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Ma T, Cheng H, Kong L, Shen C, Jin H, Li H, Pan C, Liang J. Combined exposure of PS-MPs with NaF induces Sertoli cell death and dysfunction via ferroptosis and apoptosis. Toxicology 2024; 506:153849. [PMID: 38821197 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153849] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The individual toxicity of sodium fluoride (NaF) and microplastics (MPs) has been extensively documented. Owing to their high specific surface area, widespread presence and durability, MPs can adsorb a broad spectrum of environmental contaminants into the organism. However, the combined toxicity of NaF and MPs has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the effects of combined exposure to NaF and MPs on the function of testicular Sertoli cells (SCs) in male mice, and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The study revealed that combined exposure to NaF and MPs resulted in a decrease in the negative surface charge of MPs, along with an increase in the number of MPs entering the SCs. Through in vivo observation of the testicular pathological structure, spermatogenesis, and cell apoptosis in 180-day-old male mice, we discovered that combined exposure to NaF (80 mg/L) and MPs (10 mg/L) heightened reproductive toxicity compared to the individual exposure groups. This was evidenced by testicular structural defects, impaired spermatogenesis, and increased testicular cell apoptosis. Our in vitro studies showed that NaF (21 μg/mL) and MPs (100 μg/mL) synergistically induced SCs apoptosis and ferroptosis, leading to a reduction in SCs number and dysfunction. This ultimately resulted in structural and functional damage to the testes. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the synergistic effects of NaF and MPs on reproductive toxicity in mammals. These insights may provide valuable contributions to co-toxicity studies involving MPs and other environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Ma
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Huixian Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. 2 Zheshan Road, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China
| | - Liang Kong
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Chenghao Shen
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Haibo Jin
- School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Chun Pan
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China.
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Disease, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China.
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Chen WB, Zhang MF, Yang F, Hua JL. Applications of single-cell RNA sequencing in spermatogenesis and molecular evolution. Zool Res 2024; 45:575-585. [PMID: 38766742 PMCID: PMC11188606 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.010] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic cell heterogeneity is determined by the complex process of spermatogenesis differentiation. However, effectively revealing the regulatory mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenic cell development and differentiation via traditional methods is difficult. Advances in technology have led to the emergence of many single-cell transcriptome sequencing protocols, which have partially addressed these challenges. In this review, we detail the principles of 10x Genomics technology and summarize the methods for downstream analysis of single-cell transcriptome sequencing data. Furthermore, we explore the role of single-cell transcriptome sequencing in revealing the heterogeneity of testicular ecological niche cells, delineating the establishment and disruption of testicular immune homeostasis during human spermatogenesis, investigating abnormal spermatogenesis in humans, and, ultimately, elucidating the molecular evolution of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bo Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Meng-Fei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jin-Lian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Majumdar SS. Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:942-965. [PMID: 38036863 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01401-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Periye Campus, Kasaragod, 671320, Kerala, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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Parivesh A, Délot E, Reyes A, Ryan J, Bhattacharya S, Harley V, Vilain E. Reprograming skin fibroblasts into Sertoli cells: a patient-specific tool to understand effects of genetic variants on gonadal development. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:24. [PMID: 38520033 PMCID: PMC10958866 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. With overlapping phenotypes and multiple genes involved, poor diagnostic yields are achieved for many of these conditions. The current DSD diagnostic regimen can be augmented by investigating transcriptome/proteome in vivo, but it is hampered by the unavailability of affected gonadal tissue at the relevant developmental stage. We try to mitigate this limitation by reprogramming readily available skin tissue-derived dermal fibroblasts into Sertoli cells (SC), which could then be deployed for different diagnostic strategies. SCs form the target cell type of choice because they act like an organizing center of embryonic gonadal development and many DSD arise when these developmental processes go awry. METHODS We employed a computational predictive algorithm for cell conversions called Mogrify to predict the transcription factors (TFs) required for direct reprogramming of human dermal fibroblasts into SCs. We established trans-differentiation culture conditions where stable transgenic expression of these TFs was achieved in 46, XY adult dermal fibroblasts using lentiviral vectors. The resulting Sertoli like cells (SLCs) were validated for SC phenotype using several approaches. RESULTS SLCs exhibited Sertoli-like morphological and cellular properties as revealed by morphometry and xCelligence cell behavior assays. They also showed Sertoli-specific expression of molecular markers such as SOX9, PTGDS, BMP4, or DMRT1 as revealed by IF imaging, RNAseq and qPCR. The SLC transcriptome shared about two thirds of its differentially expressed genes with a human adult SC transcriptome and expressed markers typical of embryonic SCs. Notably, SLCs lacked expression of most markers of other gonadal cell types such as Leydig, germ, peritubular myoid or granulosa cells. CONCLUSIONS The trans-differentiation method was applied to a variety of commercially available 46, XY fibroblasts derived from patients with DSD and to a 46, XX cell line. The DSD SLCs displayed altered levels of trans-differentiation in comparison to normal 46, XY-derived SLCs, thus showcasing the robustness of this new trans-differentiation model. Future applications could include using the SLCs to improve definitive diagnosis of DSD in patients with variants of unknown significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Parivesh
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., 20010, USA
| | - Emmanuèle Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., 20010, USA
| | - Alejandra Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Janelle Ryan
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Surajit Bhattacharya
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., 20010, USA
| | - Vincent Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Eric Vilain
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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You SO, Yoon HS, Kim HS, Park JS, Lee SH. Temporal Changes in the Local Expression of Central
Hormone-Regulating Factors in Rat Testis. Dev Reprod 2024; 28:21-28. [PMID: 38654975 PMCID: PMC11034993 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2024.28.1.21] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Present study aimed to investigate the temporal changes in expression of some reproductive hormones in testis, originally found in hypothalamus and pituitary. Rats were sacrificed on postnatal day 23 (PND23; immature), pubertal (PND53) and PND 81 (young adult). The testicular RNAs were extracted, and semi-quantitative PCRs for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), kisspeptin 1 (KiSS1), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), LH subunits and LH receptor were performed. Transcript levels of GnRH and KiSS1 at PND23 were significantly higher than levels of PND53 and PND81 (p <0.001). PACAP mRNA level at PND23 was significantly lower than those of PND53 and PND81 (p <0.001). The mRNA levels of both testis type and pituitary type luteinizing hormone β subunit (tLHβ and pLHβ, respectively) at PND23 were significantly lower than levels of PND53 and PND81 (p <0.001). The mRNA level of glycoprotein hormone common alpha subunit (Cgα) at PND23 was significantly lower than those of PND53 and PND81 (p <0.001). Present study revealed the intratesticular expression of KiSS1 and GnRH showed a very similar trend while the expression of PACAP in the testis showed reversed pattern. The expressions of LHβ subunits (tLHβ and pLHβ) were very low during immature stage then increased significantly during puberty and early adulthood. Our attempt to study the local role(s) of intratesticular factors will be helpful to achieve precise understanding on the testis physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-On You
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, eoul 03016, Korea
| | - Han-Seo Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, eoul 03016, Korea
| | - Hye-Soo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, eoul 03016, Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, eoul 03016, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, eoul 03016, Korea
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Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Frost ER, Ryan JM, Harley VR. A role for TRPC3 in mammalian testis development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1337714. [PMID: 38425503 PMCID: PMC10902130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1337714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SOX9 is a key transcription factor for testis determination and development. Mutations in and around the SOX9 gene contribute to Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). However, a substantial proportion of DSD patients lack a definitive genetic diagnosis. SOX9 target genes are potentially DSD-causative genes, yet only a limited subset of these genes has been investigated during testis development. We hypothesize that SOX9 target genes play an integral role in testis development and could potentially be causative genes in DSD. In this study, we describe a novel testicular target gene of SOX9, Trpc3. Trpc3 exhibits high expression levels in the SOX9-expressing male Sertoli cells compared to female granulosa cells in mouse fetal gonads between embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) and E13.5. In XY Sox9 knockout gonads, Trpc3 expression is markedly downregulated. Moreover, culture of E11.5 XY mouse gonads with TRPC3 inhibitor Pyr3 resulted in decreased germ cell numbers caused by reduced germ cell proliferation. Trpc3 is also expressed in endothelial cells and Pyr3-treated E11.5 XY mouse gonads showed a loss of the coelomic blood vessel due to increased apoptosis of endothelial cells. In the human testicular cell line NT2/D1, TRPC3 promotes cell proliferation and controls cell morphology, as observed by xCELLigence and HoloMonitor real-time analysis. In summary, our study suggests that SOX9 positively regulates Trpc3 in mouse testes and TRPC3 may mediate SOX9 function during Sertoli, germ and endothelial cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily R. Frost
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Baskin LS, Cao M, Li Y, Baker L, Cooper CS, Cunha GR. Ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles: New histologic markers for human ovotesticular syndrome. J Pediatr Urol 2024:S1477-5131(23)00572-7. [PMID: 38218629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of an ovotestis is a rare difference of sex development. The diagnosis can be difficult with the gold standard being the presence of both testicular cords and ovarian follicles within the same gonad. OBJECTIVE Herein we describe two new markers of ovotesticular syndrome: ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles. STUDY DESIGN Twenty human gonads with a previous diagnosis of ovotestis were re-stained with markers for testicular cords (SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cP450, AR, α-actin) and ovarian tissue (FOXL2, SALL4, DDX4). Ovotesticular cords were defined as structures expressing both testicular Sertoli cell marker (SOX9) and an ovarian follicular cell marker (FOXL2), and in Y chromosome positive specimens, TSPY-positive testicular germ cells. Ovotesticular follicles were defined as a hybrid ovarian follicle containing FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and a central oocyte, but also containing cells expressing the testicular Sertoli cell marker, SOX9, intermingled within FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and male and female germ cells. RESULTS Six of twenty ovotestis did not meet our criterion for the diagnosis of ovotestis lacking the histologic evidence of both testicular and ovarian tissue. The remaining 13 patients in which 14 separate specimens were evaluated, contained ovotestis defined by the presence of testicular cords and ovarian follicles. Eleven of the 14 ovotestis specimens (79 %) contained ovotesticular cords. Four of 11 ovotestis specimens (36 %) contained ovotesticular follicles. DISCUSSION We recommend using eight immunohistochemical markers to diagnose an ovotestis: 1) SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cytochrome P450, AR, smooth muscle α-actin for the testicular component and FOXL2 and SALL4, DDX4 for the ovarian component. SOX9 and TSPY (useful only in the presence of a Y karyotype) are specific testicular markers and FOXL2 the only specific ovarian marker. We found ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles in both human bipolar and mixed ovotestis specimens both with and without the presence of the Y chromosome. The clinical significance of ovotesticular cords and follicles remains unknown. We did not observe any obvious abnormalities in cellular architecture with the juxtaposition of testicular cells and ovarian cells. CONCLUSION We have identified two new structures in humans with ovotestis, ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles (Figure), which appears to be additional markers to facilitate the diagnosis of ovotesticular gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mei Cao
- UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Li
- UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda Baker
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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Pathak D, Baksi A, Vasan SS, Dighe RR. Molecular and Functional Characterization of Human Sex-Determining Region on the Y Chromosome Variants Using Protamine 1 Promoter. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:12-25. [PMID: 38170186 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0619] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The male sex-determining gene, sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY), is expressed in adult testicular germ cells; however, its role in regulating spermatogenesis remains unclear. The role of SRY in the postmeiotic gene expression was investigated by determining the effect of SRY on the promoter of the haploid-specific Protamine 1 (PRM1) gene, which harbors five distinct SRY-binding motifs. In a luciferase reporter assay system, SRY upregulates PRM1 promoter activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Through a gel-shift assay involving a 31-bp DNA fragment encompassing the SRY element within the PRM1 promoter, the third SRY-binding site on the sense strand (-373/-367) was identified as crucial for PRM1 promoter activation. This assay was extended to analyze 9 SRY variants found in the testicular DNA of 44 azoospermia patients. The findings suggest that SRY regulates PRM1 promoter activity by directly binding to its specific motif within the PRM1 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Pathak
- School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-Be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arka Baksi
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU-Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - S S Vasan
- Manipal Ankur Fertility, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajan R Dighe
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Kong Z, Zhu L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Jiang T, Wang H. Effects of azithromycin exposure during pregnancy at different stages, doses and courses on testicular development in fetal mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116063. [PMID: 38154271 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116063] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Azithromycin is a commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy, but some studies have suggested its potential developmental toxicity. Currently, the effects and mechanisms of prenatal azithromycin exposure (PAzE) on fetal testicular development are still unclear. The effects of prenatal exposure to the same drug on fetal testicular development could vary depending on different stages, doses, and courses. Hence, in this study, based on clinical medication characteristics, Kunming mice was administered intragastrically with azithromycin at different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy), doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg·d), and courses (single-/multi-course). Fetal blood and testicular samples were collected on GD18 for relevant assessments. The results indicated that PAzE led to changes in fetal testicular morphology, reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased expression of markers related to Leydig cells (Star), Sertoli cells (Wt1), and spermatogonia (Plzf). Further investigation revealed that the effects of PAzE on fetal testicular development were characterized by mid-pregnancy, high dose (clinical dose), and single course having more pronounced effects. Additionally, the TGFβ/Smad and Nrf2 signaling pathways may be involved in the changes in fetal testicular development induced by PAzE. In summary, this study confirmed that PAzE influences fetal testicular morphological development and multicellular function. It provided theoretical and experimental evidence for guiding the rational use of azithromycin during pregnancy and further exploring the mechanisms underlying its developmental toxicity on fetal testicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Wuhan University People's Hospital, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Suizhou Emergency Medical Center, Suizhou 441300, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Baskin L, Cao M, Askel S, Li Y, Cunha G. Ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles: New markers in a model of human mixed ovotestis. Differentiation 2024; 135:100739. [PMID: 38000942 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States.
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Sena Askel
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Gerald Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
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11
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Kossack ME, Tian L, Bowie K, Plavicki JS. Defining the cellular complexity of the zebrafish bipotential gonad. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:586-600. [PMID: 37561446 PMCID: PMC10651076 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are routinely used to model reproductive development, function, and disease, yet we still lack a clear understanding of the fundamental steps that occur during early bipotential gonad development, including when endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophage arrive at the bipotential gonad to support gonad growth and differentiation. Here, we use a combination of transgenic reporters and single-cell sequencing analyses to define the arrival of different critical cell types to the larval zebrafish gonad. We determined that blood initially reaches the gonad via a vessel formed from the swim bladder artery, which we have termed the gonadal artery. We find that vascular and lymphatic development occurs concurrently in the bipotential zebrafish gonad and our data suggest that similar to what has been observed in developing zebrafish embryos, lymphatic endothelial cells in the gonad may be derived from vascular endothelial cells. We mined preexisting sequencing datasets to determine whether ovarian pericytes had unique gene expression signatures. We identified 215 genes that were uniquely expressed in ovarian pericytes, but not expressed in larval pericytes. Similar to what has been shown in the mouse ovary, our data suggest that pdgfrb+ pericytes may support the migration of endothelial tip cells during ovarian angiogenesis. Using a macrophage-driven photoconvertible protein, we found that macrophage established a nascent resident population as early as 12 dpf and can be observed removing cellular material during gonadal differentiation. This foundational information demonstrates that the early bipotential gonad contains complex cellular interactions, which likely shape the health and function of the mature gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Kossack
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lucy Tian
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kealyn Bowie
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jessica S Plavicki
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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13
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Bertini V, Baldinotti F, Parma P, Tyutyusheva N, Sepich M, Bertolucci G, Rosano C, Caligo MA, Peroni D, Valetto A, Bertelloni S. In Tandem Intragenic Duplication of Doublesex and Mab-3-Related Transcription Factor 1 ( DMRT1) in an SRY-Negative Boy with a 46,XX Disorder of Sex Development. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2067. [PMID: 38003010 PMCID: PMC10671459 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112067] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) encompass a group of congenital conditions associated with atypical development of internal and external genital structures. Among those with DSDs are 46,XX males, whose condition mainly arises due to the translocation of SRY onto an X chromosome or an autosome. In the few SRY-negative 46,XX males, overexpression of other pro-testis genes or failure of pro-ovarian/anti-testis genes may be involved, even if a non-negligible number of cases remain unexplained. A three-year-old boy with an SRY-negative 46,XX karyotype showed a normal male phenotype and normal prepubertal values for testicular hormones. A heterozygous de novo in tandem duplication of 50,221 bp, which encompassed exons 2 and 3 of the Doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) gene, was detected using MPLA, CGH-array analysis, and Sanger sequencing. Both breakpoints were in the intronic regions, and this duplication did not stop or shift the coding frame. Additional pathogenic or uncertain variants were not found in a known pro-testis/anti-ovary gene cascade using a custom NGS panel and whole genome sequencing. The duplication may have allowed DMRT1 to escape the transcriptional repression that normally occurs in 46,XX fetal gonads and thus permitted the testicular determination cascade to switch on. So far, no case of SRY-negative 46,XX DSD with alterations in DMRT1 has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Bertini
- Section of Cytogenetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Section of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Nina Tyutyusheva
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Margherita Sepich
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Giulia Bertolucci
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Maria Adelaide Caligo
- Section of Molecular Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Diego Peroni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Angelo Valetto
- Section of Cytogenetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Obstretics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (N.T.); (M.S.); (G.B.); (D.P.); (S.B.)
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14
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Ma T, Liu X, Xiong T, Li H, Zhou Y, Liang J. Polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated dibutyl phthalate-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction via suppressing autophagy in male mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115403. [PMID: 37659273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115403] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) frequently cause adverse health effects by transporting organic pollutants such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) into organisms by utilizing their large specific surface area, large surface charge, and increased hydrophobicity. However, the effects of NPs combined with DBP on the reproductive systems of mammals are still unclear. The present investigation involved the administration of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) to BALB/c mice via gavage, with a size of 100 nm and at doses of 5 mg/kg/day or 50 mg/kg/day, along with DBP at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day, or a combination of PS-NPs and DBP, for 30 days, to assess their potential for reproductive toxicity. The co-exposure of mice to PS-NPs and DBP resulted in a significant increase in reproductive toxicities compared to exposure to PS-NPs or DBP alone. This was demonstrated by a marked decrease in sperm quality, significant impairment of spermatogenesis, and increased disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Furthermore, a combination of in vivo and in vitro investigations were conducted to determine that the co-exposure of DBP and PS-NPs resulted in a noteworthy reduction in the expressions of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin). Moreover, the in vitro findings revealed that monobutyl phthalate (MBP, the active metabolite of DBP, 0.5 μg/mL) and PS-NPs (30 μg/mL or 300 μg/mL) inhibited autophagy in Sertoli cells, thereby increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The study found that PS-NPs and DBP co-exposure caused harmful effects in male reproductive organs by disrupting BTB, which may be alleviated by reactivating autophagy. The paper's conclusions provided innovative perspectives on the collective toxicities of PS-NPs and other emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Ma
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Liu
- School of Nursing & School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Tianqing Xiong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Guo S, Pei J, Wang X, Cao M, Xiong L, Kang Y, Ding Z, La Y, Chu M, Bao P, Guo X. Transcriptome Studies Reveal the N6-Methyladenosine Differences in Testis of Yaks at Juvenile and Sexual Maturity Stages. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2815. [PMID: 37760215 PMCID: PMC10525320 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the mechanism of spermatogenesis is key to exploring the reproductive characteristics of male yaks. Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been reported to regulate spermatogenesis and reproductive function in mammals, the molecular mechanism of m6A in yak testis development and spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. Therefore, we collected testicular tissue from juvenile and adult yaks and found that the m6A level significantly increased after sexual maturity in yaks. In MeRIP-seq, 1702 hypermethylated peaks and 724 hypomethylated peaks were identified. The hypermethylated differentially methylated RNAs (DMRs) (CIB2, AK1, FOXJ2, PKDREJ, SLC9A3, and TOPAZ1) mainly regulated spermatogenesis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DMRs were significantly enriched in the adherens junction, gap junction, and Wnt, PI3K, and mTOR signaling pathways, regulating cell development, spermatogenesis, and testicular endocrine function. The functional analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that they were involved in the biological processes of mitosis, meiosis, and flagellated sperm motility during the sexual maturity of yak testis. We also screened the key regulatory factors of testis development and spermatogenesis by combined analysis, which included BRCA1, CREBBP, STAT3, and SMAD4. This study indexed the m6A characteristics of yak testicles at different developmental stages, providing basic data for further research of m6A modification regulating yak testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (S.G.); (J.P.); (X.W.); (M.C.); (L.X.); (Y.K.); (Z.D.); (Y.L.); (M.C.); (P.B.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
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16
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Pei S, Luo J, Weng X, Xu Y, Bai J, Li F, Li W, Yue X. iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis provides novel insight into the postnatal testicular development of Hu sheep. J Proteomics 2023; 286:104956. [PMID: 37390892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104956] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development is an intricate and coordinated process in which thousands of proteins are involved in the regulation of somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteomic changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. The study was conducted to characterize the protein profiles at four key stages during postnatal testicular development, including infant (0-month-old, M0), puberty (3-month-old, M3), sexual maturity (6-month-old, M6) and body maturity (12-month-old, M12), and between the large- and small-testis groups at 6 months in Hu sheep. Consequently, 5252 proteins were identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, and 465, 1261, 231 and 1080 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were found between M0_vs_M3, M3_vs_M6L, M6L_vs_M12, and M6L_vs_M6S, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the majority of DAPs were involved in cellular process, metabolic process and immune system-related pathways. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using 86 fertility-related DAPs, and five proteins with the highest degree were represented as hub proteins, including CTNNB1, ADAM2, ACR, HSPA2 and GRB2. This study provided new insights into the regulation mechanisms of postnatal testicular development and identified several potential biomarkers for selecting the high-fertility rams. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Testicular development is an intricate developmental process in which thousands of proteins are involved in regulating the somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteome changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dynamic changes in the sheep testis proteome during postnatal testicular development. Additionally, testis size is positively correlated with semen quality and ejaculation volume, also for the merits of easy measurement, high heritability and selection efficiency, is an important indicator to select candidate rams with high fertility. The functional analyses of the acquired candidate proteins may help us gain a better understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiuxiu Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi 830057, China
| | - Jingjing Bai
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Station of Wuwei City, Wuwei 733000, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Wanhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiangpeng Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
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17
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Kossack ME, Tian L, Bowie K, Plavicki JS. Defining the cellular complexity of the zebrafish bipotential gonad. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.18.524593. [PMID: 36712047 PMCID: PMC9882255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.18.524593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are routinely used to model reproductive development, function, and disease, yet we still lack a clear understanding of the fundamental steps that occur during early bipotential gonad development, including when endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophage cells arrive at the bipotential gonad to support gonad growth and differentiation. Here, we use a combination of transgenic reporters and single-cell sequencing analyses to define the arrival of different critical cell types to the larval zebrafish gonad. We determined that blood initially reaches the gonad via a vessel formed from the swim bladder artery, which we have termed the gonadal artery. We find that vascular and lymphatic development occurs concurrently in the bipotential zebrafish gonad and our data suggest that similar to what has been observed in developing zebrafish embryos, lymphatic endothelial cells in the gonad may be derived from vascular endothelial cells. We mined preexisting sequencing data sets to determine whether ovarian pericytes had unique gene expression signatures. We identified 215 genes that were uniquely expressed in ovarian pericytes that were not expressed in larval pericytes. Similar to what has been shown in the mouse ovary, our data suggest that pdgfrb+ pericytes may support the migration of endothelial tip cells during ovarian angiogenesis. Using a macrophage-driven photoconvertible protein, we found that macrophage established a nascent resident population as early as 12 dpf and can be observed removing cellular material during gonadal differentiation. This foundational information demonstrates that the early bipotential gonad contains complex cellular interactions, which likely shape the health and function of the mature, differentiated gonad.
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18
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Maezawa S, Yukawa M, Hasegawa K, Sugiyama R, Iizuka M, Hu M, Sakashita A, Vidal M, Koseki H, Barski A, DeFalco T, Namekawa SH. PRC1 suppresses a female gene regulatory network to ensure testicular differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:501. [PMID: 37542070 PMCID: PMC10403552 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination and differentiation are controlled by somatic support cells of testes (Sertoli cells) and ovaries (granulosa cells). In testes, the epigenetic mechanism that maintains chromatin states responsible for suppressing female sexual differentiation remains unclear. Here, we show that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) suppresses a female gene regulatory network in postnatal Sertoli cells. We genetically disrupted PRC1 function in embryonic Sertoli cells after sex determination, and we found that PRC1-depleted postnatal Sertoli cells exhibited defective proliferation and cell death, leading to the degeneration of adult testes. In adult Sertoli cells, PRC1 suppressed specific genes required for granulosa cells, thereby inactivating the female gene regulatory network. Chromatin regions associated with female-specific genes were marked by Polycomb-mediated repressive modifications: PRC1-mediated H2AK119ub and PRC2-mediated H3K27me3. Taken together, this study identifies a critical Polycomb-based mechanism that suppresses ovarian differentiation and maintains Sertoli cell fate in adult testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan.
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan.
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Kazuteru Hasegawa
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ryo Sugiyama
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Mizuho Iizuka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Miguel Vidal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Developmental Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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19
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Wang J, Ren J, Wang Q, Li C, Han Z, Chen T, Sun K, Feng G, Zhang Y, Han J, Zhou Q, Li W, Yu D, Hai T. Nanos3 knockout pigs to model transplantation and reconstruction of the germlin. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13463. [PMID: 37094948 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Jilong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Zhiqiang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Tianzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Jianyong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dawei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tang Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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20
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Singh N, Singh D, Bhide A, Sharma R, Bhowmick S, Patel V, Modi D. LHX2 in germ cells control tubular organization in the developing mouse testis. Exp Cell Res 2023; 425:113511. [PMID: 36796745 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113511] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is the hallmark of testis development. This organization is thought to be controlled by interactions of the Sertoli cells, endothelial and interstitial cells with little or no role of germ cells. Challenging this notion, herein we show that the germ cells play an active role in the organization of the testicular tubules. We observed that the LIM-homeobox gene, Lhx2 is expressed in the germ cells of the developing testis between E12.5-E15.5. In Lhx2 knockout-fetal testis there was altered expression of several genes not just in germ cells but also in the supporting (Sertoli) cells, endothelial cells, and interstitial cells. Further, loss of Lhx2 led to disrupted endothelial cell migration and expansion of interstitial cells in the XY gonads. The cords in the developing testis of Lhx2 knockout embryos are disorganized with a disrupted basement membrane. Together, our results show an important role of Lhx2 in testicular development and imply the involvement of germ cells in the tubular organization of the differentiating testis. The preprint version of this manuscript is available at https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.29.522214.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Domdatt Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Anshul Bhide
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Richa Sharma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Shilpa Bhowmick
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Vainav Patel
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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21
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Ma T, Xia Y, Wang B, Yang F, Ding J, Wu J, Han X, Wang J, Li D. Environmentally relevant perinatal exposure to DBP accelerated spermatogenesis by promoting the glycolipid metabolism of Sertoli cells in male offspring mice. Toxicol Lett 2023; 377:16-28. [PMID: 36736749 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.01.009] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Since Sertoli cells (SCs) play an essential role in providing energy for spermatogenesis, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to plasticizer Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the onset of spermatogenesis in male offspring through the metabolism pathway as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. Here, pregnant mice were treated with 0 (control), 50, 250, or 500 mg/kg/day DBP in 1 mL/kg corn oil administered daily by oral gavage from gestation day (GD) 12.5 to parturition. The in vivo results showed that 50 mg/kg/day DBP exposure could promote the expression of glucose metabolism-related proteins (GLUT3, LDHA, and MCT4) in the testis of 22 days male offspring. The in vitro results demonstrated that 0.1 mM monobutyl phthalate (MBP, the active metabolite of DBP) promoted the lactate production, glucose consumption, and glycolytic flux of immature SCs, which was paralleled by the upregulated expression of glucose metabolism-related proteins (GLUT1, GLUT3, LDHA, and MCT4). On the other hand, DBP/MBP increased fatty acid (FA) uptake, FA β-oxidation, and ATP production by promoting the expression of CD36 in immature SCs, which might accelerate the maturity of SCs to support the onset of spermatogenesis. Therefore, our findings provided a new perspective on glycolipid metabolism to explain prenatal DBP exposure leading to earlier onset of spermatogenesis in male offspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunhui Xia
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Environmental health risk assessment and prevention engineering center of ecological aluminum industry base, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Industrial College of biomedicine and health industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Industrial College of biomedicine and health industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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22
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Croft B, Bird AD, Ono M, Eggers S, Bagheri‐Fam S, Ryan JM, Reyes AP, van den Bergen J, Baxendale A, Thompson EM, Kueh AJ, Stanton P, Thomas T, Sinclair AH, Harley VR. FGF9 variant in 46,XY DSD patient suggests a role for dimerization in sex determination. Clin Genet 2023; 103:277-287. [PMID: 36349847 PMCID: PMC10952601 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14261] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) is a Disorder/Difference of Sex Development (DSD) that can present with phenotypes ranging from ambiguous genitalia to complete male-to-female sex reversal. Around 50% of 46,XY DSD cases receive a molecular diagnosis. In mice, Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an important component of the male sex-determining pathway. Two FGF9 variants reported to date disrupt testis development in mice, but not in humans. Here, we describe a female patient with 46,XY GD harbouring the rare FGF9 variant (missense mutation), NM_002010.2:c.583G > A;p.(Asp195Asn) (D195N). By biochemical and cell-based approaches, the D195N variant disrupts FGF9 protein homodimerisation and FGF9-heparin-binding, and reduces both Sertoli cell proliferation and Wnt4 repression. XY Fgf9D195N/D195N foetal mice show a transient disruption of testicular cord development, while XY Fgf9D195N/- foetal mice show partial male-to-female gonadal sex reversal. In the general population, the D195N variant occurs at an allele frequency of 2.4 × 10-5 , suggesting an oligogenic basis for the patient's DSD. Exome analysis of the patient reveals several known and novel variants in genes expressed in human foetal Sertoli cells at the time of sex determination. Taken together, our results indicate that disruption of FGF9 homodimerization impairs testis determination in mice and, potentially, also in humans in combination with other variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Croft
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Anthony D. Bird
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Makoto Ono
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
- Present address:
Department of PediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
| | | | - Stefan Bagheri‐Fam
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | - Alejandra P. Reyes
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Anne Baxendale
- Department of PaediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
- SA Clinical Genetics ServiceWomen's and Children's HospitalAdelaideAustralia
| | - Elizabeth M. Thompson
- SA Clinical Genetics ServiceWomen's and Children's HospitalAdelaideAustralia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, ParkvilleMelbourneAustralia
| | - Peter Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Tim Thomas
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, ParkvilleMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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23
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Shaaeldin SA, Tingari MD, Kumar PM, Makawi SEA, Yahya II. The morphological postnatal development of the testis of the Nubian bucks. Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:148-157. [PMID: 36131530 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12863] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to monitor the morphological development of the reproductive tract of the Nubian bucks in relation to puberty. Thirty-two Nubain male kids were used in the study. The animals were slaughtered at intervals of 2 weeks starting from 1 day old up to 24 weeks of age. Tissue samples were obtained from the testes and processed for ultrastructural studies. The boundary tissue of the newly forming seminiferous tubule adhered closely to the basal lamina. It consisted of a single continuous layer of myoid cells, the outer surface of which was covered by scattered fibroblasts. The ultrastructural study of the boundary of the seminiferous tubule revealed that it consisted of three layers; inner fibrous, middle and outer cellular. The seminiferous tubules at week one were lined by two layers of epithelia; spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in the basal layer, and primary spermatocytes in the second layer. A gradual increase in the diameter of the tubules and epithelial height continued to increase with age. Furthermore, spermatocytes number showed an increase with age. In conclusion, based on the appearance of spermatozoa in the lumina of the seminiferous tubules, puberty age was achieved between weeks 18 and 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Shaaeldin
- Histology Unit, School of Medicine, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Muddathir D Tingari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan
| | - Patricia M Kumar
- Molecular Pathology Unit, School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Sharaf Eldin A Makawi
- Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Imadeldin I Yahya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan
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24
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Xia Y, Hao L, Li Y, Li Y, Chen J, Li L, Han X, Liu Y, Wang X, Li D. Embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure causes reproductive toxicity by disrupting the formation of the blood-testis barrier in offspring mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 250:114497. [PMID: 36608565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, subchronic developmental and reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH). However, the effects of embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure on the reproductive system of offspring mice remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the reproductive toxic effects of embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure on offspring male mice and the related molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the pregnant mice were given corn oil or 6:2 FTOH by gavage from gestational days 12.5-21.5. The results demonstrated that embryonic 6:2 FTOH exposure resulted in disrupted testicular structure, low expression of tight junction protein between Sertoli cells (SCs), impaired blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation and maturation, reduced sperm viability and increased malformation, and induced testicular inflammation in the offspring of mice. Further in vitro studies showed that 6:2 FTOH treatment upregulated MMP-8 expression by activating AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, which in turn enhanced occludin cleavage leading to the disruption of SCs barrier integrity. In summary, this study demonstrated that 6:2 FTOH exposure caused reproductive dysfunction in male offspring through disruption of BTB, which provided new insights into the effects of 6:2 FTOH exposure on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Xia
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lanxiang Hao
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China
| | - Yueyang Li
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China
| | - Yifan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Junhan Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lei Li
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- Endocrinology Department, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School; The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224001, China.
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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25
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Bhattacharya I, Dey S. Emerging concepts on Leydig cell development in fetal and adult testis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1086276. [PMID: 36686449 PMCID: PMC9851038 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (Lc) reside in the interstitial compartment of the testis and are the target of Luteinising hormone (LH) for Testosterone (T) production, thus critically regulates male fertility. Classical histological studies have identified two morphologically different populations of Lc during testicular development [fetal (FLc) and adult (ALc)]. Recent progress in ex vivo cell/organ culture, genome-wide analysis, genetically manipulated mouse models, lineage tracing, and single-cell RNA-seq experiments have revealed the diverse cellular origins with differential transcriptomic and distinct steroidogenic outputs of these populations. FLc originates from both coelomic epithelium and notch-active Nestin-positive perivascular cells located at the gonad-mesonephros borders, and get specified as Nr5a1 (previously known as Ad4BP/SF-1) expressing cells by embryonic age (E) 12.5 days in fetal mouse testes. These cells produce androstenedione (precursor of T, due to lack of HSD17β3 enzyme) and play critical a role in initial virilization and patterning of the male external genitalia. However, in neonatal testis, FLc undergoes massive regression/dedifferentiation and gradually gets replaced by T-producing ALc. Very recent studies suggest a small fraction (5-20%) of FLc still persists in adult testis. Both Nestin-positive perivascular cells and FLc are considered to be the progenitor populations for ALc. This minireview article summarizes the current understanding of Lc development in fetal and adult testes highlighting their common or diverse cellular (progenitor/stem) origins with respective functional significance in both rodents and primates. (227 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Science, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kerala, India
| | - Souvik Dey
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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26
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Himelreich Perić M, Takahashi M, Ježek D, Cunha GR. Early development of the human embryonic testis. Differentiation 2023; 129:4-16. [PMID: 35961887 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.07.001] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human gonadal development culminating in testicular differentiation is described through analysis of histologic sections derived from 33-day to 20-week human embryos/fetuses, focusing on early development (4-8 weeks of gestation). Our study updates the comprehensive studies of Felix (1912), van Wagenen and Simpson (1965), and Juric-Lekic et al. (2013), which were published in books and thus are unsearchable via PubMed. Human gonads develop from the germinal ridge, a thickening of coelomic epithelium on the medial side of the urogenital ridge. The bilateral urogenital ridges contain elements of the mesonephric kidney, namely the mesonephric duct, mesonephric tubules, and mesonephric glomeruli. The germinal ridge, into which primordial germ cells migrate, is initially recognized as a thickening of coelomic epithelium on the urogenital ridge late in the 4th week of gestation. Subsequently, in the 5th week of gestation, a dense mesenchyme develops sub-adjacent to the epithelium of the germinal ridge, and together these elements bulge into the coelomic cavity forming bilateral longitudinal ridges attached to the urogenital ridges. During development, primordial cells migrate into the germinal ridge and subsequently into testicular cords that form within the featureless dense mesenchyme of the germinal ridge at 6-8 weeks of gestation. The initial low density of testicular cords seen at 8 weeks remodels into a dense array of testicular cords surrounded by α-actin-positive myoid cells during the second trimester. Human testicular development shares many features with that of mice being derived from 4 elements: coelomic epithelium, sub-adjacent mesenchyme, primordial germ cells, and the mesonephros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Himelreich Perić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marta Takahashi
- Department of Communication Sciences, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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27
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Overland MR, Li Y, Derpinghaus A, Aksel S, Cao M, Ladwig N, Cunha GR, Himelreich-Perić M, Baskin LS. Development of the human ovary: Fetal through pubertal ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis and expression of cellular differentiation markers. Differentiation 2023; 129:37-59. [PMID: 36347737 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A definition of normal human fetal and early postnatal ovarian development is critical to the ability to accurately diagnose the presence or absence of functional ovarian tissue in clinical specimens. Through assembling an extensive histologic and immunohistochemical developmental ontogeny of human ovarian specimens from 8 weeks of gestation through 16 years of postnatal, we present a comprehensive immunohistochemical mapping of normal protein expression patterns in the early fetal through post-pubertal human ovary and detail a specific expression-based definition of the early stages of follicular development. Normal fetal and postnatal ovarian tissue is defined by the presence of follicular structures and characteristic immunohistochemical staining patterns, including granulosa cells expressing Forkhead Box Protein L2 (FOXL2). However, the current standard array of immunohistochemical markers poorly defines ovarian stromal tissue, and additional work is needed to identify new markers to advance our ability to accurately identify ovarian stromal components in gonadal specimens from patients with disorders of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Overland
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nicholas Ladwig
- Department of Pathology, University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Marta Himelreich-Perić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Cunha GR, Cao M, Aksel S, Derpinghaus A, Baskin LS. Mouse-human species differences in early testicular development and its implications. Differentiation 2023; 129:79-95. [PMID: 35667976 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.04.002] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The mouse has been used as a model of human organogenesis with the tacit assumption that morphogenetic and molecular mechanisms in mice are translatable to human organogenesis. While many morphogenetic and molecular mechanisms are shared in mice and humans, many anatomic, morphogenetic, and molecular differences have been noted. Two critical gaps in our knowledge prevent meaningful comparisons of mouse versus human testicular development: (a) human testicular development is profoundly under-represented in the literature, and (b) an absence of a detailed day-by-day ontogeny of mouse testicular development from E11.5 to E16.5 encompassing the ambisexual stage to seminiferous cord formation. To address these deficiencies, histologic and immunohistochemical studies were pursued in comparable stages of mouse and human testicular development with a particular emphasis on Leydig, Sertoli and myoid cells through review of the literature and new observations. For example, an androgen-receptor-positive testicular medulla is present in the developing human testis but not in the developing mouse testis. The human testicular medulla and associated mesonephros were historically described as the source of Sertoli cells in seminiferous cords. Consistent with this idea, the profoundly androgen receptor (AR)-positive human testicular medulla was shown to be a zone of mesenchymal to epithelial transition and a zone from which AR-positive cells appear to migrate into the human testicular cortex. While mouse Sertoli and Leydig cells have been proposed to arise from coelomic epithelium, Sertoli (SOX9) or Leydig (HSD3B1) cell markers are absent from the immediate coelomic zone of the developing human testis, perhaps because Leydig and Sertoli cell precursors are undifferentiated when they egress from the coelomic epithelium. The origin of mouse and human myoid cells remains unclear. This study provides a detailed comparison of the early stages of testicular development in human and mouse emphasizing differences in developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Disruption of male fertility-critical Dcaf17 dysregulates mouse testis transcriptome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21456. [PMID: 36509865 PMCID: PMC9744869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian spermatogenesis, the ubiquitin proteasome system maintains protein homoeostasis (proteastasis) and spermatogenic cellular functions. DCAF17 is a substrate receptor in the ubiquitin CRL4 E3 Ligase complex, absence of which causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in mice resulting in male infertility. To determine the molecular phenomenon underlying the infertility phenotype caused by disrupting Dcaf17, we performed RNA-sequencing-based gene expression profiling of 3-weeks and 8-weeks old Dcaf17 wild type and Dcaf17 disrupted mutant mice testes. At three weeks, 44% and 56% differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up- and down-regulated, respectively, with 32% and 68% DEGs were up- and down-regulated, respectively at 8 weeks. DEGs include protein coding genes and lncRNAs distributed across all autosomes and the X chromosome. Gene ontology analysis revealed major biological processes including proteolysis, regulation of transcription and chromatin remodelling are affected due to Dcaf17 disruption. We found that Dcaf17 disruption up-regulated several somatic genes, while germline-associated genes were down-regulated. Up to 10% of upregulated, and 12% of downregulated, genes were implicated in male reproductive phenotypes. Moreover, a large proportion of the up-regulated genes were highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while the majority of downregulated genes were predominantly expressed in round spermatids. Collectively, these data show that the Dcaf17 disruption affects directly or indirectly testicular proteastasis and transcriptional signature in mouse.
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Polygenic co-expression changes the testis growth, hormone secretion and spermatogenesis to prompt puberty in Hu sheep. Theriogenology 2022; 194:116-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Pryzhkova MV, Boers R, Jordan PW. Modeling Human Gonad Development in Organoids. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:1185-1206. [PMID: 36350469 PMCID: PMC9679106 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our learning about human reproductive development is greatly hampered due to the absence of an adequate model. Animal studies cannot truthfully recapitulate human developmental processes, and studies of human fetal tissues are limited by their availability and ethical restrictions. Innovative three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offered a new approach to study tissue and organ development in vitro. However, a system for modeling human gonad development has not been established, thus, limiting our ability to study causes of infertility. METHODS In our study we utilized the 3D hPSC organoid culture in mini-spin bioreactors. Relying on intrinsic self-organizing and differentiation capabilities of stem cells, we explored whether organoids could mimic the development of human embryonic and fetal gonad. RESULTS We have developed a simple, bioreactor-based organoid system for modeling early human gonad development. Male hPSC-derived organoids follow the embryonic gonad developmental trajectory and differentiate into multipotent progenitors, which further specialize into testicular supporting and interstitial cells. We demonstrated functional activity of the generated cell types by analyzing the expression of cell type-specific markers. Furthermore, the specification of gonadal progenitors in organoid culture was accompanied by the characteristic architectural tissue organization. CONCLUSION This organoid system opens the opportunity for detailed studies of human gonad and germ cell development that can advance our understanding of sex development disorders. Implementation of human gonad organoid technology could be extended to modeling causes of infertility and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Pryzhkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Romina Boers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, 1117 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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A Comprehensive Sequencing Analysis of Testis-Born miRNAs in Immature and Mature Indigenous Wandong Cattle ( Bos taurus). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122185. [PMID: 36553452 PMCID: PMC9777600 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as important regulators that are indispensable for testicular development and spermatogenesis. miRNAs are endogenous transcriptomic elements and mainly regulate the gene expression at post-transcriptional levels; however, the key role of miRNA in bovine testicular growth is not clearly understood. Thus, supposing to unveil the transcriptomics expression changes in the developmental processes of bovine testes, we selected three immature calves and three sexually mature bulls of the local Wandong breed for testicular-tissue sample collection. The cDNA libraries of experimental animals were established for RNA-sequencing analysis. We detected the miRNA expression in testes by using high-throughput sequencing technology, and bioinformatics analysis followed. The differentially expressed (DE) data showed that 151 miRNAs linked genes were significantly DE between immature and mature bull testes. Further, in detail, 64 were significantly up-regulated and 87 were down-regulated in the immature vs. mature testes (p-value < 0.05). Pathway analyses for miRNA-linked genes were performed and identified JAG2, BCL6, CFAP157, PHC2, TYRO3, SEPTIN6, and BSP3; these genes were involved in biological pathways such as TNF signaling, T cell receptor, PI3KAkt signaling, and functions affecting testes development and spermatogenesis. The DE miRNAs including MIR425, MIR98, MIR34C, MIR184, MIR18A, MIR136, MIR15A, MIR1388 and MIR210 were associated with cattle-bull sexual maturation and sperm production. RT-qPCR validation analysis showed a consistent correlation to the sequencing data findings. The current study provides a good framework for understanding the mechanism of miRNAs in the development of testes and spermatogenesis.
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Peng BX, Li F, Mortimer M, Xiao X, Ni Y, Lei Y, Li M, Guo LH. Perfluorooctanoic acid alternatives hexafluoropropylene oxides exert male reproductive toxicity by disrupting blood-testis barrier. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157313. [PMID: 35842142 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157313] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As alternatives to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) homologues, including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide tetramer acid (HFPO-TeA), have attracted widespread attention recently due to their environmental ubiquity and high potential for bioaccumulation and toxicity. In the present study, a set of in vivo mouse and in vitro mouse testicular Sertoli TM4 cell experiments were employed to explore the male reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of HFPO homologues on blood-testis barrier. Tissue and permeability analyses of mice testes after 28-day treatment with 5 mg/kg/day HFPO-DA or PFOA, or 0.05 mg/kg/day HFPO-TA or HFPO-TeA indicated that there was an increase in the degradation of TJ protein occludin in mice with a disrupted blood-testis barrier (BTB). Following exposure to 100 μM HFPO-DA, HFPO-TA or 10 μM PFOA, HFPO-TeA, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements of TM4 cells also indicated BTB disruption. Additionally, as a result of the exposure, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression was enhanced through activation of p38 MAPK, which promoted the degradation of occludin. On the whole, the results indicated HFPO homologues and PFOA induced BTB disruption through upregulation of p-p38/p38 MAPK/MMP-9 pathway, which promoted the degradation of TJ protein occludin and caused the disruption of TJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xia Peng
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310063, China.
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310063, China
| | - Yuyang Lei
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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35
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Chen M, Long X, Chen M, Hao F, Kang J, Wang N, Wang Y, Wang M, Gao Y, Zhou M, Duo L, Zhe X, He J, Ren B, Zhang Y, Liu B, Li J, Zhang Q, Yan L, Cui X, Wang Y, Gui Y, Wang H, Zhu L, Liu D, Guo F, Gao F. Integration of single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of early gonads development among goats, pigs, macaques, and humans. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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36
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Lundgaard Riis M, Matilionyte G, Nielsen JE, Melau C, Greenald D, Juul Hare K, Langhoff Thuesen L, Dreisler E, Aaboe K, Brenøe PT, Andersson AM, Albrethsen J, Frederiksen H, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Juul A, Mitchell RT, Jørgensen A. Identification of a window of androgen sensitivity for somatic cell function in human fetal testis cultured ex vivo. BMC Med 2022; 20:399. [PMID: 36266662 PMCID: PMC9585726 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced androgen action during early fetal development has been suggested as the origin of reproductive disorders comprised within the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). This hypothesis has been supported by studies in rats demonstrating that normal male development and adult reproductive function depend on sufficient androgen exposure during a sensitive fetal period, called the masculinization programming window (MPW). The main aim of this study was therefore to examine the effects of manipulating androgen production during different timepoints during early human fetal testis development to identify the existence and timing of a possible window of androgen sensitivity resembling the MPW in rats. METHODS The effects of experimentally reduced androgen exposure during different periods of human fetal testis development and function were examined using an established and validated human ex vivo tissue culture model. The androgen production was reduced by treatment with ketoconazole and validated by treatment with flutamide which blocks the androgen receptor. Testicular hormone production ex vivo was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry or ELISA assays, and selected protein markers were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Ketoconazole reduced androgen production in testes from gestational weeks (GW) 7-21, which were subsequently divided into four age groups: GW 7-10, 10-12, 12-16 and 16-21. Additionally, reduced secretion of testicular hormones INSL3, AMH and Inhibin B was observed, but only in the age groups GW 7-10 and 10-12, while a decrease in the total density of germ cells and OCT4+ gonocytes was found in the GW 7-10 age group. Flutamide treatment in specimens aged GW 7-12 did not alter androgen production, but the secretion of INSL3, AMH and Inhibin B was reduced, and a reduced number of pre-spermatogonia was observed. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that reduced androgen action during early development affects the function and density of several cell types in the human fetal testis, with similar effects observed after ketoconazole and flutamide treatment. The effects were only observed within the GW 7-14 period-thereby indicating the presence of a window of androgen sensitivity in the human fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Greenald
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Eva Dreisler
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Aaboe
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Tutein Brenøe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Zhang B, Yan Z, Gao Y, Li J, Wang Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Gun S. Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in testes of Landrace and Hezuo boars. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:942669. [PMID: 36330159 PMCID: PMC9622794 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.942669] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Precocious puberty is closely related to testicular development and spermatogenesis, and there is increasing evidence that miRNAs are involved in regulation of testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) during precocious maturation in Hezuo (HZ) boars. In this study, serum Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E2), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were detected in HZ and Landrace (LC) boars in the postnatal period at 30, 90, 120, 180, and 240 days, and the testes of HZ and LC boars at 30 and 120 days were used for histological observation. In addition, we performed small RNA-Seq to identify miRNA at sexual immaturity (30-days-old) and maturity (120-days-old) of HZ boar testis (using LC boar as control) to reveal the key miRNA in regulation of precocious puberty. Hormone assay results showed that high levels of T, E2, FSH, and LH may be related to precocious sexual maturity of HZ boars, and that FSH may play an important function before sexual maturity. Histological observation showed that HZ boars developed earlier than LC boars and had reached sexual maturity at 120 days. Small RNA-Seq yielded a total of 359 exist miRNAs, 767 known miRNAs and 322 novel miRNAs in 12 samples; 549, 468, 133, and 247 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified between Ha vs. Hb, La vs. Lb, Ha vs. La, and Hb vs. Lb (log2 fold change >1 and p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis showed that target genes of these DE miRNAs were enriched in many gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways (such as PI3K-Akt, Hippo and Rap1 signaling pathways) were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Further screening, some miRNAs (such as ssc-miR-29b, ssc-miR-199b, ssc-miR-383, ssc-miR-149, ssc-miR-615, and ssc-miR-370) were possibly associated with precocious puberty. These results provide new light on miRNA regulatory mechanisms involved in precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Jilin Rongtai Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., Changchun, China
| | - Jiyou Li
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zike Wang
- Gansu General Station of Animal Husbandry Technology Extension, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangbao Gun
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Ming Z, Vining B, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. SOX9 in organogenesis: shared and unique transcriptional functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:522. [PMID: 36114905 PMCID: PMC9482574 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04543-4] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX9 is essential for the development of multiple organs including bone, testis, heart, lung, pancreas, intestine and nervous system. Mutations in the human SOX9 gene led to campomelic dysplasia, a haploinsufficiency disorder with several skeletal malformations frequently accompanied by 46, XY sex reversal. The mechanisms underlying the diverse SOX9 functions during organ development including its post-translational modifications, the availability of binding partners, and tissue-specific accessibility to target gene chromatin. Here we summarize the expression, activities, and downstream target genes of SOX9 in molecular genetic pathways essential for organ development, maintenance, and function. We also provide an insight into understanding the mechanisms that regulate the versatile roles of SOX9 in different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Goodman M, Yacoub R, Getahun D, McCracken CE, Vupputuri S, Lash TL, Roblin D, Contreras R, Cromwell L, Gardner MD, Hoffman T, Hu H, Im TM, Prakash Asrani R, Robinson B, Xie F, Nash R, Zhang Q, Bhai SA, Venkatakrishnan K, Stoller B, Liu Y, Gullickson C, Ahmed M, Rink D, Voss A, Jung HL, Kim J, Lee PA, Sandberg DE. Cohort profile: pathways to care among people with disorders of sex development (DSD). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063409. [PMID: 36130763 PMCID: PMC9494584 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The 'DSD Pathways' study was initiated to assess health status and patterns of care among people enrolled in large integrated healthcare systems and diagnosed with conditions comprising the broad category of disorders (differences) of sex development (DSD). The objectives of this communication are to describe methods of cohort ascertainment for two specific DSD conditions-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia with 46,XX karyotype (46,XX CAH) and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). PARTICIPANTS Using electronic health records we developed an algorithm that combined diagnostic codes, clinical notes, laboratory data and pharmacy records to assign each cohort candidate a 'strength-of-evidence' score supporting the diagnosis of interest. A sample of cohort candidates underwent a review of the full medical record to determine the score cutoffs for final cohort validation. FINDINGS TO DATE Among 5404 classic 46,XX CAH cohort candidates the strength-of-evidence scores ranged between 0 and 10. Based on sample validation, the eligibility cut-off for full review was set at the strength-of-evidence score of ≥7 among children under the age of 8 years and ≥8 among older cohort candidates. The final validation of all cohort candidates who met the cut-off criteria identified 115 persons with classic 46,XX CAH. The strength-of-evidence scores among 648 CAIS cohort candidates ranged from 2 to 10. There were no confirmed CAIS cases among cohort candidates with scores <6. The in-depth medical record review for candidates with scores ≥6 identified 61 confirmed cases of CAIS. FUTURE PLANS As the first cohort of this type, the DSD Pathways study is well-positioned to fill existing knowledge gaps related to management and outcomes in this heterogeneous population. Analyses will examine diagnostic and referral patterns, adherence to care recommendations and physical and mental health morbidities examined through comparisons of DSD and reference populations and analyses of health status across DSD categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Goodman
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rami Yacoub
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
- Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Courtney E McCracken
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suma Vupputuri
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy L Lash
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Midtjylland, Denmark
| | - Douglas Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Contreras
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lee Cromwell
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melissa D Gardner
- Susan B Meister Child Health and Evaluation Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Trenton Hoffman
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Haihong Hu
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Theresa M Im
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | - Brandi Robinson
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fagen Xie
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Nash
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sadaf A Bhai
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Bethany Stoller
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yijun Liu
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Maaz Ahmed
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Rink
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ava Voss
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hye-Lee Jung
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jin Kim
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Peter A Lee
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David E Sandberg
- Susan B Meister Child Health and Evaluation Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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40
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Inoue M, Baba T, Takahashi F, Terao M, Yanai S, Shima Y, Saito D, Sugihara K, Miura T, Takada S, Suyama M, Ohkawa Y, Morohashi KI. Tmsb10 triggers fetal Leydig differentiation by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Commun Biol 2022; 5:974. [PMID: 36109592 PMCID: PMC9478096 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03941-5] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells in fetal testes play crucial roles in masculinizing fetuses through androgen production. Gene knockout studies have revealed that growth factors are implicated in fetal Leydig cell (FLC) differentiation, but little is known about the mechanisms regulating this process. We investigate this issue by characterizing FLC progenitor cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. The sequence datasets suggest that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) is transiently upregulated in the progenitors. While studying the function of Tmsb10, we reveal that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) regulates ciliogenesis through the RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and thereby promotes desert hedgehog (DHH)-dependent FLC differentiation. Tmsb10 expressed in the progenitor cells induces their differentiation into FLCs by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Through characterizing the transiently expressed Tmsb10 in the FLC progenitors, this study unveils the molecular process of FLC differentiation and shows that it is cooperatively induced by DHH and PDGF. Investigation of fetal Leydig progenitors shows that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) suppresses the RAS/ERK pathway, inducing progenitor differentiation into fetal Leydig cells.
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41
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Behavior and Functional Roles of CD34+ Mesenchymal Cells in Mammalian Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179585. [PMID: 36076981 PMCID: PMC9455925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179585] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes consist of seminiferous tubules within which Sertoli cells line up at the periphery and nurse germ cells, and of interstitia that harbor various cells such as peritubular myoid cells (PMCs), Leydig cells (LCs), vascular endothelial cells, immune cells such as macrophages, and mesenchymal (stromal) cells. Morphological studies have recently reported the presence of telocytes with telopodes in the interstitium of adult mouse, rat, and human testes. CD34+PDGFRα+ telocytes with long and moniliform telopodes form reticular networks with various cell types such as LCs, PMCs, and vessels, indicating their potential functions in cell–cell communications and tissue homeostasis. Functional studies have recently been performed on testicular interstitial cells and CD34+ cells, using 3D re-aggregate cultures of dissociated testicular cells, and cell cultures. Direct observation of CD34+ cells and adult LCs (ALCs) revealed that CD34+ cells extend thin cytoplasmic processes (telopodes), move toward the LC–CD34+ cell-re-aggregates, and finally enter into the re-aggregates, indicating the chemotactic behavior of CD34+ telocytes toward ALCs. In mammalian testes, important roles of mesenchymal interstitial cells as stem/progenitors in the differentiation and regeneration of LCs have been reported. Here, reports on testicular telocytes so far obtained are reviewed, and future perspectives on the studies of testicular telocytes are noted.
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Chen X, Zheng Y, Han Y, He H, Lv J, Yu J, Li H, Hou S, Shen C, Zheng B. SAT2 regulates Sertoli cell-germline interactions via STIM1-mediated ROS/WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1704-1713. [PMID: 35819096 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
As the main component of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells are in close contact with germ cells and generate niche signals, which exhibit pivotal functions in spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the regulatory mechanisms of Sertoli cell-germline interactions (SGIs) in the testes of neonatal mice (NM) remain largely unclear. Previously, we identified spermidine/spermine N1-acetyl transferase 2 (SAT2) and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) to be potential regulators of testicular cord formation via comparative proteomics analysis. Here, we demonstrated a novel role of SAT2 for SGIs during testicular development in NM. Testicular explants lacking SAT2 affected the mislocation, but not the quantity, of Sertoli cells, which led to maintenance defects in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Interestingly, SAT2 was essential for the migration of TM4 cells, a Sertoli cell line. Mechanistically, SAT2 was able to bind STIM1, repress its expression, and regulate homeostasis of a reactive oxygen species/wingless type (WNT)/β-catenin pathway in NM testes. Collectively, our study identified that SAT2 was able to regulate SGIs via a STIM1-mediated WNT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanli Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui He
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinxing Lv
- Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shunyu Hou
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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43
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Ceyhan Y, Zhang M, Sandoval CG, Agoulnik AI, Agoulnik IU. Expression pattern and the roles of phosphatidylinositol phosphatases in testis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:902-915. [PMID: 35766372 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac132] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides (PIs) are relatively rare lipid components of the cellular membranes. Their homeostasis is tightly controlled by specific PI kinases and phosphatases. PIs play essential roles in cellular signaling, cytoskeletal organization, and secretory processes in various diseases and normal physiology. Gene targeting experiments strongly suggest that in mice with deficiency of several PI phosphatases such as Pten, Mtmrs, Inpp4b, and Inpp5b, spermatogenesis is affected, resulting in partial or complete infertility. Similarly, in men, loss of several of the PIP phosphatases is observed in infertility characterized by the lack of mature sperm. Using available gene expression databases, we compare expression of known PI phosphatases in various testicular cell types, infertility patients, and mouse age-dependent testicular gene expression, and discuss their potential roles in testis physiology and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Ceyhan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manqi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carlos G Sandoval
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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44
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Abe K, Kameyama H, Abe SI. CD34 is Expressed in Endothelial Cells in Embryonic Testes and is Additionally Expressed in Non-Endothelial Cells in Postnatal Mouse Testes. Zoolog Sci 2022; 39:468-476. [DOI: 10.2108/zs220026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Abe
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto 861-5598, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kameyama
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto 861-5598, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Abe
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto 861-5598, Japan
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45
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Ademi H, Djari C, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Sararols P, Rands CM, Stévant I, Conne B, Nef S. Deciphering the origins and fates of steroidogenic lineages in the mouse testis. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110935. [PMID: 35705036 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are the major androgen-producing cells in the testis. They arise from steroidogenic progenitors (SPs), whose origins, maintenance, and differentiation dynamics remain largely unknown. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal that the mouse steroidogenic lineage is specified as early as embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and has a dual mesonephric and coelomic origin. SPs specifically express the Wnt5a gene and evolve rapidly. At E12.5 and E13.5, they give rise first to an intermediate population of pre-LCs, and finally to fetal LCs. At E16.5, SPs possess the characteristics of the dormant progenitors at the origin of adult LCs and are also transcriptionally closely related to peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). In agreement with our in silico analysis, in vivo lineage tracing indicates that Wnt5a-expressing cells are bona fide progenitors of PMCs as well as fetal and adult LCs, contributing to most of the LCs present in the fetal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herta Ademi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Djari
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris M Rands
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Conne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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46
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Crucial Convolution: Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Coiling during Epididymis Formation and Development in Embryogenesis. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020025. [PMID: 35735916 PMCID: PMC9225329 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As embryonic development proceeds, numerous organs need to coil, bend or fold in order to establish their final shape. Generally, this occurs so as to maximise the surface area for absorption or secretory functions (e.g., in the small and large intestines, kidney or epididymis); however, mechanisms of bending and shaping also occur in other structures, notably the midbrain–hindbrain boundary in some teleost fish models such as zebrafish. In this review, we will examine known genetic and molecular factors that operate to pattern complex, coiled structures, with a primary focus on the epididymis as an excellent model organ to examine coiling. We will also discuss genetic mechanisms involving coiling in the seminiferous tubules and intestine to establish the final form and function of these coiled structures in the mature organism.
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47
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Zhao T, Xiao T, Cao D, Xia W, Gao L, Cheng L, Zang M, Li X, Xu EY. Sertoli cell PUMILIO proteins modulate mouse testis size through translational control of cell cycle regulators. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:135-147. [PMID: 35678316 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac118] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis size determination is an important question of reproductive biology. Sertoli cells are known to be a key determinant of mammalian testis size but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Previously we showed that highly conserved germ cell RNA binding proteins, PUMILIO1(PUM1) and PUMILIO2 (PUM2), control mouse organ and body size through translational regulation, but how different cell types of the organs contribute to their organ size regulation has not been established. Here we report a somatic role of PUM in gonad size determination. PUM1 is highly expressed in the Sertoli cells of the developing testis from embryonic and postnatal mice as well as in germ cells. Removal of Sertoli cell, but not germ cell, Pum1 gene, led to reduced testis size without significantly affecting sperm number or fertility. Knockout of PUM1 target, Cdkn1b, rescued the phenotype of reduced testis size, supporting a key role of Sertoli cell PUM1 mediated Cdkn1b repression in the testis size control. Furthermore, removal of Pum2 or both Pum1 and Pum2 in the Sertoli cells also only affected the testis size, not sperm development, with the biggest size reduction in Pum1/2 double knockout mice. We propose that PUM1 and PUM2 modulate the testis size through their synergistic translational regulation of cell cycle regulators in the Sertoli cell. Further investigation of the ovary or other organs could reveal if PUM-mediated translational control of cell proliferation of the supporting cell represents a general mechanism for organ size modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianheng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liuze Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Eugene Yujun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Neurology, and Center for Reproductive Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
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48
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Awang-Junaidi AH, Fayaz MA, Goldstein S, Honaramooz A. Using a testis regeneration model, FGF9, LIF, and SCF improve testis cord formation while RA enhances gonocyte survival. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:351-370. [PMID: 35596812 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03641-w] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Implantation of testis cell aggregates from various donors under the back skin of recipient mice results in de novo formation of testis tissue. We used this implantation model to study the putative in vivo effects of six different growth factors on testis cord development. Recipient mice (n = 7/group) were implanted with eight neonatal porcine testis cell aggregates that were first exposed to a designated growth factor: FGF2 at 1 µg/mL, FGF9 at 5 µg/mL, VEGF at 3.5 µg/mL, LIF at 5 µg/mL, SCF at 3.5 µg/mL, retinoic acid (RA) at 3.5 × 10-5 M, or no growth factors (control). The newly developed seminiferous cords (SC) were classified based on their morphology into regular, irregular, enlarged, or aberrant. Certain treatments enhanced implant weight (LIF), implant cross-sectional area (SCF) or the relative cross-sectional area covered by SC within implants (FGF2). RA promoted the formation of enlarged SC and FGF2 led to the highest ratio of regular SC and the lowest ratio of aberrant SC. Rete testis-like structures appeared earlier in implants treated with FGF2, FGF9, or LIF. These results show that even brief pre-implantation exposure of testis cells to these growth factors can have profound effects on morphogenesis of testis cords using this implantation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awang Hazmi Awang-Junaidi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.,Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Amin Fayaz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Savannah Goldstein
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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49
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Draskau MK, Svingen T. Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:883254. [PMID: 35573275 PMCID: PMC9097791 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.883254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
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50
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Adamczewska D, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Walczak-Jędrzejowska R. The Fate of Leydig Cells in Men with Spermatogenic Failure. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:570. [PMID: 35455061 PMCID: PMC9028943 DOI: 10.3390/life12040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic cells in the testicle, Leydig cells, located in the interstitial compartment, play a vital role in male reproductive tract development, maintenance of proper spermatogenesis, and overall male reproductive function. Therefore, their dysfunction can lead to all sorts of testicular pathologies. Spermatogenesis failure, manifested as azoospermia, is often associated with defective Leydig cell activity. Spermatogenic failure is the most severe form of male infertility, caused by disorders of the testicular parenchyma or testicular hormone imbalance. This review covers current progress in knowledge on Leydig cells origin, structure, and function, and focuses on recent advances in understanding how Leydig cells contribute to the impairment of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata Walczak-Jędrzejowska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (D.A.); (J.S.-H.)
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