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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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Hasani Fard AH, Valizadeh M, Mazaheri Z, Hosseini SJ. miR-106b-5p Intensifies the Proliferative Potential of Spermatogonial Stem Cells as a Prerequisite for Male Infertility Treatment. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3394-3403. [PMID: 35320579 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00884-4] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated the molecular basis of male infertility, various aspects of this area have remained uncovered. Over the past years, researchers have reported the significant potential of miRNAs in posttranscriptional regulatory roles. By targeting mRNAs, these notable molecules can modulate the processes related to male infertility. On the other side, the outstanding potential of male germline stem cells, SSCs, includes their application in infertility treatment. SSCs retain normal spermatogenesis and fertility by adjusting both SSC self-renewal and differentiation. Therefore, for the characterization and manipulation of SSCs, effective and efficient in vitro culture methods are essential in supporting their maintenance and development. In this regard, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the impact of one of the recently conspicuous miRNAs, miR-106b, in SSCs enrichment. As a result, we first found that the SSCs induced with miR-106b-5p highly express TGF-β1, which is known as a regulator of epigenetic modifiers and downstream genes. We next sought to show that self-renewal markers, including c-Myc, Oct-4, and Sox2, are increased in the induced SSC group. The intended miRNA also induced the inhibitor of differentiation 4 (ID4) and aided to remain unmethylated in SSCs. Additionally, for the tumorigenicity possibility of the manipulation, we indicated that PTEN, a tumor-suppressor gene, expressed remarkably in the induced SSCs. In conclusion, our findings showed that miR-106b-5p enhances the proliferative potential of SSCs, making it a substantial factor for therapeutic strategies of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Hasani Fard
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Valizadeh
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalil Hosseini
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Wang Q, Yan Q, Nan J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhao X. Syce1 and Syce3 regulate testosterone and dihydrotestosterone synthesis via steroidogenic pathways in mouse Sertoli and Leydig cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 223:106135. [PMID: 35697131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the main hormones regulating reproduction and development of male animals. Although their synthesis and secretion are regulated by the endocrine system [hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (adrenal) axis], it is also possible to synthesize T and DHT from the induction of two proteins: Syce1 and Syce3. As central elements of the synaptonemal complex (SC), Syce1 and Syce3 play a key role in the association of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. However, Syce1 and Syce3 also promote the synthesis of T and DHT, although potential mechanisms have yet to be revealed. In this study, Leydig and Sertoli cells, which are responsible for the production and regulation of steroid hormones in testis, were transfected with recombinant Syce1/Syce3 and silence sequence. Our results revealed the highest expression of Syce1 and Syce3 in spermatogenic cells of the testis. Moreover, overexpression or knockdown of Syce1 and Syce3 in Sertoli and Leydig cells resulted in activation or suppression of steroidogenic genes Star and Hsd3b, which are involved in a steroidogenic pathway that upregulates T synthesis. Upregulated expression of Syce1 resulted in a significant increase in Srd5a1, which can promote DHT secretion. Interestingly, Syce1 and Syce3 overexpression synergistically promoted each other's abundance. Our results define a previously unknown mechanism of Syce1 and Syce3 dependent activation of steroidogenic signaling in Sertoli and Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jinghong Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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Nykolaichuk R, Toporcerová S, Berbets A. Impact of post-Chernobyl radiation on flow cytometry parameters of human sperm. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:166-172. [DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Sanou I, van Maaren J, Eliveld J, Lei Q, Meißner A, de Melker AA, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:850219. [PMID: 35444616 PMCID: PMC9013905 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.850219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Sanou
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meißner
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke A de Melker
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Approaches and Technologies in Male Fertility Preservation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155471. [PMID: 32751826 PMCID: PMC7432867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility preservation is required when treatment with an aggressive chemo-/-radiotherapy, which may lead to irreversible sterility. Due to new and efficient protocols of cancer treatments, surviving rates are more than 80%. Thus, these patients are looking forward to family life and fathering their own biological children after treatments. Whereas adult men can cryopreserve their sperm for future use in assistance reproductive technologies (ART), this is not an option in prepubertal boys who cannot produce sperm at this age. In this review, we summarize the different technologies for male fertility preservation with emphasize on prepubertal, which have already been examined and/or demonstrated in vivo and/or in vitro using animal models and, in some cases, using human tissues. We discuss the limitation of these technologies for use in human fertility preservation. This update review can assist physicians and patients who are scheduled for aggressive chemo-/radiotherapy, specifically prepubertal males and their parents who need to know about the risks of the treatment on their future fertility and the possible present option of fertility preservation.
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Borzouie Z, Hekmatimoghaddam SH, Jebali A, Aflatoonian B. The Viability of Human Testis-Derived Cells on Human Serum Albumin-Based Scaffold as An Artificial Male Germ Cell Niche. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 14:150-153. [PMID: 32681628 PMCID: PMC7382676 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.6086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is one of the challenging disorders affecting couples who are afflicted with infertility. Human testisderived cells (hTCs) are suitable candidates for the initiation of in-vitro spermatogenesis for these types of patients.
The current study aimed to assess the proliferation of hTCs through the cell culture on the three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds. Cells harvested from the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) samples of the azoospermic patients were
cultured on the 3D porous scaffolds containing human serum albumin (HSA)/tri calcium phosphate nanoparticles
(TCP NPs) for two weeks. The proliferation/viability of the cells was assessed using the MTT assay, along with H&E
histological staining method. The MTT assay showed that hTCs could stay alive on this scaffold with 50 and 66.66%
viability after 7 and 14 days, respectively. Such viability was not significantly different when compared with cells
grown on monolayer flask culture (P>0.05). Therefore, 3D HSA/TCP NPs scaffolds could be used for the reconstitu-
tion of the artificial human somatic testicular niche for future applications in regenerative medicine for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Borzouie
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hekmatimoghaddam
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Electronic Address: .,Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Jebali
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Islamic Azad University, Ashkezar, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behrouz Aflatoonian
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Electronic Address: .,Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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8
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Kurek M, Albalushi H, Hovatta O, Stukenborg JB. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Reproductive Science-a Comparison of Protocols Used to Generate and Define Male Germ Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031028. [PMID: 32033159 PMCID: PMC7038013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, fertility-related issues affect around 15% of couples. In 20%–30% of cases men are solely responsible, and they contribute in around 50% of all cases. Hence, understanding of in vivo germ-cell specification and exploring different angles of fertility preservation and infertility intervention are considered hot topics nowadays, with special focus on the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as a source of in vitro germ-cell generation. However, the generation of male germ cells from hPSCs can currently be considered challenging, making a judgment on the real perspective of these innovative approaches difficult. Ever since the first spontaneous germ-cell differentiation studies, using human embryonic stem cells, various strategies, including specific co-cultures, gene over-expression, and addition of growth factors, have been applied for human germ-cell derivation. In line with the variety of differentiation methods, the outcomes have ranged from early and migratory primordial germ cells up to post-meiotic spermatids. This variety of culture approaches and cell lines makes comparisons between protocols difficult. Considering the diverse strategies and outcomes, we aim in this mini-review to summarize the literature regarding in vitro derivation of human male germ cells from hPSCs, while keeping a particular focus on the culture methods, growth factors, and cell lines used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kurek
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Halima Albalushi
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, 123 Muscat, Oman
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (M.K.); (H.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-8524-82788
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Amini Mahabadi J, Karimian M, Aghighi F, Enderami SE, Seyyed Hosseini E, Talaei SA, Gheibi Hayat SM, Nikzad H. Retinoic acid and 17β-estradiol improve male germ cell differentiation from mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13466. [PMID: 31736115 DOI: 10.1111/and.13466] [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: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to explore the impacts of retinoic acid (RA)/17β-estradiol (E) induction and embryoid body formation to enhance differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) into male germ cells in vitro. Flow cytometry and qPCR were conducted to describe miPSCs differentiation process. Various temporal expression profiles of germ cell-related genes were traced. Stra8 gene expression increased in the RA group on the 4th day compared to other groups. The RA group experienced a more significant increase than E group. The expression of Sycp3 increased in RA + E group on 4th day compared with other groups. Expression of AKAP3 enhanced in the RA + E group than other groups on day 4. Moreover, miPSCs showed that this gene expression in the RA + E group was increased in comparison to RA and E groups on day 7. AKAP3 gene expression on day 7 of miPSCs decreased in RA and E groups. Flow cytometry data indicated that 3%-8% of the cells in sub-G1 stage were haploid after RA and E induction compared to other groups on day 4. This study showed that miPSCs possess the power for differentiating into male germ cells in vitro via formation of embryoid body by RA with/or E induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Amini Mahabadi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aghighi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Sayyed Alireza Talaei
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Gauthier-Fisher A, Kauffman A, Librach CL. Potential use of stem cells for fertility preservation. Andrology 2019; 8:862-878. [PMID: 31560823 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and gonadal dysfunction can result from gonadotoxic therapies, environmental exposures, aging, or genetic conditions. In men, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) results from defects in the spermatogenic process that can be attributed to spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) or their niche, or both. While assisted reproductive technologies and sperm banking can enable fertility preservation (FP) in men of reproductive age who are at risk for infertility, FP for pre-pubertal patients remains experimental. Therapeutic options for NOA are limited. The rapid advance of stem cell research and of gene editing technologies could enable new FP options for these patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), SSC, and testicular niche cells, as well as mesenchymal stromal cells (aka medicinal signaling cells, MSCs), have been investigated for their potential use in male FP strategies. OBJECTIVE Here, we review the benefits and challenges for three types of stem cell-based approaches under investigation for male FP, focusing on the role that promising sources of MSC derived from human umbilical cord, specifically human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC), could fulfill. These approaches are as follows: 1. isolation and ex vivo expansion of autologous SSC for in vivo transplantation or in vitro spermatogenesis; 2. in vitro differentiation toward germ cell and testicular somatic cell lineages using autologous SSC, or stem cells such iPSC or MSC; and 3. protection or regeneration of the spermatogenic niche after gonadotoxic insults in vivo. CONCLUSION Our studies suggest that HUCPVC are promising sources of cells that could be utilized in multiple aspects of male FP strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Kauffman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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The testis-specific expressed gene Spata34 is not required for fertility in mice. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:285-292. [PMID: 31621016 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than two thousand genes exhibit testis-predominant expression pattern. The functions of hundreds of these genes have been explored during mouse spermatogenesis. However, there are still many genes whose relevance to reproduction in vivo remains unexplored. Our previous studies, as well as the other documented study, have indicated that Spata34, an evolutionarily conserved gene in metazoan species, was exclusively expressed in mouse testes and involved in spermatogenesis by regulating cell cycle progression. The present study aims to determine the effect of Spata34 gene knockout on mouse reproduction in vivo by generating a Spata34 gene knockout model using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology. We found that the Spata34 gene KO mice had normal fertility compared with wild type mice, and no overt detectable difference was found in testis/body weight ratios, testicular histology, sperm counts and spermatozoa motility parameters between WT and Spata34 KO mice. Our report indicated that the testis-specific-expressed gene Spata34 was not required for male mouse fertility, which will help to avoid unnecessary expenditures and effort by other researchers.
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12
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The special stemness functions of Tbx3 in stem cells and cancer development. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 57:105-110. [PMID: 30268432 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The T-box factors belong to an ancient protein family, which comprises a cluster of evolutionarily-conserved transcription factors that regulate gene expression and that are crucial to embryonic development. T-box transcription factor 3 (Tbx3) is a member of this family, is expressed in some tissues, and is a key regulator in many critical organs, including the heart, mammary gland, and limbs. Overexpression of Tbx3 is associated with a number of cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, gastric, breast, ovary, cervical, pancreatic, bladder and liver cancers, as well as melanoma. Tbx3 promotes tumor development by modulating cell proliferation, tumor formation, metastasis, cell survival and drug resistance. Moreover, there is strong evidence that Tbx3 regulates stem cell maintenance by controlling stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Verification of the upstream regulatory factors and potential molecular mechanism of Tbx3, being able to explain the function of Tbx3 in carcinogenic effects and stem cell maintenance, will make a valuable contribution to stem cell and cancer research. This review provides an insight into the current research on Tbx3 and explores the significance of Tbx3 in stem cells and tumorigenesis.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND Genome editing facilitates alterations to DNA, large or subtle, in a precise fashion. In its most popular form it uses the programmable endonuclease system, CRISPR/Cas9. Edits can be made to any genome, including the human genome. This raises the possibility of genome editing in human embryos in both a research and reproductive context. SOURCES OF DATA All reports of genome editing in human embryos are included here, along with key papers examining the science and ethics of human genome editing. AREAS OF AGREEMENT As a basic research tool, genome editing promises to accelerate our understanding of genome biology. It also shows great promise as a means of combatting disease through so-called somatic genome editing. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Genome editing could be used to prevent human disease transmission in a reproductive context. Such germ line interventions are opposed by some, for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons are discussed and a comparison is made with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). GROWING POINTS It is important that scientists, clinicians, bioethicists and other stakeholders engage widely with all those with an interest in genome editing. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH In addition to offering new insights into human biology, basic (fundamental) research will deliver expertise allowing ever more precise and controllable genome editing methodologies and allied technologies. A range of clear and accessible ethical frameworks must be developed and scrutinized as part of a wider societal debate about possible applications of genome editing. In the UK, human reproductive genome editing can only take place if a change to primary legislation occurs. Inclusive discussions and assessments, involving difficult scientific and ethical concepts, must form part of any democratic decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
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Boiani M. Building tomorrow's in vitro-derived germ cells on today's solid facts. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 24:341-342. [PMID: 29750265 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Boiani
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, Münster, Germany
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