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Liu MM, Feng XL, Qi C, Zhang SE, Zhang GL. The significance of single-cell transcriptome analysis in epididymis research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357370. [PMID: 38577504 PMCID: PMC10991796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357370] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial component of the male reproductive system, the epididymis plays multiple roles, including sperm storage and secretion of nutritive fluids for sperm development and maturation. The acquisition of fertilization capacity by sperm occurs during their transport through the epididymis. Compared with the testis, little has been realized about the importance of the epididymis. However, with the development of molecular biology and single-cell sequencing technology, the importance of the epididymis for male fertility should be reconsidered. Recent studies have revealed that different regions of the epididymis exhibit distinct functions and cell type compositions, which are likely determined by variations in gene expression patterns. In this research, we primarily focused on elucidating the cellular composition and region-specific gene expression patterns within different segments of the epididymis and provided detailed insights into epididymal function in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xin-Lei Feng
- Animal Products Quality and Safety Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Er Zhang
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Liang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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2
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Cheng P, Wei J, Liu B, Zhao Y, Ma B, Feng X, Xiong M, Zhao J, Shi C, Li Z. Metastasis-associated protein 1 participates in regulating luminal acidification of the epididymis via repressing estrogen receptor alpha transcription. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436139 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13621] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylating (NuRD) complex, metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) has been reported to be abundant in male reproductive system and might participate in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, whereas the precise functional role of MTA1 in these processes is still undetermined. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and potential function of MTA1 in male fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mta1 knockout mice (Mta1-/- ) were employed to detect their reproductive phenotype. The pH value of Mta1-/- epididymal luminal fluid was measured, and the potential mechanism of MTA1 involved in regulating luminal acidification was detected in vivo and in vitro. A vasectomy model with abnormal pH of epididymal lumen was established to further detect the effect of MTA1 on epididymal luminal microenvironment. RESULTS Mta1-/- mice were fertile without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility while the deficiency of MTA1 could acidify the initial segment of epididymis to a certain extent. MTA1 could interact with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and inhibit the transcription of ERα target gene, hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3), and ultimately affect the epididymal luminal milieu. After vasectomy, the Mta1-/- mice presented a more acidic epididymal lumen which was closer to the normal state compared to the wild-type model. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION MTA1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice, but plays a potentially important function in regulating luminal acidification of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang Cheng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinhua Wei
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Liu
- The Air Force Hospital of Central Theater of PLA, Datong, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Binfang Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingxiang Xiong
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Nakata H, Iseki S, Mizokami A. Three-dimensional analysis of junctions between efferent and epididymal ducts in the human caput epididymis. Andrology 2024; 12:87-97. [PMID: 37129932 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the scarcity of studies using human tissues, the limited information is currently available on the gross structure of the caput epididymis in humans, at which efferent ducts connect to the epididymal duct. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the three-dimensional structures of efferent and caput epididymal ducts in humans, with a focus on junctions between the former and the latter. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined three sets of human efferent and caput epididymal ducts in specimens obtained from prostatic carcinoma patients. They were reconstructed from serial paraffin sections using a segmentation model created by a deep learning protocol and high-performance three-dimensional reconstruction software. RESULTS Serial sections and three-dimensional images of human efferent and caput epididymal ducts were combined to obtain the detailed anatomical information. When a single efferent duct was defined as a duct connecting to both the extra-testicular rete testis and epididymal duct, there were 14.7 efferent ducts with a total length of 3.0 m per specimen on average. The cranial portion of the efferent ducts joined to a single duct and terminated at the end of the epididymal duct, whereas other efferent ducts terminated independently on the side of the epididymal duct. These two types of junctions between the efferent and epididymal ducts differed in the patterns of the epithelial-type switch. The epididymal duct consisted of multiple segments, which were separated by a minimal amount of connective tissue septa or even without them. Efferent ducts occupied most of the volume of the caput epididymis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS By utilizing deep learning, we reconstructed human efferent and caput epididymal ducts and revealed their precise three-dimensional structures, which differed from those of rodents in several aspects. The present results may be useful for analyzing anatomical abnormalities related to some types of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shoichi Iseki
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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Habiba ES, Harby SA, El-Sayed NS, Omar EM, Bakr BA, Augustyniak M, El-Samad LM, Hassan MA. Sericin and melatonin mitigate diethylnitrosamine-instigated testicular impairment in mice: Implications of oxidative stress, spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and modulation of Nrf2/WT1/SF-1 signaling pathways. Life Sci 2023; 334:122220. [PMID: 37898455 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic influence of combination therapy with sericin and melatonin on attenuating diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-instigated testicular dysfunction in mice and defining the molecular mechanisms involved in orchestrating redox signaling pathways and restoring spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Different groups of male Swiss albino mice were established and injected with respective drugs intraperitoneally. Semen analysis, hormonal assays, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Additionally, melatonin and its receptors, WT1, SF-1, vimentin, Nrf2, and ANXA1 expressions were assessed. Histopathological and ultrastructural features of the testes were investigated by semithin, SEM, and TEM analyses. KEY FINDINGS Exposure to DEN exhibited pathophysiological consequences, including a remarkable increase in lipid peroxidation associated with substantial diminutions in SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, GSH:GSSG, and GST. Furthermore, it disrupted spermatozoa integrity, testosterone, FSH, LH, melatonin, and its receptors (MT1 and MT2) levels, implying spermatogenesis dysfunction. By contrast, treatment with sericin and melatonin significantly restored these disturbances. Interestingly, the combination therapy of sericin and melatonin noticeably augmented the Nrf2, WT1, and SF-1 expressions compared to DEN-treated mice, deciphering the amelioration perceived in antioxidant defense and spermatogenesis inside cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical detection of ANXA1 alongside histopathological and ultrastructural analyses revealed evident maintenance of testicular structures without discernible inflammation or anomalies in mice administered with sericin and melatonin compared to the DEN-treated group. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings highlighted that treatment with sericin and melatonin alleviated the testicular tissues in mice from oxidative stress and dysregulated spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis engendered by DEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa S Habiba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Sahar A Harby
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Norhan S El-Sayed
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Eman M Omar
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Basant A Bakr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Maria Augustyniak
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Lamia M El-Samad
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Hassan
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt.
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Wang X, Qiu F, Yu J, Zhou M, Zuo A, Xu X, Sun XY, Wang Z. Transcriptome profiling of the initial segment and proximal caput of mouse epididymis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1190890. [PMID: 37324270 PMCID: PMC10266198 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1190890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The proximal region of the mouse epididymis plays a pivotal role in sperm transport, sperm maturation, and male fertility. Several studies have focused on segment-dependent gene expression of the mouse epididymis through high-throughput sequencing without the precision of the microdissection. Methods and results Herein, we isolated the initial segment (IS) and proximal caput (P-caput) by physical microdissection using an Lcn9-cre; Rosa26tdTomato mouse model. We defined the transcriptome changes of caput epididymis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), which identified 1,961 genes that were abundantly expressed in the IS and 1,739 genes that were prominently expressed in the P-caput. In addition, we found that many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly or uniquely expressed in the epididymis and region-specific genes were highly associated with transport, secretion, sperm motility, fertilization, and male fertility. Conclusion Thus, this study provides an RNA-seq resource to identify region-specific genes in the caput epididymis. The epididymal-selective/specific genes are potential targets for male contraception and may provide new insights into understanding segment-specific epididymal microenvironment-mediated sperm transport, maturation, and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanyi Qiu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junjie Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Meiyang Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Anjian Zuo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Wanhui Biomedicine Co., LTD., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Xiao-Yang Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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Qiu F, Wang X, Zhou M, Yu J, Wang Z. Epididymal DIS3 exosome ribonuclease is not necessary for mouse sperm maturation or fertility. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 666:36-44. [PMID: 37172450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.023] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
DIS3 is an RNA exosome associated ribonuclease that degrades a wide range of transcripts that can be essential for cell survival and development. The proximal region of the mouse epididymis (initial segment and caput) plays a pivotal role in sperm transport and maturation required for male fertility. However, whether DIS3 ribonuclease mediates RNA decay in proximal epididymides remains unclear. Herein, we established a conditional knockout mouse line by crossing a floxed Dis3 allele with Lcn9-cre mice in which the recombinase is expressed in the principal cells of initial segment as early as post-natal day 17. Morphological and histological analyses, immunofluorescence, computer-aided sperm analysis and fertility were used for functional analyses. We document that DIS3 deficiency in the initial segment had no effect on male fertility. Dis3 cKO males had normal spermatogenesis and initial segment development. In cauda epididymides of Dis3 cKO mice, sperm abundance, morphology, motility, and the frequency of acrosome exocytosis were comparable to controls. Collectively, our genetic model demonstrates that loss of DIS3 in the initial segment of the epididymis is not essential for sperm maturation, motility, or male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyi Qiu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Meiyang Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Junjie Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Zhengpin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
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Tsuchiya H, Fujinoki M, Azuma M, Koshimizu TA. Vasopressin V1a receptor and oxytocin receptor regulate murine sperm motility differently. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201488. [PMID: 36650057 PMCID: PMC9846835 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific receptors for the neurohypophyseal hormones, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin, are present in the male reproductive organs. However, their exact roles remain unknown. To elucidate the physiological functions of pituitary hormones in male reproduction, this study first focused on the distribution and function of one of the AVP receptors, V1a. In situ hybridization analysis revealed high expression of the Avpr1a in Leydig cells of the testes and narrow/clear cells in the epididymis, with the expression pattern differing from that of the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Notably, persistent motility and highly proportional hyperactivation were observed in spermatozoa from V1a receptor-deficient mice. In contrast, OTR blocking by antagonist atosiban decreased hyperactivation rate. Furthermore, AVP stimulation could alter the extracellular pH mediated by the V1a receptor. The results highlight the crucial role of neurohypophyseal hormones in male reproductive physiology, with potential contradicting roles of V1a and OTR in sperm maturation. Our findings suggest that V1a receptor antagonists are potential therapeutic drugs for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Tsuchiya
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Morio Azuma
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Koshimizu
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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da Silva AAS, de Santi F, Hinton BT, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Venlafaxine increases aromatization, reduces apical V-ATPase in clear cells and induces increased number of mast cells and smooth muscle cells death in rat cauda epididymis. Life Sci 2023; 315:121329. [PMID: 36584913 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Depressive disorders (DD) have affected millions of people worldwide. Venlafaxine, antidepressant of the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, has been prescribed for the treatment of DD. In rat testes, venlafaxine induces testosterone (T) aromatization and increases estrogen levels. Aromatase is a key enzyme for the formation of estrogen in the epididymis, an essential organ for male fertility. We investigated the impact of serotonergic/noradrenergic venlafaxine effect on the epididymal cauda region, focusing on aromatase, V-ATPase and EGF epithelial immunoexpression, smooth muscle (SM) integrity and mast cells number (MCN). Male rats were distributed into control (CG; n = 10) and venlafaxine (VFG, n = 10) groups. VFG received 30 mg/kg b.w. of venlafaxine for 35 days. The epididymal cauda was processed for light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and estrogen alpha (Esr1), adrenergic (Adra1a) and serotonergic (Htr1b) receptors were analyzed. Clear cells (CCs) area, SM thickness, viable spermatozoa (VS) and MCN were evaluated. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and TEM. The following immunoreactions were performed: T, aromatase, T/aromatase co-localization, V-ATPase, EGF, Cx43 and PCNA. The increased Adra1a and reduced Htr1b expressions confirmed the noradrenergic and serotonergic venlafaxine effects, respectively, corroborating the increased MCN, apoptosis and atrophy of SM. In VFG, the epithelial EGF increased, explaining Cx43 overexpression and basal cells mitotic activity. T aromatization and Esr1 downregulation indicate high estrogen levels, explaining CCs hypertrophy and changes in the V-ATPase localization, corroborating VS reduction. Thus, in addition to serotonergic/noradrenergic effects, T/estrogen imbalance, induced by venlafaxine, impairs epididymal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Acácio Souza da Silva
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphology and Genetics, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barry T Hinton
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Paulo Sérgio Cerri
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil.
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Belardin LB, Légaré C, Sullivan R, Belleannée C, Breton S. Expression of the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor in the non-vasectomized and vasectomized human epididymis. Andrology 2022; 10:1522-1539. [PMID: 36029226 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress or injury. These include UDP-glucose, which activates the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14), and induces immune cell recruitment. However, little is known about P2Y14 in the epididymis and its potential activation following vasectomy. OBJECTIVES (i) to localize P2Y14 in the human excurrent duct; and (ii) to examine the effect of vasectomy on P2Y14 protein and P2RY14 mRNA content, the production of selected cytokines and chemokines, and immune cell recruitment in the epididymis. MATERIAL AND METHODS in situ hybridization, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed in banked human epididymis samples. RESULTS P2RY14 mRNA and P2Y14 protein were detected in epithelial cells in the efferent duct, epididymis and vas deferens in non-vasectomized men. Keratin 5 (KRT5)-positive basal cells were strongly labeled for P2Y14 in all epididymal segments. A progressive apical localization was detected in principal cells (negative for the proton pump V-ATPase) from the corpus to the cauda. A subset of V-ATPase-positive clear cells also showed strong P2Y14 labeling. Vasectomy induced an increase in P2RY14 mRNA in the corpus and cauda, and stronger apical labeling in principal cells in the corpus. CXCL10 mRNA increased in the cauda and CCL2 mRNA decreased in the corpus of vasectomized versus non-vasectomized men. No change in IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA was detected. Numerous CD45+ leukocytes were detected in the interstitium of the corpus and cauda following vasectomy, while only a few were seen in non-vasectomized men. Several CD45+ leukocytes, some of which containing spermatozoa, were detected in the corpus lumen following vasectomy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study indicates that vasectomy-induced spermatozoa congestion may lead to an inflamed-prone local environment characterized by potential activation of P2Y14 and recruitment of immune cells in the epididymis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Kim SW, Jeong YD, Lee GY, Lee J, Lee JY, Kim CL, Ko YG, Lee SS, Kim B. Differential expression and localization of tight junction proteins
in the goat epididymis. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:500-514. [PMID: 35709128 PMCID: PMC9184707 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) forms a unique microenvironment that is
crucial for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in
the epididymis. To characterize the function of tight junctions (TJs), which are
constitutive components of the BEB, we determined the expression and
localization of TJ proteins such as zonula occludens (ZO)-1, 2, and 3, occludin,
and claudin3 (Cldn3) during postnatal development in the goat epididymis. To
assess the expression patterns of TJ proteins in immature (3 months of age) and
mature (14 months of age) goat epididymides, two different experimental methods
were used including immunofluorescence labeling and western blotting. We show
that, ZO-1, 2, and 3, and occludin, were strictly expressed and localized to the
TJs of the goat epididymis, whereas Cldn3 was present in basolateral membranes
as well as TJs. All TJ proteins examined were more highly expressed in the
immature epididymis compared to levels in mature tissue. In conclusion, our
study indicates that at least five TJ proteins, namely ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3,
occludin, and Cldn3, are present in TJs, and the expression strength and pattern
of TJ proteins tend to be age dependent in the goat epididymis. Together, these
data suggest that the distinct expression patterns of TJ proteins are essential
for regulating components of the luminal contents in the epididymal epithelium
and for forming adequate luminal conditions that are necessary for the
maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the goat
epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Kim
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Yu-Da Jeong
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Ga-Yeong Lee
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Jinwook Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeung Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Chan-Lan Kim
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Yeoung-Gyu Ko
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
- Corresponding author: Bongki Kim, Department of
Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea. Tel:
+82-41-330-1246, E-mail:
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Hoque M, Kim EN, Chen D, Li FQ, Takemaru KI. Essential Roles of Efferent Duct Multicilia in Male Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030341. [PMID: 35159149 PMCID: PMC8834061 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are microtubule-based hair-like organelles on the cell surface. Cilia have been implicated in various biological processes ranging from mechanosensation to fluid movement. Ciliary dysfunction leads to a plethora of human diseases, known as ciliopathies. Although non-motile primary cilia are ubiquitous, motile multicilia are found in restricted locations of the body, such as the respiratory tract, the oviduct, the efferent duct, and the brain ventricles. Multicilia beat in a whip-like motion to generate fluid flow over the apical surface of an epithelium. The concerted ciliary motion provides the driving force critical for clearing airway mucus and debris, transporting ova from the ovary to the uterus, maintaining sperm in suspension, and circulating cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In the male reproductive tract, multiciliated cells (MCCs) were first described in the mid-1800s, but their importance in male fertility remained elusive until recently. MCCs exist in the efferent ducts, which are small, highly convoluted tubules that connect the testis to the epididymis and play an essential role in male fertility. In this review, we will introduce multiciliogenesis, discuss mouse models of male infertility with defective multicilia, and summarize our current knowledge on the biological function of multicilia in the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hoque
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (M.H.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Eunice N. Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (M.H.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Danny Chen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (D.C.); (F.-Q.L.)
| | - Feng-Qian Li
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (D.C.); (F.-Q.L.)
| | - Ken-Ichi Takemaru
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (M.H.); (E.N.K.)
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (D.C.); (F.-Q.L.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Jia S, Zhao F. Ex vivo development of the entire mouse fetal reproductive tract by using microdissection and membrane-based organ culture techniques. Differentiation 2022; 123:42-49. [PMID: 35030420 PMCID: PMC8821157 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo explant culture is an appealing alternative to in vivo studies on fetal reproductive organ development. There is extensive literature on ex vivo methods of growing the fetal gonad. However, a method for culturing the whole fetal reproductive tract that has a different shape and size has not been documented. Here, with careful dissection and proper tissue orientation, we successfully cultured the entire bicornuate reproductive tracts from mouse embryos of both sexes on the Transwell insert membrane. The cultured reproductive tract system undergoes sexually dimorphic establishment and region-specific morphogenesis comparable to in vivo development of their counterparts. To test this culture method's applications, we used chemical treatment (dihydrotestosterone and BMS 564929) and genetic cellular ablation mouse model (Gli1-CreER; Rosa-DTA) to investigate the roles of androgen signaling and Gli1+ mesenchyme in Wolffian duct development. Dihydrotestosterone and BMS 564929 promoted the ectopic maintenance of Wolffian ducts in cultured XX tissues. The efficient and specific elimination of Gli1+ mesenchyme was successfully achieved in the cultured tissues, resulting in defective coiling of Wolffian ducts. These results demonstrate the amenability of this organ culture method for chemical and genetic manipulations that are otherwise difficult to study in vivo. Taken together, the establishment of this organ culture method provides a valuable tool complementary to in vivo studies for understanding fetal reproductive tract development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA,Corresponding author: Fei Zhao, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA, Tel: 608-890-2610.
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13
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Pilutin A, Misiakiewicz-Has K, Rzeszotek S, Wiszniewska B. Morphological and morphometric changes and epithelial apoptosis are induced in the rat epididymis by long-term letrozole treatment. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65:3259. [PMID: 34474552 PMCID: PMC8431869 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3259] [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: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is an organ that plays a key role in sperm maturation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the chronic treatment of mature male rats with letrozole and morphological evaluation and morphometric values of epididymis as well as changes in the number of apoptotic cells in epididymal epithelium. Adult rats were treated with letrozole for 6 months and the epididymis weight, morphology, morphometric values and the number of apoptotic cells in the epithelium were examined. Long-term aromatase inhibition resulted in presence of intraepithelial clear vacuoles, hyperplasia of clear cells and a hyperplastic alteration in the epithelium known as a cribriform change. Moreover, changes in diameters of the epididymal duct and the epididymal lumen and changes in the epididymal epithelium height were observed. The number of apoptotic epithelial cells was increased in letrozole-treated group. It can be indicated that chronic treatment with letrozole can affect morphology, morphometric values and apoptosis in the epididymis of adult male rats. Observed changes are similar to that observed in the aging processes and may also be important for patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pilutin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin.
| | | | - Sylwia Rzeszotek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin.
| | - Barbara Wiszniewska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin.
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14
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Gong QQ, Dou ZL, Wang X, Zhang KY, Chen H, Gao JG, Sun XY. Epididymal initial segment-specific Cre recombinase activity in Lcn8-Cre knock-in mice. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6015-6023. [PMID: 34328598 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06604-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm acquire the ability to fertilize ova through a complex process of epididymal maturation. To identify the functions of genes expressed in the proximal epididymis, mouse models specific to this region are needed. METHODS AND RESULTS A Lcn8-Cre knock-in mouse line was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. A 37 bp coding sequence of Lcn8 from the ATG start codon was replaced by an NLS-Cre-polyA cassette, resulting in Cre expression and the absence of Lcn8. Epididymal initial segment-specific Cre expression was identified using RT-PCR and western blotting, and the spatial-temporal Cre activity was further confirmed by using the Rosa26tdTomato reporter mice. Immunofluorescence staining showed that active Cre recombinase was present in the principal cells. Histological analyses of sperm and epididymides, and the four-month mating tests, were used to confirm that Cre expression did not affect normal development and male fecundity. CONCLUSIONS The novel Lcn8-Cre mice can be used to establish epididymal initial segment-specific conditional knock-out mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Gong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Dou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ke-Yi Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian-Gang Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
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15
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Gong QQ, Wang X, Dou ZL, Zhang KY, Liu XG, Gao JG, Sun XY. A novel mouse line with epididymal initial segment-specific expression of Cre recombinase driven by the endogenous Lcn9 promoter. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254802. [PMID: 34310634 PMCID: PMC8312960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa released from testes undergo a maturation process and acquire the capacity to fertilize ova through epididymal transit. The epididymis is divided into four regions, each with unique morphology, gene profile, luminal microenvironment and distinct function. To study the functions of relevant genes in the epididymal initial segment (IS), a novel IS-specific mouse model, Lcn9-Cre knock-in (KI) mouse line was generated via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The TAG stop codon was replaced by a 2A-NLS-Cre cassette, resulting in the co-expression of Lcn9 and Cre recombinase. IS-specific Cre expression was first observed from postnatal day 17. Using the Rosa26tdTomato reporter mice, the Cre-mediated DNA recombination was detected exclusively in principal cells. The epididymal IS-specific Cre activity in vivo was further confirmed using Lcn9-Cre mice crossed with a mouse strain carrying Tsc1 floxed alleles (Tsc1flox/+). Cre expression did not affect either normal development or male fecundity. Different from any epididymis-specific Cre mice reported previously, the novel Lcn9-Cre mouse line can be used to introduce entire IS-specific conditional gene editing for gene functional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-qian Gong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhi-lin Dou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ke-yi Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang-guo Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian-gang Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-yang Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Sheng Z, Gao N, Fan D, Wu N, Zhang Y, Han D, Zhang Y, Tan W, Wang P, An J. Zika virus disrupts the barrier structure and Absorption/Secretion functions of the epididymis in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009211. [PMID: 33667230 PMCID: PMC7968736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that Zika virus (ZIKV) damages testis and leads to infertility in mice; however, the infection in the epididymis, another important organ of male reproductive health, has gained less attention. Previously, we detected lesions in the epididymis in interferon type I and II receptor knockout male mice during ZIKV infection. Herein, the pathogenesis of ZIKV in the epididymis was further assessed in the infected mice after footpad inoculation. ZIKV efficiently replicated in the epididymis, and principal cells were susceptible to ZIKV. ZIKV infection disrupted the histomorphology of the epididymis, and the effects were characterized by a decrease in the thickness of the epithelial layer and an increase in the luminal diameter, especially at the proximal end. Significant inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the epididymis accompanied by an increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-28. The expression of tight junction proteins was downregulated and associated with disordered arrangement of the junctions. Importantly, the expression levels of aquaporin 1 and lipocalin 8, indicators of the absorption and secretion functions of the epididymis, were markedly reduced, and the proteins were redistributed. These events synergistically altered the microenvironment for sperm maturation, disturbed sperm transport downstream, and may impact male reproductive health. Overall, these results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the male reproductive damage caused by ZIKV infection and the possible contribution of epididymal injury into this process. Therefore, male fertility of the population in areas of ZIKV epidemic requires additional attention. Unlike other mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, ZIKV can persistently replicate in the male reproductive system and is sexually transmitted. ZIKV infection was reported to damage testis. However, ZIKV-induced epididymal injury was not investigated in detail. Clinically, epididymitis is closely associated with male infertility. In this study, a mouse model was used to demonstrate that ZIKV causes histomorphological and functional changes in the epididymis, which may alter the microenvironment of sperm maturation and movement and finally lead to male infertility. Therefore, long-term investigation of male reproductive health may be needed in the areas of ZIKV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Sheng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongying Fan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weilong Tan
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peigang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (PW); (JA)
| | - Jing An
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (PW); (JA)
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17
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Hess RA, Sharpe RM, Hinton BT. Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens. Differentiation 2021; 118:41-71. [PMID: 33441255 PMCID: PMC8026493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802 USA and Epivara, Inc., Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Dr., Suite 230G, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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18
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Menad R, Fernini M, Lakabi L, Smaï S, Gernigon-Spychalowicz T, Farida K, Bonnet X, Moudilou E, Exbrayat JM. Androgen and estrogen receptors immunolocalization in the sand rat (Psammomys Obesus) cauda epididymis. Acta Histochem 2021; 123:151683. [PMID: 33508524 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151683] [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: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Both androgens and estrogens play key, albeit incompletely described, roles in the functioning of the epididymis. Because this tightly-coiled tubular structure is compartmented, precise mapping of the distribution of sex steroid's receptors is important. Such receptors have been located in the first segments (caput, corpus), but the last part (cauda) remains poorly explored. We used immunochemistry to localize androgen (AR) and estrogen (ESR1 and ESR2) receptors in the cauda in the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus). We compared results obtained during the breeding versus resting seasons. We also used individuals castrated, or castrated then treated with testosterone, or subjected to the ligation of their efferent ducts. During the breeding season, in principal cells, we found strong staining both for AR and ESR1 in the apical cytoplasm, and strong staining for ESR2 in the nucleus. During the resting season, principal cells were positive for AR and ESR1, but negative for ESR2. In castrated animals, staining was null for ESR2 and AR, and weak for ESR1. In castrated then treated animals, immuno-expression was restored but only for AR and ESR1. Following efferent duct ligation, AR reactivity decreased while ESR1 and ESR2 provided strong staining. Broadly similar, but not fully identical patterns were observed in basal cells. They were positive for ESR2 and AR during the breeding season, but not for ESR1. During the resting season, staining was modest for ESR1 and AR and negative for ESR2. In all experimentally treated animals, we observed weak staining for AR and ESR1, and a lack of signal for ESR2. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that androgens and estrogens are involved in the seasonal regulation of the whole epididymis in the fat sand rat, with marked differences between caput and cauda (the corpus is highly reduced in rodent).
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19
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Pantos K, Grigoriadis S, Tomara P, Louka I, Maziotis E, Pantou A, Nitsos N, Vaxevanoglou T, Kokkali G, Agarwal A, Sfakianoudis K, Simopoulou M. Investigating the Role of the microRNA-34/449 Family in Male Infertility: A Critical Analysis and Review of the Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:709943. [PMID: 34276570 PMCID: PMC8281345 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.709943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a great body of evidence suggesting that in both humans and animal models the microRNA-34/449 (miR-34/449) family plays a crucial role for normal testicular functionality as well as for successful spermatogenesis, regulating spermatozoa maturation and functionality. This review and critical analysis aims to summarize the potential mechanisms via which miR-34/449 dysregulation could lead to male infertility. Existing data indicate that miR-34/449 family members regulate ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules epithelium. Upon miR-34/449 dysregulation, ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules is significantly impaired, leading to sperm aggregation and agglutination as well as to defective reabsorption of the seminiferous tubular fluids. These events in turn cause obstruction of the efferent ductules and thus accumulation of the tubular fluids resulting to high hydrostatic pressure into the testis. High hydrostatic pressure progressively leads to testicular dysfunction as well as to spermatogenic failure and finally to male infertility, which could range from severe oligoasthenozoospermia to azoospermia. In addition, miR-34/449 family members act as significant regulators of spermatogenesis with an essential role in controlling expression patterns of several spermatogenesis-related proteins. It is demonstrated that these microRNAs are meiotic specific microRNAs as their expression is relatively higher at the initiation of meiotic divisions during spermatogenesis. Moreover, data indicate that these molecules are essential for proper formation as well as for proper function of spermatozoa per se. MicroRNA-34/449 family seems to exert significant anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties and thus contribute to testicular homeostatic regulation. Considering the clinical significance of these microRNAs, data indicate that the altered expression of the miR-34/449 family members is strongly associated with several aspects of male infertility. Most importantly, miR-34/449 levels in spermatozoa, in testicular tissues as well as in seminal plasma seem to be directly associated with severity of male infertility, indicating that these microRNAs could serve as potential sensitive biomarkers for an accurate individualized differential diagnosis, as well as for the assessment of the severity of male factor infertility. In conclusion, dysregulation of miR-34/449 family detrimentally affects male reproductive potential, impairing both testicular functionality as well as spermatogenesis. Future studies are needed to verify these conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Tomara
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Louka
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nitsos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgia Kokkali
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Mara Simopoulou,
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20
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Boberg J, Johansson HKL, Axelstad M, Olsen GPM, Johansen M, Holmboe SA, Andersson AM, Svingen T. Using assessment criteria for pesticides to evaluate the endocrine disrupting potential of non-pesticide chemicals: Case butylparaben. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:105996. [PMID: 32771829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105996] [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: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties depend on the use of the chemical rather than its intrinsic properties. Within the EU, the only criteria currently in place for identifying an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) are those developed for biocidal and plant protection products. We argue that ECHA/EFSA guidance for assessing endocrine disrupting properties of biocidal and plant protection products can be applied to all chemicals independent of their intended use. We have assessed the REACH-registered compound butylparaben (CAS 94-36-8), a preservative used primarily in cosmetics. Based on scientific evidence of adverse reproductive effects and endocrine activity, the open literature suggest that butylparaben is an EDC. By applying the ECHA/EFSA guidance for pesticides and biocides, we identify butylparaben as a compound with endocrine disrupting properties. Even though available data is markedly different from that for biocides and pesticides, it was possible to reach this conclusion. More generally, we propose that the ECHA/EFSA guidance can and should be used for identification of EDC regardless of their intended application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gustav P M Olsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mathias Johansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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21
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Zhang D, Wang Y, Lin H, Sun Y, Wang M, Jia Y, Yu X, Jiang H, Xu W, Sun JP, Xu Z. Function and therapeutic potential of G protein-coupled receptors in epididymis. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5489-5508. [PMID: 32901914 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility rates for both females and males have increased continuously in recent years. Currently, effective treatments for male infertility with defined mechanisms or targets are still lacking. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of drug targets, but their functions and the implications for the therapeutic development for male infertility largely remain elusive. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that several members of the GPCR superfamily play crucial roles in the maintenance of ion-water homeostasis of the epididymis, development of the efferent ductules, formation of the blood-epididymal barrier and maturation of sperm. Knowledge of the functions, genetic variations and working mechanisms of such GPCRs, along with the drugs and ligands relevant to their specific functions, provide future directions and a great arsenal for new developments in the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolai Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujing Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingli Jia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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22
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Cunha GR, Li Y, Mei C, Derpinghaus A, Baskin LS. Ontogeny of estrogen receptors in human male and female fetal reproductive tracts. Differentiation 2020; 118:107-131. [PMID: 33176961 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.10.001] [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: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews and provides new observations on the ontogeny of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia. Included in this study are observations on the human fetal uterine tube, the uterotubal junction, uterus, cervix, vagina, penis and clitoris. We also summarize and report on the ontogeny of estrogen receptors in the human fetal prostate, prostatic urethra and epididymis. The ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2, which spans from 8 to 21 weeks correlates well with the known "window of susceptibility" (7-15 weeks) for diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced malformations of the human female reproductive tract as determined through examination of DES daughters exposed in utero to this potent estrogen. Our fairly complete mapping of the ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2 in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia provides a mechanistic framework for further investigation of the role of estrogen in normal development and of abnormalities elicited by exogenous estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Cao Mei
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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23
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Souza APB, Lopes TN, da Silva AFT, Santi L, Beys-da-Silva WO, Yates JR, Bustamante-Filho IC. Changes in porcine cauda epididymal fluid proteome by disrupting the HPT axis: Unveiling potential mechanisms of male infertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:952-965. [PMID: 32749760 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23408] [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: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility or subfertility is frequently associated with disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis events, like secondary hypogonadism. However, little is known how this condition affects the proteomic composition of the epididymal fluid. In the present study, we evaluated the proteomic changes in the cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) in a swine model of secondary hypogonadism induced by anti-GnRH immunization using multidimensional protein identification technology. Seven hundred and eighteen proteins were identified in both GnRH-immunized and control groups. GnRH immunization doubled the number of proteins in the CEF, with 417 proteins being found exclusively in samples from GnRH-immunized boars. CEF from GnRH-immunized boars presented an increase in the number of proteins related to cellular and metabolic processes, with affinity to organic cyclic compounds, small molecules, and heterocyclic compounds, as well changed the enzymatic profile of the CEF. Also, a significant increase in the number of proteins associated to the ubiquitin-proteasome system was identified in CEF from GnRH-immunized animals. These results bring strong evidence of the impact of secondary hypogonadism on the epididymal environment, which is responsible for sperm maturation and storage prior ejaculation. Finally, the differently expressed proteins in the CEF are putative seminal biomarkers for testicular and epididymal disorders caused by secondary hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P B Souza
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tayná N Lopes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Anna F T da Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Santi
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Walter O Beys-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California
| | - Ivan C Bustamante-Filho
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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24
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Anyanwu BO, Orisakwe OE. Current mechanistic perspectives on male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:204-244. [PMID: 32648503 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1782116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals have led to various deleterious damages to the biological system of which infertility is one of them. Infertility is a global public health concern, affecting 15% of all couples of reproductive age. Out of the 100% cases of reported infertility among couples, 40% of the cases are related to male factors; including decreased semen quality. This review focuses on the recent mechanistic perspectives of heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity. The associated toxic metal-mediated mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity include ion mimicry, disruption of cell signaling pathways, oxidative stress, altered gene expression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, disruption of testis/blood barrier, inflammation and endocrine disruption. The current literature suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mediate paternal intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and thus has a direct functional importance, as well as possess novel biomarker potential, for male reproductive toxicity. To identify the specific ncRNAs with the most profound impacts on heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity should be thrust of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brilliance Onyinyechi Anyanwu
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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25
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Nurliani A, Sasaki M, Budipitojo T, Tsubota T, Kitamura N. Morphological and Histological Studies on the Epididymis and Deferent Duct of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica). MAMMAL STUDY 2020. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2019-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anni Nurliani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Teguh Budipitojo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Toshio Tsubota
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nobuo Kitamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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26
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Linden LDS, Bustamante-Filho IC, Souza APB, Lopes TN, Silva AFT, Tomé LM, Timmers LFMS, Santos SI, Neves AP. Structural modelling of the equine protein disulphide isomerase A1 and its quantification in the epididymis and seminal plasma. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13530. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liana de Salles Linden
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Medicina Animal: Equinos Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | | | - Tayná Nauê Lopes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Universidade do Vale do Taquari – Univates Lajeado Brazil
| | | | - Luise Marcon Tomé
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Universidade do Vale do Taquari – Univates Lajeado Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriana Pires Neves
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Medicina Animal: Equinos Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Porto Alegre Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA) Dom Pedrito Brazil
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27
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Ge W, Xiao L, Duan H, Jiang Y, Lv J, Ding Z, Hu J, Zhao X, Zhang Y. Androgen receptor, aromatase, oestrogen receptor α/β and G protein-coupled receptor 30 expression in the testes and epididymides of adult sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:460-468. [PMID: 31958357 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in reproduction, and aromatase (P450arom), nuclear oestrogen receptors (ERs) α and β, and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) are important for testicular and epididymal cell proliferation and development. In the study, we have investigated the expression and localization of AR, P450arom, ERα, ERβ and GPR30 in testes and epididymides of sexually mature sheep by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrate that the AR, P450arom and ERα levels in the caput and corpus epididymis were significantly lower than those in the testis and cauda epididymis (p < .05), the ERβ level in the testis was significantly higher than in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis (p < .05), and the GPR30 level in the caput epididymis was significantly lower than in the testis and corpus and cauda epididymis (p < .05). These receptors were mainly detected in epididymal epithelial, basal, smooth muscle, Sertoli and Leydig cells, as well as in spermatozoa. Taken together, the results suggest that sheep epididymides and testes have the potential for estradiol synthesis and are the targets of both androgens and estradiol. These results provide a foundation for further studies on the mechanisms of androgens and estradiol signalling in the testes and epididymides of sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.,Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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28
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Liu Q, Yu W, Fan S, Zhuang H, Han Y, Zhang H, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors, 5α-reductases and P450arom in the epididymis of the male muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 194:105433. [PMID: 31376460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormones not only exert various endocrine functions but also act as the autocrine or paracrine factors in different tissues of mammals. In the present study, the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were investigated in the epididymis of the muskrat. HE staining showed enlarged lumen and abundant sperm in the breeding season while reduced lumen with no sperm in the non-breeding season. The staining of AR was presented in nuclei of epithelial cells of the epididymis in both seasons. The immunostaining of ERα was localized in both nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the epididymis during the breeding season, while the weak staining of ERα was only in the nuclei of epithelial cells during the non-breeding season. In contrast, ERβ signal was negative in the epididymis of the muskrat in both seasons. The positive signals for P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were found in the cytoplasm of epithelial and smooth muscle cells during both seasons. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of AR, ERα, P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were significantly higher in the epididymis during the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season, and the expression level of 5α-reductase 1 was higher when compared with 5α-reductase 2. In addition, the levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the epididymis and serum were remarkably higher during the breeding season. Taken together, these findings suggested androgen and estrogen might play an important endocrine or autocrine/paracrine role to regulate the epididymal functions of the muskrat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenyang Yu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haotong Zhuang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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29
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NCOA5 Haplo-insufficiency Results in Male Mouse Infertility through Increased IL-6 Expression in the Epididymis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15525. [PMID: 31664153 PMCID: PMC6820533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility might be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors that impair spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Here we report that heterozygous deletion of the nuclear receptor coactivator-5 (Ncoa5) gene resulted in decreased motility and progression of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis, leading to infertility in male mice. Light microscopic and ultrastructural analysis revealed morphological defects in the spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis of Ncoa5+/− mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in epithelial cells of Ncoa5+/− epididymis was higher than wild type counterparts. Furthermore, heterozygous deletion of Il-6 gene in Ncoa5+/− male mice partially improved spermatozoa motility and moderately rescued infertility phenotype. Our results uncover a previously unknown physiological role of NCOA5 in the regulation of epididymal sperm maturation and suggest that NCOA5 deficiency could cause male infertility through increased IL-6 expression in epididymis.
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30
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Hess RA, Cooke PS. Estrogen in the male: a historical perspective. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:27-44. [PMID: 29438493 PMCID: PMC6044326 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have traditionally been considered female hormones. Nevertheless, the presence of estrogen in males has been known for over 90 years. Initial studies suggested that estrogen was deleterious to male reproduction because exogenous treatments induced developmental abnormalities. However, demonstrations of estrogen synthesis in the testis and high concentrations of 17β-estradiol in rete testis fluid suggested that the female hormone might have a function in normal male reproduction. Identification of estrogen receptors and development of biological radioisotope methods to assess estradiol binding revealed that the male reproductive tract expresses estrogen receptor extensively from the neonatal period to adulthood. This indicated a role for estrogens in normal development, especially in efferent ductules, whose epithelium is the first in the male reproductive tract to express estrogen receptor during development and a site of exceedingly high expression. In the 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred in our understanding of estrogen function in the male, ushered in by knockout mouse models where estrogen production or expression of its receptors was not present. These knockout animals revealed that estrogen's main receptor (estrogen receptor 1 [ESR1]) is essential for male fertility and development of efferent ductules, epididymis, and prostate, and that loss of only the membrane fraction of ESR1 was sufficient to induce extensive male reproductive abnormalities and infertility. This review provides perspectives on the major discoveries and developments that led to our current knowledge of estrogen's importance in the male reproductive tract and shaped our evolving concept of estrogen's physiological role in the male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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31
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Sullivan R, Légaré C, Lamontagne‐Proulx J, Breton S, Soulet D. Revisiting structure/functions of the human epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:748-757. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sullivan
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - C. Légaré
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Faculty Medicine Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - J. Lamontagne‐Proulx
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
| | - S. Breton
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - D. Soulet
- Faculty Pharmacy Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
- Neurosciences Division Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université Laval Quebec QC Canada
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32
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Terré B, Lewis M, Gil-Gómez G, Han Z, Lu H, Aguilera M, Prats N, Roy S, Zhao H, Stracker TH. Defects in efferent duct multiciliogenesis underlie male infertility in GEMC1-, MCIDAS- or CCNO-deficient mice. Development 2019; 146:dev.162628. [PMID: 30936178 DOI: 10.1242/dev.162628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
GEMC1 and MCIDAS are geminin family proteins that transcriptionally activate E2F4/5-target genes during multiciliogenesis, including Foxj 1 and Ccno Male mice that lacked Gemc1, Mcidas or Ccno were found to be infertile, but the origin of this defect has remained unclear. Here, we show that all three genes are necessary for the generation of functional multiciliated cells in the efferent ducts that are required for spermatozoa to enter the epididymis. In mice that are mutant for Gemc1, Mcidas or Ccno, we observed a similar spectrum of phenotypes, including thinning of the seminiferous tubule epithelia, dilation of the rete testes, sperm agglutinations in the efferent ducts and lack of spermatozoa in the epididymis (azoospermia). These data suggest that defective efferent duct development is the dominant cause of male infertility in these mouse models, and this likely extends to individuals with the ciliopathy reduced generation of multiple motile cilia with mutations in MCIDAS and CCNO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Terré
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Michael Lewis
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gil-Gómez
- Apoptosis Signalling Group, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Zhiyuan Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, NY 11568, USA
| | - Hao Lu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Mònica Aguilera
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Neus Prats
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Sudipto Roy
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore.,Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119288, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Haotian Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, NY 11568, USA
| | - Travis H Stracker
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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33
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Campolina-Silva GH, Hess RA, Oliveira CA. Seasonal variation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in the efferent ductules and epididymis of the Neotropical bat Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:3-10. [PMID: 29427632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis is important for maintenance of male fertility, being influenced by a variety of stimuli including androgens and estrogens. However, studies concerning regulation of these processes along the male reproductive tract under physiological conditions are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the profile of cell proliferation and apoptosis in the efferent ductules and epididymis of the Neotropical bat Artibeus lituratus, a seasonal breeder that presents natural variation in components of the androgen and estrogen responsive systems along the circannual cycle. Low rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis were found in the efferent ductules and epididymis of A. lituratus during the reproductive period, as few epithelial cells were positive for MCM7 (proliferation marker) and cleaved caspase-3 or TUNEL (apoptosis markers). In contrast, during the regressive period, the rate of both proliferating and apoptotic cells was significantly higher in the epithelium lining the efferent ductules as well as throughout the epididymis. The increased proliferative activity at this phase was positively correlated with the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), whereas the variation in apoptosis appears to be unrelated to the local expression of androgen and estrogen receptors. Together, these data suggest that cell proliferation and apoptosis are differentially modulated in the efferent ductules and epididymis of A. lituratus during the annual reproductive cycle, and support the hypothesis that ERα may be important in preparing the male reproductive tract for sexual recrudescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel H Campolina-Silva
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, 2001, S. Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61802-6199, USA
| | - Cleida A Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Wang J, Liu Q, Wang Z, Sheng X, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of luteinising hormone receptor, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and prolactin receptor in the epididymis of the male wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:735-742. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) are pituitary-derived hormones and mediate their functions through LH receptor (LHR), FSH receptor (FSHR) and PRL receptor (PRLR) respectively. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal expression patterns of LHR, FSHR and PRLR in the epididymis of the male wild ground squirrel during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Histologically, principal cells, basal cells, cilia and mature spermatozoa were found in the lumen of caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis in the breeding season, whereas in the non-breeding season, cilia and basal cells were rarely found and the epididymidal duct was devoid of spermatozoa. Immunohistochemical results showed that LHR, FSHR and PRLR were mainly present in the filamentous cytoplasm layer of epithelial cells of the caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis and FSHR and PRLR displayed stronger staining in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of FSHR and PRLR in all regions of epididymis as well as the levels of LHR in the caput and cauda epididymidis were higher during the breeding season. The protein levels of FSHR, LHR and PRLR were positively correlated with epididymal weight. Together, these results suggest that LHR, FSHR and PRLR may regulate epididymal functional changes in the male wild ground squirrel during its seasonal breeding cycle.
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Wang J, Liu Q, Qi H, Wang Y, Gao Q, Gao F, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, P450arom and estrogen receptors in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 270:131-138. [PMID: 30539793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel. Histologically, the epididymis was with larger duct diameter and cell population during the breeding season. AR was presented in the peritubular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells in the whole epididymis with stronger staining in the breeding period. P450arom was intensely localized in epithelial cells and spermatozoa during the breeding season, absent in the non-breeding season and moderately stained in pre-hibernation. During the breeding season, ERα was intensely expressed in epithelial cytoplasm and/or nucleus, whereas in the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation, weaker staining signal was found in nucleus of epithelial cells. ERβ was absent in the entire annual cycle by immunohistochemical and Real-time PCR detection. The mRNA levels of AR, P450arom and ERα were higher in the epididymis of the breeding season when compared to those of the non-breeding season and pre-hibernation. Taken together, these results suggest that epididymis of the wild ground squirrel is a primary target for androgen and estrogen, and the expression of P450arom represents that epididymis may be a potential source of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qiong Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Fuli Gao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
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Catalano-Iniesta L, Sánchez-Robledo V, Iglesias-Osma MC, García-Barrado MJ, Carretero-Hernández M, Blanco EJ, Vicente-García T, Burks DJ, Carretero J. Sequential testicular atrophy involves changes in cellular proliferation and apoptosis associated with variations in aromatase P450 expression levels in Irs-2-deficient mice. J Anat 2018; 234:227-243. [PMID: 30474117 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor substrate 2 (Irs-2) is an intracellular protein susceptible to phosphorylation after activation of the insulin receptor. Its suppression affects testis development and its absence induces peripheral resistance to insulin. The aim of this study was to identify changes induced by the deletion of Irs-2 in the testicular structure and by the altered expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase, a protein necessary for the development and maturation of germ cells. Adult knockout (KO) mice (Irs-2-/- , 6 and 12 weeks old) and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice were used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed to study proliferation (PCNA), apoptosis (active caspase-3) and P450 aromatase expression in testicular histological sections. Deletion of Irs-2 decreased the number of epithelial cells in the seminiferous tubule and rete testis. Aberrant cells were frequently detected in the epithelia of Irs-2-/- mice, accompanied by variations in spermatogonia, which were shown to exhibit small hyperchromatic nuclei as well as polynuclear and anuclear structures. The amount of cell proliferation was significantly lower in Irs-2-/- mice than in WT mice, whereas apoptotic processes were more common in Irs-2-/- mice. Aromatase P450 reactivity was higher in 6-week-old KO mice than in WT mice of the same age and was even higher at 12 weeks. Our results suggest that Irs-2 is a key element in spermatogenesis because silencing Irs-2 induces the sequential development of testicular atrophy. The effects are observed mainly in germ cells present in the seminiferous tubule, which may be due to changes in cytochrome P450 aromatase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Catalano-Iniesta
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Virginia Sánchez-Robledo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria Carmen Iglesias-Osma
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria José García-Barrado
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta Carretero-Hernández
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Enrique J Blanco
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Teresa Vicente-García
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Deborah Jane Burks
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Carretero
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Obesity of the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Weber A, Alves J, Abujamra AL, Bustamante‐Filho IC. Structural modeling and mRNA expression of epididymal β‐defensins in GnRH immunized boars: A model for secondary hypogonadism in man. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:921-933. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Weber
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UnivatesLajeado RS Brazil
| | - Jayse Alves
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UnivatesLajeado RS Brazil
| | - Ana L. Abujamra
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UnivatesLajeado RS Brazil
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Malivindi R, Aquila S, Rago V. Immunolocalization of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in the Pig Epididymis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1467-1473. [PMID: 29679442 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of estrogen in the genital ducts of different mammalian species has been extensively studied and the estrogen influence on the functional activity of the male genital tract has been hypothesized. Conversely, very few data have been reported on pig excurrent ducts: the localization of classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) is scarcely known, while the expression of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPER1), a membrane estrogen receptor, is still unknown in pig. The aim of the present study was to evaluate GPER1 expression in the different regions of the mature pig epididymis, using immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR analyses. The results showed that GPER1 is mainly expressed in the epithelial cells of the corpus epididymis compared to the caput and the cauda, while muscle cells are moderately immunostained and stromal cells are unstained. The presence of GPER1 was confirmed by Western blot and RT-PCR analyses. In our study, we have demonstrated for the first time the GPER1 expression in male porcine epididymis, revealing a new mediator of estrogen signaling at this site. In conclusion, these new data suggest that estrogen action via GPER1 may contribute to sperm maturation in the corpus and sperm protection/storage in the cauda. Interestingly, the presence of GPER1 in the muscle layer may be indicative of a possible GPER1 involvement in the estrogen regulation of duct contractility. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Fang F, Ni K, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Shang J, Zhang X, Shen S, Xiong C. Busulfan administration produces toxic effects on epididymal morphology and inhibits the expression of ZO-1 and vimentin in the mouse epididymis. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171059. [PMID: 29101242 PMCID: PMC5725615 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an alkane sulphonate currently used as an anticancer drug and to prepare azoospermic animal models, because it selectively destroys differentiated spermatogonia in the testes. However, few studies have focussed on the exact effects of busulfan treatment on the epididymis currently. The present study assessed the effect of busulfan on epididymal morphology and the blood-epididymis barrier in mice. We treated mice with a single injection of busulfan and detected the effect at different time points. We showed that busulfan was toxic to the morphological structure and function of the epididymis. Furthermore, busulfan treatment down-regulated the epididymal expression of vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, there was an increase in total androgen receptor (AR) levels, whereas the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were reduced, both in the caput and cauda regions after busulfan treatment, which may be secondary to the testicular damage. In conclusion, our study describes the effects of busulfan administration on the mouse epididymis and also provides a potential understanding of male infertility arising from chemotherapy-related defects in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhong Shen Bioscience Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Rago V, Romeo F, Giordano F, Malivindi R, Pezzi V, Casaburi I, Carpino A. Expression of oestrogen receptors (GPER, ESR1, ESR2) in human ductuli efferentes and proximal epididymis. Andrology 2017; 6:192-198. [PMID: 29145706 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogen targeting in the human genital ducts is still not well-known. In fact, to date, the localization of oestrogen receptors, ESR1 and ESR2, is controversial and the presence of the membrane oestrogen receptor GPER (G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor) is unexplored. This study has investigated the expression of GPER, ESR1, ESR2 in human ductuli efferentes and proximal caput epididymis by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the presence of PELP1 (proline-glutamic acid-leucine-rich protein 1), a co-regulator of the oestrogen receptors, was also evaluated. In ductuli efferentes, GPER and ESR1 were clearly localized in all epithelial cells, while ESR2 was evidenced only in ciliated cells. Conversely, the epithelial cells of proximal caput epididymis revealed moderate GPER immunoreactivity, the absence of ERS1 and the occasional presence of ESR2. Furthermore, PELP1 was observed in ciliated cells of ductuli efferentes and in principal cells of proximal caput epididymis. Therefore, this study firstly demonstrated the expression of GPER in human male genital ducts, revealing a new mediator of oestrogen action in these anatomical sites. ESR1 and ESR2 were differentially localized in the two genital tracts together with PELP1, but cell sites of ERs and their co-regulator were not homogeneous. So, a different regional/cellular association of GPER with the classical oestrogen receptors was highlighted, suggesting that oestrogen action could be mediated by GPER, ESR1, ESR2 in ductuli efferentes, while by GPER and, occasionally by ESR2, in proximal caput epididymis. This study suggests that the specific oestrogen-mediated functions in human genital ducts might result from the different local interactions of oestrogens with oestrogen receptors and their co-regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - F Romeo
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - F Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - R Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - V Pezzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - I Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - A Carpino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Yao G, Hu S, Yu L, Ru Y, Chen CD, Liu Q, Zhang Y. Genome-Wide Mapping of In Vivo ERα-Binding Sites in Male Mouse Efferent Ductules. Endocrinology 2017. [PMID: 28645209 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
As an important nuclear hormone receptor, estrogen receptor α (ERα), which is encoded by the Esr1 gene, regulates the expression of hundreds of genes in a stimulus-specific, temporal, and tissue-specific fashion, mainly by binding to specific DNA sequences called estrogen response elements (EREs). As an important estrogen target tissue in males, the function of the efferent ductules relies on the presence of the ERα protein, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly illustrated. In this study, genome-wide ERα-binding sites in mouse efferent ductules were mapped by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. In total, 12,105 peaks were identified, and a majority of them were located far from the annotated gene transcription start site. Motif analysis revealed that ∼80% of the ERα-binding peaks harbored at least one ERE, whereas androgen response element-like sequences were the most overrepresented motif in the peaks without any EREs. A number of candidate transcription factor motifs adjacent to the EREs were significantly enriched, including AP2 and GRE, implying the involvement of these putative adjacent factors in the global regulation of ERα target genes. Unexpectedly, more than 50% of the ERα-binding peaks in mouse efferent ductules overlapped with those binding peaks previously identified in mouse uterus, suggesting the conserved mechanism of ERα action in these two tissues. Cobinding of ERα target genes by androgen receptor was further confirmed for Slc9a3 gene, which was responsible for fluid resorption in the efferent ductules. Taken together, our study provides a useful reference set for future work aimed at exploring the mechanism of ERα action in physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Ru
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Charlie Degui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
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Constitutive Cyclin O deficiency results in penetrant hydrocephalus, impaired growth and infertility. Oncotarget 2017; 8:99261-99273. [PMID: 29245899 PMCID: PMC5725090 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin O (encoded by CCNO) is a member of the cyclin family with regulatory functions in ciliogenesis and apoptosis. Homozygous CCNO mutations have been identified in human patients with Reduced Generation of Multiple Motile Cilia (RGMC) and conditional inactivation of Ccno in the mouse recapitulates some of the pathologies associated with the human disease. These include defects in the development of motile cilia and hydrocephalus. To further investigate the functions of Ccno in vivo, we have generated a new mouse model characterized by the constitutive loss of Ccno in all tissues and followed a cohort during ageing. Ccno-/- mice were growth impaired and developed hydrocephalus with high penetrance. In addition, some Ccno+/- mice also developed hydrocephalus and affected Ccno-/- and Ccno+/- mice exhibited additional CNS defects including cortical thinning and hippocampal abnormalities. In addition to the CNS defects, both male and female Ccno-/- mice were infertile and female mice exhibited few motile cilia in the oviduct. Our results further establish CCNO as an important gene for normal development and suggest that heterozygous CCNO mutations could underlie hydrocephalus or diminished fertility in some human patients.
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Colocalization of metastasis-associated proteins 1/2 and estrogen receptor alpha in rat epididymis. Tissue Cell 2017; 49:582-588. [PMID: 28789814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that metastasis-associated proteins 1 and 2 (MTA1 and MTA2) are capable of suppressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) transactivation activity in breast cancer cells. ERα, which is present in the epididymis, is a crucial mediator of maintaining the luminal environment necessary for proper sperm maturation and function. The present study was undertaken to analyze the expression profile of both MTA1 and MTA2 in the epididymis of rats and to ascertain whether MTA1/2 colocalizes with ERα in the epididymis and primary cultured epididymal epithelial cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were utilized to demonstrate that MTA1 and MTA2 are expressed in the epididymis. Furthermore, these analyses revealed that MTA1 and MTA2 are predominantly localized in the nuclei of almost all epididymal epithelial cells. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that MTA1/2 colocalizes with ERα in epididymal epithelial cells. In conclusion, MTA1 and MTA2 are expressed in the epididymis of rats; these proteins colocalize with ERα in epididymal epithelial cells, suggesting that MTA1 and MTA2 may be involved in the regulation of ERα transactivation activity in the epididymis of rats to facilitate a stable environment in the lumen.
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Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Nanjappa MK, Mesa AM, Tevosian SG, de Armas L, Hess RA, Bagchi IC, Cooke PS. Membrane estrogen receptor 1 is required for normal reproduction in male and female mice. JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION : JER 2017; 21:1-14. [PMID: 34321782 PMCID: PMC8315114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones, acting through their cognate nuclear receptors, are critical for many reproductive and non-reproductive functions. Over the past two decades, it has become increasingly clear that in addition to cytoplasmic/nuclear steroid receptors that alter gene transcription when liganded, a small fraction of cellular steroid receptors are localized to the cell membranes, where they mediate rapid steroid hormone effects. 17β-Estradiol (E2), a key steroid hormone for both male and female reproduction, acts predominately through its main receptor, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). Most ESR1 is nuclear; however, 5-10% of ESR1 is localized to the cell membrane after being palmitoylated at cysteine 451 in mice. This review discusses reproductive phenotypes of a newly-developed mouse model with a C451A point mutation that precludes membrane targeting of ESR1. This transgenic mouse, termed the nuclear-only ESR1 (NOER) mouse, shows extensive male and female reproductive abnormalities and infertility despite normally functional nuclear ESR1 (nESR1). These results provide the first in vivo evidence that membrane-initiated E2/ESR1 signaling is required for normal male and female reproductive functions and fertility. Signaling mechanisms for membrane ESR1 (mESR1), as well as how mESR1 works with nESR1 to mediate estrogen effects, are still being established. We discuss some possible mechanisms by which mESR1 might facilitate nESR1 signaling, as well as the emerging evidence that mESR1 might be a major mediator of epigenetic effects of estrogens, which are potentially linked to various adult-onset pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana M. Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sergei G. Tevosian
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Laura de Armas
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C. Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paul S. Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Estrogen-dependent, extrahepatic synthesis of vitellogenin in male vertebrates: A mini-review. C R Biol 2017; 340:139-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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El-Magd MA, Kahilo KA, Nasr NE, Kamal T, Shukry M, Saleh AA. A potential mechanism associated with lead-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. El-Magd
- Anatomy Department; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - K. A. Kahilo
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - N. E. Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - T. Kamal
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - M. Shukry
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Kafrelsheikh University; Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - A. A. Saleh
- Department of Animal Wealth Development; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Zagazig University; Zagazig Egypt
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49
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Danielian PS, Hess RA, Lees JA. E2f4 and E2f5 are essential for the development of the male reproductive system. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:250-60. [PMID: 26825228 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1121350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The E2F transcription factors are primarily implicated in the regulation of entry and exit from the cell cycle. However, in vivo studies have established additional roles for E2Fs during organ development and homeostasis. With the goal of addressing the intestinal requirements of E2f4 and E2f5, we crossed mice carrying Vil-cre, E2f4 conditional and E2f5 germline alleles. E2f4 deletion had no detectable effect on intestinal development. However, E2f4f/f;E2f5+/-;Vil-cre males, but not E2f4f/f;Vil-cre littermates, were unexpectedly sterile. This defect was not due to defective spermatogenesis. Instead, the seminiferous tubules and rete testes showed significant dilation, and spermatozoa accumulated aberrantly in the rete testis and efferent ducts. Our data show that these problems result from defective efferent ducts, a tissue whose primary function is to concentrate sperm through fluid absorption. First, Vil-cre expression, and consequent E2F4 loss, was specific to the efferent ducts and not other reproductive tract tissues. Second, the E2f4f/f;E2f5+/-;Vil-cre efferent ducts had completely lost multiciliated cells and greatly reduced levels of critical absorptive cell proteins: aquaporin1, a water channel protein, and clusterin, an endocytic marker. Collectively, the observed testis phenotypes suggest a fluid flux defect. Remarkably, we observed rete testis dilation prior to the normal time of seminiferous fluid production, arguing that the efferent duct defects promote excessive secretory activity within the reproductive tract. Finally, we also detect key aspects of these testis defects in E2f5-/- mice. Thus, we conclude that E2f4 and E2f5 display overlapping roles in controlling the normal development of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Danielian
- a David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- b Reproductive Biology & Toxicology , Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois , Urbana , IL , USA
| | - Jacqueline A Lees
- a David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA
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50
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Current insights into the sulfatase pathway in human testis and cultured Sertoli cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:737-748. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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