1
|
Ding X, Li L, Gao J, Yi D, Schimenti JC. Scalable and Efficient Generation of Mouse Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.15.580543. [PMID: 38405756 PMCID: PMC10888945 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.15.580543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the founder cells of the germline. The ability to generate PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent stem cells has advanced our knowledge of gametogenesis and holds promise for developing infertility treatments. However, generating an ample supply of PGCLCs for demanding applications such as high-throughput genetic screens has been a limitation. Here, we demonstrated that simultaneous overexpressing 4 transcriptional factors - Nanog and three PGC master regulators Prdm1, Prdm14 and Tfap2c - in suspended mouse epiblast like cells (EpiLCs) and formative embryonic stem cells (ESCs) results in efficient and cost-effective production of PGCLCs. The overexpression of Nanog enhances the PGC regulatory network and suppresses differentiation of somatic lineages, enabling a significant improvement in the efficiency of PGCLC production. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that differentiated PGCLCs exhibit similarities to in vivo PGCs and are more advanced compared to cytokine-induced PGCLCs. These differentiated PGCLCs could be sustained over prolonged periods of culture and could differentiate into spermatogonia-like cells in vitro. Importantly, the ability to produce PGCLCs at scale, without using costly cytokines, enables biochemical and functional genomic screens to dissect mechanisms of germ cell development and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinbao Ding
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Liangdao Li
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jingyi Gao
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Dain Yi
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - John C Schimenti
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rahmawati M, Stadler KM, Lopez-Biladeau B, Hoisington TM, Law NC. Core binding factor subunit β plays diverse and essential roles in the male germline. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1284184. [PMID: 38020932 PMCID: PMC10653448 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1284184] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of the foundation for lifelong spermatogenesis is established prior to puberty, and disruptions during this developmental window negatively impact fertility long into adulthood. However, the factors that coordinate prepubertal germline development are incompletely understood. Here, we report that core-binding factor subunit-β (CBFβ) plays critical roles in prepubertal development and the onset of spermatogenesis. Using a mouse conditional knockout (cKO) approach, inactivation of Cbfb in the male germline resulted in rapid degeneration of the germline during the onset of spermatogenesis, impaired overall sperm production, and adult infertility. Utilizing a different Cre driver to generate another Cbfb cKO model, we determined that the function of CBFβ in the male germline is likely limited to undifferentiated spermatogonia despite expression in other germ cell types. Within undifferentiated spermatogonia, CBFβ regulates proliferation, survival, and overall maintenance of the undifferentiated spermatogonia population. Paradoxically, we discovered that CBFβ also distally regulates meiotic progression and spermatid formation but only with Cbfb cKO within undifferentiated spermatogonia. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that CBFβ modulates cell cycle checkpoint control genes associated with both proliferation and meiosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that core programs established within the prepubertal undifferentiated spermatogonia population are necessary for both germline maintenance and sperm production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustika Rahmawati
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kassie M. Stadler
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Blanca Lopez-Biladeau
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Tia M. Hoisington
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nathan C. Law
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ke H, Tang S, Guo T, Hou D, Jiao X, Li S, Luo W, Xu B, Zhao S, Li G, Zhang X, Xu S, Wang L, Wu Y, Wang J, Zhang F, Qin Y, Jin L, Chen ZJ. Landscape of pathogenic mutations in premature ovarian insufficiency. Nat Med 2023; 29:483-492. [PMID: 36732629 PMCID: PMC9941050 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a major cause of female infertility due to early loss of ovarian function. POI is a heterogeneous condition, and its molecular etiology is unclear. To identify genetic variants associated with POI, here we performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 1,030 patients with POI. We detected 195 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 59 known POI-causative genes, accounting for 193 (18.7%) cases. Association analyses comparing the POI cohort with a control cohort of 5,000 individuals without POI identified 20 further POI-associated genes with a significantly higher burden of loss-of-function variants. Functional annotations of these novel 20 genes indicated their involvement in ovarian development and function, including gonadogenesis (LGR4 and PRDM1), meiosis (CPEB1, KASH5, MCMDC2, MEIOSIN, NUP43, RFWD3, SHOC1, SLX4 and STRA8) and folliculogenesis and ovulation (ALOX12, BMP6, H1-8, HMMR, HSD17B1, MST1R, PPM1B, ZAR1 and ZP3). Cumulatively, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in known POI-causative and novel POI-associated genes contributed to 242 (23.5%) cases. Further genotype-phenotype correlation analyses indicated that genetic contribution was higher in cases with primary amenorrhea compared to that in cases with secondary amenorrhea. This study expands understanding of the genetic landscape underlying POI and presents insights that have the potential to improve the utility of diagnostic genetic screenings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China.
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China. .,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yao C, Yao R, Luo H, Shuai L. Germline specification from pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:74. [PMID: 35189957 PMCID: PMC8862564 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02750-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a key event in life guaranteeing the propagation and evolution of a species. Infertility caused by abnormal germ cell development is a topic of extensive concern. Herein, in vitro germline specification studies provide a modeling platform to investigate gametogenesis. The differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into germ cells has been studied for more than 30 years, and there have been many astonishing breakthroughs in the last decade. Fertile sperm and oocytes can be obtained from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) through a primordial germ cell (PGC)-based method. Moreover, human PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) can be derived with a similar strategy as that used for mouse PGCLC derivation. In this review, we describe the reconstitution of PGCs and the subsequent meiosis, as well as the signaling pathways and factors involved in these processes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang LJ, Li XX, Hou J, Song XH, Xie WH, Shen L. Integrated Analyses of Mouse Stem Cell Transcriptomes Provide Clues for Stem Cell Maintenance and Transdifferentiation. Front Genet 2020; 11:563798. [PMID: 33101382 PMCID: PMC7500244 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.563798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo cell fate reprogramming has emerged as a new method for understanding cell plasticity and as potential treatment for tissue regeneration. Highly efficient and precise reprogramming requires fully understanding of the transcriptomes which function within different cell types. Here, we adopt weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the molecular mechanisms of self-renewal in several well-known stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESC), primordial germ cells (PGC), spermatogonia stem cells (SSC), neural stem cells (NSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). We identified 37 core genes that were up-regulated in all of the stem cell types examined, as well as stem cell correlated gene co-expression networks. The validation of the co-expression genes revealed a continued protein-protein interaction network that included 823 nodes and 3113 edges. Based on the topology, we identified six densely connected regions within the continued protein-protein interaction network. The SSC specific genes Itgam, Cxcr6, and Agtr2 bridged four densely connected regions that consisted primarily of HSC-, NSC-, and MSC-correlated genes. The expression levels of identified stem cell related transcription factors were confirmed consistent with bioinformatics prediction in ESCs and NSCs by qPCR. Exploring the mechanisms underlying adult stem cell self-renewal will aid in the understanding of stem cell pool maintenance and will promote more accurate and efficient strategies for tissue regeneration and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Wang
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jie Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xin-Hua Song
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Wen-Hai Xie
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evolving Role of RING1 and YY1 Binding Protein in the Regulation of Germ-Cell-Specific Transcription. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110941. [PMID: 31752312 PMCID: PMC6895862 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Separation of germline cells from somatic lineages is one of the earliest decisions of embryogenesis. Genes expressed in germline cells include apoptotic and meiotic factors, which are not transcribed in the soma normally, but a number of testis-specific genes are active in numerous cancer types. During germ cell development, germ-cell-specific genes can be regulated by specific transcription factors, retinoic acid signaling and multimeric protein complexes. Non-canonical polycomb repressive complexes, like ncPRC1.6, play a critical role in the regulation of the activity of germ-cell-specific genes. RING1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP) is one of the core members of the ncPRC1.6. Surprisingly, the role of Rybp in germ cell differentiation has not been defined yet. This review is focusing on the possible role of Rybp in this process. By analyzing whole-genome transcriptome alterations of the Rybp-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells and correlating this data with experimentally identified binding sites of ncPRC1.6 subunits and retinoic acid receptors in ES cells, we propose a model how germ-cell-specific transcription can be governed by an RYBP centered regulatory network, underlining the possible role of RYBP in germ cell differentiation and tumorigenesis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Germ cells undergo epigenome reprogramming for proper development of the next generation. The achievement of in vitro germ cell derivation from human and mouse pluripotent stem cells and further differentiation in a plane culture and in aggregation with gonadal somatic cells offers unprecedented opportunities for investigation of the germ cell development. Moreover, advances in low-input/single-cell genomics have enabled detailed investigation of epigenome dynamics during germ cell development. These technologies have advanced our knowledge of epigenome reprogramming during the specification and development of primordial germ cells, their sex differentiation, and gametogenesis. Key findings include details of chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation, progressive and comprehensive DNA demethylation, and tight links between DNA demethylation and histone marks during the development of primordial germ cells, acquisition of unique totipotent epigenome during oogenesis (e.g., broad H3K4me3 domains and low-level three-dimensional genomic organization), and unexpected organization of the sperm genome. Moreover, these studies suggest the importance of epigenome analyses for in-depth evaluations of in vitro gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Kurimoto
- Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kurimoto K, Saitou M. Epigenome regulation during germ cell specification and development from pluripotent stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2018; 52:57-64. [PMID: 29908427 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells undergo epigenome reprogramming for proper development of the next generation. The realization of germ cell derivation from human and mouse pluripotent stem cells offers unprecedented opportunity for investigation of germline development. Primordial germ cells reconstituted in vitro (PGC-like cells [PGCLCs]) show progressive dilution of genomic DNA methylation, tightly linked with chromatin remodeling, during their specification. PGCLCs can be further expanded by plane culture, allowing maintenance of the gene-expression profiles of early PGCs and continuance of the DNA methylation erasure, thereby establishing an epigenetic `blank slate'. PGCLCs undergo further epigenome regulation to acquire the male or female fates. These findings will provide a foundation for basic germ cell biology and for in-depth evaluations of in vitro gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Kurimoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hamer G, de Rooij DG. Mutations causing specific arrests in the development of mouse primordial germ cells and gonocytes. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:75-86. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mitani T, Yabuta Y, Ohta H, Nakamura T, Yamashiro C, Yamamoto T, Saitou M, Kurimoto K. Principles for the regulation of multiple developmental pathways by a versatile transcriptional factor, BLIMP1. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:12152-12169. [PMID: 28981894 PMCID: PMC5716175 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Single transcription factors (TFs) regulate multiple developmental pathways, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we quantitatively characterized the genome-wide occupancy profiles of BLIMP1, a key transcriptional regulator for diverse developmental processes, during the development of three germ-layer derivatives (photoreceptor precursors, embryonic intestinal epithelium and plasmablasts) and the germ cell lineage (primordial germ cells). We identified BLIMP1-binding sites shared among multiple developmental processes, and such sites were highly occupied by BLIMP1 with a stringent recognition motif and were located predominantly in promoter proximities. A subset of bindings common to all the lineages exhibited a new, strong recognition sequence, a GGGAAA repeat. Paradoxically, however, the shared/common bindings had only a slight impact on the associated gene expression. In contrast, BLIMP1 occupied more distal sites in a cell type-specific manner; despite lower occupancy and flexible sequence recognitions, such bindings contributed effectively to the repression of the associated genes. Recognition motifs of other key TFs in BLIMP1-binding sites had little impact on the expression-level changes. These findings suggest that the shared/common sites might serve as potential reservoirs of BLIMP1 that functions at the specific sites, providing the foundation for a unified understanding of the genome regulation by BLIMP1, and, possibly, TFs in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Mitani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomonori Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Chika Yamashiro
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kurimoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Miyauchi H, Ohta H, Nagaoka S, Nakaki F, Sasaki K, Hayashi K, Yabuta Y, Nakamura T, Yamamoto T, Saitou M. Bone morphogenetic protein and retinoic acid synergistically specify female germ-cell fate in mice. EMBO J 2017; 36:3100-3119. [PMID: 28928204 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201796875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism for sex determination in mammalian germ cells remains unclear. Here, we reconstitute the female sex determination in mouse germ cells in vitro under a defined condition without the use of gonadal somatic cells. We show that retinoic acid (RA) and its key effector, STRA8, are not sufficient to induce the female germ-cell fate. In contrast, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and RA synergistically induce primordial germ cells (PGCs)/PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into fetal primary oocytes. The induction is characterized by entry into the meiotic prophase, occurs synchronously and recapitulates cytological and transcriptome progression in vivo faithfully. Importantly, the female germ-cell induction necessitates a proper cellular competence-most typically, DNA demethylation of relevant genes-which is observed in appropriately propagated PGCs/PGCLCs, but not in PGCs/PGCLCs immediately after induction. This provides an explanation for the differential function of BMP signaling between PGC specification and female germ-cell induction. Our findings represent a framework for a comprehensive delineation of the sex-determination pathway in mammalian germ cells, including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Miyauchi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - So Nagaoka
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fumio Nakaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kotaro Sasaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, PRESTO, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Developmental Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan .,JST, ERATO, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mikedis MM, Downs KM. PRDM1/BLIMP1 is widely distributed to the nascent fetal-placental interface in the mouse gastrula. Dev Dyn 2016; 246:50-71. [PMID: 27696611 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PRDM1 is a transcriptional repressor that contributes to primordial germ cell (PGC) development. During early gastrulation, epiblast-derived PRDM1 is thought to be restricted to a lineage-segregated germ line in the allantois. However, given recent findings that PGCs overlap an allantoic progenitor pool that contributes widely to the fetal-umbilical interface, posterior PRDM1 may also contribute to soma. RESULTS Within the posterior mouse gastrula (early streak, 12-s stages, embryonic days ∼6.75-9.0), PRDM1 localized to all tissues containing putative PGCs; however, PRDM1 was also found in all three primary germ layers, their derivatives, and two presumptive growth centers, the allantoic core domain and ventral ectodermal ridge. While PRDM1 and STELLA colocalized predominantly within the hindgut, where putative PGCs reside, other colocalizing cells were found in non-PGC sites. Additional PRDM1 and STELLA cells were found independent of each other throughout the posterior region, including the hindgut. The Prdm1-Cre-driven reporter supported PRDM1 localization in the majority of sites; however, some Prdm1 descendants were found in sites independent of PRDM1 protein, including allantoic mesothelium and hindgut endoderm. CONCLUSIONS Posterior PRDM1 contributes more broadly to the developing fetal-maternal connection than previously recognized, and PRDM1 and STELLA, while overlapping in putative PGCs, also co-localize in several other tissues. Developmental Dynamics 246:50-71, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Mikedis
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Karen M Downs
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|