1
|
Zhao H, Han Y, Zhou P, Guan H, Gao S. Protein lysine crotonylation in cellular processions and disease associations. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101060. [PMID: 38957707 PMCID: PMC11217610 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is one conserved form of posttranslational modifications of proteins, which plays an important role in a series of cellular physiological and pathological processes. Lysine ε-amino groups are the primary sites of such modification, resulting in four-carbon planar lysine crotonylation that is structurally and functionally distinct from the acetylation of these residues. High levels of Kcr modifications have been identified on both histone and non-histone proteins. The present review offers an update on the research progression regarding protein Kcr modifications in biomedical contexts and provides a discussion of the mechanisms whereby Kcr modification governs a range of biological processes. In addition, given the importance of protein Kcr modification in disease onset and progression, the potential viability of Kcr regulators as therapeutic targets is elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Amor H, Juhasz-Böss I, Bibi R, Hammadeh ME, Jankowski PM. H2BFWT Variations in Sperm DNA and Its Correlation to Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6048. [PMID: 38892236 PMCID: PMC11172515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116048] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in sperm nuclei and chromatin can interfere with normal fertilization, embryonic development, implantation, and pregnancy. We aimed to study the impact of H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA on ICSI outcomes in couples undergoing ART treatment. One hundred and nineteen partners were divided into pregnant (G1) and non-pregnant (G2) groups. After semen analysis, complete DNA was extracted from purified sperm samples. The sequence of the H2BFWT gene was amplified by PCR and then subjected to Sanger sequencing. The results showed that there are three mutations in this gene: rs7885967, rs553509, and rs578953. Significant differences were shown in the distribution of alternative and reference alleles between G1 and G2 (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0020, respectively) for rs553509 and rs578953. However, there was no association between these SNPs and the studied parameters. This study is the first to shed light on the connection between H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA and pregnancy after ICSI therapy. This is a pilot study, so further investigations about these gene variants at the transcriptional and translational levels will help to determine its functional consequences and to clarify the mechanism of how pregnancy can be affected by sperm DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Juhasz-Böss
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Michael Jankowski
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pasquariello R, Bogliolo L, Di Filippo F, Leoni GG, Nieddu S, Podda A, Brevini TAL, Gandolfi F. Use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to shorten the generational interval in ruminants: current status and perspectives. Theriogenology 2024; 225:16-32. [PMID: 38788626 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.026] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The challenges posed by climate change and increasing world population are stimulating renewed efforts for improving the sustainability of animal production. To meet such challenges, the contribution of genomic selection approaches, in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), to spreading and preserving animal genetics is essential. The largest increase in genetic gain can be achieved by shortening the generation interval. This review provides an overview of the current status and progress of advanced ARTs that could be applied to reduce the generation time in both female and male of domestic ruminants. In females, the use of juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) enables to generate offspring after the transfer of in vitro produced embryos derived from oocytes of prepubertal genetically superior donors reducing the generational interval and acceleration genetic gain. The current challenge is increasing in vitro embryo production (IVEP) from prepubertal derived oocytes which is still low and variable. The two main factors limiting IVEP success are the intrinsic quality of prepubertal oocytes and the culture systems for in vitro maturation (IVM). In males, advancements in ARTs are providing new strategies to in vitro propagate spermatogonia and differentiate them into mature sperm or even to recapitulate the whole process of spermatogenesis from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, the successful use of immature cells, such as round spermatids, for intracytoplasmic injection (ROSI) and IVEP could allow to complete the entire process in few months. However, these approaches have been successfully applied to human and mouse whereas only a few studies have been published in ruminants and results are still controversial. This is also dependent on the efficiency of ROSI that is limited by the current isolation and selection protocols of round spermatids. In conclusion, the current efforts for improving these reproductive methodologies could lead toward a significant reduction of the generational interval in livestock animals that could have a considerable impact on agriculture sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pasquariello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Filippo
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Nieddu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Podda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fang Y, Li X. Protein lysine four-carbon acylations in health and disease. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e30981. [PMID: 36815448 PMCID: PMC10704440 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30981] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Lysine acylation, a type of posttranslational protein modification sensitive to cellular metabolic states, influences the functions of target proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Particularly, lysine butyrylation, crotonylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, and 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, four types of four-carbon acylations, are modulated by intracellular concentrations of their respective acyl-CoAs and sensitive to alterations of nutrient metabolism induced by cellular and/or environmental signals. In this review, we discussed the metabolic pathways producing these four-carbon acyl-CoAs, the regulation of lysine acylation and deacylation, and the functions of individual lysine acylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fang
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen X, Chen C, Wang Y, Zheng W, Zheng J, Jones AE, Zhu B, Zhang H, Lyons C, Rijal A, Moley JA, Cao G, Liu K, Winn R, Dickinson A, Zhang K, Wang H. Role of histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 in H2AK119ub nucleosome organization and Polycomb gene silencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575234. [PMID: 38293106 PMCID: PMC10827191 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 residue (H2AK119ub) plays critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including Polycomb gene silencing 1,2 , replication 3-5 , DNA damage repair 6-10 , X inactivation 11,12 , and heterochromatin organization 13,14 . However, the underlying mechanism and structural basis of H2AK119ub remains largely elusive. In this study, we report that H2AK119ub nucleosomes have a unique composition, containing histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2, and importantly, this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing. Using the UAB domain of RSF1, we purified H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a sufficient amount and purity. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes contain the histone variants H2BC1 and H2AZ.2. A cryo-EM study resolved the structure of native H2AK119ub nucleosomes to a 2.6A resolution, confirming H2BC1 in one subgroup of H2AK119ub nucleosomes. Tandem GST-UAB pulldown, Flag-H2AZ.2, and HA-H2BC1 immunoprecipitation revealed that H2AK119ub nucleosomes could be separated into distinct subgroups, suggesting their composition heterogeneity and potential dynamic organization. Knockout or knockdown of H2BC1 or H2AZ.2 reduced cellular H2AK119ub levels, establishing H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 as critical determinants of H2AK119ub. Furthermore, genomic binding profiles of H2BC1 and H2AZ.2 overlapped significantly with H2AK119ub binding, with the most significant overlapping in the gene body and intergenic regions. Finally, assays in developing embryos reveal an interaction of H2AZ.2, H2BC1, and RING1A in vivo . Thus, this study revealed, for the first time, that the H2AK119ub nucleosome has a unique composition, and this composition is required for H2AK119ub and Polycomb gene silencing.
Collapse
|
6
|
Koijam AS, Singh KD, Nameirakpam BS, Haobam R, Rajashekar Y. Drug addiction and treatment: An epigenetic perspective. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115951. [PMID: 38043446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115951] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a complex disease affected by numerous genetic and environmental factors. Brain regions in reward pathway, neuronal adaptations, genetic and epigenetic interactions causing transcriptional enhancement or repression of multiple genes induce different addiction phenotypes for varying duration. Addictive drug use causes epigenetic alterations and similarly epigenetic changes induced by environment can promote addiction. Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation and post-translational modifications like methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, sumoylation, dopaminylation and crotonylation of histones, and ADP-ribosylation. Non-coding RNAs also induce epigenetic changes. This review discusses these above areas and stresses the need for exploring epidrugs as a treatment alternative and adjunct, considering the limited success of current addiction treatment strategies. Epigenome editing complexes have lately been effective in eukaryotic systems. Targeted DNA cleavage techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 system, CRISPR-dCas9 complexes, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) have been exploited as targeted DNA recognition or anchoring platforms, fused with epigenetic writer or eraser proteins and delivered by transfection or transduction methods. Efficacy of epidrugs is seen in various neuropsychiatric conditions and initial results in addiction treatment involving model organisms are remarkable. Epidrugs present a promising alternative treatment for addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Singh Koijam
- Insect Bioresources Laboratory, Animal Bioresources Programme, Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Takyelpat, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India
| | - Kabrambam Dasanta Singh
- Insect Bioresources Laboratory, Animal Bioresources Programme, Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Takyelpat, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India
| | - Bunindro Singh Nameirakpam
- Insect Bioresources Laboratory, Animal Bioresources Programme, Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Takyelpat, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India
| | - Reena Haobam
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal 795003, Manipur, India
| | - Yallappa Rajashekar
- Insect Bioresources Laboratory, Animal Bioresources Programme, Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Takyelpat, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fischer V, Kretschmer M, Germain PL, Kaur J, Mompart-Barrenechea S, Pelczar P, Schürmann D, Schär P, Gapp K. Sperm chromatin accessibility's involvement in the intergenerational effects of stress hormone receptor activation. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:378. [PMID: 38065942 PMCID: PMC10709351 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is a stress hormone receptor agonist used widely in clinics. We and others previously showed that paternal administration of dexamethasone in mice affects the phenotype of their offspring. The substrate of intergenerational transmission of environmentally induced effects often involves changes in sperm RNA, yet other epigenetic modifications in the germline can be affected and are also plausible candidates. First, we tested the involvement of altered sperm RNAs in the transmission of dexamethasone induced phenotypes across generations. We did this by injecting sperm RNA into naïve fertilized oocytes, before performing metabolic and behavioral phenotyping of the offspring. We observed phenotypic changes in discordance with those found in offspring generated by in vitro fertilization using sperm from dexamethasone exposed males. Second, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on chromatin accessibility using ATAC sequencing and found significant changes at specific genomic features and gene regulatory loci. Employing q-RT-PCR, we show altered expression of a gene in the tissue of offspring affected by accessibility changes in sperm. Third, we establish a correlation between specific DNA modifications and stress hormone receptor activity as a likely contributing factor influencing sperm accessibility. Finally, we independently investigated this dependency by genetically reducing thymine-DNA glycosylase levels and observing concomitant changes at the level of chromatin accessibility and stress hormone receptor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Computational Neurogenomics, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Mompart-Barrenechea
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Schürmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Primo Schär
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dubruille R, Herbette M, Revel M, Horard B, Chang CH, Loppin B. Histone removal in sperm protects paternal chromosomes from premature division at fertilization. Science 2023; 382:725-731. [PMID: 37943933 PMCID: PMC11180706 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The global replacement of histones with protamines in sperm chromatin is widespread in animals, including insects, but its actual function remains enigmatic. We show that in the Drosophila paternal effect mutant paternal loss (pal), sperm chromatin retains germline histones H3 and H4 genome wide without impairing sperm viability. However, after fertilization, pal sperm chromosomes are targeted by the egg chromosomal passenger complex and engage into a catastrophic premature division in synchrony with female meiosis II. We show that pal encodes a rapidly evolving transition protein specifically required for the eviction of (H3-H4)2 tetramers from spermatid DNA after the removal of H2A-H2B dimers. Our study thus reveals an unsuspected role of histone eviction from insect sperm chromatin: safeguarding the integrity of the male pronucleus during female meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaälle Dubruille
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marion Herbette
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Revel
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Béatrice Horard
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Ching-Ho Chang
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin Loppin
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hou JY, Li N, Wang J, Gao LJ, Chang JS, Cao JM. Histone crotonylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is a potential biomarker for diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 37749610 PMCID: PMC10521402 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00509-3] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-based tests have public appeal in screening cancers due to their minimally invasive nature, ability to integrate with other routine blood tests, and high compliance. This study aimed to investigate whether certain epigenetic modulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could be a biomarker of colorectal cancer (CRC). RESULTS Western blotting of histones in the PBMCs from 40 colorectal cancer patients and 40 healthy controls was performed to identify the crotonylation sites of proteins. The correlation of crotonylation with tumor staging and diagnostic efficacy were analyzed. Crotonylation of H2BK12 (H2BK12cr) was identified significantly upregulated in the PBMCs of CRC patients compared to healthy controls, and were closely related to distant metastasis (P = 0.0478) and late TNM stage (P = 0.0201). Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the area under curve (AUC) of H2BK12cr was 0.8488, the sensitivity was 70%, and the specificity was 92.5%. The H2BK12cr parameter significantly increased the diagnostic effectiveness of CRC compared with the commercial carcinoembryonic antigen assays. CONCLUSIONS The H2BK12cr level in PBMCs of CRC patients has a potential to be a biomarker for distinguishing CRC patients from healthy controls with the advantages of easy operation and high diagnostic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Hou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery and Hernia and Abdominal Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Juan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Song Chang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ji-Min Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moritz L, Schon SB, Rabbani M, Sheng Y, Agrawal R, Glass-Klaiber J, Sultan C, Camarillo JM, Clements J, Baldwin MR, Diehl AG, Boyle AP, O'Brien PJ, Ragunathan K, Hu YC, Kelleher NL, Nandakumar J, Li JZ, Orwig KE, Redding S, Hammoud SS. Sperm chromatin structure and reproductive fitness are altered by substitution of a single amino acid in mouse protamine 1. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1077-1091. [PMID: 37460896 PMCID: PMC10833441 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Conventional dogma presumes that protamine-mediated DNA compaction in sperm is achieved by electrostatic interactions between DNA and the arginine-rich core of protamines. Phylogenetic analysis reveals several non-arginine residues conserved within, but not across species. The significance of these residues and their post-translational modifications are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of K49, a rodent-specific lysine residue in protamine 1 (P1) that is acetylated early in spermiogenesis and retained in sperm. In sperm, alanine substitution (P1(K49A)) decreases sperm motility and male fertility-defects that are not rescued by arginine substitution (P1(K49R)). In zygotes, P1(K49A) leads to premature male pronuclear decompaction, altered DNA replication, and embryonic arrest. In vitro, P1(K49A) decreases protamine-DNA binding and alters DNA compaction and decompaction kinetics. Hence, a single amino acid substitution outside the P1 arginine core is sufficient to profoundly alter protein function and developmental outcomes, suggesting that protamine non-arginine residues are essential for reproductive fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha B Schon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yi Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ritvija Agrawal
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Juniper Glass-Klaiber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jeannie M Camarillo
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and the National Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jourdan Clements
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael R Baldwin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adam G Diehl
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan P Boyle
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrick J O'Brien
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and the National Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sy Redding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dunjić M, Jonas F, Yaakov G, More R, Mayshar Y, Rais Y, Orenbuch AH, Cheng S, Barkai N, Stelzer Y. Histone exchange sensors reveal variant specific dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3791. [PMID: 37365167 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Eviction of histones from nucleosomes and their exchange with newly synthesized or alternative variants is a central epigenetic determinant. Here, we define the genome-wide occupancy and exchange pattern of canonical and non-canonical histone variants in mouse embryonic stem cells by genetically encoded exchange sensors. While exchange of all measured variants scales with transcription, we describe variant-specific associations with transcription elongation and Polycomb binding. We found considerable exchange of H3.1 and H2B variants in heterochromatin and repeat elements, contrasting the occupancy and little exchange of H3.3 in these regions. This unexpected association between H3.3 occupancy and exchange of canonical variants is also evident in active promoters and enhancers, and further validated by reduced H3.1 dynamics following depletion of H3.3-specific chaperone, HIRA. Finally, analyzing transgenic mice harboring H3.1 or H3.3 sensors demonstrates the vast potential of this system for studying histone exchange and its impact on gene expression regulation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marko Dunjić
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Felix Jonas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gilad Yaakov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Roye More
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Mayshar
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoach Rais
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Saifeng Cheng
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Naama Barkai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yonatan Stelzer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Karam G, Molaro A. Casting histone variants during mammalian reproduction. Chromosoma 2023:10.1007/s00412-023-00803-9. [PMID: 37347315 PMCID: PMC10356639 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian reproduction, germ cell chromatin packaging is key to prepare parental genomes for fertilization and to initiate embryonic development. While chromatin modifications such as DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications are well known to carry regulatory information, histone variants have received less attention in this context. Histone variants alter the stability, structure and function of nucleosomes and, as such, contribute to chromatin organization in germ cells. Here, we review histone variants expression dynamics during the production of male and female germ cells, and what is currently known about their parent-of-origin effects during reproduction. Finally, we discuss the apparent conundrum behind these important functions and their recent evolutionary diversification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Germaine Karam
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Molaro
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development Institute (iGReD), CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tan H, Wang W, Zhou C, Wang Y, Zhang S, Yang P, Guo R, Chen W, Zhang J, Ye L, Cui Y, Ni T, Zheng K. Single-cell RNA-seq uncovers dynamic processes orchestrated by RNA-binding protein DDX43 in chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2499. [PMID: 37120627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38199-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis shows prominent chromatin and transcriptomic switches in germ cells, but it is unclear how such dynamics are controlled. Here we identify RNA helicase DDX43 as an essential regulator of the chromatin remodeling process during spermiogenesis. Testis-specific Ddx43 knockout mice show male infertility with defective histone-to-protamine replacement and post-meiotic chromatin condensation defects. The loss of its ATP hydrolysis activity by a missense mutation replicates the infertility phenotype in global Ddx43 knockout mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of germ cells depleted of Ddx43 or expressing the Ddx43 ATPase-dead mutant reveals that DDX43 regulates dynamic RNA regulatory processes that underlie spermatid chromatin remodeling and differentiation. Transcriptomic profiling focusing on early-stage spermatids combined with enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing further identifies Elfn2 as DDX43-targeted hub gene. These findings illustrate an essential role for DDX43 in spermiogenesis and highlight the single-cell-based strategy to dissect cell-state-specific regulation of male germline development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, 400016, Chongqing, Yuzhong District, China
| | - Weixu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Congjin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Pinglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lismer A, Kimmins S. Emerging evidence that the mammalian sperm epigenome serves as a template for embryo development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 37059740 PMCID: PMC10104880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although more studies are demonstrating that a father's environment can influence child health and disease, the molecular mechanisms underlying non-genetic inheritance remain unclear. It was previously thought that sperm exclusively contributed its genome to the egg. More recently, association studies have shown that various environmental exposures including poor diet, toxicants, and stress, perturbed epigenetic marks in sperm at important reproductive and developmental loci that were associated with offspring phenotypes. The molecular and cellular routes that underlie how epigenetic marks are transmitted at fertilization, to resist epigenetic reprogramming in the embryo, and drive phenotypic changes are only now beginning to be unraveled. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the field of intergenerational paternal epigenetic inheritance in mammals and present new insights into the relationship between embryo development and the three pillars of epigenetic inheritance: chromatin, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. We evaluate compelling evidence of sperm-mediated transmission and retention of paternal epigenetic marks in the embryo. Using landmark examples, we discuss how sperm-inherited regions may escape reprogramming to impact development via mechanisms that implicate transcription factors, chromatin organization, and transposable elements. Finally, we link paternally transmitted epigenetic marks to functional changes in the pre- and post-implantation embryo. Understanding how sperm-inherited epigenetic factors influence embryo development will permit a greater understanding related to the developmental origins of health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rusevski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D, Davalieva K. Proteomics of azoospermia: Towards the discovery of reliable markers for non-invasive diagnosis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200060. [PMID: 36177695 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Azoospermia, as the most severe form of male infertility, no longer indicates sterility due to modern medical advancements. The current diagnostic procedure based on testicular biopsy has several drawbacks which urges the development of novel, non-invasive diagnostic procedures based on biomarkers. In the last two decades, there have been many proteomics studies investigating potential azoospermia biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of these studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Published articles were gathered by systematic literature search using Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases until March 2022 and were further preselected to include only studies on human samples. RESULTS A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, sources of material, proposed candidate biomarkers, and their potential diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition, emphasis was put on the top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates and their potential for discriminating azoospermia types and subtypes as well as predicting sperm retrieval success rate. CONCLUSIONS Proteomics research of azoospermia has laid the groundwork for the development of a more streamlined biomarker testing. The future research should be focused on well-designed studies including samples from all types/subtypes as well as further testing of the most promising biomarkers identified so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ryu DY, Pang WK, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Abnormal histone replacement following BPA exposure affects spermatogenesis and fertility sequentially. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107617. [PMID: 36347119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely distributed in the environment. Its exposure has been linked to male infertility in animals and humans due to its ability to induce epigenetic modification. Despite extensive research confirming the impact of BPA on epigenetic regulation, fundamental concerns about how BPA causes epigenetic changes and the underlying mechanism of BPA on the male reproductive system remain unresolved. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of BPA on epigenetic regulation and the histone-to-protamine (PRM) transition, which is fundamental process for male fertility in testes and spermatozoa by exposing male mice to BPA for 6 weeks while giving the mice in the control group corn oil by oral gavage. Our results demonstrated that the mRNA levels of the histone family and PRMs were significantly altered by BPA exposure in testes and spermatozoa. Subsequently, core histone proteins, the PRM1/PRM2 ratio, directly linked to male fertility, and transition proteins were significantly reduced. Furthermore, we discovered that BPA significantly caused abnormal histone-to-protamine replacement during spermiogenesis by increased histone variants-related to histone-to-PRM transition. The levels of histone H3 modification in the testes and DNA methylation in spermatozoa were significantly increased. Consequently, sperm concentration/motility/hyperactivation, fertilization, and early embryonic development were adversely affected as a consequence of altered signaling proteins following BPA exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that BPA exposure influences the histone-to-PRM transition via altering epigenetic modification and eventually causing reduced male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Patankar A, Sudhakar DVS, Gajbhiye R, Surve S, Thangaraj K, Parte P. Proteomic and genetic dissection of testis-specific histone 2B in infertile men reveals its contribution to meiosis and sperm motility. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:322-330. [PMID: 35840050 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate testis-specific histone 2B (TSH2B) and its gene anomalies in infertile men. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Basic science laboratory. PATIENT(S) Fertile and infertile men. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The histone and protamine status of sperm was studied by aniline blue and chromomycin A3 staining, respectively. Testis-specific histone 2B, total H2B, and phosphorylated TSH2B (pTSH2B) were estimated by Western blot analysis. The frequency of genetic polymorphisms and rare variants in H2BC1 was studied by Sanger sequencing. Phosphosites on TSH2B in sperm were identified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography purification of TSH2B followed by mass spectrometric analysis. RESULT(S) Aniline blue and chromomycin A3 staining revealed significantly higher histone retention and low protamine in sperm of infertile men. Sperm TSH2B and total H2B levels were significantly lower in oligozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men (in both groups). The TSH2B levels were comparable in asthenozoospermic men; however, the pTSH2B level was significantly low. The H2BC1 gene sequencing identified 6 variants, of which 2 are rare variants (rs368672899 and rs544942090) and 4 (rs4711096, rs4712959, rs4712960 and rs4712961) are single nucleotide polymorphisms. Minor allele frequency of 5'-untranslated region variant rs4711096 was significantly lower in infertile men (OR = 0.65). The rare nonsynonymous variant, rs368672899, p.Ser5Pro was seen in 1 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic individual. Interestingly, mass spectrometric analysis identified a site on TSH2B to bear a phosphate group in the sperm of fertile men. CONCLUSION(S) Our study reveals a defect in the replacement of somatic histones with testis-specific variants in infertile men. Chromatin compaction positively correlates with sperm motility, which is suggestive of its utility in diagnostic semen analysis of infertile individuals. Our observations with TSH2B and its cognate gene in sperm of infertile men indicate an essential role for TSH2B in meiosis and its phosphorylation in sperm motility, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Patankar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Digumarthi V S Sudhakar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Gajbhiye
- Clinical Research Laboratory & Andrology Clinic, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Clinical Research Laboratory & Andrology Clinic, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Kumarasamy Thangaraj
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India; Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Arévalo L, Esther Merges G, Schneider S, Schorle H. Protamines: lessons learned from mouse models. Reproduction 2022; 164:R57-R74. [PMID: 35900356 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Protamines package and shield the paternal DNA in the sperm nucleus and have been studied in many mouse models over decades. This review recapitulates and updates our knowledge about protamines and reveals a surprising complexity in protamine function and their interactions with other sperm nuclear proteins. Abstract The packaging and safeguarding of paternal DNA in the sperm cell nucleus is a critical feature of proper sperm function. Histones cannot mediate the necessary hypercondensation and shielding of chromatin required for motility and transit through the reproductive tracts. Paternal chromatin is therefore reorganized and ultimately packaged by protamines. In most mammalian species, one protamine is present in mature sperm (PRM1). In rodents and primates among others, however, mature sperm contain a second protamine (PRM2). Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is cleaved at its N-terminal end. Although protamines have been studied for decades due to their role in chromatin hypercondensation and involvement in male infertility, key aspects of their function are still unclear. This review updates and integrates our knowledge of protamines and their function based on lessons learned from mouse models and starts to answer open questions. The combined insights from recent work reveal that indeed both protamines are crucial for the production of functional sperm and indicate that the two protamines perform distinct functions beyond simple DNA compaction. Loss of one allele of PRM1 leads to subfertility whereas heterozygous loss of PRM2 does not. Unprocessed PRM2 seems to play a distinct role related to the eviction of intermediate DNA-bound proteins and the incorporation of both protamines into chromatin. For PRM1, on the other hand, heterozygous loss leads to strongly reduced sperm motility as the main phenotype, indicating that PRM1 might be important for processes ensuring correct motility, apart from DNA compaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn Technology Campus, Core Facility 'Gene-Editing', University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Davalieva K, Rusevski A, Velkov M, Noveski P, Kubelka-Sabit K, Filipovski V, Plaseski T, Dimovski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. Comparative proteomics analysis of human FFPE testicular tissues reveals new candidate biomarkers for distinction among azoospermia types and subtypes. J Proteomics 2022; 267:104686. [PMID: 35914715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104686] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular mechanisms that underpin azoospermia and discovery of biomarkers that could enable reliable, non-invasive diagnosis is highly needed. Using label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS acquisition coupled with ion mobility, we compared the FFPE testicular proteome of patients with obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) subtypes hypospermatogenesis (Hyp) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). Out of 2044 proteins identified based on ≥2 peptides, 61 proteins had the power to quantitatively discriminate OA from NOA and 30 to quantitatively discriminate SCO from Hyp and OA. Among these, H1-6, RANBP1 and TKTL2 showed superior potential for quantitative discrimination among OA, Hyp and SCO. Integrin signaling pathway, adherens junction, planar cell polarity/convergent extension pathway and Dectin-1 mediated noncanonical NF-kB signaling were significantly associated with the proteins that could discriminate OA from NOA. Comparison with 2 transcriptome datasets revealed 278 and 55 co-differentially expressed proteins/genes with statistically significant positive correlation. Gene expression analysis by qPCR of 6 genes (H1-6, RANBP1, TKTL2, TKTL1, H2BC1, and ACTL7B) with the highest discriminatory power on protein level and the same regulation trend with transcriptomic datasets, confirmed proteomics results. In summary, our results suggest some underlying pathways in azoospermia and broaden the range of potential novel candidates for diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Using a comparative proteomics approach on testicular tissue we have identified several pathways associated with azoospermia and a number of testis-specific and germ cell-specific proteins that have the potential to pinpoint the type of spermatogenesis failure. Furthermore, comparison with transcriptomics datasets based on genome-wide gene expression analyses of human testis specimens from azoospermia patients identified proteins that could discriminate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia subtypes on both protein and mRNA levels. Up to our knowledge, this is the first integrated comparative analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics data from testicular tissues. We believe that the data from our study contributes significantly to increase the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of azoospermia and pave the way for new investigations in regards to non-invasive diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
| | - Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Milan Velkov
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Predrag Noveski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Katerina Kubelka-Sabit
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Vanja Filipovski
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Toso Plaseski
- Faculty of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Clinic, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Dimovski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University "St. Cyril and Methodius", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moritz L, Hammoud SS. The Art of Packaging the Sperm Genome: Molecular and Structural Basis of the Histone-To-Protamine Exchange. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895502. [PMID: 35813619 PMCID: PMC9258737 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility throughout life hinges on the successful production of motile sperm, a developmental process that involves three coordinated transitions: mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Germ cells undergo both mitosis and meiosis to generate haploid round spermatids, in which histones bound to the male genome are replaced with small nuclear proteins known as protamines. During this transformation, the chromatin undergoes extensive remodeling to become highly compacted in the sperm head. Despite its central role in spermiogenesis and fertility, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the remodeling process, including which remodelers/chaperones are involved, and whether intermediate chromatin proteins function as discrete steps, or unite simultaneously to drive successful exchange. Furthermore, it remains largely unknown whether more nuanced interactions instructed by protamine post-translational modifications affect chromatin dynamics or gene expression in the early embryo. Here, we bring together past and more recent work to explore these topics and suggest future studies that will elevate our understanding of the molecular basis of the histone-to-protamine exchange and the underlying etiology of idiopathic male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Botezatu A, Vladoiu S, Fudulu A, Albulescu A, Plesa A, Muresan A, Stancu C, Iancu IV, Diaconu CC, Velicu A, Popa OM, Badiu C, Dinu-Draganescu D. Advanced molecular approaches in male infertility diagnosis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:684-704. [PMID: 35594455 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac105] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years a special attention has been given to a major health concern namely to male infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, taken into account the statistics that highlight that sperm counts have dropped by 50-60% in recent decades. According to the WHO, infertility affects approximately 9% of couples globally, and the male factor is believed to be present in roughly 50% of cases, with exclusive responsibility in 30%. The aim of this manuscript is to present an evidence-based approach for diagnosing male infertility that includes finding new solutions for diagnosis and critical outcomes, retrieving up-to-date studies and existing guidelines. The diverse factors that induce male infertility generated in a vast amount of data that needed to be analysed by a clinician before a decision could be made for each individual. Modern medicine faces numerous obstacles as a result of the massive amount of data generated by the molecular biology discipline. To address complex clinical problems, vast data must be collected, analysed, and used, which can be very challenging. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to create a decision support system can help predict the diagnosis and guide treatment for infertile men, based on analysis of different data as environmental and lifestyle, clinical (sperm count, morphology, hormone testing, karyotype, etc.) and "omics" bigdata. Ultimately, the development of AI algorithms will assist clinicians in formulating diagnosis, making treatment decisions, and predicting outcomes for assisted reproduction techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Botezatu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Vladoiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Fudulu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Albulescu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Chemical pharmaceutical Research & Development
| | - A Plesa
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Muresan
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Stancu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I V Iancu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Velicu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O M Popa
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Badiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania.,"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Huang H, Pan R, Zhao Y, Li H, Zhu H, Wang S, Khan AA, Wang J, Liu X. L3MBTL2-mediated CGA transcriptional suppression promotes pancreatic cancer progression through modulating autophagy. iScience 2022; 25:104249. [PMID: 35521536 PMCID: PMC9061862 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
L3MBTL2 is a crucial component of ncPRC1.6 and has been implicated in transcriptional repression and chromatin compaction. However, the repression mechanism of L3MBTL2 and its biological functions are largely undefined. Here, we found that L3MBTL2 plays a distinct oncogenic role in tumor development. We demonstrated that L3MBTL2 repressed downstream CGA through an H2AK119ub1-dependent mechanism. Importantly, the binding of the MGA/MAX heterodimer to the E-box on the CGA promoter enhanced the specific selective repression of CGA by L3MBTL2. CGA encodes the alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones; however, we showed that CGA plays an individual tumor suppressor role in PDAC. Moreover, CGA-transcript1 (T1) was identified as the major transcript, and the tumor suppression function of CGA-T1 depends on its own glycosylation. Furthermore, glycosylated CGA-T1 inhibited PDAC, partly by repression of autophagy through multiple pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and TP53INP2 pathways. These findings reveal the important roles of L3MBTL2 and CGA in tumor development. L3MBTL2 plays a distinct oncogenic role in tumor development L3MBTL2 represses CGA transcription mainly by mediating ubiquitination of H2A CGA plays an individual tumor suppressor role in pancreatic cancer Glycosylated CGA inhibited PDAC partly through repression of autophagy
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Ruining Pan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Huan Li
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Huiyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Aamir Ali Khan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rajam SM, Varghese PC, Dutta D. Histone Chaperones as Cardinal Players in Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:767773. [PMID: 35445016 PMCID: PMC9014011 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.767773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamicity and flexibility of the chromatin landscape are critical for most of the DNA-dependent processes to occur. This higher-order packaging of the eukaryotic genome into the chromatin is mediated by histones and associated non-histone proteins that determine the states of chromatin. Histone chaperones- “the guardian of genome stability and epigenetic information” controls the chromatin accessibility by escorting the nucleosomal and non-nucleosomal histones as well as their variants. This distinct group of molecules is involved in all facets of histone metabolism. The selectivity and specificity of histone chaperones to the histones determine the maintenance of the chromatin in an open or closed state. This review highlights the functional implication of the network of histone chaperones in shaping the chromatin function in the development of an organism. Seminal studies have reported embryonic lethality at different stages of embryogenesis upon perturbation of some of the chaperones, suggesting their essentiality in development. We hereby epitomize facts and functions that emphasize the relevance of histone chaperones in orchestrating different embryonic developmental stages starting from gametogenesis to organogenesis in multicellular organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sruthy Manuraj Rajam
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Pallavi Chinnu Varghese
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Debasree Dutta
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Khawar MB, Sohail AM, Li W. SIRT1: A Key Player in Male Reproduction. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:318. [PMID: 35207605 PMCID: PMC8880319 DOI: 10.3390/life12020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is the way to immortality for an individual, and it is essential to the continuation of the species. Sirtuins are involved in cellular homeostasis, energy metabolism, apoptosis, age-related problems, and sexual reproduction. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) belongs to the sirtuin family of deacetylases, and it is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase. It removes the acetyl group from a variety of substrates. SIRT1 regulates endocrine/metabolic, reproductive, and placental development by deacetylating histone, different transcription factors, and signal transduction molecules in a variety of cellular processes. It also plays a very important role in the synthesis and secretion of sex hormones via regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Moreover, SIRT1 participates in several key stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The current review will give a thorough overview of SIRT1's functions in male reproductive processes, thus paving the way for more research on restorative techniques and their uses in reproductive medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal 51600, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Abdullah Muhammad Sohail
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54782, Pakistan
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rezaei-Gazik M, Vargas A, Amiri-Yekta A, Vitte AL, Akbari A, Barral S, Esmaeili V, Chuffart F, Sadighi-Gilani MA, Couté Y, Eftekhari-Yazdi P, Khochbin S, Rousseaux S, Totonchi M. Direct visualization of pre-protamine 2 detects protamine assembly failures and predicts ICSI success. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6527641. [PMID: 35150275 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone-to-protamine transition is an essential step in the generation of fully functional spermatozoa in various mammalian species. In human and mouse, one of the two protamine-encoding genes produces a precursor pre-protamine 2 (pre-PRM2) protein, which is then processed and assembled. Here we design an original approach based on the generation of pre-PRM2-specific antibodies to visualize the unprocessed pre-PRM2 by microscopy, flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Using mouse models with characterized failures in histone-to-protamine replacement, we show that pre-Prm2 retention is tightly linked to nucleosome disassembly. Additionally, in elongating/condensing spermatids, we observe that pre-Prm2 and transition protein are co-expressed spatiotemporally, and their physical interaction suggests that these proteins act simultaneously rather than successively during histone replacement. By using our anti-human pre-PRM2 antibody we also measured pre-PRM2 retention rates in the spermatozoa from 49 men of a series of infertile couples undergoing ICSI, which shed new light on the debated relation between pre-PRM2 retention and sperm parameters. Finally, by monitoring 2-pronuclei (2PN) embryo formation following ICSI, we evaluated the fertilization ability of the sperm in these 49 patients. Our results suggest that the extent of pre-PRM2 retention in sperm, rather than pre-PRM2 accumulation per se, is associated with fertilization failure. Hence, anti-pre-PRM2/pre-Prm2 antibodies are valuable tools which could be used in routine monitoring of sperm parameters in fertility clinics, as well as in experimental research programmes to better understand the obscure process of histone-to-protamine transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaei-Gazik
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexandra Vargas
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Anne-Laure Vitte
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Arvand Akbari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sophie Barral
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Florent Chuffart
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi-Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yohann Couté
- Université Grenoble Alpes; Inserm, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS CEA FR2048, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Poopak Eftekhari-Yazdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- CNRS UMR 5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, 38700, France
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rosón JN, Vitarelli MDO, Costa-Silva HM, Pereira KS, Pires DDS, Lopes LDS, Cordeiro B, Kraus AJ, Cruz KNT, Calderano SG, Fragoso SP, Siegel TN, Elias MC, da Cunha JPC. H2B.V demarcates divergent strand-switch regions, some tDNA loci, and genome compartments in Trypanosoma cruzi and affects parasite differentiation and host cell invasion. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1009694. [PMID: 35180281 PMCID: PMC8893665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants play a crucial role in chromatin structure organization and gene expression. Trypanosomatids have an unusual H2B variant (H2B.V) that is known to dimerize with the variant H2A.Z generating unstable nucleosomes. Previously, we found that H2B.V protein is enriched in tissue-derived trypomastigote (TCT) life forms, a nonreplicative stage of Trypanosoma cruzi, suggesting that this variant may contribute to the differences in chromatin structure and global transcription rates observed among parasite life forms. Here, we performed the first genome-wide profiling of histone localization in T. cruzi using epimastigotes and TCT life forms, and we found that H2B.V was preferentially located at the edges of divergent transcriptional strand switch regions, which encompass putative transcriptional start regions; at some tDNA loci; and between the conserved and disrupted genome compartments, mainly at trans-sialidase, mucin and MASP genes. Remarkably, the chromatin of TCT forms was depleted of H2B.V-enriched peaks in comparison to epimastigote forms. Interactome assays indicated that H2B.V associated specifically with H2A.Z, bromodomain factor 2, nucleolar proteins and a histone chaperone, among others. Parasites expressing reduced H2B.V levels were associated with higher rates of parasite differentiation and mammalian cell infectivity. Taken together, H2B.V demarcates critical genomic regions and associates with regulatory chromatin proteins, suggesting a scenario wherein local chromatin structures associated with parasite differentiation and invasion are regulated during the parasite life cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Nunes Rosón
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina–UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela de Oliveira Vitarelli
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Héllida Marina Costa-Silva
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kamille Schmitt Pereira
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Biology of Trypanosomatids, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - David da Silva Pires
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia de Sousa Lopes
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barbara Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amelie J. Kraus
- Division of Experimental Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center, Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitäat in Munch, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Navarro Tozzi Cruz
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Guedes Calderano
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stenio Perdigão Fragoso
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Biology of Trypanosomatids, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - T. Nicolai Siegel
- Division of Experimental Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center, Division of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitäat in Munch, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Carolina Elias
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Pinheiro Chagas da Cunha
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Raman P, Rominger MC, Young JM, Molaro A, Tsukiyama T, Malik HS. Novel classes and evolutionary turnover of histone H2B variants in the mammalian germline. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6517784. [PMID: 35099534 PMCID: PMC8857922 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histones and their posttranslational modifications facilitate diverse chromatin functions in eukaryotes. Core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) package genomes after DNA replication. In contrast, variant histones promote specialized chromatin functions, including DNA repair, genome stability, and epigenetic inheritance. Previous studies have identified only a few H2B variants in animals; their roles and evolutionary origins remain largely unknown. Here, using phylogenomic analyses, we reveal the presence of five H2B variants broadly present in mammalian genomes. Three of these variants have been previously described: H2B.1, H2B.L (also called subH2B), and H2B.W. In addition, we identify and describe two new variants: H2B.K and H2B.N. Four of these variants originated in mammals, whereas H2B.K arose prior to the last common ancestor of bony vertebrates. We find that though H2B variants are subject to high gene turnover, most are broadly retained in mammals, including humans. Despite an overall signature of purifying selection, H2B variants evolve more rapidly than core H2B with considerable divergence in sequence and length. All five H2B variants are expressed in the germline. H2B.K and H2B.N are predominantly expressed in oocytes, an atypical expression site for mammalian histone variants. Our findings suggest that H2B variants likely encode potentially redundant but vital functions via unusual chromatin packaging or nonchromatin functions in mammalian germline cells. Our discovery of novel histone variants highlights the advantages of comprehensive phylogenomic analyses and provides unique opportunities to study how innovations in chromatin function evolve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pravrutha Raman
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Mary C Rominger
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
- Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, 99362, USA
| | - Janet M Young
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Antoine Molaro
- Genetics, Reproduction and Development (GReD) Institute, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Toshio Tsukiyama
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
KURUMIZAKA H. Structural studies of functional nucleosome complexes with transacting factors. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2022; 98:1-14. [PMID: 35013027 PMCID: PMC8795532 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.98.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the genomic DNA is hierarchically organized into chromatin. Chromatin structures and dynamics influence all nuclear functions that are guided by DNA, and thus regulate gene expression. Chromatin structure aberrations cause various health issues, such as cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, mental disorders, infertility, congenital diseases, and infectious diseases. Many studies have unveiled the fundamental features and the heterogeneity of the nucleosome, which is the basic repeating unit of chromatin. The nucleosome is the highly conserved primary chromatin architecture in eukaryotes, but it also has structural versatility. Therefore, analyses of these primary chromatin structures will clarify the higher-order chromatin architecture. This review focuses on structural and functional studies of nucleosomes, based on our research accomplishments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi KURUMIZAKA
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Singh I, Parte P. Heterogeneity in the Epigenetic Landscape of Murine Testis-Specific Histone Variants TH2A and TH2B Sharing the Same Bi-Directional Promoter. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755751. [PMID: 34938732 PMCID: PMC8685415 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755751] [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] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis-specific histone variants are crucial to promote open chromatin structure to enable nucleosome disassembly in the final stages of spermiogenesis. However, even after histone replacement, mature sperm retain a proportion of these variants, the function of which is unknown. The present study aimed to understand the functional relevance of the retained H2B and H2A variants, TH2B and TH2A. While no literature is available on the phenotype of TH2A knockouts, TH2B/TH2A double knockout male mice are reported to be infertile. In this study, ChIP-seq analysis was done for TH2B and TH2A to understand the epigenomics of the retained TH2B and TH2A, using murine caudal sperm. Distribution across genomic partitions revealed ∼35% of the TH2B peaks within ±5 kb of TSS whereas TH2A peaks distribution was sparse at TSS. Gene Ontology revealed embryo development as the most significant term associated with TH2B. Also, based on genomic regions, TH2B was observed to be associated with spindle assembly and various meiosis-specific genes, which is an important finding as TH2A/TH2B DKO mice have been reported to have defective cohesin release. A comparison of mouse and human TH2B-linked chromatin revealed 26% overlap between murine and human TH2B-associated genes. This overlap included genes crucial for embryogenesis. Most importantly, heterogeneity in the epigenetic landscape of TH2A and TH2B was seen, which is intriguing as TH2B and TH2A are well reported to be present in the same nucleosomes to promote open chromatin. Additionally, unlike TH2B, TH2A was enriched on the mitochondrial chromosome. TH2A was found to be associated with Nuclear insertion of Mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs) in sperm. A comprehensive analysis of these observations indicates novel functions for the sperm-retained TH2B and TH2A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha Singh
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu J, Li X, Zhou G, Zhang Y, Sang Y, Wang J, Li Y, Ge W, Sun Z, Zhou X. Silica nanoparticles inhibiting the differentiation of round spermatid and chromatin remodeling of haploid period via MIWI in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117446. [PMID: 34058501 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Researches have shown that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) could reduce both the quantity and quality of sperm. However, the mechanism of toxicity induced by SiNPs in the male reproductive system is still unclear. In this study, male mice were randomly divided into a control group, and SiNPs treated group (20 mg/kg dose; n = 30 per group). Half of the mice per group were sacrificed on 35 days and the remaining on 50 days of the SiNPs exposure. SiNPs were found to decrease sperm count and mobility, increase the sperm abnormality rate, and damage the testes' structure. Furthermore, SiNPs decreased the protein levels of Protamine 1(PRM1) and elevated the histones' levels and suppressed the chromatin condensation of sperm. There was a significant reduction of the ubiquitinated H2A (ubH2A)/H2B (ubH2B) and RING finger protein 8 (RNF8) levels in the spermatid nucleus, while the RNF8 level in the spermatid cytoplasm increased evidently. The protein expression levels of PIWI-like protein 1(MIWI) in the late spermatids significantly increased on day 35 of SiNPs exposure. After 15 days of the withdrawal, the sperm parameters and protamine levels, and histones in the epididymal sperm were unrecovered; however, the changes in testis induced by SiNPs were recovered. Our results suggested that SiNPs could decrease the RNF8 level in the nucleus of spermatid either by upregulating of the expression of MIWI or by inhibiting its degradation. This resulted in the detention of RNF8 in the cytoplasm that maybe inhibited the RNF8-mediated ubiquitination of ubH2A and ubH2B. These events culminated in creating obstacles during the H2A and H2B removal and chromatin condensation, thereby suppressing the differentiation of round spermatids and chromatin remodeling, which compromised the sperm quality and quantity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guiqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yujian Sang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanbo Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hamilton LE, Lion M, Aguila L, Suzuki J, Acteau G, Protopapas N, Xu W, Sutovsky P, Baker M, Oko R. Core Histones Are Constituents of the Perinuclear Theca of Murid Spermatozoa: An Assessment of Their Synthesis and Assembly during Spermiogenesis and Function after Gametic Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158119. [PMID: 34360885 PMCID: PMC8347300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinuclear theca (PT) of the eutherian sperm head is a cytoskeletal-like structure that houses proteins involved in important cellular processes during spermiogenesis and fertilization. Building upon our novel discovery of non-nuclear histones in the bovine PT, we sought to investigate whether this PT localization was a conserved feature of eutherian sperm. Employing cell fractionation, immunodetection, mass spectrometry, qPCR, and intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), we examined the localization, developmental origin, and functional potential of histones from the murid PT. Immunodetection localized histones to the post-acrosomal sheath (PAS) and the perforatorium (PERF) of the PT but showed an absence in the sperm nucleus. MS/MS analysis of selectively extracted PT histones indicated that predominately core histones (i.e., H3, H3.3, H2B, H2A, H2AX, and H4) populate the murid PT. These core histones appear to be de novo-synthesized in round spermatids and assembled via the manchette during spermatid elongation. Mouse ICSI results suggest that early embryonic development is delayed in the absence of PT-derived core histones. Here, we provide evidence that core histones are de novo-synthesized prior to PT assembly and deposited in PT sub-compartments for subsequent involvement in chromatin remodeling of the male pronucleus post-fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Morgan Lion
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Luis Aguila
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - João Suzuki
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Genevieve Acteau
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Nicole Protopapas
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hou JY, Zhou L, Li JL, Wang DP, Cao JM. Emerging roles of non-histone protein crotonylation in biomedicine. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:101. [PMID: 34059135 PMCID: PMC8166067 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00616-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotonylation of proteins is a newly found type of post-translational modifications (PTMs) which occurs leadingly on the lysine residue, namely, lysine crotonylation (Kcr). Kcr is conserved and is regulated by a series of enzymes and co-enzymes including lysine crotonyltransferase (writer), lysine decrotonylase (eraser), certain YEATS proteins (reader), and crotonyl-coenzyme A (donor). Histone Kcr has been substantially studied since 2011, but the Kcr of non-histone proteins is just an emerging field since its finding in 2017. Recent advances in the identification and quantification of non-histone protein Kcr by mass spectrometry have increased our understanding of Kcr. In this review, we summarized the main proteomic characteristics of non-histone protein Kcr and discussed its biological functions, including gene transcription, DNA damage response, enzymes regulation, metabolic pathways, cell cycle, and localization of heterochromatin in cells. We further proposed the performance of non-histone protein Kcr in diseases and the prospect of Kcr manipulators as potential therapeutic candidates in the diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology At Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology At Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology At Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - De-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology At Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ji-Min Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology At Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology of Shanxi Province, and the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Patankar A, Gajbhiye R, Surve S, Parte P. Epigenetic landscape of testis specific histone H2B variant and its influence on sperm function. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:101. [PMID: 33933143 PMCID: PMC8088685 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological relevance of the major testis specific histone H2B variant (TH2B) in sperm is not fully understood. Studies in TH2A/TH2B double knockout male mice indicate its role in chromatin compaction and male fertility. Additionally, the presence of TH2B and TH2A reportedly generates more dynamic nucleosomes, leading to an open chromatin structure characteristic of transcriptionally active genome. Given that mature human sperm are transcriptionally and translationally inactive, the presence of TH2B in mature sperm is intriguing. To address its role in sperm, we investigated the genome-wide localization of TH2B in sperm of fertile men. RESULTS We have identified the genomic loci associated with TH2B in fertile human sperm by ChIP-seq analysis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ~ 5% sperm genome and 5527 genes to be associated with TH2B. Out of these 105 (1.9%) and 144 (2.6%) genes showed direct involvement in sperm function and early embryogenesis, respectively. Chromosome wide analysis for TH2B distribution indicated its least distribution on X and Y chromosomes and varied distribution on autosomes. TH2B showed relatively higher percentage of gene association on chromosome 4, 18, 3 and 2. TH2B enrichment was more in promoter and gene body region. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed signal transduction and associated kinase activity as the most enriched biological and molecular function, respectively. We also observed the enrichment of TH2B at developmentally important loci, such as HOXA and HOXD and on genes required for normal sperm function, few of which were validated by ChIP-qPCR. The relative expression of these genes was altered in particular subgroup of infertile men showing abnormal chromatin packaging. Chromatin compaction positively correlated with sperm- motility, concentration, viability and with transcript levels of PRKAG2 and CATSPER B. CONCLUSION ChIP-seq analysis of TH2B revealed a putative role of TH2B in sperm function and embryo development. Altered expression of TH2B associated genes in infertile individuals with sperm chromatin compaction defects indicates involvement of TH2B in transcriptional regulation of these genes in post meiotic male germ cells. This altered transcriptome may be a consequence or cause of abnormal nuclear remodeling during spermiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Patankar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Rahul Gajbhiye
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang M, Lin H. Understanding the Function of Mammalian Sirtuins and Protein Lysine Acylation. Annu Rev Biochem 2021; 90:245-285. [PMID: 33848425 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-082520-125411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Protein lysine acetylation is an important posttranslational modification that regulates numerous biological processes. Targeting lysine acetylation regulatory factors, such as acetyltransferases, deacetylases, and acetyl-lysine recognition domains, has been shown to have potential for treating human diseases, including cancer and neurological diseases. Over the past decade, many other acyl-lysine modifications, such as succinylation, crotonylation, and long-chain fatty acylation, have also been investigated and shown to have interesting biological functions. Here, we provide an overview of the functions of different acyl-lysine modifications in mammals. We focus on lysine acetylation as it is well characterized, and principles learned from acetylation are useful for understanding the functions of other lysine acylations. We pay special attention to the sirtuins, given that the study of sirtuins has provided a great deal of information about the functions of lysine acylation. We emphasize the regulation of sirtuins to illustrate that their regulation enables cells to respond to various signals and stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA;
| | - Hening Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ntorla A, Burgoyne JR. The Regulation and Function of Histone Crotonylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:624914. [PMID: 33889571 PMCID: PMC8055951 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.624914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone crotonylation is a newly identified epigenetic modification that has a pronounced ability to regulate gene expression. It belongs to an expanding group of short chain lysine acylations that also includes the extensively studied mark histone acetylation. Emerging evidence suggests that histone crotonylation is functionally distinct from histone acetylation and that competition for sites of modification, which reflects the cellular metabolic status, could be an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates diverse processes. Here, we discuss the enzymatic and metabolic regulation of histone crotonylation, the “reader” proteins that selectively recognise this modification and translate it into diverse functional outcomes within the cell, as well as the identified physiological roles of histone crotonylation, which range from signal-dependent gene activation to spermatogenesis and tissue injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Ntorla
- The Rayne Institute, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, The British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Robert Burgoyne
- The Rayne Institute, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, The British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Eukaryotic nucleosomes organize chromatin by wrapping 147 bp of DNA around a histone core particle comprising two molecules each of histone H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. The DNA entering and exiting the particle may be bound by the linker histone H1. Whereas deposition of bulk histones is confined to S-phase, paralogs of the common histones, known as histone variants, are available to carry out functions throughout the cell cycle and accumulate in post-mitotic cells. Histone variants confer different structural properties on nucleosomes by wrapping more or less DNA or by altering nucleosome stability. They carry out specialized functions in DNA repair, chromosome segregation and regulation of transcription initiation, or perform tissue-specific roles. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we briefly examine new insights into histone origins and discuss variants from each of the histone families, focusing on how structural differences may alter their functions. Summary: Histone variants change the structural properties of nucleosomes by wrapping more or less DNA, altering nucleosome stability or carrying out specialized functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Talbert
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Three-Dimensional Confocal Analysis of Chromosome Positioning Coupled with Immunofluorescence in Mouse Sperm Nuclei. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 32822037 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0876-0_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Male infertility is associated with several causes affecting the paternal nucleus such as DNA lesions (breaks, deletions, mutations, ...) or numerical chromosome anomalies. More recently, male infertility has also been associated with changes in the sperm epigenome, including modification in the topology of chromatin (Olszewska et al., Chromosome Research 16:875-890, 2008; Alladin et al., Syst Biol Reprod Med 59: 146-152, 2013) ref with number 1, 2. Indeed, the positioning of chromosomes in the sperm nucleus is nonrandom and defines chromosome territories (Champroux et al., Genes (Basel) 9:501, 2018) ref with number 3 whose optimal organization determines the success of embryonic development. In this context, the study of the spatial distribution of chromosomes in sperm cells could be relevant for clinical diagnosis. We describe here a in situ fluorescence hybridization (FISH) strategy coupled with a fluorescent immunocytochemistry approach followed by confocal analysis and reconstruction (2D/3D) as a powerful tool to analyze the location of chromosomes in the sperm nucleus using the mouse sperm as a model. Already, the two-dimensional (2D) analysis of FISH and immunofluorescence data reveal the location of chromosomes as well as the different markings on the spermatic nucleus. In addition, a good 3D rendering after Imaris software processing was obtained when Z-stacks of images were acquired over a defined volume (10 μm × 13 μm × 15 μm) with a sequential scanning mode to minimize bleed-through effects and avoid overlapping wavelengths.
Collapse
|
39
|
Shalini V, Bhaduri U, Ravikkumar AC, Rengarajan A, Satyanarayana RMR. Genome-wide occupancy reveals the localization of H1T2 (H1fnt) to repeat regions and a subset of transcriptionally active chromatin domains in rat spermatids. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:3. [PMID: 33407810 PMCID: PMC7788777 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00376-2] [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: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background H1T2/H1FNT is a germ cell-specific linker histone variant expressed during spermiogenesis specifically in round and elongating spermatids. Infertile phenotype of homozygous H1T2 mutant male mice revealed the essential function of H1T2 for the DNA condensation and histone-to-protamine replacement in spermiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which H1T2 imparts the inherent polarity within spermatid nucleus including the additional protein partners and the genomic domains occupied by this linker histone are unknown. Results Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Walker motif, SR domains and putative coiled-coil domains in the C-terminal domain of rat H1T2 protein. Genome-wide occupancy analysis using highly specific antibody against the CTD of H1T2 demonstrated the binding of H1T2 to the LINE L1 repeat elements and to a significant percentage of the genic regions (promoter-TSS, exons and introns) of the rat spermatid genome. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis revealed the open chromatin architecture of H1T2 occupied chromatin encompassing the H4 acetylation and other histone PTMs characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin. In addition, the present study has identified the interacting protein partners of H1T2-associated chromatin mainly as nucleo-skeleton components, RNA-binding proteins and chaperones. Conclusions Linker histone H1T2 possesses unique domain architecture which can account for the specific functions associated with chromatin remodeling events facilitating the initiation of histone to transition proteins/protamine transition in the polar apical spermatid genome. Our results directly establish the unique function of H1T2 in nuclear shaping associated with spermiogenesis by mediating the interaction between chromatin and nucleo-skeleton, positioning the epigenetically specialized chromatin domains involved in transcription coupled histone replacement initiation towards the apical pole of round/elongating spermatids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Shalini
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,European Union's H2020 TRIM-NET ITN, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anjhana C Ravikkumar
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Anusha Rengarajan
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Rao M R Satyanarayana
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Berruti G. Destruction or Reconstruction: A Subtle Liaison between the Proteolytic and Signaling Role of Protein Ubiquitination in Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:215-240. [PMID: 34453739 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is one of the most diverse forms of protein post-translational modification that changes the function of the landscape of substrate proteins in response to stimuli, without the need for "de novo" protein synthesis. Ubiquitination is involved in almost all aspects of eukaryotic cell biology, from the best-studied role in promoting the removal of faulty or unnecessary proteins by the way of the ubiquitin proteasome system and autophagy-lysosome pathway to the recruitment of proteins in specific non-proteolytic signaling pathways, as emerged by the more recent discoveries about the protein signature with peculiar types of ubiquitin chains. Spermatogenesis, on its own, is a complex cellular developmental process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation coexist so to result in the continuous formation of haploid spermatozoa. Successful spermatogenesis is thus at the same time a mixed result of the precise expression and correct intracellular destination of structural proteins and enzymes, from one hand, and the fine removal by targeted degradation of unfolded or damaged proteins as well as of obsolete, outlived proteins, from the other hand. In this minireview, I will focus on the importance of the ubiquitin system all over the spermatogenic process, discussing both proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions of protein ubiquitination. Alterations in the ubiquitin system have been in fact implicated in pathologies leading to male infertility. Notwithstanding several aspects of the multifaceted world of the ubiquitin system have been clarified, the physiological meaning of the so-called ubiquitin code remains still partially elusive. The studies reviewed in this chapter provide information that could aid the investigators to pursue new promising discoveries in the understanding of human and animal reproductive potential.
Collapse
|
41
|
Le Blévec E, Muroňová J, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Paternal epigenetics: Mammalian sperm provide much more than DNA at fertilization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110964. [PMID: 32738444 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated cell with unique characteristics: it is mobile, thanks to its flagellum, and is very compact. The sperm cytoplasm is extremely reduced, containing no ribosomes, and therefore does not allow translation, and its nucleus contains very closed chromatin, preventing transcription. This DNA compaction is linked to the loss of nucleosomes and the replacement of histones by protamines. Based on these characteristics, sperm was considered to simply deliver paternal DNA to the oocyte. However, some parts of the sperm DNA remain organized in a nucleosomal format, and bear epigenetic information. In addition, the nucleus and the cytoplasm contain a multitude of RNAs of different types, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which also carry epigenetic information. For a long time, these RNAs were considered residues of spermatogenesis. After briefly describing the mechanisms of compaction of sperm DNA, we focus this review on the origin and function of the different ncRNAs. We present studies demonstrating the importance of these RNAs in embryonic development and transgenerational adaptation to stress. We also look at other epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation or post-translational modifications of histones, and show that they are sensitive to environmental stress and transmissible to offspring. The post-fertilization role of certain sperm-borne proteins is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Blévec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; IMV Technologies, ZI N° 1 Est, L'Aigle, F-61300, France
| | - Jana Muroňová
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Molaro A, Wood AJ, Janssens D, Kindelay SM, Eickbush MT, Wu S, Singh P, Muller CH, Henikoff S, Malik HS. Biparental contributions of the H2A.B histone variant control embryonic development in mice. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3001001. [PMID: 33362208 PMCID: PMC7757805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants expand chromatin functions in eukaryote genomes. H2A.B genes are testis-expressed short histone H2A variants that arose in placental mammals. Their biological functions remain largely unknown. To investigate their function, we generated a knockout (KO) model that disrupts all 3 H2A.B genes in mice. We show that H2A.B KO males have globally altered chromatin structure in postmeiotic germ cells. Yet, they do not show impaired spermatogenesis or testis function. Instead, we find that H2A.B plays a crucial role postfertilization. Crosses between H2A.B KO males and females yield embryos with lower viability and reduced size. Using a series of genetic crosses that separate parental and zygotic contributions, we show that the H2A.B status of both the father and mother, but not of the zygote, affects embryonic viability and growth during gestation. We conclude that H2A.B is a novel parental-effect gene, establishing a role for short H2A histone variants in mammalian development. We posit that parental antagonism over embryonic growth drove the origin and ongoing diversification of short histone H2A variants in placental mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Molaro
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anna J. Wood
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Derek Janssens
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Selina M. Kindelay
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Eickbush
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Wu
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Priti Singh
- Comparative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Muller
- Male Fertility Laboratory, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Harmit S. Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Canonical histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) are present in all eukaryotes where they package genomic DNA and participate in numerous cellular processes, such as transcription regulation and DNA repair. In addition to the canonical histones, there are many histone variants, which have different amino acid sequences, possess tissue-specific expression profiles, and function distinctly from the canonical counterparts. A number of histone variants, including both core histones (H2A/H2B/H3/H4) and linker histones (H1/H5), have been identified to date. Htz1 (H2A.Z) and CENP-A (CenH3) are present from yeasts to mammals, and H3.3 is present from Tetrahymena to humans. In addition to the prevalent variants, others like H3.4 (H3t), H2A.Bbd, and TH2B, as well as several H1 variants, are found to be specific to mammals. Among them, H2BFWT, H3.5, H3.X, H3.Y, and H4G are unique to primates (or Hominidae). In this review, we focus on localization and function of primate- or hominidae-specific histone variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongbo Ding
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thi Thuy Nguyen
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew Y H Pang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Toyotaka Ishibashi
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McAninch D, Thomson EP, Thomas PQ. Genome-wide DNA-binding profile of SRY-box transcription factor 3 (SOX3) in mouse testes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1260-1270. [PMID: 33166488 DOI: 10.1071/rd20108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the male version of gametogenesis, where germ cells are transformed into haploid spermatozoa through a tightly controlled series of mitosis, meiosis and differentiation. This process is reliant on precisely timed changes in gene expression controlled by several different hormonal and transcriptional mechanisms. One important transcription factor is SRY-box transcription factor 3 (SOX3), which is transiently expressed within the uncommitted spermatogonial stem cell population. Sox3-null mouse testes exhibit a block in spermatogenesis, leading to infertility or subfertility. However, the molecular role of SOX3 during spermatogonial differentiation remains poorly understood because the genomic regions targeted by this transcription factor have not been identified. In this study we used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify and characterise the endogenous genome-wide binding profile of SOX3 in mouse testes at Postnatal Day 7. We show that neurogenin3 (Neurog3 or Ngn3) is directly targeted by SOX3 in spermatogonial stem cells via a novel testes-specific binding site. We also implicate SOX3, for the first time, in direct regulation of histone gene expression and demonstrate that this function is shared by both neural progenitors and testes, and with another important transcription factor required for spermatogenesis, namely promyelocytic leukaemia zinc-finger (PLZF). Together, these data provide new insights into the function of SOX3 in different stem cell contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dale McAninch
- School of Biological Sciences and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ella P Thomson
- School of Biological Sciences and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Precision Medicine Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Xu X, Li L, Li X, Tao D, Zhang P, Gong J. Aptamer-protamine-siRNA nanoparticles in targeted therapy of ErbB3 positive breast cancer cells. Int J Pharm 2020; 590:119963. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
46
|
Khadka J, Pesok A, Grafi G. Plant Histone HTB (H2B) Variants in Regulating Chromatin Structure and Function. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1435. [PMID: 33113795 PMCID: PMC7694166 DOI: 10.3390/plants9111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Besides chemical modification of histone proteins, chromatin dynamics can be modulated by histone variants. Most organisms possess multiple genes encoding for core histone proteins, which are highly similar in amino acid sequence. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains 11 genes encoding for histone H2B (HTBs), 13 for H2A (HTAs), 15 for H3 (HTRs), and 8 genes encoding for histone H4 (HFOs). The finding that histone variants may be expressed in specific tissues and/or during specific developmental stages, often displaying specific nuclear localization and involvement in specific nuclear processes suggests that histone variants have evolved to carry out specific functions in regulating chromatin structure and function and might be important for better understanding of growth and development and particularly the response to stress. In this review, we will elaborate on a group of core histone proteins in Arabidopsis, namely histone H2B, summarize existing data, and illuminate the potential function of H2B variants in regulating chromatin structure and function in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gideon Grafi
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 84990, Israel; (J.K.); (A.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yadav RP, Mäkelä JA, Hyssälä H, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Kotaja N. DICER regulates the expression of major satellite repeat transcripts and meiotic chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7135-7153. [PMID: 32484548 PMCID: PMC7367195 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin at the pericentric regions of chromosomes undergoes dynamic changes in its epigenetic and spatial organization during spermatogenesis. Accurate control of pericentric heterochromatin is required for meiotic cell divisions and production of fertile and epigenetically intact spermatozoa. In this study, we demonstrate that pericentric heterochromatin is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis to produce major satellite repeat (MSR) transcripts. We show that the endonuclease DICER localizes to the pericentric heterochromatin in the testis. Furthermore, DICER forms complexes with MSR transcripts, and their processing into small RNAs is compromised in Dicer1 knockout mice leading to an elevated level of MSR transcripts in meiotic cells. We also show that defective MSR forward transcript processing in Dicer1 cKO germ cells is accompanied with reduced recruitment of SUV39H2 and H3K9me3 to the pericentric heterochromatin and meiotic chromosome missegregation. Altogether, our results indicate that the physiological role of DICER in maintenance of male fertility extends to the regulation of pericentric heterochromatin through direct targeting of MSR transcripts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ram Prakash Yadav
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Hanna Hyssälä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +358 44 2539225;
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Crespo M, Luense LJ, Arlotto M, Hu J, Dorsey J, García-Oliver E, Shah PP, Pflieger D, Berger SL, Govin J. Systematic genetic and proteomic screens during gametogenesis identify H2BK34 methylation as an evolutionary conserved meiotic mark. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:35. [PMID: 32933557 PMCID: PMC7493871 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gametes are highly differentiated cells specialized to carry and protect the parental genetic information. During male germ cell maturation, histone proteins undergo distinct changes that result in a highly compacted chromatin organization. Technical difficulties exclude comprehensive analysis of precise histone mutations during mammalian spermatogenesis. The model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses a differentiation pathway termed sporulation which exhibits striking similarities to mammalian spermatogenesis. This study took advantage of this yeast pathway to first perform systematic mutational and proteomics screens on histones, revealing amino acid residues which are essential for the formation of spores. METHODS A systematic mutational screen has been performed on the histones H2A and H2B, generating ~ 250 mutants using two genetic backgrounds and assessing their ability to form spores. In addition, histones were purified at key stages of sporulation and post-translational modifications analyzed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS The mutation of 75 H2A H2B residues affected sporulation, many of which were localized to the nucleosome lateral surface. The use of different genetic backgrounds confirmed the importance of many of the residues, as 48% of yeast histone mutants exhibited impaired formation of spores in both genetic backgrounds. Extensive proteomic analysis identified 67 unique post-translational modifications during sporulation, 27 of which were previously unreported in yeast. Furthermore, 33 modifications are located on residues that were found to be essential for efficient sporulation in our genetic mutation screens. The quantitative analysis of these modifications revealed a massive deacetylation of all core histones during the pre-meiotic phase and a close interplay between H4 acetylation and methylation during yeast sporulation. Methylation of H2BK37 was also identified as a new histone marker of meiosis and the mouse paralog, H2BK34, was also enriched for methylation during meiosis in the testes, establishing conservation during mammalian spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that a combination of genetic and proteomic approaches applied to yeast sporulation can reveal new aspects of chromatin signaling pathways during mammalian spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Crespo
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
- CNRS, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Lacey J Luense
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marie Arlotto
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
- CNRS, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jialei Hu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jean Dorsey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Encar García-Oliver
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, 3400, Montpellier, France
| | - Parisha P Shah
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Delphine Pflieger
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
- CNRS, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Shelley L Berger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jérôme Govin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG-BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France.
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Martire S, Banaszynski LA. The roles of histone variants in fine-tuning chromatin organization and function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:522-541. [PMID: 32665685 PMCID: PMC8245300 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Histones serve to both package and organize DNA within the nucleus. In addition to histone post-translational modification and chromatin remodelling complexes, histone variants contribute to the complexity of epigenetic regulation of the genome. Histone variants are characterized by a distinct protein sequence and a selection of designated chaperone systems and chromatin remodelling complexes that regulate their localization in the genome. In addition, histone variants can be enriched with specific post-translational modifications, which in turn can provide a scaffold for recruitment of variant-specific interacting proteins to chromatin. Thus, through these properties, histone variants have the capacity to endow specific regions of chromatin with unique character and function in a regulated manner. In this Review, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of histone variants to chromatin function in mammalian systems. First, we discuss new molecular insights into chaperone-mediated histone variant deposition. Next, we discuss mechanisms by which histone variants influence chromatin properties such as nucleosome stability and the local chromatin environment both through histone variant sequence-specific effects and through their role in recruiting different chromatin-associated complexes. Finally, we focus on histone variant function in the context of both embryonic development and human disease, specifically developmental syndromes and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Martire
- Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Laura A Banaszynski
- Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jiang D, Borg M, Lorković ZJ, Montgomery SA, Osakabe A, Yelagandula R, Axelsson E, Berger F. The evolution and functional divergence of the histone H2B family in plants. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008964. [PMID: 32716939 PMCID: PMC7410336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin regulation of eukaryotic genomes depends on the formation of nucleosome complexes between histone proteins and DNA. Histone variants, which are diversified by sequence or expression pattern, can profoundly alter chromatin properties. While variants in histone H2A and H3 families are well characterized, the extent of diversification of histone H2B proteins is less understood. Here, we report a systematic analysis of the histone H2B family in plants, which have undergone substantial divergence during the evolution of each major group in the plant kingdom. By characterising Arabidopsis H2Bs, we substantiate this diversification and reveal potential functional specialization that parallels the phylogenetic structure of emergent clades in eudicots. In addition, we identify a new class of highly divergent H2B variants, H2B.S, that specifically accumulate during chromatin compaction of dry seed embryos in multiple species of flowering plants. Our findings thus identify unsuspected diverse properties among histone H2B proteins in plants that has manifested into potentially novel groups of histone variants. In addition to well-studied variants from core histones families H2A and H3, we report that land plants diversified their H2B family, leading to specialized H2B variants with specific patterns of expression, genomic distributions and properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danhua Jiang
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Borg
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zdravko J. Lorković
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sean A. Montgomery
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Akihisa Osakabe
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ramesh Yelagandula
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elin Axelsson
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frédéric Berger
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|