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Shi F, Liu Y, Chen Z, Li D, Yao Y, Zhou M, Zhuo Y, Ma X, Cao D. An integrated approach for improving clinical management of non-obstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38221731 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia is the most severe form of male infertility. A testicular biopsy is required for the diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia, and the causal factors for non-obstructive azoospermia remain unknown. OBJECTIVES To reduce the risk of multiple biopsies and identify factors that contribute to non-obstructive azoospermia, we proposed an integrated approach for the preoperative diagnosis and clinical management of non-obstructive azoospermia by applying the chromosome-spreading technique and whole-exome sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between July 2020 and December 2022, after ruling out definitive obstructive azoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia patients with testicular volume < 6 mL, 20 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent preoperative testicular diagnostic biopsy using testicular sperm aspiration were subjected to retrospective analysis. RESULTS Microscopic examination identified four patients with sperm cells, and 16 without sperm cells. Routine pathological analysis classified one patient as normal spermatogenesis, three as hypospermatogenesis, five as maturation arrest, nine as Sertoli cell-only, and two as unable to judge. With chromosome-spreading technology using routine cell suspension samples for microscopic examination, 18 patient diagnoses were validated, and two patients without a definitive diagnosis were supplemented. Detection of the Y chromosome and a well-organized whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed potential genetic factors. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The full use of testicular biopsy is beneficial for the diagnosis of azoospermia, as it avoids the risk of multiple biopsies. Moreover, in combination with whole-exome sequencing, clinicians can obtain more information regarding the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia, which may guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Shi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meixun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yumin Zhuo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Senior Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Mikedis MM, Fan Y, Nicholls PK, Endo T, Jackson EK, Cobb SA, de Rooij DG, Page DC. DAZL mediates a broad translational program regulating expansion and differentiation of spermatogonial progenitors. eLife 2020; 9:56523. [PMID: 32686646 PMCID: PMC7445011 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility across metazoa requires the germline-specific DAZ family of RNA-binding proteins. Here we examine whether DAZL directly regulates progenitor spermatogonia using a conditional genetic mouse model and in vivo biochemical approaches combined with chemical synchronization of spermatogenesis. We find that the absence of Dazl impairs both expansion and differentiation of the spermatogonial progenitor population. In undifferentiated spermatogonia, DAZL binds the 3' UTRs of ~2,500 protein-coding genes. Some targets are known regulators of spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation while others are broadly expressed, dosage-sensitive factors that control transcription and RNA metabolism. DAZL binds 3' UTR sites conserved across vertebrates at a UGUU(U/A) motif. By assessing ribosome occupancy in undifferentiated spermatogonia, we find that DAZL increases translation of its targets. In total, DAZL orchestrates a broad translational program that amplifies protein levels of key spermatogonial and gene regulatory factors to promote the expansion and differentiation of progenitor spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Fan
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Emily K Jackson
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | | | | | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
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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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Pan Y, Li LL, Yu Y, Jiang YT, Yang X, Zhang HG, Liu RZ, Wang RX. Natural Transmission of b2/b3 Subdeletion or Duplication to Expanded Y Chromosome Microdeletions. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:6559-6563. [PMID: 30226219 PMCID: PMC6157087 DOI: 10.12659/msm.911644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Y chromosome microdeletions are usually de novo mutations, but in several cases, transmission from fertile fathers to infertile sons has been reported. Material/Methods We report 3 cases of infertile patients who inherited expanded Y chromosome microdeletions from their fathers, who carried b2/b3 subdeletion or duplication. The karyotype was analyzed using G-banding. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect AZF region microdeletions. Results Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal karyotype 46,XY in patient 1 (P1), patient 2 (P2), and their fathers (F1 and F2). Patient 3 (P3) and his father (F3) presented a karyotype of 46,XY,Yqh-. High-throughput sequencing for the AZF disclosed an identical b2/b3 subdeletion in the F1 and F2. P1 had an AZFc deletion that accounted for 3.5 Mb, and P2 had an AZFa+b+c microdeletion that accounted for 10.5 Mb. F3 had a b2/b3 duplication of 1.8Mb, but P3 had an AZFb+c deletion of 6.2 Mb. Conclusions Our findings suggest that b2/b3 partial deletion or duplication can lead to structural instability in the Y chromosome and be a risk factor of complete deletion of AZFc or more expanded deletion during transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Lei-Lei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Yang Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Yu-Ting Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Hong-Guo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Rui-Zhi Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Rui-Xue Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Jilin Engineering Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
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In Vitro Modeling of Human Germ Cell Development Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:509-523. [PMID: 29398481 PMCID: PMC5830957 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to differences across species, the mechanisms of cell fate decisions determined in mice cannot be readily extrapolated to humans. In this study, we developed a feeder- and xeno-free culture protocol that efficiently induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into PLZF+/GPR125+/CD90+ spermatogonium-like cells (SLCs). These SLCs were enriched with key genes in germ cell development such as MVH, DAZL, GFRα1, NANOS3, and DMRT1. In addition, a small fraction of SLCs went through meiosis in vitro to develop into haploid cells. We further demonstrated that this chemically defined induction protocol faithfully recapitulated the features of compromised germ cell development of PSCs with NANOS3 deficiency or iPSC lines established from patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Taken together, we established a powerful experimental platform to investigate human germ cell development and pathology related to male infertility. SLCs and haploid cells are formed from PSCs via a feeder- and xeno-free condition In-vitro-developed SLCs are enriched with germ cell-specific genes NANOS3 deficiency compromises SLC derivation from PSCs iPSCs derived from NOA patients display disturbed germ cell development
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Mulder CL, Zheng Y, Jan SZ, Struijk RB, Repping S, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM. Spermatogonial stem cell autotransplantation and germline genomic editing: a future cure for spermatogenic failure and prevention of transmission of genomic diseases. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:561-73. [PMID: 27240817 PMCID: PMC5001497 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertility affects approximately 15% of all couples, and a severe male factor is identified in 17% of these couples. While the etiology of a severe male factor remains largely unknown, prior gonadotoxic treatment and genomic aberrations have been associated with this type of subfertility. Couples with a severe male factor can resort to ICSI, with either ejaculated spermatozoa (in case of oligozoospermia) or surgically retrieved testicular spermatozoa (in case of azoospermia) to generate their own biological children. Currently there is no direct treatment for azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) autotransplantation (SSCT) is a promising novel clinical application currently under development to restore fertility in sterile childhood cancer survivors. Meanwhile, recent advances in genomic editing, especially the clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system, are likely to enable genomic rectification of human SSCs in the near future. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to provide insights into the prospects of the potential clinical application of SSCT with or without genomic editing to cure spermatogenic failure and to prevent transmission of genetic diseases. SEARCH METHODS We performed a narrative review using the literature available on PubMed not restricted to any publishing year on topics of subfertility, fertility treatments, (molecular regulation of) spermatogenesis and SSCT, inherited (genetic) disorders, prenatal screening methods, genomic editing and germline editing. For germline editing, we focussed on the novel CRISPR-Cas9 system. We included papers written in English only. OUTCOMES Current techniques allow propagation of human SSCs in vitro, which is indispensable to successful transplantation. This technique is currently being developed in a preclinical setting for childhood cancer survivors who have stored a testis biopsy prior to cancer treatment. Similarly, SSCT could be used to restore fertility in sterile adult cancer survivors. In vitro propagation of SSCs might also be employed to enhance spermatogenesis in oligozoospermic men and in azoospermic men who still have functional SSCs albeit in insufficient numbers. The combination of SSCT with genomic editing techniques could potentially rectify defects in spermatogenesis caused by genomic mutations or, more broadly, prevent transmission of genomic diseases to the offspring. In spite of the promising prospects, SSCT and germline genomic editing are not yet clinically applicable and both techniques require optimization at various levels. WIDER IMPLICATIONS SSCT with or without genomic editing could potentially be used to restore fertility in cancer survivors to treat couples with a severe male factor and to prevent the paternal transmission of diseases. This will potentially allow these couples to have their own biological children. Technical development is progressing rapidly, and ethical reflection and societal debate on the use of SSCT with or without genomic editing is pressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yi Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert B Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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von Kopylow K, Schulze W, Salzbrunn A, Spiess AN. Isolation and gene expression analysis of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:229-39. [PMID: 26792870 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS It is possible to isolate pure populations of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells without somatic contamination for down-stream applications, for example cell culture and gene expression analysis. STUDY FINDING We isolated pure populations of single potential human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSC) without contaminating somatic cells and analyzed gene expression of these cells via single-cell real-time RT-PCR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The isolation of a pure hSSC fraction could enable clinical applications such as fertility preservation for prepubertal boys and in vitro-spermatogenesis. By utilizing largely nonspecific markers for the isolation of spermatogonia (SPG) and hSSC, previously published cell selection methods are not able to deliver pure target cell populations without contamination by testicular somatic cells. However, uniform cell populations free of somatic cells are necessary to guarantee defined growth conditions in cell culture experiments and to prevent unintended stem cell differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is a cell surface protein of human undifferentiated A-type SPG and a promising candidate marker for hSSC. It is exclusively expressed in small, non-proliferating subgroups of this spermatogonial cell type together with the pluripotency-associated protein and spermatogonial nuclear marker undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1). STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We specifically selected the FGFR3-positive spermatogonial subpopulation from two 30 mg biopsies per patient from a total of 37 patients with full spermatogenesis and three patients with meiotic arrest. We then employed cell selection with magnetic beads in combination with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter antibody directed against human FGFR3 to tag and visually identify human FGFR3-positive spermatogonia. Positively selected and bead-labeled cells were subsequently picked with a micromanipulator. Analysis of the isolated cells was carried out by single-cell real-time RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and live/dead staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Single-cell real-time RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR of pooled cells indicate that bead-labeled single cells express FGFR3 with high heterogeneity at the mRNA level, while bead-unlabeled cells lack FGFR3 mRNA. Furthermore, isolated cells exhibit strong immunocytochemical staining for the stem cell factor UTF1 and are viable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cell population isolated in this study has to be tested for their potential stem cell characteristics via xenotransplantation. Due to the small amount of the isolated cells, propagation by cell culture will be essential. Other potential hSSC without FGFR3 surface expression will not be captured with the provided experimental design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The technical approach as developed in this work could encourage the scientific community to test other established or novel hSSC markers on single SPG that present with potential stem cell-like features. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS The project was funded by the DFG Research Unit FOR1041 Germ cell potential (SCH 587/3-2) and DFG grants to K.v.K. (KO 4769/2-1) and A.-N.S. (SP 721/4-1). The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - W Schulze
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany MVZ Fertility Center Hamburg GmbH, amedes-group, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Salzbrunn
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - A-N Spiess
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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