1
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Ridnik M, Abberbock E, Alipov V, Lhermann SZ, Kaufman S, Lubman M, Poulat F, Gonen N. Two redundant transcription factor binding sites in a single enhancer are essential for mammalian sex determination. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5514-5528. [PMID: 38499491 PMCID: PMC11162780 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae178] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Male development in mammals depends on the activity of the two SOX gene: Sry and Sox9, in the embryonic testis. As deletion of Enhancer 13 (Enh13) of the Sox9 gene results in XY male-to-female sex reversal, we explored the critical elements necessary for its function and hence, for testis and male development. Here, we demonstrate that while microdeletions of individual transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in Enh13 lead to normal testicular development, combined microdeletions of just two SRY/SOX binding motifs can alone fully abolish Enh13 activity leading to XY male-to-female sex reversal. This suggests that for proper male development to occur, these few nucleotides of non-coding DNA must be intact. Interestingly, we show that depending on the nature of these TFBS mutations, dramatically different phenotypic outcomes can occur, providing a molecular explanation for the distinct clinical outcomes observed in patients harboring different variants in the same enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshi Ridnik
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Elisheva Abberbock
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Veronica Alipov
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Shelly Ziv Lhermann
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Shoham Kaufman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Maor Lubman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Francis Poulat
- Group “Development and Pathology of the Gonad”. Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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2
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Gao Y, Wang Z, Long Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Ding D, Teng B, Chen M, Yuan J, Gao F. Unveiling the roles of Sertoli cells lineage differentiation in reproductive development and disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1357594. [PMID: 38699384 PMCID: PMC11063913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, gonadal somatic cell lineage differentiation determines the development of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary or testis. Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the spermatogenic tubules, support spermatogenesis during gonadal development. During embryonic Sertoli cell lineage differentiation, relevant genes, including WT1, GATA4, SRY, SOX9, AMH, PTGDS, SF1, and DMRT1, are expressed at specific times and in specific locations to ensure the correct differentiation of the embryo toward the male phenotype. The dysregulated development of Sertoli cells leads to gonadal malformations and male fertility disorders. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the embryonic origin of Sertoli cells remain elusive. By reviewing recent advances in research on embryonic Sertoli cell genesis and its key regulators, this review provides novel insights into sex determination in male mammals as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the genealogical differentiation of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zican Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Long
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lici Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjian Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongyu Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Teng
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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3
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Ding H, Wang M, Wang M, Wu S, Guo Y, Gao Y, Li L, Bao Z, Wang B, Hu J. Synchronously sexual maturity in hermaphrodite fish as revealed by transcriptome analysis in Plectropomus leopardus. Gene 2024; 901:148166. [PMID: 38242379 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148166] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) is a type of hermaphrodite fish, but the mechanisms of gonadal development and gametogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, we performed histological observation and transcriptomic analysis during the process of sexual differentiation in P. leopardus. According to the histological results, sexual differentiation was completed at 15 months old, developed synchronously in male and female individuals at 2 years old, and matured synchronously at 3 years old. Comparative transcriptomic analyses showed that the gonadal had differentiated by 15 months old, with enrichment of pathways associated with cell proliferation, transcriptional metabolism, and germline stem cell differentiation. Furthermore, cilium movement and fatty acid anabolism, which are associated with spermatogenesis and oocyte growth, were significantly enriched at 3 years old. In addition, key genes associated with male and female sex differentiation, such as amh, dmrt1, dmrt2a, zp4, sox3, gdf9, and gsdf, were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Finally, the localization and expression of the key genes amh and sox3 were observed in different cell types within the testes and ovaries, reflecting the development of the testes and ovaries, respectively. All the evidence indicates that P. leopardus is a hermaphrodite and synchronously sexually mature fish. Our study complements the gonadal development patterns of hermaphroditic fish by providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation and sex change in hermaphroditic groupers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Mengya Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Mingyi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Shaoxuan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Yilan Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Yurui Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Lin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China; Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineer Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Bo Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China; Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China.
| | - Jingjie Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, China; Hainan Seed Industry Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineer Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
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4
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Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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5
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Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Frost ER, Ryan JM, Harley VR. A role for TRPC3 in mammalian testis development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1337714. [PMID: 38425503 PMCID: PMC10902130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1337714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SOX9 is a key transcription factor for testis determination and development. Mutations in and around the SOX9 gene contribute to Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). However, a substantial proportion of DSD patients lack a definitive genetic diagnosis. SOX9 target genes are potentially DSD-causative genes, yet only a limited subset of these genes has been investigated during testis development. We hypothesize that SOX9 target genes play an integral role in testis development and could potentially be causative genes in DSD. In this study, we describe a novel testicular target gene of SOX9, Trpc3. Trpc3 exhibits high expression levels in the SOX9-expressing male Sertoli cells compared to female granulosa cells in mouse fetal gonads between embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) and E13.5. In XY Sox9 knockout gonads, Trpc3 expression is markedly downregulated. Moreover, culture of E11.5 XY mouse gonads with TRPC3 inhibitor Pyr3 resulted in decreased germ cell numbers caused by reduced germ cell proliferation. Trpc3 is also expressed in endothelial cells and Pyr3-treated E11.5 XY mouse gonads showed a loss of the coelomic blood vessel due to increased apoptosis of endothelial cells. In the human testicular cell line NT2/D1, TRPC3 promotes cell proliferation and controls cell morphology, as observed by xCELLigence and HoloMonitor real-time analysis. In summary, our study suggests that SOX9 positively regulates Trpc3 in mouse testes and TRPC3 may mediate SOX9 function during Sertoli, germ and endothelial cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily R. Frost
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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6
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Li L, Xin Q, Zhang L, Miao Z, Zhu Z, Huang Q, Zheng N. Analysis of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of embryonic gonadal development in Mulard duck. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103303. [PMID: 38096667 PMCID: PMC10762475 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of differences in embryonic gonadal development between intergeneric distance hybrid offspring Mulard ducks and parent ducks. The morphological differences gonadal tissues of Muscovy ducks, Pekin ducks and Mulard ducks at 12.5-day embryonic age were observed by sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Then followed by transcriptome sequencing to screen for gonadal development-related differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. Finally, qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter system were used to verify the sequencing data and targeting relationship of ceRNA pairs. The results showed that the seminiferous tubule lumen of Mulard ducks was not obvious, while there were obvious seminiferous tubules and tubular structures in testis of Pekin ducks and Muscovy ducks, with number and shape indicating maturity. There were 18 upregulated circRNAs and 16 downregulated circRNAs in Mulard ducks and Pekin ducks, respectively, and 39 upregulated circRNAs and 1 downregulated circRNA in Mulard ducks and Muscovy ducks, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis found that genes involves in dorso-ventral axis formation, for example, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1), were significantly enriched (P < 0.05). The novel_circ_0002265-gga-miR-122-5p-PAFAH1B2 regulatory network was constructed. The qRT-PCR results showed that the sequencing results were reliable. The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that gga-miR-122-5p exists binding site of circ_0002265 and PAFAH1B2, indicating circ_0002265-gga-miR-122-5p-PAFAH1B2 targeting relationship. In summary, the embryonic gonadal development of intergeneric hybrid Mulard ducks may be regulated by differentially expressed circRNAs and genes, such as novel_circ_0000519, novel_circ_0003537, NOTCH1, FGFR2, PAFAH1B1, and PAFAH1B2, among which circ_0002265-gga-miR-122-5p-PAFAH1B2 may participate in the targeted regulation of gonadal development in Mulard ducks. The findings of this study are helpful for analyzing the mechanism of embryonic gonadal development differences in avians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Qingwu Xin
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Linli Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Zhongwei Miao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Zhiming Zhu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Qinlou Huang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Nenzhu Zheng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Fuzhou 350013, China.
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7
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Sánchez-Baizán N, Jarne-Sanz I, Roco ÁS, Schartl M, Piferrer F. Extraordinary variability in gene activation and repression programs during gonadal sex differentiation across vertebrates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1328365. [PMID: 38322165 PMCID: PMC10844511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1328365] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Genes involved in gonadal sex differentiation have been traditionally thought to be fairly conserved across vertebrates, but this has been lately questioned. Here, we performed the first comparative analysis of gonadal transcriptomes across vertebrates, from fish to mammals. Our results unambiguously show an extraordinary overall variability in gene activation and repression programs without a phylogenetic pattern. During sex differentiation, genes such as dmrt1, sox9, amh, cyp19a and foxl2 were consistently either male- or female-enriched across species while many genes with the greatest expression change within each sex were not. We also found that downregulation in the opposite sex, which had only been quantified in the mouse model, was also prominent in the rest of vertebrates. Finally, we report 16 novel conserved markers (e.g., fshr and dazl) and 11 signaling pathways. We propose viewing vertebrate gonadal sex differentiation as a hierarchical network, with conserved hub genes such as sox9 and amh alongside less connected and less conserved nodes. This proposed framework implies that evolutionary pressures may impact genes based on their level of connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Sánchez-Baizán
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Jarne-Sanz
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro S. Roco
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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Puri S, Maachi H, Nair G, Russ HA, Chen R, Pulimeno P, Cutts Z, Ntranos V, Hebrok M. Sox9 regulates alternative splicing and pancreatic beta cell function. Nat Commun 2024; 15:588. [PMID: 38238288 PMCID: PMC10796970 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant research, mechanisms underlying the failure of islet beta cells that result in type 2 diabetes (T2D) are still under investigation. Here, we report that Sox9, a transcriptional regulator of pancreas development, also functions in mature beta cells. Our results show that Sox9-depleted rodent beta cells have defective insulin secretion, and aging animals develop glucose intolerance, mimicking the progressive degeneration observed in T2D. Using genome editing in human stem cells, we show that beta cells lacking SOX9 have stunted first-phase insulin secretion. In human and rodent cells, loss of Sox9 disrupts alternative splicing and triggers accumulation of non-functional isoforms of genes with key roles in beta cell function. Sox9 depletion reduces expression of protein-coding splice variants of the serine-rich splicing factor arginine SRSF5, a major splicing enhancer that regulates alternative splicing. Our data highlight the role of SOX9 as a regulator of alternative splicing in mature beta cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Puri
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Minutia Inc., Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Hasna Maachi
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Organoid Systems, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (MRI) and Technical University Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Organoid Technology, Helmholtz Munich, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE), Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gopika Nair
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Richard Chen
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Pulimeno
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zachary Cutts
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntranos
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Organoid Systems, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (MRI) and Technical University Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany.
- Institute for Diabetes Organoid Technology, Helmholtz Munich, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE), Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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9
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Stévant I, Gonen N, Poulat F. Transposable elements acquire time- and sex-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures along mouse fetal gonad development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1327410. [PMID: 38283992 PMCID: PMC10811072 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1327410] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination in mice is a complex and dynamic process, which is crucial for the development of functional reproductive organs. The expression of genes involved in this process is regulated by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that transposable elements (TEs), which are a class of mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis and organ development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of TEs in the regulation of gene expression during mouse embryonic gonadal development. Through bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify and characterize specific TEs that operate as regulatory elements for sex-specific genes, as well as their potential mechanisms of regulation. We identified TE loci expressed in a time- and sex-specific manner along fetal gonad development that correlate positively and negatively with nearby gene expression, suggesting that their expression is integrated to the gonadal regulatory network. Moreover, chromatin accessibility and histone post-transcriptional modification analyses in differentiating supporting cells revealed that TEs are acquiring a sex-specific signature for promoter-, enhancer-, and silencer-like elements, with some of them being proximal to critical sex-determining genes. Altogether, our study introduces TEs as the new potential players in the gene regulatory network that controls gonadal development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Stévant
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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10
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Hamilton DJ, Hein AE, Wuttke DS, Batey RT. The DNA binding high mobility group box protein family functionally binds RNA. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1778. [PMID: 36646476 PMCID: PMC10349909 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid binding proteins regulate transcription, splicing, RNA stability, RNA localization, and translation, together tailoring gene expression in response to stimuli. Upon discovery, these proteins are typically classified as either DNA or RNA binding as defined by their in vivo functions; however, recent evidence suggests dual DNA and RNA binding by many of these proteins. High mobility group box (HMGB) proteins have a DNA binding HMGB domain, act as transcription factors and chromatin remodeling proteins, and are increasingly understood to interact with RNA as means to regulate gene expression. Herein, multiple layers of evidence that the HMGB family are dual DNA and RNA binding proteins is comprehensively reviewed. For example, HMGB proteins directly interact with RNA in vitro and in vivo, are localized to RNP granules involved in RNA processing, and their protein interactors are enriched in RNA binding proteins involved in RNA metabolism. Importantly, in cell-based systems, HMGB-RNA interactions facilitate protein-protein interactions, impact splicing outcomes, and modify HMGB protein genomic or cellular localization. Misregulation of these HMGB-RNA interactions are also likely involved in human disease. This review brings to light that as a family, HMGB proteins are likely to bind RNA which is essential to HMGB protein biology. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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11
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Quarantani G, Sorgente A, Alfano M, Pipitone GB, Boeri L, Pozzi E, Belladelli F, Pederzoli F, Ferrara AM, Montorsi F, Moles A, Carrera P, Salonia A, Casari G. Whole exome data prioritization unveils the hidden weight of Mendelian causes of male infertility. A report from the first Italian cohort. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288336. [PMID: 37540677 PMCID: PMC10403130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost 40% of infertile men cases are classified as idiopathic when tested negative to the current diagnostic routine based on the screening of karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletions and CFTR mutations in men with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Rare monogenic forms of infertility are not routinely evaluated. In this study we aim to investigate the unknown potential genetic causes in couples with pure male idiopathic infertility by applying variant prioritization to whole exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of 99 idiopathic Italian patients. The ad-hoc manually curated gene library prioritizes genes already known to be associated with more common and rare syndromic and non-syndromic male infertility forms. Twelve monogenic cases (12.1%) were identified in the whole cohort of patients. Of these, three patients had variants related to mild androgen insensitivity syndrome, two in genes related to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and six in genes related to spermatogenic failure, while one patient is mutant in PKD1. These results suggest that NGS combined with our manually curated pipeline for variant prioritization and classification can uncover a considerable number of Mendelian causes of infertility even in a small cohort of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Quarantani
- Genome-Phenome Relationship Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Sorgente
- Genome-Phenome Relationship Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Pipitone
- Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis Unit and Lab of Clinical Genomics, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boeri
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Belladelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pederzoli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ferrara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Moles
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis Unit and Lab of Clinical Genomics, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Casari
- Genome-Phenome Relationship Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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12
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Lai F, Wang H, Zhao X, Yang K, Cai L, Hu M, Lin L, Xia X, Li W, Cheng H, Zhou R. RNF20 is required for male fertility through regulation of H2B ubiquitination in the Sertoli cells. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:71. [PMID: 37024990 PMCID: PMC10080854 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01018-2] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis depends on the supporting of the Sertoli cells and their communications with germ cells. However, the regulation of crosstalk between the Sertoli cells and germ cells remains unclear. RESULTS In this report, we used conditional knockout technology to generate the Sertoli cells-specific knockout of Rnf20 in mice. The Amh-Rnf20-/- male mice were infertile owing to spermatogenic failure that mimic the Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) in humans. Knockout of Rnf20 resulted in the H2BK120ub loss in the Sertoli cells and impaired the transcription elongation of the Cldn11, a gene encoding a component of tight junction. Notably, RNF20 deficiency disrupted the cell adhesion, caused disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, and led to the apoptotic cell death of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a Rnf20 knockout mouse model that recapitulates the Sertoli cell-only syndrome in humans and demonstrates that RNF20 is required for male fertility through regulation of H2B ubiquitination in the Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Lai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Kangning Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Le Cai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mengxin Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lan Lin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xizhong Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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13
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Boumpas P, Merabet S, Carnesecchi J. Integrating transcription and splicing into cell fate: Transcription factors on the block. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1752. [PMID: 35899407 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are present in all life forms and conserved across great evolutionary distances in eukaryotes. From yeast to complex multicellular organisms, they are pivotal players of cell fate decision by orchestrating gene expression at diverse molecular layers. Notably, TFs fine-tune gene expression by coordinating RNA fate at both the expression and splicing levels. They regulate alternative splicing, an essential mechanism for cell plasticity, allowing the production of many mRNA and protein isoforms in precise cell and tissue contexts. Despite this apparent role in splicing, how TFs integrate transcription and splicing to ultimately orchestrate diverse cell functions and cell fate decisions remains puzzling. We depict substantial studies in various model organisms underlining the key role of TFs in alternative splicing for promoting tissue-specific functions and cell fate. Furthermore, we emphasize recent advances describing the molecular link between the transcriptional and splicing activities of TFs. As TFs can bind both DNA and/or RNA to regulate transcription and splicing, we further discuss their flexibility and compatibility for DNA and RNA substrates. Finally, we propose several models integrating transcription and splicing activities of TFs in the coordination and diversification of cell and tissue identities. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Boumpas
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Samir Merabet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Carnesecchi
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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14
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Cao H, Li L, Li Z, Gao H, Peng G, Zhu C, Chen Y, Yang F, Dong W. Denovo RNA-Seq analysis of ovary and testis reveals potential differentially expressed transcripts associated with gonadal unsynchronization development in Onychostoma macrolepis. Gene Expr Patterns 2023; 47:119303. [PMID: 36565945 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2022.119303] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Onychostoma macrolepis (O. macrolepis) is a rare and endangered wild species. Their endangered extinction might be due to their low fertility. To further illustrate the molecular mechanism of gonad development of the male and female O. macrolepis, the present study carried out de novo testicular and ovarian transcriptome sequencing. By comparing ovary and testis, 30,869 differentially expressed unigenes (9870 in female, 20999 in male) were identified. In addition, KEGG and GO analysis suggested that the Hedgehog signaling pathway have important roles in testis maintenance and spermatogenesis, whereas the Hippo signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway are likely to participate in ovary maintenance. RT-qPCR analysis results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing that all of gender differentiation-related genes (FOXL2, GDF9, WNT4, CYP19A1, SOX9 and GATA4), temperature-enriched genes (NOVA1, CTGF and NR4A1), clock-related genes (PER2, PER3, CRY1, CRY2, BMAL1 and CIPC) were significantly differential expression in testis compared with ovaries. Taken together, these results revealed a potential molecular mechanism that low fertility of the O. macrolepis might strong correlate with the gonadal dyssynchrony development of the male and female, which might provide theoretical basis and technical support for artificial reproduction and germplasm resource protection of the O. macrolepis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Huihui Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Guofan Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Chao Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Yining Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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15
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Ming Z, Vining B, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. SOX9 in organogenesis: shared and unique transcriptional functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:522. [PMID: 36114905 PMCID: PMC9482574 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX9 is essential for the development of multiple organs including bone, testis, heart, lung, pancreas, intestine and nervous system. Mutations in the human SOX9 gene led to campomelic dysplasia, a haploinsufficiency disorder with several skeletal malformations frequently accompanied by 46, XY sex reversal. The mechanisms underlying the diverse SOX9 functions during organ development including its post-translational modifications, the availability of binding partners, and tissue-specific accessibility to target gene chromatin. Here we summarize the expression, activities, and downstream target genes of SOX9 in molecular genetic pathways essential for organ development, maintenance, and function. We also provide an insight into understanding the mechanisms that regulate the versatile roles of SOX9 in different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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16
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Rossitto M, Déjardin S, Rands CM, Le Gras S, Migale R, Rafiee MR, Neirijnck Y, Pruvost A, Nguyen AL, Bossis G, Cammas F, Le Gallic L, Wilhelm D, Lovell-Badge R, Boizet-Bonhoure B, Nef S, Poulat F. TRIM28-dependent SUMOylation protects the adult ovary from activation of the testicular pathway. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4412. [PMID: 35906245 PMCID: PMC9338040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sexual fate in mammals is determined during embryonic development and must be actively maintained in adulthood. In the mouse ovary, oestrogen receptors and FOXL2 protect ovarian granulosa cells from transdifferentiation into Sertoli cells, their testicular counterpart. However, the mechanism underlying their protective effect is unknown. Here, we show that TRIM28 is required to prevent female-to-male sex reversal of the mouse ovary after birth. We found that upon loss of Trim28, ovarian granulosa cells transdifferentiate to Sertoli cells through an intermediate cell type, different from gonadal embryonic progenitors. TRIM28 is recruited on chromatin in the proximity of FOXL2 to maintain the ovarian pathway and to repress testicular-specific genes. The role of TRIM28 in ovarian maintenance depends on its E3-SUMO ligase activity that regulates the sex-specific SUMOylation profile of ovarian-specific genes. Our study identifies TRIM28 as a key factor in protecting the adult ovary from the testicular pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stephanie Déjardin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Chris M Rands
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Le Gras
- GenomEast platform, IGBMC, 1, rue Laurent Fries, 67404 ILLKIRCH Cedex, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Roberta Migale
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 2 1AT, UK
| | | | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alain Pruvost
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anvi Laetitia Nguyen
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Cammas
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, IRCM, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Lionel Le Gallic
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, lab E09.2750.B 1, rue Michel-Servet CH 1211 Geneva 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France.
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17
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Casado-Navarro R, Serrano-Saiz E. DMRT Transcription Factors in the Control of Nervous System Sexual Differentiation. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:937596. [PMID: 35958734 PMCID: PMC9361473 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.937596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual phenotypic differences in the nervous system are one of the most prevalent features across the animal kingdom. The molecular mechanisms responsible for sexual dimorphism throughout metazoan nervous systems are extremely diverse, ranging from intrinsic cell autonomous mechanisms to gonad-dependent endocrine control of sexual traits, or even extrinsic environmental cues. In recent years, the DMRT ancient family of transcription factors has emerged as being central in the development of sex-specific differentiation in all animals in which they have been studied. In this review, we provide an overview of the function of Dmrt genes in nervous system sexual regulation from an evolutionary perspective.
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18
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Qiqi L, Junlin H, Xuemei C, Yi H, Fangfang L, Yanqing G, Yan Z, Lamptey J, Zhuxiu C, Fangfei L, Yingxiong W, Xinyi M. Fetal exposure of Aristolochic Acid I undermines ovarian reserve by disturbing primordial folliculogenesis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113480. [PMID: 35397442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The primordial follicle pool established in early life determines the ovarian reserve in the female reproductive lifespan. Premature exhaustion of primordial follicles contributes to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), that is dependent by the initial size of the primordial follicle pool and by the rate of its activation and depletion. AAI, a powerful nephrotoxin with carcinogenic potential, is present in the Aristolochiaceae species, which can release AAI into soil as a persistent pollutant. In order to assess the potential risk of Aristolochic Acid I (AAI) exposure on mammalian oogenesis, we uncovered its adverse effect on primordial folliculogenesis in the neonatal mouse ovary and its effect on female fertility in adulthood. Pregnant mice were orally administrated with doses of AAI without hepatic or renal toxicity during late-gestation. Ovaries from offspring of administered female displayed gross aberrations during primordial folliculogenesis. Also, unenclosed oocytes in germ-cell cysts showed increased DNA damage. Furthermore, several key factors, including NANOS3, SOX9, KLF4, that govern early gonad's differentiation were abnormally expressed in the exposed ovary, while the follicle formation was partially restored by knockdown of Nanos3 or sox9. In adulthood, these aberrations evolved into a significant reduction in offspring number and impaired ovarian reserve. Together, our results show that AAI influences primordial folliculogenesis and, importantly, affected female fertility. This study shows that administration of drugs herbs or consumption of vegetables that contain AAs during pregnancy may adversely influence the fertility of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Qiqi
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - He Junlin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Chen Xuemei
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Hong Yi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Li Fangfang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Geng Yanqing
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Zhang Yan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Chen Zhuxiu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Liu Fangfei
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Wang Yingxiong
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Mu Xinyi
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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19
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Warr N, Siggers P, May J, Chalon N, Pope M, Wells S, Chaboissier MC, Greenfield A. Gadd45g is required for timely Sry expression independently of RSPO1 activity. Reproduction 2022; 163:333-340. [PMID: 35315790 PMCID: PMC9066659 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals is controlled by the dominance of either pro-testis (SRY-SOX9-FGF9) or pro-ovary (RSPO1-WNT4-FOXL2) genetic pathways during early gonad development in XY and XX embryos, respectively. We have previously shown that early, robust expression of mouse Sry is dependent on the nuclear protein GADD45g. In the absence of GADD45g, XY gonadal sex reversal occurs, associated with a major reduction of Sry levels at 11.5 dpc. Here, we probe the relationship between Gadd45g and Sry further, using gain- and loss-of-function genetics. First, we show that transgenic Gadd45g overexpression can elevate Sry expression levels at 11.5 dpc in the B6.YPOS model of sex reversal, resulting in phenotypic rescue. We then show that the zygosity of pro-ovarian Rspo1 is critical for the degree of gonadal sex reversal observed in both B6.YPOS and Gadd45g-deficient XY gonads, in contrast to that of Foxl2. Phenotypic rescue of sex reversal is observed in XY gonads lacking both Gadd45g and Rspo1, but this is not associated with rescue of Sry expression levels at 11.5 dpc. Instead, Sox9 levels are rescued by around 12.5 dpc. We conclude that Gadd45g is absolutely required for timely expression of Sry in XY gonads, independently of RSPO1-mediated WNT signalling, and discuss these data in light of our understanding of antagonistic interactions between the pro-testis and pro-ovary pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Pam Siggers
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Joel May
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Nicolas Chalon
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Madeleine Pope
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sara Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
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20
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Bélanger C, Cardinal T, Leduc E, Viger RS, Pilon N. CHARGE syndrome-associated proteins FAM172A and CHD7 influence male sex determination and differentiation through transcriptional and alternative splicing mechanisms. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22176. [PMID: 35129866 PMCID: PMC9304217 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100837rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To gain further insight into chromatin‐mediated regulation of mammalian sex determination, we analyzed the role of the CHARGE syndrome‐associated proteins FAM172A and CHD7. This study is based on our prior discoveries that a subset of corresponding mutant mice display complete male‐to‐female sex reversal, and that both of these proteins regulate co‐transcriptional alternative splicing in neural crest cells. Here, we report that FAM172A and CHD7 are present in the developing gonads when sex determination normally occurs in mice. The interactome of FAM172A in pre‐Sertoli cells again suggests a role at the chromatin‐spliceosome interface, like in neural crest cells. Accordingly, analysis of Fam172a‐mutant pre‐Sertoli cells revealed transcriptional and splicing dysregulation of hundreds of genes. Many of these genes are similarly affected in Chd7‐mutant pre‐Sertoli cells, including several known key regulators of sex determination and subsequent formation of testis cords. Among them, we notably identified Sry as a direct transcriptional target and WNT pathway‐associated Lef1 and Tcf7l2 as direct splicing targets. The identified molecular defects are also associated with the abnormal morphology of seminiferous tubules in mutant postnatal testes. Altogether, our results thus identify FAM172A and CHD7 as new players in the regulation of male sex determination and differentiation in mice, and further highlight the importance of chromatin‐mediated regulatory mechanisms in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bélanger
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tatiana Cardinal
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Leduc
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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21
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Windley SP, Mayère C, McGovern AE, Harvey NL, Nef S, Schwarz Q, Kumar S, Wilhelm D. Loss of NEDD4 causes complete XY gonadal sex reversal in mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:75. [PMID: 35075134 PMCID: PMC8786929 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gonadogenesis is the process wherein two morphologically distinct organs, the testis and the ovary, arise from a common precursor. In mammals, maleness is driven by the expression of Sry. SRY subsequently upregulates the related family member Sox9 which is responsible for initiating testis differentiation while repressing factors critical to ovarian development such as FOXL2 and β-catenin. Here, we report a hitherto uncharacterised role for the ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4 in this process. XY Nedd4-deficient mice exhibit complete male-to-female gonadal sex reversal shown by the ectopic upregulation of Foxl2 expression at the time of gonadal sex determination as well as insufficient upregulation of Sox9. This sex reversal extends to germ cells with ectopic expression of SYCP3 in XY Nedd4-/- germ cells and significantly higher Sycp3 transcripts in XY and XX Nedd4-deficient mice when compared to both XY and XX controls. Further, Nedd4-/- mice exhibit reduced gonadal precursor cell formation and gonadal size as a result of reduced proliferation within the developing gonad as well as reduced Nr5a1 expression. Together, these results establish an essential role for NEDD4 in XY gonadal sex determination and development and suggest a potential role for NEDD4 in orchestrating these cell fate decisions through the suppression of the female pathway to ensure proper testis differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Windley
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alice E McGovern
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Quenten Schwarz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
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22
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Abstract
In 46,XY men, testis is determined by a genetic network(s) that both promotes testis formation and represses ovarian development. Disruption of this process results in a lack of testis-determination and affected individuals present with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD), a part of the spectrum of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development/Determination (DSD). A minority of all cases of GD are associated with pathogenic variants in key players of testis-determination, SRY, SOX9, MAP3K1 and NR5A1. However, most of the cases remain unexplained. Recently, unbiased exome sequencing approaches have revealed new genes and loci that may cause 46,XY GD. We critically evaluate the evidence to support causality of these factors and describe how functional studies are continuing to improve our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in genes that are established causes of GD. As genomic data continues to be generated from DSD cohorts, we propose several recommendations to help interpret the data and establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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23
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Thomson E, Zhao L, Chen YS, Longmuss E, Ng ET, Sreenivasan R, Croft B, Song X, Sinclair A, Weiss M, Koopman P, Pelosi E. Generation and mutational analysis of a transgenic mouse model of human SRY. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:362-379. [PMID: 34918413 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
SRY is the Y-chromosomal gene that determines male sex development in humans and most other mammals. After three decades of study, we still lack a detailed understanding of which domains of the SRY protein are required to engage the pathway of gene activity leading to testis development. Some insight has been gained from the study of genetic variations underlying differences/disorders of sex determination (DSD), but the lack of a system of experimentally generating SRY mutations and studying their consequences in vivo has limited progress in the field. To address this issue, we generated a mouse model carrying a human SRY transgene able to drive testis determination in XX mice. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, we generated novel genetic modifications in each of SRY's three domains (N-terminal, HMG box, and C-terminal) and performed a detailed analysis of their molecular and cellular effects on embryonic testis development. Our results provide new functional insights unique to human SRY and present a versatile and powerful system in which to functionally analyze variations of SRY including known and novel pathogenic variants found in DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Thomson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Enya Longmuss
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ee Ting Ng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brittany Croft
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xin Song
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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24
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Migale R, Neumann M, Lovell-Badge R. Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes. Sex Dev 2021; 15:360-380. [PMID: 34753143 DOI: 10.1159/000519891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, SOX9 and FOXL2, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.
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25
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Poulat F. Non-Coding Genome, Transcription Factors, and Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:295-307. [PMID: 34727549 DOI: 10.1159/000519725] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadal sex determination is the process by which transcription factors drive the choice between the testicular and ovarian identity of undifferentiated somatic progenitors through activation of 2 different transcriptional programs. Studies in animal models suggest that sex determination always involves sex-specific transcription factors that activate or repress sex-specific genes. These transcription factors control their target genes by recognizing their regulatory elements in the non-coding genome and their binding motifs within their DNA sequence. In the last 20 years, the development of genomic approaches that allow identifying all the genomic targets of a transcription factor in eukaryotic cells gave the opportunity to globally understand the function of the nuclear proteins that control complex genetic programs. Here, the major transcription factors involved in male and female vertebrate sex determination and the genomic profiling data of mouse gonads that contributed to deciphering their transcriptional regulation role will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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26
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Atlas G, Sreenivasan R, Sinclair A. Targeting the Non-Coding Genome for the Diagnosis of Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2021; 15:392-410. [PMID: 34634785 DOI: 10.1159/000519238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a complex group of conditions with highly variable clinical phenotypes, most often caused by failure of gonadal development. DSD are estimated to occur in around 1.7% of all live births. Whilst the understanding of genes involved in gonad development has increased exponentially, approximately 50% of patients with a DSD remain without a genetic diagnosis, possibly implicating non-coding genomic regions instead. Here, we review how variants in the non-coding genome of DSD patients can be identified using techniques such as array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to detect copy number variants (CNVs), and more recently, whole genome sequencing (WGS). Once a CNV in a patient's non-coding genome is identified, putative regulatory elements such as enhancers need to be determined within these vast genomic regions. We will review the available online tools and databases that can be used to refine regions with potential enhancer activity based on chromosomal accessibility, histone modifications, transcription factor binding site analysis, chromatin conformation, and disease association. We will also review the current in vitro and in vivo techniques available to demonstrate the functionality of the identified enhancers. The review concludes with a clinical update on the enhancers linked to DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabby Atlas
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Sinclair
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Navarrete P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Role of Alternative Splicing in Sex Determination in Vertebrates. Sex Dev 2021; 15:381-391. [PMID: 34583366 DOI: 10.1159/000519218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of sex determination, a germ-cell-containing undifferentiated gonad is converted into either a male or a female reproductive organ. Both the composition of sex chromosomes and the environment determine sex in vertebrates. It is assumed that transcription level regulation drives this cascade of mechanisms; however, transcription factors can alter gene expression beyond transcription initiation by controlling pre-mRNA splicing and thereby mRNA isoform production. Using the key time window in sex determination and gonad development in mice, it has been reported that new non-transcriptional events, such as alternative splicing, could play a key role in sex determination in mammals. We know the role of key regulatory factors, like WT1(+/-KTS) or FGFR2(b/c) in pre-mRNA splicing and sex determination, indicating that important steps in the vertebrate sex determination process probably operate at a post-transcriptional level. Here, we discuss the role of pre-mRNA splicing regulators in sex determination in vertebrates, focusing on the new RNA-seq data reported from mice fetal gonadal transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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28
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Gmel AI, Burger D, Neuditschko M. A Novel QTL and a Candidate Gene Are Associated with the Progressive Motility of Franches-Montagnes Stallion Spermatozoa after Thaw. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1501. [PMID: 34680896 PMCID: PMC8536120 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of frozen-thawed semen is an important reproduction tool to preserve the biodiversity of small, native horse breeds such as the Franches-Montagnes (FM). However, not all stallions produce cryotolerant semen with a progressive motility after thaw ≥ 35%. To improve our understanding of the genetic background of male fertility traits in both fresh and frozen-thawed semen, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gel-free volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility in fresh and frozen-thawed semen from 109 FM stallions using 335,494 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified one significant (p < 1.69 × 10-7) quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ECA6 within the SCN8A gene for progressive motility after thaw, which was previously associated with progressive motility in boars. Homozygous stallions showed a substantial drop in progressive motility after thaw. This QTL could be used to identify cryointolerant stallions, avoiding the costly cryopreservation process. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this QTL is also present in other horse breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annik Imogen Gmel
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Bern, Les Longs Prés, 1580 Avenches, Switzerland;
| | - Markus Neuditschko
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
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29
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1459. [PMID: 34573441 PMCID: PMC8470383 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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30
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Délot EC, Vilain E. Towards improved genetic diagnosis of human differences of sex development. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:588-602. [PMID: 34083777 PMCID: PMC10598994 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite being collectively among the most frequent congenital developmental conditions worldwide, differences of sex development (DSD) lack recognition and research funding. As a result, what constitutes optimal management remains uncertain. Identification of the individual conditions under the DSD umbrella is challenging and molecular genetic diagnosis is frequently not achieved, which has psychosocial and health-related repercussions for patients and their families. New genomic approaches have the potential to resolve this impasse through better detection of protein-coding variants and ascertainment of under-recognized aetiology, such as mosaic, structural, non-coding or epigenetic variants. Ultimately, it is hoped that better outcomes data, improved understanding of the molecular causes and greater public awareness will bring an end to the stigma often associated with DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuèle C Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric Vilain
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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31
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Park HH, Kim HR, Park SY, Hwang SM, Hong SM, Park S, Kang HC, Morgan MJ, Cha JH, Lee D, Roe JS, Kim YS. RIPK3 activation induces TRIM28 derepression in cancer cells and enhances the anti-tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:107. [PMID: 34419074 PMCID: PMC8379748 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Necroptosis is emerging as a new target for cancer immunotherapy as it is now recognized as a form of cell death that increases tumor immunogenicity, which would be especially helpful in treating immune-desert tumors. De novo synthesis of inflammatory proteins during necroptosis appears especially important in facilitating increased anti-tumor immune responses. While late-stage transcription mediated by NF-κB during cell death is believed to play a role in this process, it is otherwise unclear what cell signaling events initiate this transactivation of inflammatory genes. Methods We employed tandem-affinity purification linked to mass spectrometry (TAP-MS), in combination with the analysis of RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets to identify the Tripartite Motif Protein 28 (TRIM28) as a candidate co-repressor. Comprehensive biochemical and molecular biology techniques were used to characterize the role of TRIM28 in RIPK3 activation-induced transcriptional and immunomodulatory events. The cell composition estimation module was used to evaluate the correlation between RIPK3/TRIM28 levels and CD8+ T cells or dendritic cells (DC) in all TCGA tumors. Results We identified TRIM28 as a co-repressor that regulates transcriptional activity during necroptosis. Activated RIPK3 phosphorylates TRIM28 on serine 473, inhibiting its chromatin binding activity, thereby contributing to the transactivation of NF-κB and other transcription factors, such as SOX9. This leads to elevated cytokine expression, which then potentiates immunoregulatory processes, such as DC maturation. The expression of RIPK3 has a significant positive association with the tumor-infiltrating immune cells populations in various tumor type, thereby activating anti-cancer responses. Conclusion Our data suggest that RIPK3 activation-dependent derepression of TRIM28 in cancer cells leads to increased immunostimulatory cytokine production in the tumor microenvironment, which then contributes to robust cytotoxic anti-tumor immunity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-021-01399-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Hee Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Hwa-Ryeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yeong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Sung-Min Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Sun Mi Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Sangwook Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.,Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Ho Chul Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.,Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Michael J Morgan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK, 74464, USA
| | - Jong-Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, South Korea
| | - Dakeun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seok Roe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
| | - You-Sun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.
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32
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Identification of a novel Sox5 transcript in mouse testis. Gene Expr Patterns 2021; 41:119197. [PMID: 34171463 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2021.119197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX5 is present in two distinct isoforms in both human and mouse, L-SOX5 and S-SOX5 (long and short isoforms of SOX5). Here, we identified and characterized a novel transcript of Sox5 (S-Sox5 variant) in mouse testis. eCLIP-based amplification of cDNA ends were performed to identify the potential Sox5 mRNA variant. This novel transcript shares a high similarity with the previously reported S-Sox5 in nucleotide sequence, but with a unique stretch of 5'UTR and an additional exon 9. Semi-quantitative PCR analysis revealed both S-Sox5 variant and S-Sox5 express specifically in mouse testis. Both transcripts increase significantly in mouse testis at postnatal day 21, when round spermatids appear. We further made a series of truncated Sox5 constructs and tagged them with eGFP in HeLa cells. In vitro transfection assay identified the N-terminus and the DNA-binding HMG domain are required for the nuclear localization of SOX5. Our results provides a basis for the future study to investigate the biological function of SOX5 in spermatogenesis.
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Lindeman RE, Murphy MW, Agrimson KS, Gewiss R, Bardwell V, Gearhart M, Zarkower D. The conserved sex regulator DMRT1 recruits SOX9 in sexual cell fate reprogramming. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6144-6164. [PMID: 34096593 PMCID: PMC8216462 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sexual development commences when fetal bipotential progenitor cells adopt male Sertoli (in XY) or female granulosa (in XX) gonadal cell fates. Differentiation of these cells involves extensive divergence in chromatin state and gene expression, reflecting distinct roles in sexual differentiation and gametogenesis. Surprisingly, differentiated gonadal cell fates require active maintenance through postnatal life to prevent sexual transdifferentiation and female cell fate can be reprogrammed by ectopic expression of the sex regulator DMRT1. Here we examine how DMRT1 reprograms granulosa cells to Sertoli-like cells in vivo and in culture. We define postnatal sex-biased gene expression programs and identify three-dimensional chromatin contacts and differentially accessible chromatin regions (DARs) associated with differentially expressed genes. Using a conditional transgene we find DMRT1 only partially reprograms the ovarian transcriptome in the absence of SOX9 and its paralog SOX8, indicating that these factors functionally cooperate with DMRT1. ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq show that DMRT1 induces formation of many DARs that it binds with SOX9, and DMRT1 is required for binding of SOX9 at most of these. We suggest that DMRT1 can act as a pioneer factor to open chromatin and allow binding of SOX9, which then cooperates with DMRT1 to reprogram sexual cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Lindeman
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Mark W Murphy
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Kellie S Agrimson
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Rachel L Gewiss
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Vivian J Bardwell
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Micah D Gearhart
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - David Zarkower
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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34
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Planells B, Gómez-Redondo I, Sánchez JM, McDonald M, Cánovas Á, Lonergan P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Gene expression profiles of bovine genital ridges during sex determination and early differentiation of the gonads†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:38-52. [PMID: 31504197 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most current knowledge of sex determination in mammals has emerged from mouse and human studies. To investigate the molecular regulation of the sex determination process in cattle, we used an RNA sequencing strategy to analyze the transcriptome landscape of male and female bovine fetal gonads collected in vivo at key developmental stages: before, during, and after SRY gene activation on fetal days D35 (bipotential gonad formation), D39 (peak SRY expression), and D43 (early gonad differentiation). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in male vs. female germinal ridges and among group genes showing similar expression profiles during the three periods. There were 143, 96, and 658 DEG between males and female fetuses at D35, D39, and D43, respectively. On D35, genes upregulated in females were enriched in translation, nuclear export, RNA localization, and mRNA splicing events, whereas those upregulated in males were enriched in cell proliferation regulation and male sex determination terms. In time-course experiments, 767 DEGs in males and 545 DEGs in females were identified between D35 vs. D39, and 3157 DEGs in males and 2008 in females were identified between D39 vs. D43. Results highlight unique aspects of sex determination in cattle, such as the expression of several Y chromosome genes (absent in mice and humans) before SRY expression and an abrupt increase in the nuclear expression of SOX10 (instead of SOX9 expression in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm as observed in mice) during male determination and early differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Lecluze E, Rolland AD, Filis P, Evrard B, Leverrier-Penna S, Maamar MB, Coiffec I, Lavoué V, Fowler PA, Mazaud-Guittot S, Jégou B, Chalmel F. Dynamics of the transcriptional landscape during human fetal testis and ovary development. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1099-1119. [PMID: 32412604 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which transcriptional program triggers sex differentiation in bipotential gonads and downstream cellular events governing fetal testis and ovary development in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER The characterization of a dynamically regulated protein-coding and non-coding transcriptional landscape in developing human gonads of both sexes highlights a large number of potential key regulators that show an early sexually dimorphic expression pattern. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Gonadal sex differentiation is orchestrated by a sexually dimorphic gene expression program in XX and XY developing fetal gonads. A comprehensive characterization of its non-coding counterpart offers promising perspectives for deciphering the molecular events underpinning gonad development and for a complete understanding of the etiology of disorders of sex development in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To further investigate the protein-coding and non-coding transcriptional landscape during gonad differentiation, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and characterized the RNA content of human fetal testis (N = 24) and ovaries (N = 24) from 6 to 17 postconceptional week (PCW), a key period in sex determination and gonad development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS First trimester fetuses (6-12 PCW) and second trimester fetuses (13-14 and 17 PCW) were obtained from legally induced normally progressing terminations of pregnancy. Total RNA was extracted from whole human fetal gonads and sequenced as paired-end 2 × 50 base reads. Resulting sequences were mapped to the human genome, allowing for the assembly and quantification of corresponding transcripts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This RNA-seq analysis of human fetal testes and ovaries at seven key developmental stages led to the reconstruction of 22 080 transcripts differentially expressed during testicular and/or ovarian development. In addition to 8935 transcripts displaying sex-independent differential expression during gonad development, the comparison of testes and ovaries enabled the discrimination of 13 145 transcripts that show a sexually dimorphic expression profile. The latter include 1479 transcripts differentially expressed as early as 6 PCW, including 39 transcription factors, 40 long non-coding RNAs and 20 novel genes. Despite the use of stringent filtration criteria (expression cut-off of at least 1 fragment per kilobase of exon model per million reads mapped, fold change of at least 2 and false discovery rate adjusted P values of less than <1%), the possibility of assembly artifacts and of false-positive differentially expressed transcripts cannot be fully ruled out. LARGE-SCALE DATA Raw data files (fastq) and a searchable table (.xlss) containing information on genomic features and expression data for all refined transcripts have been submitted to the NCBI GEO under accession number GSE116278. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The intrinsic nature of this bulk analysis, i.e. the sequencing of transcripts from whole gonads, does not allow direct identification of the cellular origin(s) of the transcripts characterized. Potential cellular dilution effects (e.g. as a result of distinct proliferation rates in XX and XY gonads) may account for a few of the expression profiles identified as being sexually dimorphic. Finally, transcriptome alterations that would result from exposure to pre-abortive drugs cannot be completely excluded. Although we demonstrated the high quality of the sorted cell populations used for experimental validations using quantitative RT-PCR, it cannot be totally excluded that some germline expression may correspond to cell contamination by, for example, macrophages. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, this study has led to the identification of 1000 protein-coding and non-coding candidate genes showing an early, sexually dimorphic, expression pattern that have not previously been associated with sex differentiation. Collectively, these results increase our understanding of gonad development in humans, and contribute significantly to the identification of new candidate genes involved in fetal gonad differentiation. The results also provide a unique resource that may improve our understanding of the fetal origin of testicular and ovarian dysgenesis syndromes, including cryptorchidism and testicular cancers. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the University of Rennes 1, the French School of Public Health (EHESP), the Swiss National Science Foundation [SNF n° CRS115_171007 to B.J.], the French National Research Agency [ANR n° 16-CE14-0017-02 and n° 18-CE14-0038-02 to F.C.], the Medical Research Council [MR/L010011/1 to P.A.F.] and the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) [under grant agreement no 212885 to P.A.F.] and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme [under grant agreement no 825100 to P.A.F. and S.M.G.]. There are no competing interests related to this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Lecluze
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Bertrand Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sabrina Leverrier-Penna
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.,Univ Poitiers, STIM, CNRS ERL7003, Poitiers Cedex 9, CNRS ERL7003, France
| | - Millissia Ben Maamar
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Coiffec
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Lavoué
- Service Gynécologie et Obstétrique, CHU Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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36
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Frost ER, Taylor G, Baker MA, Lovell-Badge R, Sutherland JM. Establishing and maintaining fertility: the importance of cell cycle arrest. Genes Dev 2021; 35:619-634. [PMID: 33888561 PMCID: PMC8091977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348151.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Frost et al. summarize the current knowledge on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in mouse gonad development and highlight new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility. Development of the ovary or testis is required to establish reproductive competence. Gonad development relies on key cell fate decisions that occur early in embryonic development and are actively maintained. During gonad development, both germ cells and somatic cells proliferate extensively, a process facilitated by cell cycle regulation. This review focuses on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in mouse gonad development. We particularly highlight recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies that show the heterogeneity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This diversity highlights new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Güneş Taylor
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Baker
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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37
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Jacinto JG, Bolcato M, Sheahan BJ, Muscatello LV, Gentile A, Avallone G, Benazzi C. Congenital Tumours and Tumour-Like Lesions in Calves: a Review. J Comp Pathol 2021; 184:84-94. [PMID: 33894884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Congenital tumours and tumour-like lesions represent a group of rare disorders in both veterinary and human medicine that arise from tissue remnants and are detected during pregnancy or within the first 2-3 months of life. Different forms of congenital tumours and congenital tumour-like lesions have been reported in calves and their development is poorly understood. They often pose a diagnostic challenge and the referring nomenclature occasionally may be equivocal. Previous reports regarding tumour-like lesions, soft tissue tumours, vascular tumours, round cell tumours and neoplasms of the nervous, peritoneum and urogenital systems are summarized in this review, and the role of genetic factors in the development of these conditions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gp Jacinto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Marilena Bolcato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Luisa V Muscatello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy.
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Benazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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38
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Mast4 knockout shows the regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via the FGF2/ERM pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1441-1454. [PMID: 33219327 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an important cellular differentiation process that produces the male gametes and remains active throughout the individual's lifespan. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) refers to the dysfunction of the male reproductive system, including infertility. Accurate self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is essential to prevent SCO syndrome. This study investigated the role of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) in spermatogenesis in mice. MAST4 was localized in Sertoli cells before puberty, providing a somatic niche for spermatogenesis in mice and MAST4 expression shifted to Leydig cells and spermatids throughout puberty. Mast4 knockout (KO) testes were reduced in size compared to wild-type testes, and germ cell depletion associated with an increase in apoptosis and subsequent loss of tubular structure were similar to the SCO phenotype. In addition, MAST4 phosphorylated the Ets-related molecule (ERM), specifically the serine 367 residue. The phosphorylation of ERM ultimately controls the transcription of ERM target genes related to SSC self-renewal. The expression of spermatogenesis-associated proteins was significantly decreased whereas Sertoli cell markers were increased in Mast4 KO testes, which was well-founded by RNA-sequencing analysis. Therefore, MAST4 is associated with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)/ERM pathway and this association helps us explore the capacity of SSCs to maintain a vertebrate stem cell niche.
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39
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Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
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40
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Wu K, Li Y, Pan P, Li Z, Yu Y, Huang J, Ma F, Tian L, Fang Y, Wang Y, Lin H, Ge RS. Gestational vinclozolin exposure suppresses fetal testis development in rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 203:111053. [PMID: 32888615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vinclozolin is a common dicarboximide fungicide used to protect crops from diseases. It is also an endocrine disruptor and is thought to be related to abnormalities of the reproductive tract. However, its mechanism of inducing abnormalities of the male reproductive tract is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of gestational vinclozolin exposure on the development of rat fetal Leydig cells. Female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vinclozolin (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage from gestational day 14-21. Vinclozolin dose-dependently reduced serum testosterone levels at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg and the anogenital distance at 100 mg/kg. RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blotting showed that vinclozolin down-regulated the expression of Nr5a1, Sox9, Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, Amh, Pdgfa, and Dhh and their encoded proteins. Vinclozolin reduced the number of NR2F2-positive stem Leydig cells at a dose of 100 mg/kg and enhanced autophagy in the testes. In conclusion, vinclozolin disrupts reproductive tract development and testis development in male fetal rats via several pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Peipei Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jianjian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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41
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Li YH, Chen TM, Huang BM, Yang SH, Wu CC, Lin YM, Chuang JI, Tsai SJ, Sun HS. FGF9 is a downstream target of SRY and sufficient to determine male sex fate in ex vivo XX gonad culture. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1300-1313. [PMID: 32886743 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an autocrine/paracrine growth factor that plays critical roles in embryonic and organ developments and is involved in diverse physiological events. Loss of function of FGF9 exhibits male-to-female sex reversal in the transgenic mouse model and gain of FGF9 copy number was found in human 46, XX sex reversal patient with disorders of sex development. These results suggested that FGF9 plays a vital role in male sex development. Nevertheless, how FGF9/Fgf9 expression is regulated during testis determination remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that human and mouse SRY bind to -833 to -821 of human FGF9 and -1010 to -998 of mouse Fgf9, respectively, and control FGF9/Fgf9 mRNA expression. Interestingly, we showed that mouse SRY cooperates with SF1 to regulate Fgf9 expression, whereas human SRY-mediated FGF9 expression is SF1 independent. Furthermore, using an ex vivo gonadal culture system, we showed that FGF9 expression is sufficient to switch cell fate from female to male sex development in 12-16 tail somite XX mouse gonads. Taken together, our findings provide evidence to support the SRY-dependent, fate-determining role of FGF9 in male sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Han Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ming Chen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bu-Miin Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Ing Chuang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - H Sunny Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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42
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Richardson N, Gillot I, Gregoire EP, Youssef SA, de Rooij D, de Bruin A, De Cian MC, Chaboissier MC. Sox8 and Sox9 act redundantly for ovarian-to-testicular fate reprogramming in the absence of R-spondin1 in mouse sex reversals. eLife 2020; 9:53972. [PMID: 32450947 PMCID: PMC7250573 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testicular differentiation is initiated by transcription factors SRY and SOX9 in XY gonads, and ovarian differentiation involves R-spondin1 (RSPO1) mediated activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling in XX gonads. Accordingly, the absence of RSPO1/Rspo1 in XX humans and mice leads to testicular differentiation and female-to-male sex reversal in a manner that does not requireSry or Sox9 in mice. Here we show that an alternate testis-differentiating factor exists and that this factor is Sox8. Specifically, genetic ablation of Sox8 and Sox9 prevents ovarian-to-testicular reprogramming observed in XX Rspo1 loss-of-function mice. Consequently, Rspo1 Sox8 Sox9 triple mutant gonads developed as atrophied ovaries. Thus, SOX8 alone can compensate for the loss of SOX9 for Sertoli cell differentiation during female-to-male sex reversal. In humans, mice and other mammals, genetic sex is determined by the combination of sex chromosomes that each individual inherits. Individuals with two X chromosomes (XX) are said to be chromosomally female, while individuals with one X and one Y chromosome (XY) are chromosomally males. One of the major differences between XX and XY individuals is that they have different types of gonads (the organs that make egg cells or sperm). In mice, for example, before males are born, a gene called Sox9 triggers a cascade of events that result in the gonads developing into testes. In females, on the other hand, another gene called Rspo1 stimulates the gonads to develop into ovaries. Loss of Sox9 in XY embryos, or Rspo1 in XX embryos, leads to mice developing physical characteristics that do not match their genetic sex, a phenomenon known as sex reversal. For example, in XX female mice lacking Rspo1, cells in the gonads reprogram into testis cells known as Sertoli cells just before birth and form male structures known as testis cords. The gonads of female mice missing both Sox9 and Rspo1 (referred to as “double mutants”) also develop Sertoli cells and testis cords, suggesting another gene may compensate for the loss of Sox9. Previous studies suggest that a gene known as Sox8, which is closely related to Sox9, may be able to drive sex reversal in female mice. However, it was not clear whether Sox8 is able to stimulate testis to form in female mice in the absence of Sox9. To address this question, Richardson et al. studied mutant female mice lacking Rspo1, Sox8 and Sox9, known as “triple mutants”. Just before birth, the gonads in the triple mutant mice showed some characteristics of sex reversal but lacked the Sertoli cells found in the double mutant mice. After the mice were born, the gonads of the triple mutant mice developed as rudimentary ovaries without testis cords, unlike the more testis-like gonads found in the double mutant mice. The findings of Richardson et al. show that Sox8 is able to trigger sex reversal in female mice in the absence of Rspo1 and Sox9. Differences in sexual development in humans affect the appearance of individuals and often cause infertility. Identifying Sox8 and other similar genes in mice may one day help to diagnose people with such conditions and lead to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sameh A Youssef
- Department of Pathobiology, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department Pediatrics, Divisions Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Rooij
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Division of Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biology Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department Pediatrics, Divisions Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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43
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Characterization of gonad differentially expressed SoxB2 genes in mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Gene 2020; 740:144507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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44
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Tang F, Richardson N, Albina A, Chaboissier MC, Perea-Gomez A. Mouse Gonad Development in the Absence of the Pro-Ovary Factor WNT4 and the Pro-Testis Factor SOX9. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051103. [PMID: 32365547 PMCID: PMC7291083 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors SRY and SOX9 and RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling act as antagonistic pathways to drive testis and ovary development respectively, from a common gonadal primordium in mouse embryos. In this work, we took advantage of a double knockout mouse model to study gonadal development when Sox9 and Wnt4 are both mutated. We show that the XX gonad mutant for Wnt4 or for both Wnt4 and Sox9 develop as ovotestes, demonstrating that ectopic SOX9 function is not required for the partial female-to-male sex reversal caused by a Wnt4 mutation. Sox9 deletion in XY gonads leads to ovarian development accompanied by ectopic WNT/β-catenin signaling. In XY Sox9 mutant gonads, SRY-positive supporting precursors adopt a female-like identity and develop as pre-granulosa-like cells. This phenotype cannot be fully prevented by the deletion of Wnt4 or Rspo1, indicating that SOX9 is required for the early determination of the male supporting cell identity independently of repressing RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling. However, in XY Sox9 Wnt4 double mutant gonads, pre-granulosa cells are not maintained, as they prematurely differentiate as mature granulosa cells and then trans-differentiate into Sertoli-like cells. Together, our results reveal the dynamics of the specific and independent actions of SOX9 and WNT4 during gonadal differentiation: SOX9 is essential in the testis for early specification of male-supporting cells whereas WNT4 functions in the ovary to maintain female-supporting cell identity and inhibit male-specific vascular and steroidogenic cell differentiation.
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45
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Haseeb A, Lefebvre V. The SOXE transcription factors-SOX8, SOX9 and SOX10-share a bi-partite transactivation mechanism. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6917-6931. [PMID: 31194875 PMCID: PMC6649842 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX8, SOX9 and SOX10 compose the SOXE transcription factor group. They govern cell fate and differentiation in many lineages, and mutations impairing their activity cause severe diseases, including campomelic dysplasia (SOX9), sex determination disorders (SOX8 and SOX9) and Waardenburg-Shah syndrome (SOX10). However, incomplete knowledge of their modes of action limits disease understanding. We here uncover that the proteins share a bipartite transactivation mechanism, whereby a transactivation domain in the middle of the proteins (TAM) synergizes with a C-terminal one (TAC). TAM comprises amphipathic α-helices predicted to form a protein-binding pocket and overlapping with minimal transactivation motifs (9-aa-TAD) described in many transcription factors. One 9-aa-TAD sequence includes an evolutionarily conserved and functionally required EΦ[D/E]QYΦ motif. SOXF proteins (SOX7, SOX17 and SOX18) contain an identical motif, suggesting evolution from a common ancestor already harboring this motif, whereas TAC and other transactivating SOX proteins feature only remotely related motifs. Missense variants in this SOXE/SOXF-specific motif are rare in control individuals, but have been detected in cancers, supporting its importance in development and physiology. By deepening understanding of mechanisms underlying the central transactivation function of SOXE proteins, these findings should help further decipher molecular networks essential for development and health and dysregulated in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Haseeb
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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46
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Penrad-Mobayed M, Perrin C, Herman L, Todeschini AL, Nigon F, Cosson B, Caburet S, Veitia RA. Conventional and unconventional interactions of the transcription factor FOXL2 uncovered by a proteome-wide analysis. FASEB J 2019; 34:571-587. [PMID: 31914586 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901573r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the study of its transcriptional target genes, the identification of the various interactors of a transcription factor (TF) is crucial to understand its diverse cellular roles. We focused on FOXL2, a winged-helix forkhead TF important for ovarian development and maintenance. FOXL2 has been implicated in diverse cellular processes, including apoptosis, the control of cell cycle or the regulation of steroid hormone synthesis. To reliably identify partners of endogenous FOXL2, we performed a proteome-wide analysis using co-immunoprecipitation in the murine granulosa cell-derived AT29c and the pituitary-derived alpha-T3 cell lines, using three antibodies targeting different parts of the protein. Following a stringent selection of mass spectrometry data on the basis of identification reliability and protein enrichment, we identified a core set of 255 partners common to both cell lines. Their analysis showed that we could co-precipitate several complexes involved in mRNA processing, chromatin remodeling and DNA replication and repair. We further validated (direct and/or indirect) interactions with selected partners, suggesting an unexpected role for FOXL2 in those processes. Overall, this comprehensive analysis of the endogenous FOXL2 interactome sheds light on its numerous and diverse interactors and unconventional cellular roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Penrad-Mobayed
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Perrin
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Herman
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Fabienne Nigon
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Cosson
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Caburet
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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47
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RUNX1 maintains the identity of the fetal ovary through an interplay with FOXL2. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5116. [PMID: 31712577 PMCID: PMC6848188 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination of the gonads begins with fate specification of gonadal supporting cells into either ovarian pre-granulosa cells or testicular Sertoli cells. This fate specification hinges on a balance of transcriptional control. Here we report that expression of the transcription factor RUNX1 is enriched in the fetal ovary in rainbow trout, turtle, mouse, goat, and human. In the mouse, RUNX1 marks the supporting cell lineage and becomes pre-granulosa cell-specific as the gonads differentiate. RUNX1 plays complementary/redundant roles with FOXL2 to maintain fetal granulosa cell identity and combined loss of RUNX1 and FOXL2 results in masculinization of fetal ovaries. At the chromatin level, RUNX1 occupancy overlaps partially with FOXL2 occupancy in the fetal ovary, suggesting that RUNX1 and FOXL2 target common sets of genes. These findings identify RUNX1, with an ovary-biased expression pattern conserved across species, as a regulator in securing the identity of ovarian-supporting cells and the ovary.
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48
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Li H, Zhu Q, Wang S, Huang T, Li X, Ni C, Fang Y, Li L, Lian Q, Ge RS. Paraquat exposure delays stem/progenitor Leydig cell regeneration in the adult rat testis. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 231:60-71. [PMID: 31128353 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Paraquat, a widely used nonselective herbicide, is a serious hazard to human health. However, the effects of paraquat on the male reproductive system remain unclear. In this study, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS, 75 mg/kg) to initiate a regeneration of Leydig cells. EDS-treated rats were orally exposed to paraquat (0.5, 2, 8 mg/kg/day) from post-EDS day 17 to day 28 and effects of paraquat on Leydig and Sertoli cell functions on post-EDS day 35 and day 56 were investigated. Paraquat significantly decreased serum testosterone levels at 2 and 8 mg/kg. Paraquat lowered Leydig cell Hsd17b3, Srd5a1, and Hsd11b1 mRNA levels but increased Hsd3b1 on post-EDS day 35. Paraquat lowered Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Hsd11b1 but increased Srd5a1 on post-EDS day 56. However, paraquat did not alter Leydig cell number and PCNA labeling index. Epididymal staining showed that few sperms were observed in paraquat-treated rats. Primary culture of adult Leydig cells showed that paraquat diminished testosterone output and induced reactive oxygen species generation at 1 and 10 μM and apoptosis rate at 10 μM. In conclusion, a short-term exposure to paraquat delays Leydig cell regeneration from stem/progenitor Leydig cells, causing low production of testosterone and an arrest of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Songxue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Tongliang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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49
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Comparative analysis demonstrates cell type-specific conservation of SOX9 targets between mouse and chicken. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12560. [PMID: 31467356 PMCID: PMC6715657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48979-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) is a transcription factor regulating both chondrogenesis and sex determination. Among vertebrates, SOX9’s functions in chondrogenesis are well conserved, while they vary in sex determination. To investigate the conservation of SOX9’s regulatory functions in chondrogenesis and gonad development among species, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) using developing limb buds and male gonads from embryos of two vertebrates, mouse and chicken. In both mouse and chicken, SOX9 bound to intronic and distal regions of genes more frequently in limb buds than in male gonads, while SOX9 bound to the proximal upstream regions of genes more frequently in male gonads than in limb buds. In both species, SOX palindromic repeats were identified more frequently in SOX9 binding regions in limb bud genes compared with those in male gonad genes. The conservation of SOX9 binding regions was significantly higher in limb bud genes. In addition, we combined RNA expression analysis (RNA sequencing) with the ChIP-seq results at the same stage in developing chondrocytes and Sertoli cells and determined SOX9 target genes in these cells of the two species and disclosed that SOX9 targets showed high similarity of targets in chondrocytes, but not in Sertoli cells.
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50
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Girardot M, Bayet E, Maurin J, Fort P, Roux P, Raynaud P. SOX9 has distinct regulatory roles in alternative splicing and transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:9106-9118. [PMID: 29901772 PMCID: PMC6158501 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX9 is known as a crucial transcription factor for various developmental processes and for tissue homeostasis. We examined here its potential role in alternative splicing by analyzing global splicing changes, using RNA-seq of colon tumor cells. We show that SOX9 knockdown alters the splicing of hundreds of genes without affecting their expression levels, revealing that SOX9 controls distinct splicing and transcriptional programs. SOX9 does not affect splicing patterns through the control of splicing factors expression. We identify mutants that uncouple SOX9 splicing function from its transcriptional activity. We demonstrate that SOX9 binds to RNA and associates with several RNA-binding proteins, including the core exon junction complex component Y14. Half of SOX9 splicing targets are also modulated by Y14 and are no longer regulated by SOX9 upon Y14 depletion. Altogether, our work reveals that SOX9 is a moonlighting protein which modulates either transcription or splicing of distinct sets of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Girardot
- IGMM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Elsa Bayet
- CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Justine Maurin
- CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Philippe Fort
- CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Pierre Roux
- CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Peggy Raynaud
- CRBM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
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