1
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Perales IE, Jones SD, Piaszynski KM, Geyer PK. Developmental changes in nuclear lamina components during germ cell differentiation. Nucleus 2024; 15:2339214. [PMID: 38597409 PMCID: PMC11008544 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2339214] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclear lamina (NL) changes composition for regulation of nuclear events. We investigated changes that occur in Drosophila oogenesis, revealing switches in NL composition during germ cell differentiation. Germline stem cells (GSCs) express only LamB and predominantly emerin, whereas differentiating nurse cells predominantly express LamC and emerin2. A change in LamC-specific localization also occurs, wherein phosphorylated LamC redistributes to the nuclear interior only in the oocyte, prior to transcriptional reactivation of the meiotic genome. These changes support existing concepts that LamC promotes differentiation, a premise that was tested. Remarkably ectopic LamC production in GSCs did not promote premature differentiation. Increased LamC levels in differentiating germ cells altered internal nuclear structure, increased RNA production, and reduced female fertility due to defects in eggshell formation. These studies suggest differences between Drosophila lamins are regulatory, not functional, and reveal an unexpected robustness to level changes of a major scaffolding component of the NL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella E. Perales
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Samuel D. Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Pamela K. Geyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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2
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Perales IE, Jones SD, Duan T, Geyer PK. Maintenance of germline stem cell homeostasis despite severe nuclear distortion. Dev Biol 2024; 515:139-150. [PMID: 39038593 PMCID: PMC11317214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.07.009] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell loss in aging and disease is associated with nuclear deformation. Yet, how nuclear shape influences stem cell homeostasis is poorly understood. We investigated this connection using Drosophila germline stem cells, as survival of these stem cells is compromised by dysfunction of the nuclear lamina, the extensive protein network that lines the inner nuclear membrane and gives shape to the nucleus. To induce nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, we used the GAL4-UAS system to increase expression of the permanently farnesylated nuclear lamina protein, Kugelkern, a rate limiting factor for nuclear growth. We show that elevated Kugelkern levels cause severe nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, including extensive thickening and lobulation of the nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina, as well as alteration of internal nuclear compartments. Despite these changes, germline stem cell number, proliferation, and female fertility are preserved, even as females age. Collectively, these data demonstrate that disruption of nuclear architecture does not cause a failure of germline stem cell survival or homeostasis, revealing that nuclear deformation does not invariably promote stem cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella E Perales
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Samuel D Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Tingting Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Pamela K Geyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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3
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Zhang Q, Li L, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Yan L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhao S. Genetic circuitry controlling Drosophila female germline overgrowth. Dev Biol 2024; 515:160-168. [PMID: 39067502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Germ cells mutant for bam or bgcn are locked in a germline stem cell (GSC)-like state, leading to tumor-like overgrowth in Drosophila ovaries. Our previous studies have demonstrated that germline overgrowth in bam mutants can be suppressed by defects in the miRNA pathway but enhanced by a null mutation in hippo. However, the genetic epistasis between the miRNA and Hippo pathways still remains unknown. Here, we determined that the miRNA pathway acts downstream of the Hippo pathway in regulating this process. Germ cells mutant for bam or bgcn and defective in both pathways divide very slowly, phenocopying those defective only in the miRNA pathway. In addition, we found that Yki, a key oncoprotein in the Hippo pathway, promotes the growth of both wild-type germ cells and bam mutant GSC-like cells. Like wild-type GSCs, bam mutant GSC-like cells predominantly stay in the G2 phase. Remarkably, many of those defective in the miRNA pathway are arrested before entering this phase. Furthermore, our studies identified bantam as a critical miRNA promoting germline overgrowth in bam or bgcn mutants. Taken together, these findings establish a genetic circuitry controlling Drosophila female germline overgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhong Yan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuejia Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Kim SJ, Lee KM, Park SH, Yang T, Song I, Rai F, Hoshino R, Yun M, Zhang C, Kim JI, Lee S, Suh GSB, Niwa R, Park ZY, Kim YJ. A sexually transmitted sugar orchestrates reproductive responses to nutritional stress. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8477. [PMID: 39353950 PMCID: PMC11445483 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52807-3] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid is rich in sugars, but their role beyond supporting sperm motility is unknown. In this study, we found Drosophila melanogaster males transfer a substantial amount of a phospho-galactoside to females during mating, but only half as much when undernourished. This seminal substance, which we named venerose, induces an increase in germline stem cells (GSCs) and promotes sperm storage in females, especially undernourished ones. Venerose enters the hemolymph and directly activates nutrient-sensing Dh44+ neurons in the brain. Food deprivation directs the nutrient-sensing neurons to secrete more of the neuropeptide Dh44 in response to infused venerose. The secreted Dh44 then enhances the local niche signal, stimulating GSC proliferation. It also extends the retention of ejaculate by females, resulting in greater venerose absorption and increased sperm storage. In this study, we uncovered the role of a sugar-like seminal substance produced by males that coordinates reproductive responses to nutritional challenges in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Jin Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Min Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyung Park
- School of Horticulture and Forestry, College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, 58554, Republic of Korea
| | - Taekyun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Ingyu Song
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Fumika Rai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Ryo Hoshino
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Minsik Yun
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Il Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjae Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Greg S B Suh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Zee-Yong Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Hayashi Y, Kaneko J, Ito-Matsuoka Y, Takehara A, Funakoshi M, Maezawa S, Shirane K, Furuya S, Matsui Y. Control of epigenomic landscape and development of fetal male germ cells through L-serine metabolism. iScience 2024; 27:110702. [PMID: 39262797 PMCID: PMC11388182 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110702] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific metabolic characteristics emerge in the mouse germ line after reaching the genital ridges around embryonic day 10.5, coinciding with sexual differentiation. However, the impact of such metabolic characteristics on germ cell development remains unclear. In this study, we observed the specific upregulation in male fetal germ cells of D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the primary enzyme in the serine-glycine-one-carbon metabolism, along with an increase in a downstream metabolite, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), crucial for protein and nucleic acid methylation. Inhibiting PHGDH in fetal testes resulted in reduced SAM levels in germ cells, accompanied by increases in the number of mouse vasa homolog (MVH/VASA)-positive germ cells and the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF)-positive undifferentiated spermatogonia ratio. Furthermore, PHGDH inhibition led to a decrease in the methylation of histone H3 and DNA, resulting in aberrations in gene expression profiles. In summary, our findings underscore the significant role of certain metabolic mechanisms in the development of male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Hayashi
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Jintaro Kaneko
- School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yumi Ito-Matsuoka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Mayuka Funakoshi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - So Maezawa
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Yamazaki 2641, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Shirane
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeki Furuya
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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6
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Bu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Li L, Yan L, Wang Y, Zhao S. Ras promotes germline stem cell division in Drosophila ovaries. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1205-1216. [PMID: 39029459 PMCID: PMC11368681 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family genes are proto-oncogenes that are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans. In Drosophila, RasV12 is a constitutively activated form of the Ras oncoprotein, and its function in cell-cycle progression is context dependent. However, how it influences the cell cycle of female germline stem cells (GSCs) still remains unknown. Using both wild-type GSCs and bam mutant GSC-like cells as model systems, here we determined that RasV12 overexpression promotes GSC division, not growth, opposite to that in somatic wing disc cells. Ras performs this function through activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. This signaling is activated specifically in the M phase of mitotic germ cells, including both wild-type GSCs and bam mutant GSC-like cells. Furthermore, RasV12 overexpression triggers polyploid nurse cells to die through inducing mitotic stress. Given the similarities between Drosophila and mammalian GSCs, we propose that the Ras/MAPK signaling also promotes mammalian GSC division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenan Bu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhong Yan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuejia Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Adashev VE, Kotov AA, Bazylev SS, Kombarov IA, Olenkina OM, Shatskikh AS, Olenina LV. Essential functions of RNA helicase Vasa in maintaining germline stem cells and piRNA-guided Stellate silencing in Drosophila spermatogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1450227. [PMID: 39184915 PMCID: PMC11341464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1450227] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
DEAD-box RNA helicase Vasa is required for gonad development and fertility in multiple animals. Vasa is implicated in many crucial aspects of Drosophila oogenesis, including translation regulation, primordial germ cell specification, piRNA silencing of transposable elements, and maintenance of germline stem cells (GSCs). However, data about Vasa functions in Drosophila spermatogenesis remain controversial. Here we showed that loss-of-function vasa mutations led to failures of GSC maintenance in the testes, a severe loss of total germ cell content, and a cessation of male fertility over time. Defects in GSC maintenance in vasa mutant testes were not associated with an increasing frequency of programmed cell death, indicating that a premature loss of GSCs occurred via entering differentiation. We found that Vasa is implicated in the positive regulation of rhino expression both in the testes and ovaries. The introduction of a transgene copy of rhino, encoding a nuclear component of piRNA pathway machinery, in vasa mutant background allowed us to restore premeiotic stages of spermatogenesis, including the maintenance of GSCs and the development of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. However, piRNA-guided repression of Stellate genes in spermatocytes of vasa mutant testes with additional rhino copy was not restored, and male fertility was disrupted. Our study uncovered a novel mechanistic link involving Vasa and Rhino in a regulatory network that mediates GSC maintenance but is dispensable for the perfect biogenesis of Su(Ste) piRNAs in testes. Thus, we have shown that Vasa functions in spermatogenesis are essential at two distinct developmental stages: in GSCs for their maintenance and in spermatocytes for piRNA-mediated silencing of Stellate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir E. Adashev
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei A. Kotov
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei S. Bazylev
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilia A. Kombarov
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana M. Olenkina
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms for Realization of Genetic Information, National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei S. Shatskikh
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila V. Olenina
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Vidaurre V, Song A, Li T, Ku WL, Zhao K, Qian J, Chen X. The Drosophila histone methyltransferase SET1 coordinates multiple signaling pathways in regulating male germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Development 2024; 151:dev202729. [PMID: 39007366 PMCID: PMC11369688 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202729] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Many tissue-specific adult stem cell lineages maintain a balance between proliferation and differentiation. Here, we study how the H3K4me3 methyltransferase Set1 regulates early-stage male germ cells in Drosophila. Early-stage germline-specific knockdown of Set1 results in temporally progressive defects, arising as germ cell loss and developing into overpopulated early-stage germ cells. These germline defects also impact the niche architecture and cyst stem cell lineage non-cell-autonomously. Additionally, wild-type Set1, but not the catalytically inactive Set1, rescues the Set1 knockdown phenotypes, highlighting the functional importance of the methyltransferase activity of Set1. Further, RNA-sequencing experiments reveal key signaling pathway components, such as the JAK-STAT pathway gene Stat92E and the BMP pathway gene Mad, which are upregulated upon Set1 knockdown. Genetic interaction assays support the functional relationships between Set1 and JAK-STAT or BMP pathways, as both Stat92E and Mad mutations suppress the Set1 knockdown phenotypes. These findings enhance our understanding of the balance between proliferation and differentiation in an adult stem cell lineage. The phenotype of germ cell loss followed by over-proliferation when inhibiting a histone methyltransferase also raises concerns about using their inhibitors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velinda Vidaurre
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Annabelle Song
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Taibo Li
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Wai Lim Ku
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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9
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Pinto SC, Leong WH, Tan H, McKee L, Prevost A, Ma C, Shirley NJ, Petrella R, Yang X, Koltunow AM, Bulone V, Kanaoka MM, Higashyiama T, Coimbra S, Tucker MR. Germline β-1,3-glucan deposits are required for female gametogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5875. [PMID: 38997266 PMCID: PMC11245613 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Correct regulation of intercellular communication is a fundamental requirement for cell differentiation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the female germline differentiates from a single somatic ovule cell that becomes encased in β-1,3-glucan, a water insoluble polysaccharide implicated in limiting pathogen invasion, regulating intercellular trafficking in roots, and promoting pollen development. Whether β-1,3-glucan facilitates germline isolation and development has remained contentious, since limited evidence is available to support a functional role. Here, transcriptional profiling of adjoining germline and somatic cells revealed differences in gene expression related to β-1,3-glucan metabolism and signalling through intercellular channels (plasmodesmata). Dominant expression of a β-1,3-glucanase in the female germline transiently perturbed β-1,3-glucan deposits, allowed intercellular movement of tracer molecules, and led to changes in germline gene expression and histone marks, eventually leading to termination of germline development. Our findings indicate that germline β-1,3-glucan fulfils a functional role in the ovule by insulating the primary germline cell, and thereby determines the success of downstream female gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Pinto
- LAQV REQUIMTE, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Weng Herng Leong
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Hweiting Tan
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Lauren McKee
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Glycoscience, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amelie Prevost
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Chao Ma
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Neil J Shirley
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Rosanna Petrella
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Anna M Koltunow
- Centre for Crop Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Vincent Bulone
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Glycoscience, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park Campus, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Masahiro M Kanaoka
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
- Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima, 727-0023, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashyiama
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sílvia Coimbra
- LAQV REQUIMTE, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matthew R Tucker
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia.
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10
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Kotb NM, Ulukaya G, Chavan A, Nguyen SC, Proskauer L, Joyce EF, Hasson D, Jagannathan M, Rangan P. Genome organization regulates nuclear pore complex formation and promotes differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis. Genes Dev 2024; 38:436-454. [PMID: 38866556 PMCID: PMC11216175 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351402.123] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Genome organization can regulate gene expression and promote cell fate transitions. The differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) to oocytes in Drosophila involves changes in genome organization mediated by heterochromatin and the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Heterochromatin represses germ cell genes during differentiation, and NPCs anchor these silenced genes to the nuclear periphery, maintaining silencing to allow for oocyte development. Surprisingly, we found that genome organization also contributes to NPC formation, mediated by the transcription factor Stonewall (Stwl). As GSCs differentiate, Stwl accumulates at boundaries between silenced and active gene compartments. Stwl at these boundaries plays a pivotal role in transitioning germ cell genes into a silenced state and activating a group of oocyte genes and nucleoporins (Nups). The upregulation of these Nups during differentiation is crucial for NPC formation and further genome organization. Thus, cross-talk between genome architecture and NPCs is essential for successful cell fate transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor M Kotb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Wadsworth Center, University at Albany State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, New York 12202, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, New York 12202, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NewYork 10029, USA
| | - Gulay Ulukaya
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NewYork 10029, USA
- Bioinformatics for Next-Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Core, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Ankita Chavan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Son C Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Lydia Proskauer
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, New York 12202, USA
| | - Eric F Joyce
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Dan Hasson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NewYork 10029, USA
- Bioinformatics for Next-Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Core, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Madhav Jagannathan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NewYork 10029, USA;
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11
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Chavan A, Isenhart R, Nguyen SC, Kotb NM, Harke J, Sintsova A, Ulukaya G, Uliana F, Ashiono C, Kutay U, Pegoraro G, Rangan P, Joyce EF, Jagannathan M. A nuclear architecture screen in Drosophila identifies Stonewall as a link between chromatin position at the nuclear periphery and germline stem cell fate. Genes Dev 2024; 38:415-435. [PMID: 38866555 PMCID: PMC11216176 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351424.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The association of genomic loci to the nuclear periphery is proposed to facilitate cell type-specific gene repression and influence cell fate decisions. However, the interplay between gene position and expression remains incompletely understood, in part because the proteins that position genomic loci at the nuclear periphery remain unidentified. Here, we used an Oligopaint-based HiDRO screen targeting ∼1000 genes to discover novel regulators of nuclear architecture in Drosophila cells. We identified the heterochromatin-associated protein Stonewall (Stwl) as a factor promoting perinuclear chromatin positioning. In female germline stem cells (GSCs), Stwl binds and positions chromatin loci, including GSC differentiation genes, at the nuclear periphery. Strikingly, Stwl-dependent perinuclear positioning is associated with transcriptional repression, highlighting a likely mechanism for Stwl's known role in GSC maintenance and ovary homeostasis. Thus, our study identifies perinuclear anchors in Drosophila and demonstrates the importance of gene repression at the nuclear periphery for cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Chavan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Consortium, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
- Life Science Zürich Graduate School, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Randi Isenhart
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Son C Nguyen
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Noor M Kotb
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Jailynn Harke
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Anna Sintsova
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Gulay Ulukaya
- Bioinformatics for Next-Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) Core, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Federico Uliana
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Ashiono
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Kutay
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- High-Throughput Imaging Facility (HiTIF), National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Eric F Joyce
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Madhav Jagannathan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland;
- Bringing Materials to Life Consortium, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
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12
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Samuels TJ, Gui J, Gebert D, Karam Teixeira F. Two distinct waves of transcriptome and translatome changes drive Drosophila germline stem cell differentiation. EMBO J 2024; 43:1591-1617. [PMID: 38480936 PMCID: PMC11021484 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00070-z] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The tight control of fate transitions during stem cell differentiation is essential for proper tissue development and maintenance. However, the challenges in studying sparsely distributed adult stem cells in a systematic manner have hindered efforts to identify how the multilayered regulation of gene expression programs orchestrates stem cell differentiation in vivo. Here, we synchronised Drosophila female germline stem cell (GSC) differentiation in vivo to perform in-depth transcriptome and translatome analyses at high temporal resolution. This characterisation revealed widespread and dynamic changes in mRNA level, promoter usage, exon inclusion, and translation efficiency. Transient expression of the master regulator, Bam, drives a first wave of expression changes, primarily modifying the cell cycle program. Surprisingly, as Bam levels recede, differentiating cells return to a remarkably stem cell-like transcription and translation program, with a few crucial changes feeding into a second phase driving terminal differentiation to form the oocyte. Altogether, these findings reveal that rather than a unidirectional accumulation of changes, the in vivo differentiation of stem cells relies on distinctly regulated and developmentally sequential waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin J Samuels
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EH, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3DY, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jinghua Gui
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EH, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Gebert
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EH, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3DY, Cambridge, UK
| | - Felipe Karam Teixeira
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EH, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3DY, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Rinehart L, Stewart WE, Luffman N, Wawersik M, Kerscher O. Chigno/CG11180 and SUMO are Chinmo-interacting proteins with a role in Drosophila testes somatic support cells. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16971. [PMID: 38495765 PMCID: PMC10944633 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are critical for replenishment of cells lost to death, damage or differentiation. Drosophila testes are a key model system for elucidating mechanisms regulating stem cell maintenance and differentiation. An intriguing gene identified through such studies is the transcription factor, chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo). Chinmo is a downstream effector of the Jak-STAT signaling pathway that acts in testis somatic stem cells to ensure maintenance of male stem cell fate and sexual identity. Defects in these processes can lead to infertility and the formation of germ cell tumors. While Chinmo's effect on testis stem cell behavior has been investigated in detail, there is still much to be learned about its structure, function, and interactions with other proteins. Using a two-hybrid screen, we find that Chinmo interacts with itself, the small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO, the novel protein CG11180, and four other proteins (CG4318, Ova (ovaries absent), Taf3 (TBP-associated factor 3), and CG18269). Since both Chinmo and CG11180 contain sumoylation sites and SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs), we analyzed their interaction in more detail. Using site-directed mutagenesis of a unique SIM in CG11180, we demonstrate that Chinmo's interaction with CG11180 is SUMO-dependent. Furthermore, to assess the functional relevance of both SUMO and CG11180, we performed RNAi-mediated knockdown of both proteins in somatic cells of the Drosophila testis. Using this approach, we find that CG11180 and SUMO are required in somatic cells of adult testes, and that reduction of either protein causes formation of germ cell tumors. Overall, our work suggests that SUMO may be involved in the interaction of Chinmo and CG11180 and that these genes are required in somatic cells of the adult Drosophila testis. Consistent with the CG11180 knockdown phenotype in male testes, and to underscore its connection to Chinmo, we propose the name Chigno (Childless Gambino) for CG11180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanna Rinehart
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Wendy E. Stewart
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Natalie Luffman
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Matthew Wawersik
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Oliver Kerscher
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
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14
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Vidaurre V, Song A, Li T, Ku WL, Zhao K, Qian J, Chen X. The Drosophila histone methyl-transferase SET1 coordinates multiple signaling pathways in regulating male germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580277. [PMID: 38405894 PMCID: PMC10888844 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Many cell types come from tissue-specific adult stem cells that maintain the balance between proliferation and differentiation. Here, we study how the H3K4me3 methyltransferase, Set1, regulates early-stage male germ cell proliferation and differentiation in Drosophila. Early-stage germline-specific knockdown of set1 results in a temporally progressed defects, arising as germ cell loss and developing to overpopulated early-stage germ cells. These germline defects also impact the niche architecture and cyst stem cell lineage in a non-cell-autonomous manner. Additionally, wild-type Set1, but not the catalytically inactive Set1, could rescue the set1 knockdown phenotypes, highlighting the functional importance of the methyl-transferase activity of the Set1 enzyme. Further, RNA-seq experiments reveal key signaling pathway components, such as the JAK-STAT pathway gene stat92E and the BMP pathway gene mad, that are upregulated upon set1 knockdown. Genetic interaction assays support the functional relationships between set1 and JAK-STAT or BMP pathways, as mutations of both the stat92E and mad genes suppress the set1 knockdown phenotypes. These findings enhance our understanding of the balance between proliferation and differentiation in an adult stem cell lineage. The germ cell loss followed by over-proliferation phenotypes when inhibiting a histone methyl-transferase raise concerns about using their inhibitors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velinda Vidaurre
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Annabelle Song
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Taibo Li
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wai Lim Ku
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Keji Zhao
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xin Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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15
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Sadanandappa MK, Bosco G. Parasitoid cues modulate Drosophila germline development and stem cell proliferation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113657. [PMID: 38175752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors influence an organism's reproductive ability by regulating germline development and physiology. While the reproductive adaptations in response to extrinsic stress cues offer fitness and survival advantages to individuals, the mechanistic understanding of these modifications remains unclear. Here, we find that parasitoid wasps' stress signaling regulates Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis. We show that fruit flies dwelling in the wasp-infested area elevate their fecundity, and the observed reproductive response is specific to Pachycrepoideus sp., a pupal parasitoid wasp. Pachycrepoideus-specific olfactory and visual cues recruit the signaling pathways that promote germline stem cell proliferation and accelerate follicle development, increasing egg production in Drosophila females. Downregulation of signaling engaged in oocyte development by shifting flies to a non-wasp-infested environment increases apoptosis of the developing follicles. Thus, this study establishes host germline responsiveness to parasitoid-specific signals and supports a predator strategy to increase hosts for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumala K Sadanandappa
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Giovanni Bosco
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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16
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Nelson JO, Kumon T, Yamashita YM. rDNA magnification is a unique feature of germline stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2314440120. [PMID: 37967216 PMCID: PMC10666004 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314440120] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) encodes ribosomal RNA and exists as tandem repeats of hundreds of copies in the eukaryotic genome to meet the high demand of ribosome biogenesis. Tandemly repeated DNA elements are inherently unstable; thus, mechanisms must exist to maintain rDNA copy number (CN), in particular in the germline that continues through generations. A phenomenon called rDNA magnification was discovered over 50 y ago in Drosophila as a process that recovers the rDNA CN on chromosomes that harbor minimal CN. Our recent studies indicated that rDNA magnification is the mechanism to maintain rDNA CN under physiological conditions to counteract spontaneous CN loss that occurs during aging. Our previous studies that explored the mechanism of rDNA magnification implied that asymmetric division of germline stem cells (GSCs) may be particularly suited to achieve rDNA magnification. However, it remains elusive whether GSCs are the unique cell type that undergoes rDNA magnification or differentiating germ cells are also capable of magnification. In this study, we provide empirical evidence that suggests that rDNA magnification operates uniquely in GSCs, but not in differentiating germ cells. We further provide computer simulation that suggests that rDNA magnification is only achievable through asymmetric GSC divisions. We propose that despite known plasticity and transcriptomic similarity between GSCs and differentiating germ cells, GSCs' unique ability to divide asymmetrically serves a critical role of maintaining rDNA CN through generations, supporting germline immortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan O Nelson
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Tomohiro Kumon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Yukiko M Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
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17
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Sarkar K, Kotb NM, Lemus A, Martin ET, McCarthy A, Camacho J, Iqbal A, Valm AM, Sammons MA, Rangan P. A feedback loop between heterochromatin and the nucleopore complex controls germ-cell-to-oocyte transition during Drosophila oogenesis. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2580-2596.e6. [PMID: 37673064 PMCID: PMC11301765 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells differentiate into oocytes that launch the next generation upon fertilization. How the highly specialized oocyte acquires this distinct cell fate is poorly understood. During Drosophila oogenesis, H3K9me3 histone methyltransferase SETDB1 translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of germ cells concurrently with oocyte specification. Here, we discovered that nuclear SETDB1 is required for silencing a cohort of differentiation-promoting genes by mediating their heterochromatinization. Intriguingly, SETDB1 is also required for upregulating 18 of the ∼30 nucleoporins (Nups) that compose the nucleopore complex (NPC), promoting NPC formation. NPCs anchor SETDB1-dependent heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery to maintain H3K9me3 and gene silencing in the egg chambers. Aberrant gene expression due to the loss of SETDB1 or Nups results in the loss of oocyte identity, cell death, and sterility. Thus, a feedback loop between heterochromatin and NPCs promotes transcriptional reprogramming at the onset of oocyte specification, which is critical for establishing oocyte identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahini Sarkar
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Noor M Kotb
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Alex Lemus
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Elliot T Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Alicia McCarthy
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Justin Camacho
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Ayman Iqbal
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Alex M Valm
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Morgan A Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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18
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Chavan A, Isenhart R, Nguyen SC, Kotb N, Harke J, Sintsova A, Ulukaya G, Uliana F, Ashiono C, Kutay U, Pegoraro G, Rangan P, Joyce EF, Jagannathan M. A nuclear architecture screen in Drosophila identifies Stonewall as a link between chromatin position at the nuclear periphery and germline stem cell fate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.567611. [PMID: 38014085 PMCID: PMC10680830 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The association of genomic loci to the nuclear periphery is proposed to facilitate cell-type specific gene repression and influence cell fate decisions. However, the interplay between gene position and expression remains incompletely understood, in part because the proteins that position genomic loci at the nuclear periphery remain unidentified. Here, we used an Oligopaint-based HiDRO screen targeting ~1000 genes to discover novel regulators of nuclear architecture in Drosophila cells. We identified the heterochromatin-associated protein, Stonewall (Stwl), as a factor promoting perinuclear chromatin positioning. In female germline stem cells (GSCs), Stwl binds and positions chromatin loci, including GSC differentiation genes, at the nuclear periphery. Strikingly, Stwl-dependent perinuclear positioning is associated with transcriptional repression, highlighting a likely mechanism for Stwl's known role in GSC maintenance and ovary homeostasis. Thus, our study identifies perinuclear anchors in Drosophila and demonstrates the importance of gene repression at the nuclear periphery for cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Chavan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Consortium, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, Zürich, Switzerland
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Randi Isenhart
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Son C. Nguyen
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Noor Kotb
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jailynn Harke
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anna Sintsova
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gulay Ulukaya
- Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Federico Uliana
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Ashiono
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Kutay
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- High Throughput Imaging Facility (HiTIF), National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eric F. Joyce
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Madhav Jagannathan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Consortium, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
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19
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Kotb NM, Ulukaya G, Chavan A, Nguyen SC, Proskauer L, Joyce E, Hasson D, Jagannathan M, Rangan P. Genome organization regulates nuclear pore complex formation and promotes differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567233. [PMID: 38014330 PMCID: PMC10680722 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Genome organization can regulate gene expression and promote cell fate transitions. The differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) to oocytes in Drosophila involves changes in genome organization mediated by heterochromatin and the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Heterochromatin represses germ-cell genes during differentiation and NPCs anchor these silenced genes to the nuclear periphery, maintaining silencing to allow for oocyte development. Surprisingly, we find that genome organization also contributes to NPC formation, mediated by the transcription factor Stonewall (Stwl). As GSCs differentiate, Stwl accumulates at boundaries between silenced and active gene compartments. Stwl at these boundaries plays a pivotal role in transitioning germ-cell genes into a silenced state and activating a group of oocyte genes and Nucleoporins (Nups). The upregulation of these Nups during differentiation is crucial for NPC formation and further genome organization. Thus, crosstalk between genome architecture and NPCs is essential for successful cell fate transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor M. Kotb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Wadsworth Center, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Gulay Ulukaya
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Tisch Cancer Institute Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core
| | - Ankita Chavan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich
| | - Son C. Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Lydia Proskauer
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202
- Current address: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Eric Joyce
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Dan Hasson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Tisch Cancer Institute Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madhav Jagannathan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
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20
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Loubalova Z, Konstantinidou P, Haase AD. Themes and variations on piRNA-guided transposon control. Mob DNA 2023; 14:10. [PMID: 37660099 PMCID: PMC10474768 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are responsible for preventing the movement of transposable elements in germ cells and protect the integrity of germline genomes. In this review, we examine the common elements of piRNA-guided silencing as well as the differences observed between species. We have categorized the mechanisms of piRNA biogenesis and function into modules. Individual PIWI proteins combine these modules in various ways to produce unique PIWI-piRNA pathways, which nevertheless possess the ability to perform conserved functions. This modular model incorporates conserved core mechanisms and accommodates variable co-factors. Adaptability is a hallmark of this RNA-based immune system. We believe that considering the differences in germ cell biology and resident transposons in different organisms is essential for placing the variations observed in piRNA biology into context, while still highlighting the conserved themes that underpin this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Loubalova
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Parthena Konstantinidou
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Astrid D Haase
- National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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21
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Tu R, Tang XA, Xu R, Ping Z, Yu Z, Xie T. Gap junction-transported cAMP from the niche controls stem cell progeny differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304168120. [PMID: 37603749 PMCID: PMC10468610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304168120] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The niche has been shown to control stem cell self-renewal in different tissue types and organisms. Recently, a separate niche has been proposed to control stem cell progeny differentiation, called the differentiation niche. However, it remains poorly understood whether and how the differentiation niche directly signals to stem cell progeny to control their differentiation. In the Drosophila ovary, inner germarial sheath (IGS) cells contribute to two separate niche compartments for controlling both germline stem cell (GSC) self-renewal and progeny differentiation. In this study, we show that IGS cells express Inx2 protein, which forms gap junctions (GJs) with germline-specific Zpg protein to control stepwise GSC lineage development, including GSC self-renewal, germline cyst formation, meiotic double-strand DNA break formation, and oocyte specification. Germline-specific Zpg and IGS-specific Inx2 knockdowns cause similar defects in stepwise GSC development. Additionally, secondary messenger cAMP is transported from IGS cells to GSCs and their progeny via GJs to activate PKA signaling for controlling stepwise GSC development. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the niche directly controls GSC progeny differentiation via the GJ-cAMP-PKA signaling axis, which provides important insights into niche control of stem cell differentiation and highlights the importance of GJ-transported cAMP in tissue regeneration. This may represent a general strategy for the niche to control adult stem cell development in various tissue types and organisms since GJs and cAMP are widely distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjun Tu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Xiaohan Alex Tang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Rui Xu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Zhaohua Ping
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO64110
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO64110
| | - Ting Xie
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO64110
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22
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Yi S, Feng Y, Wang Y, Ma F. Sialylation: fate decision of mammalian sperm development, fertilization, and male fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:137-155. [PMID: 37379321 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm development, maturation, and successful fertilization within the female reproductive tract are intricate and orderly processes that involve protein translation and post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, sialylation plays a crucial role. Any disruptions occurring throughout the sperm's life cycle can result in male infertility, yet our current understanding of this process remains limited. Conventional semen analysis often fails to diagnose some infertility cases associated with sperm sialylation, emphasizing the need to comprehend and investigate the characteristics of sperm sialylation. This review reanalyzes the significance of sialylation in sperm development and fertilization and evaluates the impact of sialylation damage on male fertility under pathological conditions. Sialylation serves a vital role in the life journey of sperm, providing a negatively charged glycocalyx and enriching the molecular structure of the sperm surface, which is beneficial to sperm reversible recognition and immune interaction. These characteristics are particularly crucial during sperm maturation and fertilization within the female reproductive tract. Moreover, enhancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying sperm sialylation can promote the development of relevant clinical indicators for infertility detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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23
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Xie SM, Lai JX, Liu CQ, Zhang XX, Lin YM, Lan QW, Hong DY, Chen XC, Qiao JD, Mao YL. UBR4 deficiency causes male sterility and testis abnormal in Drosophila. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1165825. [PMID: 37529615 PMCID: PMC10390308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1165825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been established that UBR4 encodes E3 ubiquitin ligase, which determines the specificity of substrate binding during protein ubiquitination and has been associated with various functions of the nervous system but not the reproductive system. Herein, we explored the role of UBR4 on fertility with a Drosophila model. Methods Different Ubr4 knockdown flies were established using the UAS/GAL4 activating sequence system. Fertility, hatchability, and testis morphology were studied, and bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Our results indicated that UBR4 deficiency could induce male sterility and influent egg hatchability in Drosophila. Results We found that Ubr4 deficiency affected the testis during morphological analysis. Proteomics analysis indicated 188 upregulated proteins and 175 downregulated proteins in the testis of Ubr4 knockdown flies. Gene Ontology analysis revealed significant upregulation of CG11598 and Sfp65A, and downregulation of Pelota in Ubr4 knockdown flies. These proteins were involved in the biometabolic or reproductive process in Drosophila. These regulated proteins are important in testis generation and sperm storage promotion. Bioinformatics analysis verified that UBR4 was low expressed in cryptorchidism patients, which further supported the important role of UBR4 in male fertility. Discussion Overall, our findings suggest that UBR4 deficiency could promote male infertility and may be involved in the protein modification of UBR4 by upregulating Sfp65A and CG11598, whereas downregulating Pelota protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Xie
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Xuan Lai
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Liu
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Xing Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Miao Lin
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wen Lan
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Yao Hong
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Da Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ling Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Dong Z, Pang L, Liu Z, Sheng Y, Li X, Thibault X, Reilein A, Kalderon D, Huang J. Single-cell expression profile of Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells illuminates spatial differentiation in the germarium. BMC Biol 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37340484 PMCID: PMC10283321 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01636-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How stem cell populations are organized and regulated within adult tissues is important for understanding cancer origins and for developing cell replacement strategies. Paradigms such as mammalian gut stem cells and Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells (FSC) are characterized by population asymmetry, in which stem cell division and differentiation are separately regulated processes. These stem cells behave stochastically regarding their contributions to derivative cells and also exhibit dynamic spatial heterogeneity. Drosophila FSCs provide an excellent model for understanding how a community of active stem cells maintained by population asymmetry is regulated. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to profile the gene expression patterns of FSCs and their immediate derivatives to investigate heterogeneity within the stem cell population and changes associated with differentiation. RESULTS We describe single-cell RNA sequencing studies of a pre-sorted population of cells that include FSCs and the neighboring cell types, escort cells (ECs) and follicle cells (FCs), which they support. Cell-type assignment relies on anterior-posterior (AP) location within the germarium. We clarify the previously determined location of FSCs and use spatially targeted lineage studies as further confirmation. The scRNA profiles among four clusters are consistent with an AP progression from anterior ECs through posterior ECs and then FSCs, to early FCs. The relative proportion of EC and FSC clusters are in good agreement with the prevalence of those cell types in a germarium. Several genes with graded profiles from ECs to FCs are highlighted as candidate effectors of the inverse gradients of the two principal signaling pathways, Wnt and JAK-STAT, that guide FSC differentiation and division. CONCLUSIONS Our data establishes an important resource of scRNA-seq profiles for FSCs and their immediate derivatives that is based on precise spatial location and functionally established stem cell identity, and facilitates future genetic investigation of regulatory interactions guiding FSC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Dong
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lan Pang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yifeng Sheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Xavier Thibault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Reilein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Kalderon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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25
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Lee MH, Navarro RE, Han SM. Editorial: Germline development: From germline stem cells to gametes, Volume II. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193343. [PMID: 37077415 PMCID: PMC10108268 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Myon Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Myon Hee Lee, ; Rosa E. Navarro, ; Sung Min Han,
| | - Rosa E. Navarro
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Myon Hee Lee, ; Rosa E. Navarro, ; Sung Min Han,
| | - Sung Min Han
- Department of Physiology and Aging, Institute on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Myon Hee Lee, ; Rosa E. Navarro, ; Sung Min Han,
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26
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Simultaneous activation of Tor and suppression of ribosome biogenesis by TRIM-NHL proteins promotes terminal differentiation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112181. [PMID: 36870055 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112181] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue development and homeostasis depend on the balance between growth and terminal differentiation, but the mechanisms coordinating these processes remain elusive. Accumulating evidence indicates that ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) and protein synthesis, two cellular processes sustaining growth, are tightly regulated and yet can be uncoupled during stem cell differentiation. Using the Drosophila adult female germline stem cell and larval neuroblast systems, we show that Mei-P26 and Brat, two Drosophila TRIM-NHL paralogs, are responsible for uncoupling RiBi and protein synthesis during differentiation. In differentiating cells, Mei-P26 and Brat activate the target of rapamycin (Tor) kinase to promote translation, while concomitantly repressing RiBi. Depletion of Mei-P26 or Brat results in defective terminal differentiation, which can be rescued by ectopic activation of Tor together with suppression of RiBi. Our results indicate that uncoupling RiBi and translation activities by TRIM-NHL activity creates the conditions required for terminal differentiation.
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27
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Breznak SM, Kotb NM, Rangan P. Dynamic regulation of ribosome levels and translation during development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 136:27-37. [PMID: 35725716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability of ribosomes to translate mRNAs into proteins is the basis of all life. While ribosomes are essential for cell viability, reduction in levels of ribosomes can affect cell fate and developmental transitions in a tissue specific manner and can cause a plethora of related diseases called ribosomopathies. How dysregulated ribosomes homeostasis influences cell fate and developmental transitions is not fully understood. Model systems such as Drosophila and C. elegans oogenesis have been used to address these questions since defects in conserved steps in ribosome biogenesis result in stem cell differentiation and developmental defects. In this review, we first explore how ribosome levels affect stem cell differentiation. Second, we describe how ribosomal modifications and incorporation of ribosomal protein paralogs contribute to development. Third, we summarize how cells with perturbed ribosome biogenesis are sensed and eliminated during organismal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Breznak
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Noor M Kotb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The School of Public Health, University at Albany SUNY, 11 Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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28
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Gleason RJ, Chen X. Epigenetic dynamics during germline development: insights from Drosophila and C. elegans. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 78:102017. [PMID: 36549194 PMCID: PMC10100592 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.102017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis produces the only cell type within a metazoan that contributes both genetic and epigenetic information to the offspring. Extensive epigenetic dynamics are required to express or repress gene expression in a precise spatiotemporal manner. On the other hand, early embryos must be extensively reprogrammed as they begin a new life cycle, involving intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. Seminal work in both Drosophila and C. elegans has elucidated the role of various regulators of epigenetic inheritance, including (1) histones, (2) histone-modifying enzymes, and (3) small RNA-dependent epigenetic regulation in the maintenance of germline identity. This review highlights recent discoveries of epigenetic regulation during the stepwise changes of transcription and chromatin structure that takes place during germline stem cell self-renewal, maintenance of germline identity, and intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. Findings from these two species provide precedence and opportunity to extend relevant studies to vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Gleason
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- HHMI, Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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29
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Mitochondrial remodelling is essential for female germ cell differentiation and survival. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010610. [PMID: 36696418 PMCID: PMC9901744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells often possess immature mitochondria with few inner membrane invaginations, which increase as stem cells differentiate. Despite this being a conserved feature across many stem cell types in numerous organisms, how and why mitochondria undergo such remodelling during stem cell differentiation has remained unclear. Here, using Drosophila germline stem cells (GSCs), we show that Complex V drives mitochondrial remodelling during the early stages of GSC differentiation, prior to terminal differentiation. This endows germline mitochondria with the capacity to generate large amounts of ATP required for later egg growth and development. Interestingly, impairing mitochondrial remodelling prior to terminal differentiation results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lipid bilayer stress, Protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK)-mediated activation of the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) and germ cell death. Taken together, our data suggest that mitochondrial remodelling is an essential and tightly integrated aspect of stem cell differentiation. This work sheds light on the potential impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on stem and germ cell function, highlighting ER lipid bilayer stress as a potential major driver of phenotypes caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.
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30
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Dou W, Sun B, Miao Y, Huang D, Xiao J. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals Wolbachia-mediated modification in early stages of Drosophila spermatogenesis. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20221963. [PMID: 36629101 PMCID: PMC9832550 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia are the most widely distributed intracellular bacteria, and their most common effect on host phenotype is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). A variety of models have been proposed to decipher the molecular mechanism of CI, among which the host modification (HM) model predicts that Wolbachia effectors play an important role in sperm modification. However, owing to the complexity of spermatogenesis and testicular cell-type heterogeneity, whether Wolbachia have different effects on cells at different stages of spermatogenesis or whether these effects are linked with CI remains unknown. Therefore, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyse gene expression profiles in adult male Drosophila testes that were infected or uninfected by Wolbachia. We found that Wolbachia significantly affected the proportion of different types of germ cells and affected multiple metabolic pathways in germ cells. Most importantly, Wolbachia had the greatest impact on germline stem cells, resulting in dysregulated expression of genes related to DNA compaction, and Wolbachia infection also influenced the histone-to-protamine transition in the late stage of sperm development. These results support the HM model and suggest that future studies on Wolbachia-induced CI should focus on cells in the early stages of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Dou
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofa Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunheng Miao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Xiao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
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31
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Ridwan SM, Antel M, Inaba M. Enrichment of Undifferentiated Germline and Somatic Cells from Drosophila Testes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2677:127-138. [PMID: 37464239 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3259-8_7] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila male germline provides a strong model system to understand numerous developmental and cell-biological processes, owing to a well-defined anatomy and cell type markers in combination with various genetic tools available for the Drosophila system. A major weakness of this system has been the difficulty of approaches for obtaining material for biochemical assays, proteomics, and genomic or transcriptomic profiling due to small-size and complex tissues. However, the recent development of techniques has started allowing us the usage of a low amount of material for these analyses and now we can strategize many new experiments. The method for enrichment or isolation of rare populations of cells is still challenging and should meaningfully influence the reliability of the results. Here, we provide our semi-optimized protocol of enrichment of undifferentiated germ cells and somatic cells from non-tumorous Drosophila testis, which we have successfully improved after multiple trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif M Ridwan
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Matthew Antel
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Mayu Inaba
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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32
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Zhang Z, Gao S, Hu Y, Chen X, Cheng C, Fu X, Zhang S, Wang X, Che Y, Zhang C, Chai R. Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene Composite 3D Hydrogel Potentiates mTOR Signaling to Promote the Generation of Functional Hair Cells in Cochlea Organoids. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203557. [PMID: 36117048 PMCID: PMC9661825 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Organoids have certain cellular composition and physiological features in common with real organs, making them promising models of organ formation, function, and diseases. However, Matrigel, the commonly used animal-derived matrices in which they are developed, has limitations in mechanical adjustability and providing complex physicochemical signals. Here, the incorporation of Ti3 C2 Tx MXene nanomaterial into Matrigel regulates the properties of Matrigel and exhibits satisfactory biocompatibility. The Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Matrigel composites (MXene-Matrigel) regulate the development of Cochlear Organoids (Cochlea-Orgs), particularly in promoting the formation and maturation of organoid hair cells. Additionally, regenerated hair cells in MXene-Matrigel are functional and exhibit better electrophysiological properties compared to hair cells in Matrigel. MXene-Matrigel potentiates the amycin (mTOR) signaling pathway to promote hair cell differentiation, and mTOR signaling inhibition restrains hair cell differentiation. Moreover, MXene-Matrigel facilitates innervation establishment between regenerated hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) growing from the Cochlea modiolus in a co-culture system, as well as promotes synapse formation efficiency. The approach overcomes some limitations of the Matrigel-dependent culture system and greatly accelerates the application of nanomaterials in organoid development and research on therapies for hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBiomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Shan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Yang‐Nan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Long Fu
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
- Shandong Provincial HospitalShandong First Medical UniversityJinan250021P. R. China
| | - Sha‐Sha Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Xin‐Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Yu‐Wei Che
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesBeijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and RepairAdvanced Innovation Center for Human Brain ProtectionCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100069P. R. China
| | - Ren‐Jie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096P. R. China
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Szarka-Kovács AB, Takács Z, Bence M, Erdélyi M, Jankovics F. Drosophila MESR4 Gene Ensures Germline Stem Cell Differentiation by Promoting the Transcription of bag of marbles. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132056. [PMID: 35805140 PMCID: PMC9265997 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian germline stem cells (GSCs) of Drosophila melanogaster provide a valuable in vivo model to investigate how the adult stem cell identity is maintained and the differentiation of the daughter cells is regulated. GSCs are embedded into a specialized cellular microenvironment, the so-called stem cell niche. Besides the complex signaling interactions between the germ cells and the niche cells, the germ cell intrinsic mechanisms, such as chromatin regulation and transcriptional control, are also crucial in the decision about self-renewal and differentiation. The key differentiation regulator gene is the bag of marbles (bam), which is transcriptionally repressed in the GSCs and de-repressed in the differentiating daughter cell. Here, we show that the transcription factor MESR4 functions in the germline to promote GSC daughter differentiation. We find that the loss of MESR4 results in the accumulation of GSC daughter cells which fail to transit from the pre-cystoblast (pre-CB) to the differentiated cystoblast (CB) stage. The forced expression of bam can rescue this differentiation defect. By a series of epistasis experiments and a transcriptional analysis, we demonstrate that MESR4 positively regulates the transcription of bam. Our results suggest that lack of repression alone is not sufficient, but MESR4-mediated transcriptional activation is also required for bam expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brigitta Szarka-Kovács
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.S.-K.); (Z.T.); (M.B.)
- Doctoral School in Biology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsanett Takács
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.S.-K.); (Z.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Melinda Bence
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.S.-K.); (Z.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Miklós Erdélyi
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.S.-K.); (Z.T.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: (M.E.); (F.J.)
| | - Ferenc Jankovics
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.S.-K.); (Z.T.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: (M.E.); (F.J.)
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34
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Adashev VE, Bazylev SS, Potashnikova DM, Godneeva BK, Shatskikh AS, Olenkina OM, Olenina LV, Kotov AA. Comparative transcriptional analysis uncovers molecular processes in early and mature somatic cyst cells of Drosophila testes. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151246. [PMID: 35667338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tight interaction between somatic and germline cells is conserved in animal spermatogenesis. The testes of Drosophila melanogaster are the model of choice to identify processes responsible for mature gamete production. However, processes of differentiation and soma-germline interactions occurring in somatic cyst cells are currently understudied. Here we focused on the comparison of transcriptome expression patterns of early and mature somatic cyst cells to find out the developmental changes taking place in them. We employed a FACS-based approach for the isolation of early and mature somatic cyst cells from fly testes, subsequent preparation of RNA-Seq libraries, and analysis of gene differential expression in the sorted cells. We found increased expression of genes involved in cell cycle-related processes in early cyst cells, which is necessary for the proliferation and self-renewal of a crucial population of early cyst cells, cyst stem cells. Genes proposedly required for lamellipodium-like projection organization for proper cyst formation were also detected among the upregulated ones in early cyst cells. Gene Ontology and interactome analyses of upregulated genes in mature cyst cells revealed a striking over-representation of gene categories responsible for metabolic and catabolic cellular processes, as well as genes supporting the energetic state of the cells provided by oxidative phosphorylation that is carried out in mitochondria. Our comparative analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed major peculiarities in early and mature cyst cells and provide novel insight into their regulation, which is important for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir E Adashev
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Sergei S Bazylev
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Daria M Potashnikova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, School of Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Moscow 119234, Russia.
| | - Baira K Godneeva
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Aleksei S Shatskikh
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Oxana M Olenkina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Ludmila V Olenina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
| | - Alexei A Kotov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 2 Kurchatov Sq., Moscow 123182, Russia.
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35
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Kikuchi M, Tanaka M. Functional Modules in Gametogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:914570. [PMID: 35693939 PMCID: PMC9178102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.914570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametogenesis, the production of eggs and sperm, is a fundamental process in sexually reproducing animals. Following gametogenesis commitment and sexual fate decision, germ cells undergo several developmental processes to halve their genomic size and acquire sex-specific characteristics of gametes, including cellular size, motility, and cell polarity. However, it remains unclear how different gametogenesis processes are initially integrated. With the advantages of the teleost fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), in which germline stem cells continuously produce eggs and sperm in mature gonads and a sexual switch gene in germ cells is identified, we found that distinct pathways initiate gametogenesis cooperatively after commitment to gametogenesis. This evokes the concept of functional modules, in which functionally interlocked genes are grouped to yield distinct gamete characteristics. The various combinations of modules may allow us to explain the evolution of diverse reproductive systems, such as parthenogenesis and hermaphroditism.
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36
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Martin ET, Sarkar K, McCarthy A, Rangan P. Oo-site: A dashboard to visualize gene expression during Drosophila oogenesis suggests meiotic entry is regulated post-transcriptionally. Biol Open 2022; 11:bio059286. [PMID: 35579517 PMCID: PMC9148541 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining how stem cell differentiation is controlled has important implications for understanding the etiology of degenerative disease and designing regenerative therapies. In vivo analyses of stem cell model systems have revealed regulatory paradigms for stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. The germarium of the female Drosophila gonad, which houses both germline and somatic stem cells, is one such model system. Bulk mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), and bulk translation efficiency (polysome-seq) of mRNAs are available for stem cells and their differentiating progeny within the Drosophila germarium. However, visualizing those data is hampered by the lack of a tool to spatially map gene expression and translational data in the germarium. Here, we have developed Oo-site (https://www.ranganlab.com/Oo-site), a tool for visualizing bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, and translational efficiency data during different stages of germline differentiation, which makes these data accessible to non-bioinformaticians. Using this tool, we recapitulated previously reported expression patterns of developmentally regulated genes and discovered that meiotic genes, such as those that regulate the synaptonemal complex, are regulated at the level of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot T. Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Kahini Sarkar
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alicia McCarthy
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
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37
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Bhaskar PK, Southard S, Baxter K, Van Doren M. Germline sex determination regulates sex-specific signaling between germline stem cells and their niche. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110620. [PMID: 35385723 PMCID: PMC10462394 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing germ cell sexual identity is critical for development of male and female germline stem cells (GSCs) and production of sperm or eggs. Germ cells depend on signals from the somatic gonad to determine sex, but in organisms such as flies, mice, and humans, the sex chromosome genotype of the germ cells is also important for germline sexual development. How somatic signals and germ-cell-intrinsic cues combine to regulate germline sex determination is thus a key question. We find that JAK/STAT signaling in the GSC niche promotes male identity in germ cells, in part by activating the chromatin reader Phf7. Further, we find that JAK/STAT signaling is blocked in XX (female) germ cells through the action of the sex determination gene Sex lethal to preserve female identity. Thus, an important function of germline sexual identity is to control how GSCs respond to signals in their niche environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Bhaskar
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sheryl Southard
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Kelly Baxter
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Mark Van Doren
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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38
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Saito Y, Hawley BR, Puno MR, Sarathy SN, Lima CD, Jaffrey SR, Darnell RB, Keeney S, Jain D. YTHDC2 control of gametogenesis requires helicase activity but not m 6A binding. Genes Dev 2022; 36:180-194. [PMID: 35058317 PMCID: PMC8887132 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349190.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms regulating meiotic progression in mammals are poorly understood. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader and 3' → 5' RNA helicase YTHDC2 switches cells from mitotic to meiotic gene expression programs and is essential for meiotic entry, but how this critical cell fate change is accomplished is unknown. Here, we provide insight into its mechanism and implicate YTHDC2 in having a broad role in gene regulation during multiple meiotic stages. Unexpectedly, mutation of the m6A-binding pocket of YTHDC2 had no detectable effect on gametogenesis and mouse fertility, suggesting that YTHDC2 function is m6A-independent. Supporting this conclusion, CLIP data defined YTHDC2-binding sites on mRNA as U-rich and UG-rich motif-containing regions within 3' UTRs and coding sequences, distinct from the sites that contain m6A during spermatogenesis. Complete loss of YTHDC2 during meiotic entry did not substantially alter translation of its mRNA binding targets in whole-testis ribosome profiling assays but did modestly affect their steady-state levels. Mutation of the ATPase motif in the helicase domain of YTHDC2 did not affect meiotic entry, but it blocked meiotic prophase I progression, causing sterility. Our findings inform a model in which YTHDC2 binds transcripts independent of m6A status and regulates gene expression during multiple stages of meiosis by distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhki Saito
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Ben R Hawley
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - M Rhyan Puno
- Structural Biology Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Shreya N Sarathy
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Christopher D Lima
- Structural Biology Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Robert B Darnell
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Devanshi Jain
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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39
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Hayashi Y, Matsui Y. Metabolic Control of Germline Formation and Differentiation in Mammals. Sex Dev 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35086109 PMCID: PMC10389803 DOI: 10.1159/000520662] [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: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germ cell lineage involves dynamic epigenetic changes during its formation and differentiation that are completely different from those of the somatic cell lineage. Metabolites and metabolic pathways have been reported as key factors related to the regulation of epigenetics as cofactors and substrates. However, our knowledge about the metabolic characteristics of germ cells, especially during the fetal stage, and their transition during differentiation is quite limited due to the rarity of the cells. Nevertheless, recent developments in omics technologies have made it possible to extract comprehensive metabolomic features of germ cells. SUMMARY In this review, we present the latest researches on the metabolic properties of germ cells in 4 stages: primordial germ cell specification, fetal germ cell differentiation, spermatogenesis, and oogenesis. At every stage, extensive published data has been accumulated on energy metabolism, and it is possible to describe its changes during germ cell differentiation in detail. As pluripotent stem cells differentiate into germ cells, energy metabolism shifts from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation; however, in spermatogenesis, glycolytic pathways are also temporarily dominant in spermatogonial stem cells. Although the significance of metabolic pathways other than energy metabolism in germ cell differentiation is largely unknown, the relation of the pentose phosphate pathway and Ser-Gly-one-carbon metabolism with germ cell properties has been suggested at various stages. We further discuss the relationship between these characteristic metabolic pathways and epigenetic regulation during germ cell specification and differentiation. Finally, the relevance of dietary and supplemental interventions on germ cell function and epigenomic regulation is also discussed. Key Messages: Comprehensive elucidation of metabolic features and metabolism-epigenome crosstalk in germ cells is important to reveal how the characteristic metabolic pathways are involved in the germ cell regulation. The accumulation of such insights would lead to suggestions for optimal diets and supplements to maintain reproductive health through modulating metabolic and epigenetic status of germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Hayashi
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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40
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Luo Y, Yu Y. Research Advances in Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:801468. [PMID: 35127717 PMCID: PMC8810640 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.801468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The previous studies of human gametogenesis and embryogenesis have left many unanswered questions, which hinders the understanding of the physiology of these two vital processes and the development of diagnosis and treatment strategies for related diseases. Although many results have been obtained from animal studies, particularly mouse research, the results cannot be fully applied to humans due to species differences in physiology and pathology. However, due to ethical and material limitations, the direct study of human gametes and embryos is very difficult. The emergence and rapid development of organoids allow the construction of organoid systems that simulate gametogenesis and embryogenesis in vitro, and many studies have successfully established organoid systems for some parts of or even the entire processes of gametogenesis and embryogenesis. These studies typically start with the establishment of mouse models and then modify these models to obtain human organoid models. These organoid models can be used to obtain a better understanding of the signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and epigenetic changes involved in gametogenesis and embryogenesis and could also be applied to clinical applications, such as drug screening. Here, we discuss the formation of primordial stem cell-like cells (PGCLCs), and in vitro-induced gametes and embryoids using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). We also analyze their applications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yu,
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41
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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42
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McCarthy A, Sarkar K, Martin ET, Upadhyay M, Jang S, Williams ND, Forni PE, Buszczak M, Rangan P. Msl3 promotes germline stem cell differentiation in female Drosophila. Development 2022; 149:dev199625. [PMID: 34878097 PMCID: PMC8783043 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gamete formation from germline stem cells (GSCs) is essential for sexual reproduction. However, the regulation of GSC differentiation is incompletely understood. Set2, which deposits H3K36me3 modifications, is required for GSC differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis. We discovered that the H3K36me3 reader Male-specific lethal 3 (Msl3) and histone acetyltransferase complex Ada2a-containing (ATAC) cooperate with Set2 to regulate GSC differentiation in female Drosophila. Msl3, acting independently of the rest of the male-specific lethal complex, promotes transcription of genes, including a germline-enriched ribosomal protein S19 paralog RpS19b. RpS19b upregulation is required for translation of RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1), a known meiotic cell cycle entry factor. Thus, Msl3 regulates GSC differentiation by modulating translation of a key factor that promotes transition to an oocyte fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia McCarthy
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Kahini Sarkar
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Elliot T. Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Maitreyi Upadhyay
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Seoyeon Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nathan D. Williams
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paolo E. Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prashanth Rangan
- Department of Biological Sciences/RNA Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12202, USA
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43
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Matsui Y, Hayashi Y. Metabolic pathways regulating the development and non-genomic heritable traits of germ cells. J Reprod Dev 2021; 68:96-103. [PMID: 34955463 PMCID: PMC8979796 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism is an important cellular process necessary not only for producing energy and building blocks for cells, but also for regulating various cell functions, including intracellular
signaling, epigenomic effects, and transcription. The regulatory roles of metabolism have been extensively studied in somatic cells, including stem cells and cancer cells, but data regarding
germ cells are limited. Because germ cells produce individuals of subsequent generations, understanding the role of metabolism and its regulatory functions in germ cells is important.
Although limited information concerning the specific role of metabolism in germ cells is available, recent advances in related research have revealed specific metabolic states of
undifferentiated germ cells in embryos as well as in germ cells undergoing oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Studies have also elucidated the functions of some metabolic pathways associated
with germ cell development and the non-genomic heritable machinery of germ cells. In this review, we summarized all the available knowledge on the characteristic metabolic pathways in germ
cells, focusing on their regulatory functions, while discussing the issues that need to be addressed to enhance the understanding of germ cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yohei Hayashi
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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44
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Kochendoerfer AM, Modafferi F, Dunleavy EM. Centromere function in asymmetric cell division in Drosophila female and male germline stem cells. Open Biol 2021; 11:210107. [PMID: 34727723 PMCID: PMC8564616 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The centromere is the constricted chromosomal region required for the correct separation of the genetic material at cell division. The kinetochore protein complex assembles at the centromere and captures microtubules emanating from the centrosome to orchestrate chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is a special type of mitosis that generates two daughter cells with different fates. Epigenetic mechanisms operating at the centromere have been proposed to contribute to ACD. Recent studies have shown that an asymmetric distribution of CENP-A-the centromere-specific histone H3 variant-between sister chromatids can bias chromosome segregation in ACD. In stem cells, this leads to non-random sister chromatid segregation, which can affect cell fate. These findings support the 'silent sister' hypothesis, according to which the mechanisms of ACD are epigenetically regulated through centromeres. Here, we review the recent data implicating centromeres in ACDs and cell fate in Drosophila melanogaster female and male germline stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje M. Kochendoerfer
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Federica Modafferi
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Elaine M. Dunleavy
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, Biomedical Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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Meiosis initiation: a story of two sexes in all creatures great and small. Biochem J 2021; 478:3791-3805. [PMID: 34709374 PMCID: PMC8589329 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and serves as a major driver of evolution. However, understanding how meiosis begins is complicated by fundamental differences that exist between sexes and species. Fundamental meiotic research is further hampered by a current lack of human meiotic cells lines. Consequently, much of what we know relies on data from model organisms. However, contextualising findings from yeast, worms, flies and mice can be challenging, due to marked differences in both nomenclature and the relative timing of meiosis. In this review, we set out to combine current knowledge of signalling and transcriptional pathways that control meiosis initiation across the sexes in a variety of organisms. Furthermore, we highlight the emerging links between meiosis initiation and oncogenesis, which might explain the frequent re-expression of normally silent meiotic genes in a variety of human cancers.
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Dou W, Miao Y, Xiao J, Huang D. Association of Wolbachia with Gene Expression in Drosophila Testes. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:805-817. [PMID: 33555369 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular symbiotic bacteria that are widely distributed in arthropods and nematodes. These maternally inherited bacteria regulate host reproductive systems in various ways to facilitate their vertical transmission. Since the identification of Wolbachia in many insects, the relationship between Wolbachia and the host has attracted great interest. Numerous studies have indicated that Wolbachia modifies a variety of biological processes in the host. Previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) have demonstrated that Wolbachia can affect spermatid differentiation, chromosome deposition, and sperm activity in the early stages of spermatogenesis, leading to sperm dysfunction. Here, we explored the putative effect of Wolbachia in sperm maturation using transcriptomic approaches to compare gene expression in Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-free D. melanogaster adult testes. Our findings show that Wolbachia affects many biological processes in D. melanogaster adult testes, and most of the differentially expressed genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal degradation, proteolysis, lipid metabolism, and immune response were upregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. In contrast, some genes that are putatively associated with cutin and wax biosynthesis and peroxisome pathways were downregulated. We did not find any differentially expressed genes that are predicted to be related to spermatogenesis in the datasets. This work provides additional information for understanding the Wolbachia-host intracellular relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Dou
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yunheng Miao
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jinhua Xiao
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Dawei Huang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Yang Y, Kong R, Goh FG, Somers WG, Hime GR, Li Z, Cai Y. dRTEL1 is essential for the maintenance of Drosophila male germline stem cells. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009834. [PMID: 34644293 PMCID: PMC8513875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009834] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have the potential to maintain undifferentiated state and differentiate into specialized cell types. Despite numerous progress has been achieved in understanding stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. In this study, we identify dRTEL1, the Drosophila homolog of Regulator of Telomere Elongation Helicase 1, as a novel regulator of male germline stem cells (GSCs). Our genome-wide transcriptome analysis and ChIP-Seq results suggest that dRTEL1 affects a set of candidate genes required for GSC maintenance, likely independent of its role in DNA repair. Furthermore, dRTEL1 prevents DNA damage-induced checkpoint activation in GSCs. Finally, dRTEL1 functions to sustain Stat92E protein levels, the key player in GSC maintenance. Together, our findings reveal an intrinsic role of the DNA helicase dRTEL1 in maintaining male GSC and provide insight into the function of dRTEL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyan Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Guang Goh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W. Gregory Somers
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhouhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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48
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Thind AS, Vitali V, Guarracino MR, Catania F. What's Genetic Variation Got to Do with It? Starvation-Induced Self-Fertilization Enhances Survival in Paramecium. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:626-638. [PMID: 32163147 PMCID: PMC7239694 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pervasiveness of sex despite its well-known costs is a long-standing puzzle in evolutionary biology. Current explanations for the success of sex in nature largely rely on the adaptive significance of the new or rare genotypes that sex may generate. Less explored is the possibility that sex-underlying molecular mechanisms can enhance fitness and convey benefits to the individuals that bear the immediate costs of sex. Here, we show that the molecular environment associated with self-fertilization can increase stress resistance in the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia. This advantage is independent of new genetic variation, coupled with a reduced nutritional input, and offers fresh insights into the mechanistic origin of sex. In addition to providing evidence that the molecular underpinnings of sexual reproduction and the stress response are linked in P. tetraurelia, these findings supply an integrative explanation for the persistence of self-fertilization in this ciliate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarinder Singh Thind
- Institute for High Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Vitali
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Mario Rosario Guarracino
- Institute for High Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Catania
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, University of Münster, Germany
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49
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Figueiredo AFA, Hess RA, Batlouni SR, Wnuk NT, Tavares AO, Abarikwu SO, Costa GMJ, França LR. Insights into differentiation and function of the transition region between the seminiferous tubule and rete testis. Differentiation 2021; 120:36-47. [PMID: 34229995 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Seminiferous tubules physically connect to the rete testis through short segments called the transition region (TR). During fetal development, this specialized junction is considered the initial site where testis cords begin to form and to grow in length well beyond birth and into adulthood and form convoluted tubular cores. Mitotic activity of the Sertoli cell, the somatic cell of the epithelium, ceases before puberty, but modified Sertoli cells in the TR remain immature and capable of proliferation. This review presents what is known about this specialized region of the testis, with an emphasis on the morphological, molecular and physiological features, which support the hypothesis that this short region of epithelial transition serves as a specialized niche for undifferentiated Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells. Also, the region is populated by an elevated number of immune cells, suggesting an important activity in monitoring and responding to any leakage of autoantigens, as sperm enter the rete testis. Several structure/function characteristics of the transition region are discussed and compared across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - S R Batlouni
- Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), São Paulo State University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - N T Wnuk
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A O Tavares
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S O Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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50
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Tao X, Dou Y, Huang G, Sun M, Lu S, Chen D. α-Tubulin Regulates the Fate of Germline Stem Cells in Drosophila Testis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10644. [PMID: 34017013 PMCID: PMC8138004 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila testis provides an exemplary model for analyzing the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate the fate of stem cell in vivo. Using this model, we show that the Drosophila αTub67C gene (full name αTubulin at 67C), which encodes α4-Tubulin (a type of α-Tubulin), plays a new role in controlling the fate of male germline stem cells (GSC). In this study, we have found that Drosophila α4-Tubulin is required intrinsically and extrinsically for GSCs maintenance. Results from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgene reporter assays show that the gene αTub67C is not required for Dpp/Gbb signaling silencing of bam expression, suggesting that αTub67C functions downstream of or parallel to bam, and is independent of Gbb/Dpp-bam signaling pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of αTub67C fails to obviously increase the number of GSC/Gonialblast (GB). Given that the α-tubulin genes are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human, which triggers us to study the more roles of the gene α-tubulin in other animals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Tao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yunqiao Dou
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Guangyu Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Mingzhong Sun
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Dongsheng Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Mechanism of Major Diseases, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China. .,College of Life Sciences, The Institute of Bioinformatics, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China.
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