy goat spermatogenesis and that over-expression of Dazl may promote Stra8 expression in dairy goat mGSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
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8
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Pera RAR. Status of human germ cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:396-404. [PMID: 23445816 DOI: 10.1071/rd12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, the quality of life of infertile couples has been greatly diminished by the loss of opportunity to conceive. However, beginning with the advent of IVF in the late 1970s, novel clinical interventions have greatly changed the outlook for those with severe forms of infertility. Yet, in cases in which the quality and quantity of germ cells are most compromised, there are few options. In the present paper, the current status of germ cell development from stem cells is reviewed in light of potential utility for basic science and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee A Reijo Pera
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5463, USA.
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Role of Mael in early oogenesis and during germ-cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells in mice in vitro. ZYGOTE 2013; 22:513-20. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199412000743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn a previous study, we have identified a set of conserved spermatogenic genes whose expression is restricted to testis and ovary and that are developmentally regulated. One of these genes, the transcription factor Mael, has been reported to play an essential role in mouse spermatogenesis. Nevertheless, the role of Mael in mouse oogenesis has not been defined. In order to analyse the role of Mael in mouse oogenesis, the expression of this gene was blocked during early oogenesis in mouse in vitro using RNAi technology. In addition, the role of Mael during differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) into germ cells in vitro was analysed. Results show that downregulation of Mael by a specific short interfering RNA disrupted fetal oocyte growth and differentiation in fetal ovary explants in culture and the expression of several germ-cell markers in ESC during their differentiation. These results suggest that there is an important role for Mael in early oogenesis and during germ-cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells in mouse in vitro.
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Teramura T, Frampton J. Induced pluripotent stem cells in reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2012; 12:39-46. [PMID: 29699129 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-012-0141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in reproductive medicine, there are still no effective treatments for severe infertility caused by congenital absence of germ cells or gonadotoxic treatments during prepubertal childhood. However, the development of technologies for germ cell formation from stem cells in vitro, induction of pluripotency from somatic cells, and production of patient-specific pluripotent stem cells may provide new solutions for treating these severe fertility problems. It may be possible to produce germ cells in vitro from our own somatic cells that can be used to restore fertility. In addition, these technologies may also bring about novel therapies by helping to elucidate the mechanisms of human germ cell development. In this review, we describe the current approaches for obtaining germ cells from pluripotent stem cells, and provide basic information about induction of pluripotency and germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Teramura
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine Kinki University Faculty of Medicine 377-2 Osaka-sayama Osaka Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Mie University Faculty of Medicine Tsu Mie Japan
| | - John Frampton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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Varras M, Griva T, Kalles V, Akrivis C, Paparisteidis N. Markers of stem cells in human ovarian granulosa cells: is there a clinical significance in ART? J Ovarian Res 2012; 5:36. [PMID: 23164047 PMCID: PMC3536594 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-5-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of gene expression of Oct-4 and DAZL, which are typical markers for stem cells, in human granulosa cells during ovarian stimulation in women with normal FSH levels undergoing IVF or ICSI and to discover any clinical significance of such expression in ART. Methods Twenty one women underwent ovulation induction for IVF or ICSI and ET with standard GnRH analogue-recombinant FSH protocol. Infertility causes were male and tubal factor. Cumulus–mature oocyte complexes were denuded separately and granulosa cells were analyzed for each patient separately using quantitative reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis for Oct-4 and DAZL gene expression with G6PD gene as internal standard. Results G6PD and Oct-4 mRNA was detected in the granulosa cells in 47.6% (10/21). The median of Oct-4 mRNA/G6PD mRNA was 1.75 with intra-quarteral range from 0.10 to 98.21. The OCT-4 mRNA expression was statistically significantly correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved; when the Oct-4 mRNA expression was higher, then more than six oocytes were retrieved (p=0.037, Wilcoxon rank-sum). No detection of DAZL mRNA was found in granulosa cells. There was no additional statistically significant correlation between the levels of Oct-4 expression and FSH basal levels or estradiol peak levels or dosage of FSH for ovulation induction. No association was found between the presence or absence of Oct-4 mRNA expression in granulosa cells and ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. Also, no influence on pregnancy was observed between the presence or absence of Oct-4 mRNA expression in granulosa cells or to its expression levels accordingly. Conclusions Expression of OCT-4 mRNA, which is a typical stem cell marker and absence of expression of DAZL mRNA, which is a typical germ cell marker, suggest that a subpopulation of luteinized granulosa cells in healthy ovarian follicles (47.6%) consists of stem cells, which are not originated from primordial germ cells. Absence of Oct-4 gene expression in more than half of the cases means probably the end of the productive journey of these cells, towards the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Varras
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Elena Venizelou" General Maternity Hospital, Platonos 33, Politia (Kifisia), Athens, 14563, Greece.
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Giese S, Hossain H, Markmann M, Chakraborty T, Tchatalbachev S, Guillou F, Bergmann M, Failing K, Weider K, Brehm R. Sertoli-cell-specific knockout of connexin 43 leads to multiple alterations in testicular gene expression in prepubertal mice. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:895-913. [PMID: 22699423 PMCID: PMC3484871 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.008649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for the past 20 years but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, recent studies showed that the gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43; also known as GJA1) might be involved. CX43 is the predominant testicular connexin (CX) in most species, including in humans. Alterations of its expression are associated with different forms of spermatogenic disorders and infertility. Men with impaired spermatogenesis often exhibit a reduction or loss of CX43 expression in germ cells (GCs) and Sertoli cells (SCs). Adult male transgenic mice with a conditional knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene [referred to here as connexin-43 (Cx43)] in SCs (SCCx43KO) show a comparable testicular phenotype to humans and are infertile. To detect possible signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms leading to the testicular phenotype in adult SCCx43KO mice and to their failure to initiate spermatogenesis, the testicular gene expression of 8-day-old SCCx43KO and wild-type (WT) mice was compared. Microarray analysis revealed that 658 genes were significantly regulated in testes of SCCx43KO mice. Of these genes, 135 were upregulated, whereas 523 genes were downregulated. For selected genes the results of the microarray analysis were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. The majority of the downregulated genes are GC-specific and are essential for mitotic and meiotic progression of spermatogenesis, including Stra8, Dazl and members of the DM (dsx and map-3) gene family. Other altered genes can be associated with transcription, metabolism, cell migration and cytoskeleton organization. Our data show that deletion of Cx43 in SCs leads to multiple alterations of gene expression in prepubertal mice and primarily affects GCs. The candidate genes could represent helpful markers for investigators exploring human testicular biopsies from patients showing corresponding spermatogenic deficiencies and for studying the molecular mechanisms of human male sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Giese
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Kuales G, De Mulder K, Glashauser J, Salvenmoser W, Takashima S, Hartenstein V, Berezikov E, Salzburger W, Ladurner P. Boule-like genes regulate male and female gametogenesis in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Dev Biol 2011; 357:117-32. [PMID: 21740899 PMCID: PMC3158854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Members of the DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family are important players in the process of gametogenesis and their dysregulation accounts for 10% of human male infertility. Boule, the ancestor of the family, is mainly involved in male meiosis in most organisms. With the exception of Drosophila and C. elegans, nothing is known on the function of boule in non-vertebrate animals. In the present study, we report on three boule orthologues in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We demonstrate that macbol1 and macbol2 are expressed in testes whilst macbol3 is expressed in ovaries and developing eggs. Macbol1 RNAi blocked spermatocyte differentiation whereas macbol2 showed no effect upon RNAi treatment. Macbol3 RNAi resulted in aberrant egg maturation and led to female sterility. We further demonstrated the evolutionary functional conservation of macbol1 by introducing this gene into Drosophila bol(1) mutants. Macbol1 was able to rescue the progression of fly meiotic divisions. In summary, our findings provide evidence for an involvement of boule genes in male and female gamete development in one organism. Furthermore, boule gene function is shown here for the first time in a lophotrochozoan. Our results point to a more diverse functional assignment of boule genes. Therefore, a better understanding of boule function in flatworms can help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of and concomitant infertility in higher organisms including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Kuales
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katrien De Mulder
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Hubrecht Institute and University medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jade Glashauser
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Shigeo Takashima
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive, East Boyer Hall 559, CA 90095-1606 California, USA
| | - Volker Hartenstein
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive, East Boyer Hall 559, CA 90095-1606 California, USA
| | - Eugene Berezikov
- Hubrecht Institute and University medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Walter Salzburger
- University of Basel, Zoological Institute, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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