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Gao Y, Wang Z, Long Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Ding D, Teng B, Chen M, Yuan J, Gao F. Unveiling the roles of Sertoli cells lineage differentiation in reproductive development and disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1357594. [PMID: 38699384 PMCID: PMC11063913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, gonadal somatic cell lineage differentiation determines the development of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary or testis. Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the spermatogenic tubules, support spermatogenesis during gonadal development. During embryonic Sertoli cell lineage differentiation, relevant genes, including WT1, GATA4, SRY, SOX9, AMH, PTGDS, SF1, and DMRT1, are expressed at specific times and in specific locations to ensure the correct differentiation of the embryo toward the male phenotype. The dysregulated development of Sertoli cells leads to gonadal malformations and male fertility disorders. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the embryonic origin of Sertoli cells remain elusive. By reviewing recent advances in research on embryonic Sertoli cell genesis and its key regulators, this review provides novel insights into sex determination in male mammals as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the genealogical differentiation of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zican Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Long
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lici Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjian Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongyu Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Teng
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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Gao J, Wang Y, Liu J, Chen F, Guo Y, Ke H, Wang X, Luo M, Fu S. Genome-wide association study reveals genomic loci of sex differentiation and gonadal development in Plectropomus leopardus. Front Genet 2023; 14:1229242. [PMID: 37645057 PMCID: PMC10461086 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1229242] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Plectropomus leopardus, a commercially significant marine fish, is primarily found in the Western Pacific regions and along the coast of Southeast Asia. A thorough analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in sex differentiation is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of gonadal development and improving sex control breeding. However, the relevant fundamental studies of P. leopardus are relatively lacking. Methods: In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to investigate the genetic basis mechanism of sex differentiation and gonadal developmental traits in P. leopardus utilizing about 6,850,000 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from 168 individuals (including 126 females and 42 males) by the genome-wide efficient mixed-model association (GEMMA) algorithm. Results: The results of these single-trait GWASs showed that 46 SNP loci (-log10 p > 7) significantly associated with sex differentiation, and gonadal development traits were distributed in multiple different chromosomes, which suggested the analyzed traits were all complex traits under multi-locus control. A total of 1,838 potential candidate genes were obtained by considering a less-stringent threshold (-log10 p > 6) and ±100 kb regions surrounding the significant genomic loci. Moreover, 31 candidate genes were identified through a comprehensive analysis of significant GWAS peaks, gene ontology (GO) annotations, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, including taf7, ddx6, apoeb, sgk1, a2m, usf1, hsd3b7, dll4, xbp1, tet3, esr1, and gli3. These trait-associated genes have been shown to be involved in germline development, male sex differentiation, gonad morphogenesis, hormone receptor binding, oocyte development, male gonad development, steroidogenesis, estrogen-synthetic pathway, etc. Discussion: In the present study, multiple genomic loci of P. leopardus associated with sex differentiation and gonadal development traits were identified for the first time by using GWAS, providing a valuable resource for further research on the molecular genetic mechanism and sex control in P. leopardus. Our results also can contribute to understanding the genetic basis of the sex differentiation mechanism and gonadal development process in grouper fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gao
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
- Hainan Tropical Ocean University Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Sanya, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
- Hainan Tropical Ocean University Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Sanya, China
| | - Jinye Liu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
- Hainan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Tropical Sea-Farming, Haikou, China
| | - Fuxiao Chen
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
- Hainan Tropical Ocean University Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Sanya, China
| | - Yilan Guo
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Hongji Ke
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Xulei Wang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Shuyuan Fu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, China
- Hainan Tropical Ocean University Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Sanya, China
- Hainan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Tropical Sea-Farming, Haikou, China
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Ponomarenko MP, Chadaeva IV, Ponomarenko PM, Bogomolov AG, Oshchepkov DY, Sharypova EB, Suslov VV, Osadchuk AV, Osadchuk LV, Matushkin YG. A bioinformatic search for correspondence between differentially expressed genes of domestic versus wild animals and orthologous human genes altering reproductive potential. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:96-108. [PMID: 35342855 PMCID: PMC8894618 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest achievements of genetics in the 20th century is D.K. Belyaev’s discovery of destabilizing selection during the domestication of animals and that this selection affects only gene expression regulation (not gene structure) and inf luences systems of neuroendocrine control of ontogenesis in a stressful environment. Among the experimental data generalized by Belyaev’s discovery, there are also f indings about accelerated extinc tion of testes’ hormonal function and disrupted seasonality of reproduction of domesticated foxes in comparison
with their wild congeners. To date, Belyaev’s discovery has already been repeatedly conf irmed, for example, by independent
observations during deer domestication, during the use of rats as laboratory animals, after the reintroduction
of endangered species such as Przewalski’s horse, and during the creation of a Siberian reserve population
of the Siberian grouse when it had reached an endangered status in natural habitats. A genome-wide comparison
among humans, several domestic animals, and some of their wild congeners has given rise to the concept of self-domestication
syndrome, which includes autism spectrum disorders. In our previous study, we created a bioinformatic
model of human self-domestication syndrome using differentially expressed genes (DEGs; of domestic animals
versus their wild congeners) orthologous to the human genes (mainly, nervous-system genes) whose changes in
expression affect reproductive potential, i. e., growth of the number of humans in the absence of restrictions caused
by limiting factors. Here, we applied this model to 68 human genes whose changes in expression alter the reproductive
health of women and men and to 3080 DEGs of domestic versus wild animals. As a result, in domestic animals,
we identif ied 16 and 4 DEGs, the expression changes of which are codirected with changes in the expression of the
human orthologous genes decreasing and increasing human reproductive potential, respectively. The wild animals
had 9 and 11 such DEGs, respectively. This difference between domestic and wild animals was signif icant according
to Pearson’s χ2 test (p < 0.05) and Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05). We discuss the results from the standpoint of restoration
of endangered animal species whose natural habitats are subject to an anthropogenic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. P. Ponomarenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - I. V. Chadaeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - P. M. Ponomarenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. G. Bogomolov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - D. Yu. Oshchepkov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. B. Sharypova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - V. V. Suslov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. V. Osadchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - L. V. Osadchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Yu. G. Matushkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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Abd-Elhakim YM, El Sharkawy NI, El Bohy KM, Hassan MA, Gharib HSA, El-Metwally AE, Arisha AH, Imam TS. Iprodione and/or chlorpyrifos exposure induced testicular toxicity in adult rats by suppression of steroidogenic genes and SIRT1/TERT/PGC-1α pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:56491-56506. [PMID: 34060014 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is cumulative evidence that iprodione (IPR) fungicide and chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide are endocrine disruptors that can evoke reproductive toxicity. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Besides, the outcomes of their co-exposure to male sexual behavior and male fertility are still unknown. The effects of IPR (200 mg/kg b.wt) and CPF (7.45 mg/kg b.wt) single or mutual exposure for 65 days on sexual behavior, sex hormones, testicular enzymes, testis, and accessory sex gland histomorphometric measurements, apoptosis, and oxidative stress biomarkers were investigated. In addition, expression of nuclear receptor subfamily group A (NR5A1), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B3), silent information regulator type-1 (SIRT1), telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) genes has been assessed. Our results revealed that the individual or concurrent IPR and CPF exposure significantly disturb the sexual behavior, semen characteristics, testicular enzymes, and male hormones level. Oxidative stress caused by IPR and CPF activates apoptosis by inducing Caspase-3 and reducing Bcl-2. Downregulation of HSD17B3, NR5A1, and SIRT1/TERT/PGC-1α pathway was evident. Of note, most of these disturbances were exaggerated in rats co-exposed to IPR and CPF compared to IPR or CPF alone. Conclusively, our findings verified that IPR and CPF possibly damage the male reproductive system, and concurrent exposure should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina M Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nabela I El Sharkawy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Khlood M El Bohy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mona A Hassan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Heba S A Gharib
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abeer E El-Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Tamer S Imam
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Sarkar H, Gupta A, Pradhan BS, Majumdar SS. FSH mediated cAMP signalling upregulates the expression of Gα subunits in pubertal rat Sertoli cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 569:100-105. [PMID: 34237428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) acts via FSH-Receptor (FSH-R) by employing cAMP as the dominant secondary messenger in testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) to support spermatogenesis. Binding of FSH to FSH-R, results the recruitment of the intracellular GTP binding proteins, either stimulatory Gαs or inhibitory Gαi that in turn regulate cAMP production in Sc. The cytosolic concentration of cAMP being generated by FSH-R thereafter critically determines the downstream fate of the FSH signalling. The pleiotropic action of FSH due to differential cAMP output during functional maturation of Sc has been well studied. However, the developmental and cellular regulation of the Gα proteins associated with FSH-R is poorly understood in Sc. In the present study, we report the differential transcriptional modulation of the Gα subunit genes by FSH mediated cAMP signalling in neonatal and pubertal rat Sc. Our data suggested that unlike in neonatal Sc, both the basal and FSH/forskolin induced expression of Gαs, Gαi-1, Gαi-2 and Gαi-3 transcripts was significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated in pubertal Sc. Further investigations involving treatment of Sc with selective Gαi inhibitor pertussis toxin, confirmed the elevated expression of Gi subunits in pubertal Sc. Collectively our results indicated that the high level of Gαi subunits serves as a negative regulator to optimize cAMP production in pubertal Sc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India; Dept. of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, 246174, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India; National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Hironmoy Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India; Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, West Bengal, 733134, India
| | - Alka Gupta
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India; National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
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6
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Pradhan BS, Bhattacharya I, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Pubertal down-regulation of Tetraspanin 8 in testicular Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 32687199 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The alarming decline in sperm count has become a global concern in the recent decades. The division and differentiation of male germ cells (Gc) into sperm are governed by Sertoli cells (Sc) upon their functional maturation during puberty. However, the roles of genes regulating pubertal maturation of Sc have not been fully determined. We have observed that Tetraspanin 8 (Tspan8) is down-regulated in Sc during puberty in rats. However, there has been no in vivo evidence for a causal link between the down-regulation of Tspan8 expression and the onset of spermatogenesis as yet. To investigate this, we generated a novel transgenic (Tg) rat, in which the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 was prevented specifically in Sc from puberty up to adulthood. Adult Tg male rats showed around 98% reduction in sperm count despite having a similar level of serum testosterone (T) as the controls. Functional maturation of Sc was impaired as indicated by elevated levels of Amh and low levels of Kitlg and Claudin11 transcripts. The integrity of the blood testis barrier was compromised due to poor expression of Gja1 and Gc apoptosis was discernible. This effect was due to a significant rise in both Mmp7 and phospho P38 MAPK in Tg rat testis. Taken together, we demonstrated that the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 in Sc during puberty is a prerequisite for establishing male fertility. This study divulges one of the aetiologies of certain forms of idiopathic male infertility where somatic cell defect, but not hormonal deficiency, is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Department of Zoology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Miyapur, Hyderabad 500049, Telengana, India
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Faisal I, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Hamer G, Tuominen MM, Laurila PP, Tumiati M, Jauhiainen M, Kotaja N, Toppari J, Mäkelä JA, Kauppi L. Transcription Factor USF1 Is Required for Maintenance of Germline Stem Cells in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1119-1136. [PMID: 30759202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A prerequisite for lifelong sperm production is that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) balance self-renewal and differentiation, yet factors required for this balance remain largely undefined. Using mouse genetics, we now demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor upstream stimulatory factor (USF)1 is critical for the maintenance of SSCs. We show that USF1 is not only detected in Sertoli cells as previously reported, but also in SSCs. Usf1-deficient mice display progressive spermatogenic decline as a result of age-dependent loss of SSCs. According to our data, the germ cell defect in Usf1-/- mice cannot be attributed to impairment of Sertoli cell development, maturation, or function, but instead is likely due to an inability of SSCs to maintain a quiescent state. SSCs of Usf1-/- mice undergo continuous proliferation, which provides an explanation for their age-dependent depletion. The proliferation-coupled exhaustion of SSCs in turn results in progressive degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, gradual decrease in sperm production, and testicular atrophy. We conclude that the general transcription factor USF1 is indispensable for the proper maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrul Faisal
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Doctoral Program in Biomedicine, Doctoral School in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Minna M Tuominen
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkka-Pekka Laurila
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Tumiati
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Jauhiainen
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Aliberti P, Sethi R, Belgorosky A, Chandran UR, Plant TM, Walker WH. Gonadotrophin-mediated miRNA expression in testis at onset of puberty in rhesus monkey: predictions on regulation of thyroid hormone activity and DLK1-DIO3 locus. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:124-136. [PMID: 30590698 PMCID: PMC6396851 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of primate spermatogenesis remain poorly characterized. Previously, 48 h stimulation of the testes of three juvenile rhesus monkeys with pulsatile LH and FSH resulted in down-regulation of a cohort of genes recognized to favor spermatogonia stem cell renewal. This change in genetic landscape occurred in concert with amplification of Sertoli cell proliferation and the commitment of undifferentiated spermatogonia to differentiate. In this report, the non-protein coding small RNA transcriptomes of the same testes were characterized using RNA sequencing: 537 mature micro-RNAs (miRNAs), 322 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and 49 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) were identified. Pathway analysis of the 20 most highly expressed miRNAs suggested that these transcripts contribute to limiting the proliferation of the primate Sertoli cell during juvenile development. Gonadotrophin treatment resulted in differential expression of 35 miRNAs, 12 snoRNAs and four snRNA transcripts. Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were derived from the imprinted delta-like homolog 1-iodothyronine deiodinase 3 (DLK1-DIO3) locus that is linked to stem cell fate decisions. Four gonadotrophin-regulated expressed miRNAs were predicted to trigger a local increase in thyroid hormone activity within the juvenile testis. The latter finding leads us to predict that, in primates, a gonadotrophin-induced selective increase in testicular thyroid hormone activity, together with the established increase in androgen levels, at the onset of puberty is necessary for the normal timing of Sertoli cell maturation, and therefore initiation of spermatogenesis. Further examination of this hypothesis requires that peripubertal changes in thyroid hormone activity of the testis of a representative higher primate be determined empirically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aliberti
- Endocrine Service, Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881(C 1245 AAM) C.A.B.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rahil Sethi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5607 Baum Boulevard, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alicia Belgorosky
- Endocrine Service, Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881(C 1245 AAM) C.A.B.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Uma R Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5607 Baum Boulevard, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tony M Plant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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9
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Advantages of pulsatile hormone treatment for assessing hormone-induced gene expression by cultured rat Sertoli cells. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 368:389-396. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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10
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Toocheck C, Clister T, Shupe J, Crum C, Ravindranathan P, Lee TK, Ahn JM, Raj GV, Sukhwani M, Orwig KE, Walker WH. Mouse Spermatogenesis Requires Classical and Nonclassical Testosterone Signaling. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:11. [PMID: 26607719 PMCID: PMC4809556 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone acts though the androgen receptor in Sertoli cells to support germ cell development (spermatogenesis) and male fertility, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which testosterone acts are not well understood. Previously, we found that in addition to acting through androgen receptor to directly regulate gene expression (classical testosterone signaling pathway), testosterone acts through a nonclassical pathway via the androgen receptor to rapidly activate kinases that are known to regulate spermatogenesis. In this study, we provide the first evidence that nonclassical testosterone signaling occurs in vivo as the MAP kinase cascade is rapidly activated in Sertoli cells within the testis by increasing testosterone levels in the rat. We find that either classical or nonclassical signaling regulates testosterone-mediated Rhox5 gene expression in Sertoli cells within testis explants. The selective activation of classical or nonclassical signaling pathways in Sertoli cells within testis explants also resulted in the differential activation of the Zbtb16 and c-Kit genes in adjacent spermatogonia germ cells. Delivery of an inhibitor of either pathway to Sertoli cells of mouse testes disrupted the blood-testis barrier that is essential for spermatogenesis. Furthermore, an inhibitor of nonclassical testosterone signaling blocked meiosis in pubertal mice and caused the loss of meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells in adult mouse testes. An inhibitor of the classical pathway caused the premature release of immature germ cells. Collectively, these observations indicate that classical and nonclassical testosterone signaling regulate overlapping and distinct functions that are required for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Toocheck
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Terri Clister
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Shupe
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chelsea Crum
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Preethi Ravindranathan
- Department of Urology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tae-Kyung Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas, Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Jung-Mo Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas, Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Department of Urology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - William H Walker
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Bhattacharya I, Gautam M, Majumdar SS. The effect of IBMX and hormones on gene expression by rat Sertoli cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrhm.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the USF1, GTF2A1L and OR2W3 genes with non-obstructive azoospermia in the Chinese population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 32:95-101. [PMID: 25374392 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To research the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three spermatogenesis-related genes (USF1, GTF2A1L and OR2W3) and non-obstruction azoospermia (NOA). METHODS We investigated 361 NOA cases and 368 controls from the Chinese Han population, and we used Sequenom iplex technology to analyze the candidate 9 SNPs from the USF1, GTF2A1L and OR2W3 genes. RESULTS In this study, we found that the variant rs2516838 of USF1 was associated with NOA susceptibility (P = 0.020, OR = 1.436), and the haplotype TCG of the variants rs1556259, rs2516838, and rs2774276 of USF1 conferred an increased risk of NOA (P = 0.019, OR = 1.436). Furthermore, we found that the rs11204546 genotype of OR2W3 and the rs11677854 genotype of GTF2A1L were correlated with the FSH level in the patients (P = 0.004 and P = 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results provided a new insight into susceptibility of USF1 variant with male infertility. Clinically, the SNPs (rs11204546 of OR2W3 and rs11677854 of GTF2A1L ) might be additional valuable molecular predictive markers for assessing the treatment of NOA patients.
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Wang RM, Liu ZZ, Gong YH, Chen LJ, Jia Q, Wang YJ, Fang F, Lv H, Zhang GJ, Kang XX. Association analysis of USF1 gene polymorphisms and total unstable carotid plaque area in atherosclerotic stroke patients. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2012; 36:317-23. [PMID: 23271305 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-012-0861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of the upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1) have been associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness and coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Unstable carotid plaque is an atherosclerotic change of vascular morphology that has been correlated with cerebrovascular ischemic symptoms. Associations of three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the USF1 gene with total unstable carotid plaque area (CPA) were investigated in Chinese atherosclerotic stroke patients. We recruited 668 atherosclerotic stroke patients and 602 controls. Total unstable CPA values were measured by ultrasound. Genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or mismatched PCR-RFLP. A significant difference in total unstable CPA was found for rs2516838 and rs2516839 genotypes (P = 0.039 and 0.046, respectively) in atherosclerotic stroke patients with unstable carotid plaque. Furthermore, in multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, BMI, hypertension, smoking status, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterols, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, significant associations were seen between the total unstable CPA values and genotypes of the rs2516838 or the rs2516839 in these patients. The rare allele C of rs2516838 or rare allele A of rs2516839 could predict relative low total unstable CPA values. The rs2516838 and rs2516839 polymorphisms of USF1 influence total unstable CPA in atherosclerotic stroke patients, which might be new markers to predict the risk of recurrence for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Min Wang
- The Center for Laboratory Diagnosis, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
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14
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Role for endogenous estrogen in prepubertal Sertoli cell maturation. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 135:106-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Panigrahi SK, Vasileva A, Wolgemuth DJ. Sp1 transcription factor and GATA1 cis-acting elements modulate testis-specific expression of mouse cyclin A1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47862. [PMID: 23112860 PMCID: PMC3480434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin A1 is a male germ cell-specific cell cycle regulator that is essential for spermatogenesis. It is unique among the cyclins by virtue of its highly restricted expression in vivo, being present in pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes and not in earlier or later stages of spermatogenesis. To begin to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this narrow window of expression of the mouse cyclin A1 (Ccna1) gene, we carried out a detailed analysis of its promoter. We defined a 170-bp region within the promoter and showed that it is involved in repression of Ccna1 in cultured cells. Within this region we identified known cis-acting transcription factor binding sequences, including an Sp1-binding site and two GATA1-binding sites. Neither Sp1 nor GATA1 is expressed in pachytene spermatocytes and later stages of germ cell differentiation. Sp1 is readily detected at earlier stages of spermatogenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that neither factor alone was sufficient to significantly repress expression driven by the Ccna1 promoter, while concurrent binding of Sp1, and most likely GATA1 and possibly additional factors was inhibitory. Occupancy of Sp1 on the Ccna1 promoter and influence of GATA1-dependent cis-acting elements was confirmed by ChIP analysis in cell lines and most importantly, in spermatogonia. In contrast with many other testis-specific genes, the CpG island methylation status of the Ccna1 promoter was similar among various tissues examined, irrespective of whether Ccna1 was transcriptionally active, suggesting that this regulatory mechanism is not involved in the restricted expression of Ccna1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil K. Panigrahi
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ana Vasileva
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Debra J. Wolgemuth
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bhattacharya I, Pradhan BS, Sarda K, Gautam M, Basu S, Majumdar SS. A switch in Sertoli cell responsiveness to FSH may be responsible for robust onset of germ cell differentiation during prepubartal testicular maturation in rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 303:E886-98. [PMID: 22850685 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00293.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
FSH and Testosterone (T) regulate spermatogenesis via testicular Sertoli cells (Sc), which bear receptors for these hormones. Despite sufficient circulating levels of FSH and T postnatally, predominant appearance of spermatogonia B and spermatocytes is not discernible until 11 and 18 days of postnatal age, respectively, in rat testes. In an attempt to explore the underlying causes, we cultured Sc from neonatal (5- and 9-day-old) and prepubertal (12- and 19-day-old) rat testes and compared the status of FSH receptor (FSH-R) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Protein and mRNA levels of FSH-R and AR remained uniform in cultured Sc from all age groups. Androgen binding ability of AR was similar, and T-induced nuclear localization of AR was discernible in Sc from all age groups. Binding of FSH to FSH-R, subsequent production of cAMP, and mRNA of stem cell factor (SCF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), known to be essential for the robust differentiation of repopulating spermatogonia, were significantly augmented in prepubertal Sc compared with those in neonatal Sc. However, treatment of neonatal Sc with cholera toxin or forskolin, which stimulate cAMP production bypassing FSH-R, demonstrated a concomitant rise in SCF and GDNF mRNA expression, which was similar to the FSH-mediated rise observed in prepubertal Sc. These observations suggested that, during prepubertal Sc maturation, the ability of FSH-R to respond to FSH is significantly augmented and is associated with the robust differentiation of repopulating spermatogonia, and such a switch in Sc from FSH-resistant to FSH-responsive mode during prepubertal development may underlie the initiation of robust spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Complex, New Delhi 110067, India
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Mello MPD, França ESDS, Fabbri HC, Maciel-Guerra AT, Guerra-Júnior G. Multifunctional role of steroidogenic factor 1 and disorders of sex development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 55:607-12. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302011000800015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) involve several conditions that result from abnormalities during gonadal determination and differentiation. Some of these disorders may manifest at birth by ambiguous genitalia; others are diagnosed only at puberty, by the delayed onset of secondary sexual characteristics. Sex determination and differentiation in humans are processes that involve the interaction of several genes such as WT1, NR5A1, NR0B1, SOX9, among others, in the testicular pathway, and WNT4, DAX1, FOXL2 and RSPO1, in the ovarian pathway. One of the major proteins in mammalian gonadal differentiation is the steroidogenic nuclear receptor factor 1 (SF1). This review will cover some of the most recent data on SF1 functional roles and findings related to mutations in its coding gene, NR5A1.
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