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Zhuang X, Ruan J, Zhou C, Li Z. The emerging and diverse roles of F-box proteins in spermatogenesis and male infertility. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:13. [PMID: 38918264 PMCID: PMC11199460 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-024-00196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
F-box proteins play essential roles in various cellular processes of spermatogenesis by means of ubiquitylation and subsequent target protein degradation. They are the substrate-recognition subunits of SKP1-cullin 1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ligase complexes. Dysregulation of F‑box protein‑mediated proteolysis could lead to male infertility in humans and mice. The emerging studies revealed the physiological function, pathological evidence, and biochemical substrates of F-box proteins in the development of male germ cells, which urging us to review the current understanding of how F‑box proteins contribute to spermatogenesis. More functional and mechanistic study will be helpful to define the roles of F-box protein in spermatogenesis, which will pave the way for the logical design of F-box protein-targeted diagnosis and therapies for male infertility, as the spermatogenic role of many F-box proteins remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhuang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 363000, China
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Jun Ruan
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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2
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Cheng GP, Wang YF, Li YY, Guo SM, Li HG, Ji DM, Yi NH, Zhou LQ. Deficiency of nucleosome-destabilizing factor GLYR1 dampens spermatogenesis in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 586:112194. [PMID: 38395189 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant sperm morphology hinders sperm motility and causes male subfertility. Spermatogenesis, a complex process in male germ cell development, necessitates precise regulation of numerous developmental genes. However, the regulatory pathways involved in this process remain partially understood. We have observed the widespread expression of Glyr1, the gene encoding a nucleosome-destabilizing factor, in mouse testicular cells. Our study demonstrates that mice experiencing Glyr1 depletion in spermatogenic cells exhibit subfertility characterized by a diminished count and motility of spermatozoa. Furthermore, the rate of sperm malformation significantly increases in the absence of Glyr1, with a predominant occurrence of head and neck malformation in spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. Additionally, a reduction in spermatocyte numbers across different meiotic stages is observed, accompanied by diminished histone acetylation in spermatogenic cells upon Glyr1 depletion. Our findings underscore the crucial roles of Glyr1 in mouse spermiogenesis and unveil novel insights into the etiology of male reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Ping Cheng
- Department of Women Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Fan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi-Meng Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Gang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Mei Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
| | - Nian-Hua Yi
- Department of Women Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
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3
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Yue B, Wang HY, Huang Y, Li S, Ma W, Liu Q, Shao C. Molecular functional characterization of the setdb1 and its potential target gene sox5 illuminate the histone modification-mediated orchestration of gonadal development in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Gene 2024; 901:148199. [PMID: 38253299 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148199] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
SET (SuVar3-9, Enhancer of Zeste, Trithorax) domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1, setdb1, is the predominant histone lysine methyltransferase catalyzing H3K9me3. Prior studies have illustrated that setdb1 and H3K9me3 critically regulate sex differentiation and gametogenesis. However, the molecular details by which setdb1 is involved in these processes in fish have been poorly reported. Here, we cloned and characterized the setdb1 ORF (open reading frame) sequence from Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). The setdb1 ORF sequence was 3,669 bp, encoding a 1,222-amino-acid protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that setdb1 was structurally conserved. qRT-PCR revealed that setdb1 had a high expression level in the testes at 12 mpf (months post fertilization). Single-cell RNA-seq data at 24 mpf indicated that setdb1 was generally expressed in spermatogenic cells at each stage except for sperm and was centrally expressed in oogonia. H3K9me3 modification was observed in gonads with the immunofluorescence technique. Furthermore, the overexpression experiment suggested that sox5 was a candidate target of setdb1. sox5 was abundantly expressed in male and pseudomale gonads at 24 mpf. Single-cell RNA-seq data showed that sox5 was mainly expressed in spermatogonia and its expression gradually declined with differentiation. Taken together, our findings imply that setdb1 regulates sox5 transcription in gonads, which provides molecular clues into histone modification-mediated orchestration of sex differentiation and gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yue
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yingyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Wenxiu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Changwei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
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4
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Li Z, Liu X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhou L, Yuan S. FBXO24 modulates mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation and is required for normal sperm formation and male fertility. eLife 2024; 12:RP91666. [PMID: 38470475 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91666] [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: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a critical, post-meiotic phase of male gametogenesis, in which the proper gene expression is essential for sperm maturation. However, the underFlying molecular mechanism that controls mRNA expression in the round spermatids remains elusive. Here, we identify that FBXO24, an orphan F-box protein, is highly expressed in the testis of humans and mice and interacts with the splicing factors (SRSF2, SRSF3, and SRSF9) to modulate the gene alternative splicing in the round spermatids. Genetic mutation of FBXO24 in mice causes many abnormal splicing events in round spermatids, thus affecting a large number of critical genes related to sperm formation that were dysregulated. Further molecular and phenotypical analyses revealed that FBXO24 deficiency results in aberrant histone retention, incomplete axonemes, oversized chromatoid body, and abnormal mitochondrial coiling along sperm flagella, ultimately leading to male sterility. In addition, we discovered that FBXO24 interacts with MIWI and SCF subunits and mediates the degradation of MIWI via K48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, we show that FBXO24 depletion could lead to aberrant piRNA production in testes, which suggests FBXO24 is required for normal piRNA counts. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FBXO24 is essential for sperm formation by regulating mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingping Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liquan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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5
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Kinoshita S, Kojima K, Ohnishi E, Takayama Y, Kikuchi H, Takada S, Nakabayashi K, Kawai T, Hata K. Loss of NSD2 causes dysregulation of synaptic genes and altered H3K36 dimethylation in mice. Front Genet 2024; 15:1308234. [PMID: 38419783 PMCID: PMC10899350 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1308234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic disruptions have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. NSD2 is associated with developmental delay/intellectual disability; however, its role in brain development and function remains unclear. Methods: We performed transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses using Nsd2 knockout mice to better understand the role of NSD2 in the brain. Results and discussion: Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the loss of NSD2 caused dysregulation of genes related to synaptic transmission and formation. By analyzing changes in H3 lysine 36 dimethylation (H3K36me2), NSD2-mediated H3K36me2 mainly marked quiescent state regions and the redistribution of H3K36me2 occurred at transcribed genes and enhancers. By integrating transcriptomic and epigenetic data, we observed that H3K36me2 changes in a subset of dysregulated genes related to synaptic transmission and formation. These results suggest that NSD2 is involved in the regulation of genes important for neural function through H3K36me2. Our findings provide insights into the role of NSD2 and improve our understanding of epigenetic regulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kinoshita
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of NCCHD Child Health and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Kojima
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eriko Ohnishi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Takayama
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kikuchi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kawai
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Zhang J, Xie W, Ni B, Li Z, Feng D, Zhang Y, Han Q, Zhou H, Gu M, Tan R. NSD2 modulates Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in chronic renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by methylating STAT1. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107051. [PMID: 38190956 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) is a prominent pathological feature of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). Our previous study has demonstrated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in shaping the development of IF/TA. Nuclear SET domain (NSD2), a histone methyltransferase catalyzing methylation at lysine 36 of histone 3, is crucially involved in the development and progression of solid tumors. But its role in the development of renal allograft interstitial fibrosis has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterize NSD2 as a crucial mediator in the mouse renal transplantation model in vivo and a model of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated-human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) in vitro. Functionally, NSD2 knockdown inhibits EMT, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission in mice. Conversely, NSD2 overexpression exacerbates fibrosis-associated phenotypes and mitochondrial fission in tubular cells. Mechanistically, tubular NSD2 aggravated the Drp-1 mediated mitochondrial fission via STAT1/ERK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced epithelial cell models. Momentously, mass spectrometry (MS) Analysis and site-directed mutagenesis assays revealed that NSD2 interacted with and induced Mono-methylation of STAT1 on K173, leading to its phosphorylation, IMB1-dependent nuclear translocation and subsequent influence on TNF-α-induced EMT and mitochondrial fission in NSD2-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings shed light on the mechanisms and suggest that targeting NSD2 could be a promising therapeutic approach to enhance tubular cell survival and alleviate interstitial fibrosis in renal allografts during CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Weibin Xie
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Ni
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuohang Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dengyuan Feng
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qianguang Han
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hai Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruoyun Tan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.
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7
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Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Shiromoto Y, Ogonuki N, Inoue K, Hattori S, Miura K, Watanabe N, Hasegawa A, Mochida K, Yamamoto T, Miyakawa T, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection induces transgenerational abnormalities in mice. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170140. [PMID: 37966118 PMCID: PMC10645388 DOI: 10.1172/jci170140] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are 2 major assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) used widely to treat infertility. Recently, spermatogonial transplantation emerged as a new ART to restore fertility to young patients with cancer after cancer therapy. To examine the influence of germ cell manipulation on behavior of offspring, we produced F1 offspring by a combination of two ARTs, spermatogonial transplantation and ICSI. When these animals were compared with F1 offspring produced by ICSI using fresh wild-type sperm, not only spermatogonial transplantation-ICSI mice but also ICSI-only control mice exhibited behavioral abnormalities, which persisted in the F2 generation. Furthermore, although these F1 offspring appeared normal, F2 offspring produced by IVF using F1 sperm and wild-type oocytes showed various types of congenital abnormalities, including anophthalmia, hydrocephalus, and missing limbs. Therefore, ARTs can induce morphological and functional defects in mice, some of which become evident only after germline transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiromoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kento Miura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naomi Watanabe
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hasegawa
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keiji Mochida
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Azhar M, Xu C, Jiang X, Li W, Cao Y, Zhu X, Xing X, Wu L, Zou J, Meng L, Cheng Y, Han W, Bao J. The arginine methyltransferase Prmt1 coordinates the germline arginine methylome essential for spermatogonial homeostasis and male fertility. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10428-10450. [PMID: 37739418 PMCID: PMC10602896 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine methylation, catalyzed by the protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), is a common post-translational protein modification (PTM) that is engaged in a plethora of biological events. However, little is known about how the methylarginine-directed signaling functions in germline development. In this study, we discover that Prmt1 is predominantly distributed in the nuclei of spermatogonia but weakly in the spermatocytes throughout mouse spermatogenesis. By exploiting a combination of three Cre-mediated Prmt1 knockout mouse lines, we unravel that Prmt1 is essential for spermatogonial establishment and maintenance, and that Prmt1-catalyzed asymmetric methylarginine coordinates inherent transcriptional homeostasis within spermatogonial cells. In conjunction with high-throughput CUT&Tag profiling and modified mini-bulk Smart-seq2 analyses, we unveil that the Prmt1-deposited H4R3me2a mark is permissively enriched at promoter and exon/intron regions, and sculpts a distinctive transcriptomic landscape as well as the alternative splicing pattern, in the mouse spermatogonia. Collectively, our study provides the genetic and mechanistic evidence that connects the Prmt1-deposited methylarginine signaling to the establishment and maintenance of a high-fidelity transcriptomic identity in orchestrating spermatogonial development in the mammalian germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Caoling Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Yuzhu Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Xuemei Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Jiaqi Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Lan Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Wenjie Han
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui, China
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9
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Xiong X, Huang X, Zhu Y, Hai Z, Fei X, Pan B, Yang Q, Xiong Y, Fu W, Lan D, Zhang X, Li J. Testis-specific knockout of Kdm2a reveals nonessential roles in male fertility but partially compromises spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2023; 209:9-20. [PMID: 37354760 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.008] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Lysine-specific histone demethylase 2 (Kdm2a) is a regulatory factor of histone modifications that participates in gametogenesis and embryonic development. The mis-regulation of Kdm2a can lead to aberrant gene expression, thereby contributing to abnormal cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. However, due to the potential confounding effects that are secondary to the loss of Kdm2a function from the soma in existing whole-animal mutants, the in vivo function of Kdm2a in spermatogenesis for male fertility remains unknown. Herein, we focus on exploring the spatiotemporal expression profile and biological functions of Kdm2a in the spermatogenesis and fertility of male mice. A testis-specific knockout Kdm2a model (Kdm2a cKO) was established by using the Stra8-Cre/loxP recombinase system to explore the roles of Kdm2a in male fertility. Our results showed that Kdm2a was ubiquitously expressed and dynamically distributed in multiple tissues and cell types in the testis of mice. Surprisingly, Kdm2a-deficient adult males were completely fertile and comparable with their control (Kdm2aflox/flox) counterparts. Despite the significantly reduced total number of sperm and density of seminiferous tubules in Kdm2a cKO testis accompanied by the degeneration of spermatogenesis, the fertilization ability and embryonic developmental competence of the Kdm2a cKO were comparable with those of their control littermates, suggesting that Kdm2a disruption did not markedly affect male fertility, at least during younger ages. Furthermore, Kdm2a homozygous mutants exhibited a lower total number and motility of sperm than the control group and showed notably affected serum 17β-estradiol concentration. Interestingly, the transcriptome sequencing revealed that the loss of Kdm2a remarkably upregulated the expression level of Kdm2b. This effect, in turn, may induce compensative effects in the case of Kdm2a deficiency to maintain normal male reproduction. Together, our results reveal that Kdm2a shows spatiotemporal expression during testicular development and that its loss is insufficient to compromise the production of spermatozoa completely. The homologous Kdm2b gene might compensate for the loss of Kdm2a. Our work provides a novel Kdm2a cKO mouse allowing for the efficient deletion of Kdm2a in a testis-specific manner, and further investigated the biological function of Kdm2a and the compensatory effects of Kdm2b. Our study will advance our understanding of underlying mechanisms in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiangyue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Zhang
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
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10
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Wu S, Cheng Z, Peng Y, Cao Y, He Z. GPx3 knockdown inhibits the proliferation and DNA synthesis and enhances the early apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells via mediating CXCL10 and cyclin B1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213684. [PMID: 37484915 PMCID: PMC10361659 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors. However, the genes and signaling pathways mediating human spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we have for the first time explored the expression, function, and mechanism of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). We found that GPx3 was expressed in human SSCs. Notably, we revealed that GPx3 knockdown resulted in the decrease in the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and cyclin B1 level in human SSC lines, which possessed the phenotypic features of human primary SSCs. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays showed that GPx3 silencing led to enhancement of early apoptosis of human SSC line. RNA sequencing was utilized to identify CXCL10 as a target of GPx3 in human SSCs, and notably, both double immunostaining and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) demonstrated that there was an association between GPx3 and CXCL10 in these cells. CXCL10-shRNA resulted in the reduction in the proliferation and DNA synthesis of human SSC line and an increase in apoptosis of these cells. Taken together, these results implicate that GPx3 regulates the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and early apoptosis of human SSC line via mediating CXCL10 and cyclin B1. This study, thus, offers a novel insight into the molecular mechanism regulating the fate determinations of human SSCs and human spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zixin Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 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
- The Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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11
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Moreno RD. Human globozoospermia-related genes and their role in acrosome biogenesis. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1589. [PMID: 36493758 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian acrosome is a secretory vesicle attached to the sperm nucleus whose fusion with the overlying plasma membrane is required to achieve fertilization. Acrosome biogenesis starts during meiosis, but it lasts through the entire process of haploid cell differentiation (spermiogenesis). Acrosome biogenesis is a stepwise process that involves membrane traffic from the Golgi apparatus, but it also seems that the lysosome/endosome system participates in this process. Defective sperm head morphology is accompanied by defective acrosome shape and function, and patients with these characteristics are infertile or subfertile. The most extreme case of acrosome biogenesis failure is globozoospermia syndrome, which is primarily characterized by the presence of round-headed spermatozoa without acrosomes with cytoskeleton defects around the nucleus and infertility. Several genes participating in acrosome biogenesis have been uncovered using genetic deletions in mice, but only a few of them have been found to be deleted or modified in patients with globozoospermia. Understanding acrosome biogenesis is crucial to uncovering the molecular basis of male infertility and developing new diagnostic tools and assisted reproductive technologies that may help infertile patients through more effective treatment techniques. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors Infectious Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo D Moreno
- Departmento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Martino NA, Picardi E, Ciani E, D’Erchia AM, Bogliolo L, Ariu F, Mastrorocco A, Temerario L, Mansi L, Palumbo V, Pesole G, Dell’Aquila ME. Cumulus Cell Transcriptome after Cumulus-Oocyte Complex Exposure to Nanomolar Cadmium in an In Vitro Animal Model of Prepubertal and Adult Age. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020249. [PMID: 36829526 PMCID: PMC9953098 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic pollutant, impairs oocyte fertilization, through oxidative damage on cumulus cells (CCs). This study analysed the transcriptomic profile of CCs of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from adult and prepubertal sheep, exposed to Cd nanomolar concentration during in vitro maturation. In both age-groups, CCs of matured oocytes underwent RNA-seq, data analysis and validation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in adult (n = 99 DEGs) and prepubertal (n = 18 DEGs) CCs upon Cd exposure. Transcriptomes of adult CCs clustered separately between Cd-exposed and control samples, whereas prepubertal ones did not as observed by Principal Component Analysis. The transcriptomic signature of Cd-induced CC toxicity was identified by gene annotation and literature search. Genes associated with previous studies on ovarian functions and/or Cd effects were confirmed and new genes were identified, thus implementing the knowledge on their involvement in such processes. Enrichment and validation analysis showed that, in adult CCs, Cd acted as endocrine disruptor on DEGs involved in hormone biosynthesis, cumulus expansion, regulation of cell signalling, growth and differentiation and oocyte maturation, whereas in prepubertal CCs, Cd affected DEGs involved in CC development and viability and CC-oocyte communications. In conclusion, these DEGs could be used as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0805443888
| | - Ernesto Picardi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D’Erchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna n. 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Federica Ariu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna n. 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Mansi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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