1
|
Salehi N, Totonchi M. The construction of a testis transcriptional cell atlas from embryo to adult reveals various somatic cells and their molecular roles. J Transl Med 2023; 21:859. [PMID: 38012716 PMCID: PMC10680190 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04722-2] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The testis is a complex organ that undergoes extensive developmental changes from the embryonic stage to adulthood. The development of germ cells, which give rise to spermatozoa, is tightly regulated by the surrounding somatic cells. METHODS To better understand the dynamics of these changes, we constructed a transcriptional cell atlas of the testis, integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data from over 26,000 cells across five developmental stages: fetal germ cells, infants, childhood, peri-puberty, and adults. We employed various analytical techniques, including clustering, cell type assignments, identification of differentially expressed genes, pseudotime analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and evaluation of paracrine cell-cell communication, to comprehensively analyze this transcriptional cell atlas of the testis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed remarkable heterogeneity in both somatic and germ cell populations, with the highest diversity observed in Sertoli and Myoid somatic cells, as well as in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid germ cells. We also identified key somatic cell genes, including RPL39, RPL10, RPL13A, FTH1, RPS2, and RPL18A, which were highly influential in the weighted gene co-expression network of the testis transcriptional cell atlas and have been previously implicated in male infertility. Additionally, our analysis of paracrine cell-cell communication supported specific ligand-receptor interactions involved in neuroactive, cAMP, and estrogen signaling pathways, which support the crucial role of somatic cells in regulating germ cell development. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our transcriptional atlas provides a comprehensive view of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the testis and identifies key somatic cell genes and pathways that play a central role in male fertility across developmental stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Djari C, Sahut-Barnola I, Septier A, Plotton I, Montanier N, Dufour D, Levasseur A, Wilmouth J, Pointud JC, Faucz FR, Kamilaris C, Lopez AG, Guillou F, Swain A, Vainio SJ, Tauveron I, Val P, Lefebvre H, Stratakis CA, Martinez A, Lefrançois-Martinez AM. Protein kinase A drives paracrine crisis and WNT4-dependent testis tumor in Carney complex. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:146910. [PMID: 34850745 DOI: 10.1172/jci146910] [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: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors (LCCSCTs) are among the most frequent lesions occurring in male Carney complex (CNC) patients. Although they constitute a key diagnostic criterion for this rare multiple neoplasia syndrome resulting from inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor PRKAR1A, leading to unrepressed PKA activity, LCCSCT pathogenesis and origin remain elusive. Mouse models targeting Prkar1a inactivation in all somatic populations or separately in each cell type were generated to decipher the molecular and paracrine networks involved in the induction of CNC testis lesions. We demonstrate that the Prkar1a mutation was required in both stromal and Sertoli cells for the occurrence of LCCSCTs. Integrative analyses comparing transcriptomic, immunohistological data and phenotype of mutant mouse combinations led to the understanding of human LCCSCT pathogenesis and demonstrated PKA-induced paracrine molecular circuits in which the aberrant WNT4 signal production is a limiting step in shaping intratubular lesions and tumor expansion both in a mouse model and in human CNC testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Djari
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Amandine Septier
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- UM Pathologies Endocriniennes Rénales Musculaires et Mucoviscidose, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Nathanaëlle Montanier
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont-Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Dufour
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - James Wilmouth
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Crystal Kamilaris
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antoine-Guy Lopez
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases and CIC-CRB 140h4, Rouen, France
| | | | - Amanda Swain
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Seppo J Vainio
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Igor Tauveron
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont-Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Val
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases and CIC-CRB 140h4, Rouen, France
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antoine Martinez
- iGReD, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohammadi S, Kianmehr M, Mohammadi M, Fahimian Z, Karimimanesh E, Farazifar M, Nakhaei Z, Golamneghad N, Bolourifard B, Gholamin M, Mansouri A, Mahmoodi M RS, Soleymanifard S, Boroumand-Noughabi S, Ghandy N, Delshad A, Mohammadzadeh F, Norasteh H, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns GA. Correlation between expression of CatSper1,2 and sperm parameters in the gamma irradiated adult mouse testis. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:691-696. [PMID: 30821561 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1552372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Propose: CatSper protein channels are responsible for the entry of Ca2+ into sperm cells. These proteins play an important role in motility and male fertility. So it is important to find out whether or not environmental factors, such as gamma radiation, have an effect on the expression of Catsper genes. In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma radiation on the expression of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes. Materials and methods: Twenty-one male NMRI mice were divided into three groups: a control group without gamma radiation, and two experimental groups; Group 1 treated with 1 Gy of gamma radiation, and Group 2 treated with a higher dose of 2 Gy gamma radiation. Testes were removed from all groups of animals 35 days following irradiation and the testicular tissue, processed and embedded in paraffin blocks for sectioning and histological examination. Sperm samples were also taken from the epididymis for microscopic. Sperm parameters such as sperm count, morphology, motility, and viability rates were analyzed. Expression of CatSper genes was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and ANOVA test. Results: Our results showed that after treatment with gamma radiation, testes morphology was changed. Epididymal sperm count, motility, and morphology rates were significantly affected in both experimental groups compared to the control group. The relative expressions of CatSper 1 and 2 genes were significantly reduced in the irradiated mice (1 Gy and 2 Gy) than non-irradiated ones. Conclusions: Gamma radiations not only change testes histology and sperm parameters, but also decrease the expression of CatSper 1 and 2 genes in male mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Mohammadi
- a Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kianmehr
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Maryam Mohammadi
- c Department of Public Health , School of Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Zahra Fahimian
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Elham Karimimanesh
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Mostafa Farazifar
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Zahra Nakhaei
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Nafiseh Golamneghad
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Basir Bolourifard
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Mehran Gholamin
- d Department of Laboratory Sciences , School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Atena Mansouri
- e Student Research Committee, Nanotechnology Research Center , School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | | | - Shokouhozaman Soleymanifard
- g Department of Medical Physics , School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | | | - Nasibeh Ghandy
- a Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Ali Delshad
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh
- b Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Gonabad University of Medical Sciences , Gonabad , Iran
| | - Hojjat Norasteh
- a Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- i Biochemistry of Nutritional Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Science , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Gordon Aa Ferns
- j Department of Medical Education , Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer , Brighton , UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shetty G, Wu Z, Lam TNA, Phan TT, Orwig KE, Meistrich ML. Effect of hormone modulations on donor-derived spermatogenesis or colonization after syngeneic and xenotransplantation in mice. Andrology 2018; 7:257-265. [PMID: 30471208 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytotoxic cancer treatments, such as irradiation, can cause permanent sterility in male mammals owing to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells. In animal models, spermatogenesis could be restored from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells. Previously, we showed that transient suppression of FSH, LH, and testosterone in the recipient with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant), given immediately after irradiation, enhanced spermatogenesis from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in mice and monkeys. OBJECTIVES To explore improvements in the preparation of the recipient for efficient and reliable spermatogenic recovery from spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, so that it can be used effectively in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In mouse recipients, we evaluated the effects of hormone suppression given after germ cell depletion was complete, which is a more clinically relevant model, and also the importance of total androgen ablation and maintenance of FSH levels. Three regimens, GnRH-ant, GnRH-ant plus flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist), and GnRH-ant plus FSH, were administered prior to and around the time of transplantation of testis cells from immature mice or from prepubertal monkeys. RESULTS Treatment with GnRH-ant resulted in a fourfold increase in spermatogenic recovery from GFP-marked transplanted mouse cells. Total androgen ablation with the addition of flutamide, started two weeks before transplantation, did not further enhance recovery. Surprisingly, FSH supplementation, started around the time of transplantation, actually reduced spermatogenic recovery from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in GnRH-ant-treated mice. When prepubertal monkey testicular cells were transplanted into nude mice that were given the same hormone treatments, the numbers of donor-derived colonies were independent of hormone treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The enhancements in spermatogenic recovery may only occur when syngeneic or closely related donor-recipient pairs are used. These results are useful in further investigations in choosing a hormone suppression regimen in combination with spermatogonial transplantation as a treatment to restore fertility in primates after cytotoxic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Z Wu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T N A Lam
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T T Phan
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Morimoto H, Watanabe S, Shinohara T. Reversible inhibition of the blood-testis barrier protein improves stem cell homing in mouse testes. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:511-522. [PMID: 30175719 PMCID: PMC6305854 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell homing is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple steps; thus far, attempts to increase homing efficiency have met with limited success. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)
migrate to the niche after microinjection into seminiferous tubules, but the homing efficiency is very low. Here we report that reversible disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB)
between Sertoli cells enhances the homing efficiency of SSCs. We found that SSCs on a C57BL/6 background are triggered to proliferate in vitro when MHY1485, which stimulates
MTORC, were added to culture medium. However, the cultured cells did not produce offspring by direct injection into the seminiferous tubules. When acyline, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) analogue, was administered into infertile recipients, SSC colonization increased by ~5-fold and the recipients sired offspring. In contrast, both untreated individuals and recipients
that received leuprolide, another GnRH analogue, remained infertile. Acyline not only decreased CLDN5 expression but also impaired the BTB, suggesting that increased colonization was caused
by efficient SSC migration through the BTB. Enhancement of stem cell homing by tight junction protein manipulation constitutes a new approach to improve homing efficiency, and similar
strategy may be applicable to other self-renewing tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jenardhanan P, Panneerselvam M, Mathur PP. Effect of environmental contaminants on spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:126-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
7
|
Chen SR, Tang JX, Cheng JM, Li J, Jin C, Li XY, Deng SL, Zhang Y, Wang XX, Liu YX. Loss of Gata4 in Sertoli cells impairs the spermatogonial stem cell niche and causes germ cell exhaustion by attenuating chemokine signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 6:37012-27. [PMID: 26473289 PMCID: PMC4741912 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, the primary somatic cell in the seminiferous epithelium, provide the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) microenvironment (niche) through physical support and the expression of paracrine factors. However, the regulatory mechanisms within the SSC niche, which is primarily controlled by Sertoli cells, remain largely unknown. GATA4 is a Sertoli cell marker, involved in genital ridge initiation, sex determination and differentiation during the embryonic stage. Here, we showed that neonatal mice with a targeted disruption of Gata4 in Sertoli cells (Gata4(flox/flox); Amh-Cre; hereafter termed Gata4 cKO) displayed a loss of the establishment and maintenance of the SSC pool and apoptosis of both gonocyte-derived differentiating spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes. Thus, progressive germ cell depletion and a Sertoli-cell-only syndrome were observed as early as the first wave of murine spermatogenesis. Transplantation of germ cells from postnatal day 5 (P5) Gata4 cKO mice into Kit(W/W-v) recipient seminiferous tubules restored spermatogenesis. In addition, microarray analyses of P5 Gata4 cKO mouse testes showed alterations in chemokine signaling factors, including Cxcl12, Ccl3, Cxcr4 (CXCL12 receptor), Ccr1 (CCL3 receptor), Ccl9, Xcl1 and Ccrl2. Deletion of Gata4 in Sertoli cells markedly attenuated Sertoli cell chemotaxis, which guides SSCs or prospermatogonia to the stem cell niche. Finally, we showed that GATA4 transcriptionally regulated Cxcl12 and Ccl9, and the addition of CXCL12 and CCL9 to an in vitro testis tissue culture system increased the number of PLZF+ undifferentiated spermatogonia within Gata4 cKO testes. Together, these results reveal a novel role for GATA4 in controlling the SSC niche via the transcriptional regulation of chemokine signaling shortly after birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, RP China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shetty G, Zhou W, Weng CCY, Shao SH, Meistrich ML. Leydig cells contribute to the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation after irradiation of the rat. Andrology 2016; 4:412-24. [PMID: 26991593 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Irradiation with 6 Gy produces a complete block of spermatogonial differentiation in LBNF1 rats that would be permanent without treatment. Subsequent suppression of gonadotropins and testosterone (T) restores differentiation to the spermatocyte stage; however, this process requires 6 weeks. We evaluated the role of Leydig cells (LCs) in maintenance of the block in spermatogonial differentiation after exposure to radiation by specifically eliminating functional LCs with ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS). EDS (but not another alkylating agent), given at 10 weeks after irradiation, induced spermatogonial differentiation in 24% of seminiferous tubules 2 weeks later. However, differentiation became blocked again at 4 weeks as LCs recovered. When EDS was followed by treatment with GnRH antagonist and flutamide, sustained spermatogonial differentiation was induced in >70% of tubules within 2 weeks. When EDS was followed by GnRH antagonist plus exogenous T, which also inhibits LC recovery but restores follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, the spermatogonial differentiation was again rapid but transient. These results confirm that the factors that block spermatogonial differentiation are indirectly regulated by T, and probably FSH, and that adult and possibly immature LCs contribute to the production of such inhibitory factors. We tested whether insulin-like 3 (INSL3), a LC-produced protein whose expression correlated with the block in spermatogonial differentiation, was indeed responsible for the block by injecting synthetic INSL3 into the testes and knocking down its expression in vivo with siRNA. Neither treatment had any effect on spermatogonial differentiation. The Leydig cell products that contribute to the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation in irradiated rats remain to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Zhou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C C Y Weng
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S H Shao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sahin Z, Szczepny A, McLaughlin EA, Meistrich ML, Zhou W, Ustunel I, Loveland KL. Dynamic Hedgehog signalling pathway activity in germline stem cells. Andrology 2014; 2:267-74. [PMID: 24574096 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although the contribution of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling to stem cell development and oncogenesis is well recognised, its importance for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) has not been established. Here we interrogate adult rat SSCs using an established model in which only undifferentiated spermatogonial cells remain in the testis at 15 weeks following irradiation, and spermatogonial differentiation is induced within 4 weeks by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) administration. Synthesis of Hh pathway components in untreated adult rat testes was compared with that in irradiated testes prior to and after GnRH-ant exposure using in situ hybridization. In adult testes with complete spermatogenesis, the Desert Hedgehog ligand transcript, Dhh, was detected in Sertoli cells, some spermatogonia and in spermatocytes by in situ hybridization. Spermatogenic cells were identified as sites of Hh signalling through detection of transcripts encoding the Hh receptor, Ptc2 transcripts and proteins for the key downstream target of Hh signalling, Gli1 and the Hh transcriptional activator, Gli2. Remarkably, the undifferentiated spermatogonia present in irradiated adult rat testes contained Dhh in addition to Ptc2, Gli1 and Gli2, revealing the potential for an autocrine Hh signalling loop to sustain undifferentiated spermatogonial cells. These transcripts became undetectable by in situ hybridization following GnRH-ant induction of spermatogonial differentiation, however, detection of Gli1 protein in spermatogonia in all groups indicates that Hh signalling is sustained. This is the first evidence of active Hh signalling in mammalian male germline stem cells, as has been documented for some cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Mersin-10, Turkey; Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Di-Luoffo M, Camiré E, Giner XC, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. The INSL3 gene is a direct target for the orphan nuclear receptor, COUP-TFII, in Leydig cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 53:43-55. [PMID: 24780841 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like 3 (INSL3), a hormone produced by Leydig cells, regulates testicular descent during foetal life and bone metabolism in adults. Despite its importance, little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling INSL3 expression. Reduced Insl3 mRNA levels were reported in the testis of mice deficient for chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII), an orphan nuclear receptor known to play critical roles in cell differentiation and lineage determination in several tissues. Although COUP-TFII-deficient mice had Leydig cell dysfunction and impaired fertility, it remained unknown whether Insl3 expression was directly regulated by COUP-TFII. In this study, we observed a significant decrease in Insl3 mRNA levels in MA-10 Leydig cells depleted of COUP-TFII. Furthermore, a -1087 bp mouse Insl3 promoter was activated fourfold by COUP-TFII in MA-10 Leydig cells. Using 5' progressive deletions, the COUP-TFII-responsive element was located between -186 and -79 bp, a region containing previously uncharacterised direct repeat 0-like (DR0-like) and DR3 elements. The recruitment and direct binding of COUP-TFII to the DR0-like element were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA precipitation assay respectively. Mutation of the DR0-like element, which prevented COUP-TFII binding, significantly decreased COUP-TFII-mediated activation of the -1087 bp Insl3 reporter in CV-1 fibroblast cells but not in MA-10 Leydig cells. Finally, we found that COUP-TFII cooperates with the nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) to further enhance Insl3 promoter activity. Our results identify Insl3 as a target for COUP-TFII in Leydig cells and revealed that COUP-TFII acts through protein-protein interactions with other DNA-bound transcription factors, including SF1, to activate Insl3 transcription in these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Mickaël Di-Luoffo
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Etienne Camiré
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Xavier C Giner
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL Room T3-67, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Albuquerque AV, Almeida FRCL, Weng CC, Shetty G, Meistrich ML, Chiarini-Garcia H. Spermatogonial behavior in rats during radiation-induced arrest and recovery after hormone suppression. Reproduction 2013; 146:363-76. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation has been shown to arrest spermatogenesis despite the presence of surviving stem spermatogonia, by blocking their differentiation. This block is a result of damage to the somatic environment and is reversed when gonadotropins and testosterone are suppressed, but the mechanisms are still unknown. We examined spermatogonial differentiation and Sertoli cell factors that regulate spermatogonia after irradiation, during hormone suppression, and after hormone suppression combined with Leydig cell elimination with ethane dimethane sulfonate. These results showed that the numbers and cytoplasmic structure of Sertoli cells are unaffected by irradiation, only a few type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia and even fewer type A1 spermatogonia remained, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that Sertoli cells still produced KIT ligand (KITLG) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Some of these cells expressed KIT receptor, demonstrating that the failure of differentiation was not a result of the absence of the KIT system. Hormone suppression resulted in an increase in Aund spermatogonia within 3 days, a gradual increase in KIT-positive spermatogonia, and differentiation mainly to A3 spermatogonia after 2 weeks. KITL (KITLG) protein expression did not change after hormone suppression, indicating that it is not a factor in the stimulation. However, GDNF increased steadily after hormone suppression, which was unexpected since GDNF is supposed to promote stem spermatogonial self-renewal and not differentiation. We conclude that the primary cause of the block in spermatogonial development is not due to Sertoli cell factors such (KITL\GDNF) or the KIT receptor. As elimination of Leydig cells in addition to hormone suppression resulted in differentiation to the A3 stage within 1 week, Leydig cell factors were not necessary for spermatogonial differentiation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cappallo-Obermann H, Feig C, Schulze W, Spiess AN. Fold-change correction values for testicular somatic transcripts in gene expression studies of human spermatogenesis. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:590-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
13
|
Abuelhija M, Weng CC, Shetty G, Meistrich ML. Differences in radiation sensitivity of recovery of spermatogenesis between rat strains. Toxicol Sci 2012; 126:545-53. [PMID: 22273744 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies with Lewis/Brown-Norway (BN) F1 hybrid rats indicated that spermatogenesis was much more sensitive to ionizing radiation than in the widely studied outbred Sprague Dawley stock, suggesting that there were genetically based differences; however, the relative sensitivities of various inbred strains had not been established. As a first step to defining the genes responsible for these differences, we compared the sensitivities of seven rat strains to radiation damage of spermatogenesis. Recovery of spermatogenesis was examined 10 weeks after 5-Gy irradiation of seven strains (BN, Lewis, Long-Evans, Wistar Kyoto, spontaneously hypertensive [SHR], Fischer 344, and Sprague Dawley). The percentages of tubules containing differentiated cells and testicular sperm counts showed that BN and Lewis were most sensitive to radiation (< 2% of tubules recovered, < 2 × 10(5) late spermatids per testis), Long-Evans, Wistar Kyoto, Fischer, and SHR were more resistant, and Sprague Dawley was the most resistant (98% of tubules recovered, 2 × 10(7) late spermatids per testis). Although increases in intratesticular testosterone levels and interstitial fluid volume after irradiation had been suggested as factors inhibiting recovery of spermatogenesis, neither appeared to correlate with the radiation sensitivity of spermatogenesis in these strains. In all strains, the atrophic tubules without differentiated germ cells nevertheless showed the presence of type A spermatogonia, indicating that their differentiation was blocked. Thus, we conclude that the differences in radiation sensitivity of recovery of spermatogenesis between rat strains of different genetic backgrounds can be accounted for by differences in the extent of the radiation-induced block of spermatogonial differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abuelhija
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body. It divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the apical (adluminal) compartments. Meiosis I and II, spermiogenesis, and spermiation all take place in a specialized microenvironment behind the BTB in the apical compartment, but spermatogonial renewal and differentiation and cell cycle progression up to the preleptotene spermatocyte stage take place outside of the BTB in the basal compartment of the epithelium. However, the BTB is not a static ultrastructure. Instead, it undergoes extensive restructuring during the seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis at stage VIII to allow the transit of preleptotene spermatocytes at the BTB. Yet the immunological barrier conferred by the BTB cannot be compromised, even transiently, during the epithelial cycle to avoid the production of antibodies against meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. Studies have demonstrated that some unlikely partners, namely adhesion protein complexes (e.g., occludin-ZO-1, N-cadherin-β-catenin, claudin-5-ZO-1), steroids (e.g., testosterone, estradiol-17β), nonreceptor protein kinases (e.g., focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, c-Yes), polarity proteins (e.g., PAR6, Cdc42, 14-3-3), endocytic vesicle proteins (e.g., clathrin, caveolin, dynamin 2), and actin regulatory proteins (e.g., Eps8, Arp2/3 complex), are working together, apparently under the overall influence of cytokines (e.g., transforming growth factor-β3, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α). In short, a "new" BTB is created behind spermatocytes in transit while the "old" BTB above transiting cells undergoes timely degeneration, so that the immunological barrier can be maintained while spermatocytes are traversing the BTB. We also discuss recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms by which environmental toxicants (e.g., cadmium, bisphenol A) induce testicular injury via their initial actions at the BTB to elicit subsequent damage to germ-cell adhesion, thereby leading to germ-cell loss, reduced sperm count, and male infertility or subfertility. Moreover, we also critically evaluate findings in the field regarding studies on drug transporters in the testis and discuss how these influx and efflux pumps regulate the entry of potential nonhormonal male contraceptives to the apical compartment to exert their effects. Collectively, these findings illustrate multiple potential targets are present at the BTB for innovative contraceptive development and for better delivery of drugs to alleviate toxicant-induced reproductive dysfunction in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shetty G, Porter KL, Zhou W, Shao SH, Weng CCY, Meistrich ML. Androgen suppression-induced stimulation of spermatogonial differentiation in juvenile spermatogonial depletion mice acts by elevating the testicular temperature. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3504-14. [PMID: 21733828 PMCID: PMC3159784 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Why both testosterone (T) suppression and cryptorchidism reverse the block in spermatogonial differentiation in adult mice homozygous for the juvenile spermatogonial depletion (jsd) mutation has been a conundrum. To resolve this conundrum, we analyzed interrelations between T suppression, testicular temperature, and spermatogonial differentiation and used in vitro techniques to separate the effects of the two treatments on the spermatogonial differentiation block in jsd mice. Temporal analysis revealed that surgical cryptorchidism rapidly stimulated spermatogonial differentiation whereas androgen ablation treatment produced a delayed and gradual differentiation. The androgen suppression caused scrotal shrinkage, significantly increasing the intrascrotal temperature. When serum T or intratesticular T (ITT) levels were modulated separately in GnRH antagonist-treated mice by exogenous delivery of T or LH, respectively, the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation correlated with the serum T and not with ITT levels. Thus, the block must be caused by peripheral androgen action. When testicular explants from jsd mice were cultured in vitro at 32.5 C, spermatogonial differentiation was not observed, but at 37 C significant differentiation was evident. In contrast, addition of T to the culture medium did not block the stimulation of spermatogonial differentiation at 37 C, and androgen ablation with aminoglutethimide and hydroxyflutamide did not stimulate differentiation at 32.5 C, suggesting that T had no direct effect on spermatogonial differentiation in jsd mice. These data show that elevation of temperature directly overcomes the spermatogonial differentiation block in adult jsd mice and that T suppression acts indirectly in vivo by causing scrotal regression and thereby elevating the testicular temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunapala Shetty
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Loveland
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton 3800 Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou W, Bolden-Tiller OU, Shao SH, Weng CC, Shetty G, AbuElhija M, Pakarinen P, Huhtaniemi I, Momin AA, Wang J, Stivers DN, Liu Z, Meistrich ML. Estrogen-regulated genes in rat testes and their relationship to recovery of spermatogenesis after irradiation. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:823-33. [PMID: 21653891 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.091611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous observations of the effects of estrogens on spermatogenesis, identification of estrogen-regulated genes in the testis is limited. Using rats in which irradiation had completely blocked spermatogonial differentiation, we previously showed that testosterone suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist acyline and the antiandrogen flutamide stimulated spermatogenic recovery and that addition of estradiol (E2) to this regimen accelerated this recovery. We report here the global changes in testicular cell gene expression induced by the E2 treatment. By minimizing the changes in other hormones and using concurrent data on regulation of the genes by these hormones, we were able to dissect the effects of estrogen on gene expression, independent of gonadotropin or testosterone changes. Expression of 20 genes, largely in somatic cells, was up- or downregulated between 2- and 5-fold by E2. The unexpected and striking enrichment of transcripts not corresponding to known genes among the E2-downregulated probes suggested that these might represent noncoding mRNAs; indeed, we have identified several as miRNAs and their potential target genes in this system. We propose that genes for which expression levels are altered in one direction by irradiation and in the opposite direction by both testosterone suppression and E2 treatment are candidates for controlling the block in differentiation. Several genes, including insulin-like 3 (Insl3), satisfied those criteria. If they are indeed involved in the inhibition of spermatogonial differentiation, they may be candidate targets for treatments to enhance recovery of spermatogenesis following gonadotoxic exposures, such as those resulting from cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77025, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou W, Wang G, Small CL, Liu Z, Weng CC, Yang L, Griswold MD, Meistrich ML. Gene expression alterations by conditional knockout of androgen receptor in adult Sertoli cells of Utp14b jsd/jsd (jsd) mice. Biol Reprod 2011; 84:400-8. [PMID: 21312389 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.090530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is dependent primarily on testosterone action on the Sertoli cells, but the molecular mechanisms have not been identified. Attempts to identify testosterone-regulated target genes in Sertoli cells have used microarray analysis of gene expression in mice lacking the androgen receptor (AR) in Sertoli cells (SCARKO) and wild-type mice, but the analyses have been complicated both by alteration of germ cell composition of the testis when pubertal or adult mice were used and by differences in Sertoli-cell gene expression from the expression in adults when prepubertal mice were used. To overcome these limitations and identify AR-regulated genes in adult Sertoli cells, we compared gene expression in adult jsd (Utp14b jsd/jsd, juvenile spermatogonial depletion) mouse testes and with that in SCARKO-jsd mouse testes, since their cellular compositions are essentially identical, consisting of only type A spermatogonia and somatic cells. Microarray analysis identified 157 genes as downregulated and 197 genes as upregulated in the SCARKO-jsd mice compared to jsd mice. Some of the AR-regulated genes identified in the previous studies, including Rhox5, Drd4, and Fhod3, were also AR regulated in the jsd testes, but others, such as proteases and components of junctional complexes, were not AR regulated in our model. Surprisingly, a set of germ cell–specific genes preferentially expressed in differentiated spermatogonia and meiotic cells, including Meig1, Sycp3, and Ddx4, were all upregulated about 2-fold in SCARKO-jsd testes. AR-regulated genes in Sertoli cells must therefore be involved in the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation, although there was no significant differentiation to spermatocytes in SCARKO-jsd mice. Further gene ontogeny analysis revealed sets of genes whose changes in expression may be involved in the dislocation of Sertoli cell nuclei in SCARKO-jsd testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 066, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou W, Wang G, Small CL, Liu Z, Weng CC, Yang L, Griswold MD, Meistrich ML. Gene expression alterations by conditional knockout of androgen receptor in adult sertoli cells of Utp14b(jsd/jsd) (jsd) mice. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:759-66. [PMID: 20650881 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is dependent primarily on testosterone action on the Sertoli cells, but the molecular mechanisms have not been identified. Attempts to identify testosterone-regulated target genes in Sertoli cells have used microarray analysis of gene expression in mice lacking the androgen receptor (AR) in Sertoli cells (SCARKO) and wild-type mice, but the analyses have been complicated both by alteration of germ cell composition of the testis when pubertal or adult mice were used and by differences in Sertoli-cell gene expression from the expression in adults when prepubertal mice were used. To overcome these limitations and identify AR-regulated genes in adult Sertoli cells, we compared gene expression in adult jsd (Utp14b(jsd/jsd), juvenile spermatogonial depletion) mouse testes and with that in SCARKO-jsd mouse testes, since their cellular compositions are essentially identical, consisting of only type A spermatogonia and somatic cells. Microarray analysis identified 157 genes as downregulated and 197 genes as upregulated in the SCARKO-jsd mice compared to jsd mice. Some of the AR-regulated genes identified in the previous studies, including Rhox5, Drd4, and Fhod3, were also AR regulated in the jsd testes, but others, such as proteases and components of junctional complexes, were not AR regulated in our model. Surprisingly, a set of germ cell-specific genes preferentially expressed in differentiated spermatogonia and meiotic cells, including Meig1, Sycp3, and Ddx4, were all upregulated about 2-fold in SCARKO-jsd testes. AR-regulated genes in Sertoli cells must therefore be involved in the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation, although there was no significant differentiation from spermatocytes in SCARKO-jsd mice. Further gene ontogeny analysis revealed sets of genes whose changes in expression may be involved in the dislocation of Sertoli cell nuclei in SCARKO-jsd testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang G, Shao SH, Weng CCY, Wei C, Meistrich ML. Hormonal suppression restores fertility in irradiated mice from both endogenous and donor-derived stem spermatogonia. Toxicol Sci 2010; 117:225-37. [PMID: 20584762 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Irradiation interrupts spermatogenesis and causes prolonged sterility in male mammals. Hormonal suppression treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues has restored spermatogenesis in irradiated rats, but similar attempts were unsuccessful in irradiated mice, monkeys, and humans. In this study, we tested a stronger hormonal suppression regimen (the GnRH antagonist, acyline, and plus flutamide) for efficacy both in restoring endogenous spermatogenesis and in enhancing colonization of transplanted stem spermatogonia in mouse testes irradiated with a total doses between 10.5 and 13.5 Gy. A 4-week hormonal suppression treatment, given immediately after irradiation, increased endogenous spermatogenic recovery 1.5-fold, and 11-week hormonal suppression produced twofold increases compared with sham-treated irradiated controls. Furthermore, 10-week hormonal suppression restored fertility from endogenous surviving spermatogonial stem cells in 90% of 10.5-Gy irradiated mice, whereas only 10% were fertile without hormonal suppression. Four- and 11-week hormonal suppression also enhanced spermatogenic development from transplanted stem spermatogonia in irradiated recipient mice, by 3.1- and 4.8-fold, respectively, compared with those not given hormonal treatment. Moreover, the 10-week hormonal suppression regimen, but not a sham treatment, restored fertility of some 13.5-Gy irradiated recipient mice from donor-derived spermatogonial stem cells. This is the first report of hormonal suppression inducing recovery of endogenous spermatogenesis and fertility in a mouse model treated with anticancer agents. The combination of spermatogonial transplantation with hormonal suppression should be investigated as a treatment to restore fertility in young men after cytotoxic cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gensheng Wang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhou P, Wu YG, Wei DL, Li Q, Wang G, Zhang J, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Mouse cumulus-denuded oocytes restore developmental capacity completely when matured with optimal supplementation of cysteamine, cystine, and cumulus cells. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:759-68. [PMID: 20075397 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objectives were to study how cysteamine, cystine, and cumulus cells (CCs), as well as oocytes interact to increase oocyte intracellular glutathione (GSH) and thereby to establish an efficient in vitro maturation system for cumulus-denuded oocytes (DOs). Using M16 that contained no thiol as maturation medium, we showed that when supplemented alone, neither cystine nor cysteamine promoted GSH synthesis of mouse DOs, but they did when used together. Although goat CCs required either cysteamine or cystine to promote GSH synthesis, mouse CCs required both. In the presence of cystine, goat CCs produced cysteine but mouse CCs did not. Cysteamine reduced cystine to cysteine in cell-free M16. When TCM-199 that contained 83 microM cystine was used as maturation medium, supplementation with cysteamine alone had no effect, but supplementation with 100 microM cysteamine and 200 microM cystine increased blastulation of DOs matured with CC coculture to a level as high as achieved in cumulus-surrounded oocytes (COCs). Similar numbers of young were produced after two-cell embryos from mouse COCs or CC-cocultured DOs matured with optimal thiol supplementation were transferred to pseudopregnant recipients. It is concluded that 1) mouse CCs can use neither cysteamine nor cystine to promote GSH synthesis, but goat CCs can use either one; 2) goat CCs promote mouse oocyte GSH synthesis by reducing cystine to cysteine, but how they use cysteamine requires further investigation; and 3) mouse DOs can use neither cystine nor cysteamine for GSH synthesis, but they restore developmental capacity completely when matured in the presence of optimum supplementation of cysteamine, cystine, and CCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shah FJ, Tanaka M, Nielsen JE, Iwamoto T, Kobayashi S, Skakkebæk NE, Leffers H, Almstrup K. Gene expression profiles of mouse spermatogenesis during recovery from irradiation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:130. [PMID: 19925657 PMCID: PMC2784772 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irradiation or chemotherapy that suspend normal spermatogenesis is commonly used to treat various cancers. Fortunately, spermatogenesis in many cases can be restored after such treatments but knowledge is limited about the re-initiation process. Earlier studies have described the cellular changes that happen during recovery from irradiation by means of histology. We have earlier generated gene expression profiles during induction of spermatogenesis in mouse postnatal developing testes and found a correlation between profiles and the expressing cell types. The aim of the present work was to utilize the link between expression profile and cell types to follow the cellular changes that occur during post-irradiation recovery of spermatogenesis in order to describe recovery by means of gene expression. METHODS Adult mouse testes were subjected to irradiation with 1 Gy or a fractionated radiation of two times 1 Gy. Testes were sampled every third or fourth day to follow the recovery of spermatogenesis and gene expression profiles generated by means of differential display RT-PCR. In situ hybridization was in addition performed to verify cell-type specific gene expression patterns. RESULTS Irradiation of mice testis created a gap in spermatogenesis, which was initiated by loss of A1 to B-spermatogonia and lasted for approximately 10 days. Irradiation with 2 times 1 Gy showed a more pronounced effect on germ cell elimination than with 1 Gy, but spermatogenesis was in both cases completely reconstituted 42 days after irradiation. Comparison of expression profiles indicated that the cellular reconstitution appeared equivalent to what is observed during induction of normal spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION The data indicates that recovery of spermatogenesis can be monitored by means of gene expression, which could aid in designing radiation treatment regimes for cancer patients leading to better restoration of spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fozia J Shah
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Masami Tanaka
- Institute for Animal Experimentation, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki 216-8511, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki 216-8511, Japan
| | - John E Nielsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- Center for infertility and IVF, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, 537-3 Iguchi, Nasushiobara 329-2763, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki 216-8511, Japan
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Henrik Leffers
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|