1
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AbuMadighem A, Cohen O, Huleihel M. Elucidating the Transcriptional States of Spermatogenesis-Joint Analysis of Germline and Supporting Cell, Mice and Human, Normal and Perturbed, Bulk and Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Biomolecules 2024; 14:840. [PMID: 39062554 PMCID: PMC11274546 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070840] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In studying the molecular underpinning of spermatogenesis, we expect to understand the fundamental biological processes better and potentially identify genes that may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies toward precision medicine in male infertility. In this review, we emphasized our perspective that the path forward necessitates integrative studies that rely on complementary approaches and types of data. To comprehensively analyze spermatogenesis, this review proposes four axes of integration. First, spanning the analysis of spermatogenesis in the healthy state alongside pathologies. Second, the experimental analysis of model systems (in which we can deploy treatments and perturbations) alongside human data. Third, the phenotype is measured alongside its underlying molecular profiles using known markers augmented with unbiased profiles. Finally, the testicular cells are studied as ecosystems, analyzing the germ cells alongside the states observed in the supporting somatic cells. Recently, the study of spermatogenesis has been advancing using single-cell RNA sequencing, where scientists have uncovered the unique stages of germ cell development in mice, revealing new regulators of spermatogenesis and previously unknown cell subtypes in the testis. An in-depth analysis of meiotic and postmeiotic stages led to the discovery of marker genes for spermatogonia, Sertoli and Leydig cells and further elucidated all the other germline and somatic cells in the testis microenvironment in normal and pathogenic conditions. The outcome of an integrative analysis of spermatogenesis using advanced molecular profiling technologies such as scRNA-seq has already propelled our biological understanding, with additional studies expected to have clinical implications for the study of male fertility. By uncovering new genes and pathways involved in abnormal spermatogenesis, we may gain insights into subfertility or sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali AbuMadighem
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Ofir Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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2
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Kitamura Y, Namekawa SH. Epigenetic priming in the male germline. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102190. [PMID: 38608568 PMCID: PMC11162906 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic priming presets chromatin states that allow the rapid induction of gene expression programs in response to differentiation cues. In the germline, it provides the blueprint for sexually dimorphic unidirectional differentiation. In this review, we focus on epigenetic priming in the mammalian male germline and discuss how cellular memories are regulated and inherited to the next generation. During spermatogenesis, epigenetic priming predetermines cellular memories that ensure the lifelong maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells and their subsequent commitment to meiosis and to the production of haploid sperm. The paternal chromatin state is also essential for the recovery of totipotency after fertilization and contributes to paternal epigenetic inheritance. Thus, epigenetic priming establishes stable but reversible chromatin states during spermatogenesis and enables epigenetic inheritance and reprogramming in the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kitamura
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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3
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Hu M, Yeh YH, Maezawa S, Nakagawa T, Yoshida S, Namekawa S. PRC1 directs PRC2-H3K27me3 deposition to shield adult spermatogonial stem cells from differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2306-2322. [PMID: 38142439 PMCID: PMC10954450 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells functionality reside in the slow-cycling and heterogeneous undifferentiated spermatogonia cell population. This pool of cells supports lifelong fertility in adult males by balancing self-renewal and differentiation to produce haploid gametes. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning long-term stemness of undifferentiated spermatogonia during adulthood remain unclear. Here, we discover that an epigenetic regulator, Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), shields adult undifferentiated spermatogonia from differentiation, maintains slow cycling, and directs commitment to differentiation during steady-state spermatogenesis in adults. We show that PRC2-mediated H3K27me3 is an epigenetic hallmark of adult undifferentiated spermatogonia. Indeed, spermatogonial differentiation is accompanied by a global loss of H3K27me3. Disruption of PRC1 impairs global H3K27me3 deposition, leading to precocious spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, PRC1 directs PRC2-H3K27me3 deposition to maintain the self-renewing state of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Importantly, in contrast to its role in other tissue stem cells, PRC1 negatively regulates the cell cycle to maintain slow cycling of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Our findings have implications for how epigenetic regulators can be tuned to regulate the stem cell potential, cell cycle and differentiation to ensure lifelong fertility in adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba 281-8510, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Course for Basic Biology, The Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Course for Basic Biology, The Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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4
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Suen HC, Rao S, Luk ACS, Zhang R, Yang L, Qi H, So HC, Hobbs RM, Lee TL, Liao J. The single-cell chromatin accessibility landscape in mouse perinatal testis development. eLife 2023; 12:e75624. [PMID: 37096870 PMCID: PMC10174692 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis depends on an orchestrated series of developing events in germ cells and full maturation of the somatic microenvironment. To date, the majority of efforts to study cellular heterogeneity in testis has been focused on single-cell gene expression rather than the chromatin landscape shaping gene expression. To advance our understanding of the regulatory programs underlying testicular cell types, we analyzed single-cell chromatin accessibility profiles in more than 25,000 cells from mouse developing testis. We showed that single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-Seq) allowed us to deconvolve distinct cell populations and identify cis-regulatory elements (CREs) underlying cell-type specification. We identified sets of transcription factors associated with cell type-specific accessibility, revealing novel regulators of cell fate specification and maintenance. Pseudotime reconstruction revealed detailed regulatory dynamics coordinating the sequential developmental progressions of germ cells and somatic cells. This high-resolution dataset also unveiled previously unreported subpopulations within both the Sertoli and Leydig cell groups. Further, we defined candidate target cell types and genes of several genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals, including those associated with testosterone levels and coronary artery disease. Collectively, our data provide a blueprint of the 'regulon' of the mouse male germline and supporting somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongHong Kong
| | - Shitao Rao
- School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical UniversityFujianChina
- Cancer Biology and Experimental Therapeutics Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongChina
| | - Alfred Chun Shui Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongHong Kong
| | - Ruoyu Zhang
- Cancer Biology and Experimental Therapeutics Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongChina
| | - Lele Yang
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and HealthGuangzhouChina
| | - Huayu Qi
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and HealthGuangzhouChina
| | - Hon Cheong So
- Cancer Biology and Experimental Therapeutics Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongChina
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Germline Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneAustralia
| | - Tin-lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongHong Kong
| | - Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong KongHong Kong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New TerritoriesHong KongChina
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5
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Chromatin Remodeling via Retinoic Acid Action during Murine Spermatogonial Development. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030690. [PMID: 36983846 PMCID: PMC10058303 DOI: 10.3390/life13030690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial differentiation is a process that commits germ cells to the complex process of spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial differentiation is mediated by the action of retinoic acid, which triggers major morphological and transcriptional changes. While these transcriptional changes have been well explored, there has been little effort devoted to epigenetic regulation surrounding spermatogonial development. This study aimed to uncover the timing and dynamics of chromatin organization during spermatogonial development within the context of these transcriptional changes. Using germ cell synchrony and the assay for transposase accessible chromatin and next generation sequencing (ATAC-seq) to isolate subpopulations of developing spermatogonia and identify accessible regions within their genome, we found that 50% of accessible regions in undifferentiated spermatogonia were condensed following retinoic acid action within 18 h. Surprisingly, genes with known functional relevance during spermatogonial development were accessible at all times, indicating that chromatin state does not impact transcription at these sites. While there was an overall decrease in gene accessibility during spermatogonial development, we found that transcriptionally active regions were not predictive of chromatin state.
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6
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Yun X, Batu B, Yang Z, Zhang X, Zhang W, Liu T. Transcriptome Profiling of Developing Testes and First Wave of Spermatogenesis in the Rat. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:229. [PMID: 36672970 PMCID: PMC9859615 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated course of several rigorous restrained steps that spermatogonial stem cells undergo to develop into highly specialized spermatozoa; however, specific genes and signal pathways, which regulate the amplification, differentiation and maturation of these cells, remain unclear. We performed bioinformatics analyses to investigate the dynamic changes of the gene expression patterns at three time points in the course of the first wave of rat spermatogenesis. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the features of DEGs were further analyzed with GO (Gene Ontology), KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) and Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM). A total of 2954 differentially expressed genes were identified. By using STEM, the top 10 key genes were selected in the profile according to the enrichment results, and the distinguishable biological functions encoded by these DEGs were automatically divided into three parts. Genes from 6, 8 and 10 days were related to biosynthesis, immune response and cell junction, and genes from 14, 15 and 16 days were related to energy metabolic pathways. The results also suggest that genes from 29, 31 and 35 days may shift metabolic to sperm motility, sperm flagellum and cilium movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Zaixia Liu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xia Yun
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Baiyin Batu
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Xinlai Zhang
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Taodi Liu
- Medical Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
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7
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Tan DS, Cheung SL, Gao Y, Weinbuch M, Hu H, Shi L, Ti SC, Hutchins AP, Cojocaru V, Jauch R. The homeodomain of Oct4 is a dimeric binder of methylated CpG elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1120-1138. [PMID: 36631980 PMCID: PMC9943670 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oct4 is essential to maintain pluripotency and has a pivotal role in establishing the germline. Its DNA-binding POU domain was recently found to bind motifs with methylated CpG elements normally associated with epigenetic silencing. However, the mode of binding and the consequences of this capability has remained unclear. Here, we show that Oct4 binds to a compact palindromic DNA element with a methylated CpG core (CpGpal) in alternative states of pluripotency and during cellular reprogramming towards induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). During cellular reprogramming, typical Oct4 bound enhancers are uniformly demethylated, with the prominent exception of the CpGpal sites where DNA methylation is often maintained. We demonstrate that Oct4 cooperatively binds the CpGpal element as a homodimer, which contrasts with the ectoderm-expressed POU factor Brn2. Indeed, binding to CpGpal is Oct4-specific as other POU factors expressed in somatic cells avoid this element. Binding assays combined with structural analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that dimeric Oct4-binding to CpGpal is driven by the POU-homeodomain whilst the POU-specific domain is detached from DNA. Collectively, we report that Oct4 exerts parts of its regulatory function in the context of methylated DNA through a DNA recognition mechanism that solely relies on its homeodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shun Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maike Weinbuch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute for Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liyang Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shih-Chieh Ti
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Vlad Cojocaru
- STAR-UBB Institute, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Computational Structural Biology Group, Utrecht University, The Netherlands,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Jauch
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +852 3917 9511; Fax: +852 28559730;
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8
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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9
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Rabbani M, Zheng X, Manske GL, Vargo A, Shami AN, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. Decoding the Spermatogenesis Program: New Insights from Transcriptomic Analyses. Annu Rev Genet 2022; 56:339-368. [PMID: 36070560 PMCID: PMC10722372 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-080320-040045] [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: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process coordinated spatiotemporally across and along seminiferous tubules. Cellular heterogeneity has made it challenging to obtain stage-specific molecular profiles of germ and somatic cells using bulk transcriptomic analyses. This has limited our ability to understand regulation of spermatogenesis and to integrate knowledge from model organisms to humans. The recent advancement of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies provides insights into the cell type diversity and molecular signatures in the testis. Fine-grained cell atlases of the testis contain both known and novel cell types and define the functional states along the germ cell developmental trajectory in many species. These atlases provide a reference system for integrated interspecies comparisons to discover mechanistic parallels and to enable future studies. Despite recent advances, we currently lack high-resolution data to probe germ cell-somatic cell interactions in the tissue environment, but the use of highly multiplexed spatial analysis technologies has begun to resolve this problem. Taken together, recent single-cell studies provide an improvedunderstanding of gametogenesis to examine underlying causes of infertility and enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Gabe L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander Vargo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Adrienne N Shami
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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10
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LIN28 Family in Testis: Control of Cell Renewal, Maturation, Fertility and Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137245. [PMID: 35806250 PMCID: PMC9266904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive development starts early in the embryogenesis with somatic and germ cell differentiation in the testis. The LIN28 family of RNA-binding proteins promoting pluripotency has two members—LIN28A and LIN28B. Their function in the testis has been investigated but many questions about their exact role based on the expression patterns remain unclear. LIN28 expression is detected in the gonocytes and the migrating, mitotically active germ cells of the fetal testis. Postnatal expression of LIN28 A and B showed differential expression, with LIN28A expressed in the undifferentiated spermatogonia and LIN28B in the elongating spermatids and Leydig cells. LIN28 interferes with many signaling pathways, leading to cell proliferation, and it is involved in important testicular physiological processes, such as cell renewal, maturation, fertility, and aging. In addition, aberrant LIN28 expression is associated with testicular cancer and testicular disorders, such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Klinefelter’s syndrome. This comprehensive review encompasses current knowledge of the function of LIN28 paralogs in testis and other tissues and cells because many studies suggest LIN28AB as a promising target for developing novel therapeutic agents.
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11
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de Castro RO, Carbajal A, Previato de Almeida L, Goitea V, Griffin CT, Pezza RJ. Mouse Chd4-NURD is required for neonatal spermatogonia survival and normal gonad development. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:16. [PMID: 35568926 PMCID: PMC9107693 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis development and sustained germ cell production in adults rely on the establishment and maintenance of spermatogonia stem cells and their proper differentiation into spermatocytes. Chromatin remodeling complexes regulate critical processes during gamete development by restricting or promoting accessibility of DNA repair and gene expression machineries to the chromatin. Here, we investigated the role of Chd4 and Chd3 catalytic subunits of the NURD complex during spermatogenesis. Germ cell-specific deletion of chd4 early in gametogenesis, but not chd3, resulted in arrested early gamete development due to failed cell survival of neonate undifferentiated spermatogonia stem cell population. Candidate assessment revealed that Chd4 controls expression of dmrt1 and its downstream target plzf, both described as prominent regulators of spermatogonia stem cell maintenance. Our results show the requirement of Chd4 in mammalian gametogenesis pointing to functions in gene expression early in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo O de Castro
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Agustin Carbajal
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Luciana Previato de Almeida
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Victor Goitea
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Courtney T Griffin
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roberto J Pezza
- Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Suite B305. 825 NE 13th street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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12
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Boizet-Bonhoure B, Déjardin S, Rossitto M, Poulat F, Philibert P. Using Experimental Models to Decipher the Effects of Acetaminophen and NSAIDs on Reproductive Development and Health. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:835360. [PMID: 35295217 PMCID: PMC8915900 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.835360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), diclofenac and ibuprofen (IBU), and analgesic drugs, such as acetaminophen (APAP, or paracetamol), are widely used to treat inflammation and pain. APAP and IBU are over-the-counter drugs and are among the most commonly taken drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy, even in combination. Furthermore, these drugs and their metabolites are released in the environment, and can be frequently detected in wastewater, surface water, and importantly in drinking water. Although their environmental concentrations are much lower than the therapeutics doses, this suggests an uncontrolled low-dose exposure of the general population, including pregnant women and young children, two particularly at risk populations. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to these molecules in the first and second trimester of gestation can favor genital malformations in new-born boys. To investigate the cellular, molecular and mechanistic effects of exposure to these molecules, ex vivo studies with human or rodent gonadal explants and in vivo experiments in rodents have been performed in the past years. This review recapitulates recent data obtained in rodent models after in utero or postnatal exposure to these drugs. The first part of this review discusses the mechanisms by which NSAIDs and analgesics may impair gonadal development and maturation, puberty development, sex hormone production, maturation and function of adult organs, and ultimately fertility in the exposed animals and their offspring. Like other endocrine disruptors, NSAIDs and APAP interfere with endocrine gland function and may have inter/transgenerational adverse effects. Particularly, they may target germ cells, resulting in reduced quality of male and female gametes, and decreased fertility of exposed individuals and their descendants. Then, this review discusses the effects of exposure to a single drug (APAP, aspirin, or IBU) or to combinations of drugs during early embryogenesis, and the consequences on postnatal gonadal development and adult reproductive health. Altogether, these data may increase medical and public awareness about these reproductive health concerns, particularly in women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and parents of young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure,
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carèmeau Hospital, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
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13
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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14
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Sirard MA. How the environment affects early embryonic development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:203-213. [PMID: 35231267 DOI: 10.1071/rd21266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of animal reproduction, the environment associated with gametes and embryos refers to the parents' condition as well as conditions surrounding gametes and embryos in vivo or in vitro . This environment is now known to influence not only the functionality of the early embryo but potentially the future phenotype of the offspring. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic molecular analysis, and the bovine model, recent research has shown that both the female and the male metabolic status, for example age, can affect gene expression and gene programming in the embryo. Evidence demonstrates that milking cows, which are losing weight at the time of conception, generates compromised embryos and offspring with a unique metabolic signature. A similar phenomenon has been associated with different culture conditions and the IVF procedure. The general common consequence of these situations is an embryo behaving on 'economy' mode where translation, cell division and ATP production is reduced, potentially to adapt to the perceived future environment. Few epidemiological studies have been done in bovines to assess if these changes result in a different phenotype and more studies are required to associate specific molecular changes in embryos with visible consequences later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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15
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Zhao J, Lu P, Wan C, Huang Y, Cui M, Yang X, Hu Y, Zheng Y, Dong J, Wang M, Zhang S, Liu Z, Bian S, Wang X, Wang R, Ren S, Wang D, Yao Z, Chang G, Tang F, Zhao XY. Cell-fate transition and determination analysis of mouse male germ cells throughout development. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6839. [PMID: 34824237 PMCID: PMC8617176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male germ cell development is a stepwise cell-fate transition process; however, the full-term developmental profile of male germ cells remains undefined. Here, by interrogating the high-precision transcriptome atlas of 11,598 cells covering 28 critical time-points, we demonstrate that cell-fate transition from mitotic to post-mitotic primordial germ cells is accompanied by transcriptome-scale reconfiguration and a transitional cell state. Notch signaling pathway is essential for initiating mitotic arrest and the maintenance of male germ cells' identities. Ablation of HELQ induces developmental arrest and abnormal transcriptome reprogramming of male germ cells, indicating the importance of cell cycle regulation for proper cell-fate transition. Finally, systematic human-mouse comparison reveals potential regulators whose deficiency contributed to human male infertility via mitotic arrest regulation. Collectively, our study provides an accurate and comprehensive transcriptome atlas of the male germline cycle and allows for an in-depth understanding of the cell-fate transition and determination underlying male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ping Lu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yaping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Manman Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xinyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ji Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shuhui Bian
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dazhuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China.
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), 510700, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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16
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Newkirk SJ, An W. UHRF1: a jack of all trades, and a master epigenetic regulator during spermatogenesis. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1147-1152. [PMID: 32101289 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Newkirk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Wenfeng An
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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17
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Di Persio S, Leitão E, Wöste M, Tekath T, Cremers JF, Dugas M, Li X, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Kliesch S, Laurentino S, Neuhaus N, Horsthemke B. Whole-genome methylation analysis of testicular germ cells from cryptozoospermic men points to recurrent and functionally relevant DNA methylation changes. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:160. [PMID: 34419158 PMCID: PMC8379757 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have reported an association between male infertility and aberrant sperm DNA methylation patterns, in particular in imprinted genes. In a recent investigation based on whole methylome and deep bisulfite sequencing, we have not found any evidence for such an association, but have demonstrated that somatic DNA contamination and genetic variation confound methylation studies in sperm of severely oligozoospermic men. To find out whether testicular germ cells (TGCs) of such patients might carry aberrant DNA methylation, we compared the TGC methylomes of four men with cryptozoospermia (CZ) and four men with obstructive azoospermia, who had normal spermatogenesis and served as controls (CTR). RESULTS There was no difference in DNA methylation at the whole genome level or at imprinted regions between CZ and CTR samples. However, using stringent filters to identify group-specific methylation differences, we detected 271 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), 238 of which were hypermethylated in CZ (binominal test, p < 2.2 × 10-16). The DMRs were enriched for distal regulatory elements (p = 1.0 × 10-6) and associated with 132 genes, 61 of which are differentially expressed at various stages of spermatogenesis. Almost all of the 67 DMRs associated with the 61 genes (94%) are hypermethylated in CZ (63/67, p = 1.107 × 10-14). As judged by single-cell RNA sequencing, 13 DMR-associated genes, which are mainly expressed during meiosis and spermiogenesis, show a significantly different pattern of expression in CZ patients. In four of these genes, the promoter is hypermethylated in CZ men, which correlates with a lower expression level in these patients. In the other nine genes, eight of which downregulated in CZ, germ cell-specific enhancers may be affected. CONCLUSIONS We found that impaired spermatogenesis is associated with DNA methylation changes in testicular germ cells at functionally relevant regions of the genome. We hypothesize that the described DNA methylation changes may reflect or contribute to premature abortion of spermatogenesis and therefore not appear in the mature, motile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Elsa Leitão
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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18
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Liao J, Suen HC, Luk ACS, Yang L, Lee AWT, Qi H, Lee TL. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of young and aged spermatogonial stem cells reveals molecular targets regulating differentiation. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009369. [PMID: 34237055 PMCID: PMC8291634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility, possess lifelong self-renewal activity. Aging leads to the decline in stem cell function and increased risk of paternal age-related genetic diseases. In the present study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of mouse SSC-enriched undifferentiated spermatogonia (Oct4-GFP+/KIT-) and differentiating progenitors (Oct4-GFP+/KIT+) isolated from young and aged testes. Our transcriptome data revealed enormous complexity of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs and alternative splicing regulation during SSC differentiation. Further comparison between young and aged undifferentiated spermatogonia suggested these differentiation programs were affected by aging. We identified aberrant expression of genes associated with meiosis and TGF-β signaling, alteration in alternative splicing regulation and differential expression of specific lncRNAs such as Fendrr. Epigenetic profiling revealed reduced H3K27me3 deposition at numerous pro-differentiation genes during SSC differentiation as well as aberrant H3K27me3 distribution at genes in Wnt and TGF-β signaling upon aging. Finally, aged undifferentiated spermatogonia exhibited gene body hypomethylation, which is accompanied by an elevated 5hmC level. We believe this in-depth molecular analysis will serve as a reference for future analysis of SSC aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred Chun Shui Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lele Yang
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Annie Wing Tung Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huayu Qi
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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19
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Özbek M, Hitit M, Kaya A, Jousan FD, Memili E. Sperm Functional Genome Associated With Bull Fertility. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:610888. [PMID: 34250055 PMCID: PMC8262648 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.610888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility is an important economic trait in sustainable cattle production, as infertile or subfertile bulls give rise to large economic losses. Current methods to assess bull fertility are tedious and not totally accurate. The massive collection of functional data analyses, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, helps researchers generate extensive knowledge to better understand the unraveling physiological mechanisms underlying subpar male fertility. This review focuses on the sperm phenomes of the functional genome and epigenome that are associated with bull fertility. Findings from multiple sources were integrated to generate new knowledge that is transferable to applied andrology. Diverse methods encompassing analyses of molecular and cellular dynamics in the fertility-associated molecules and conventional sperm parameters can be considered an effective approach to determine bull fertility for efficient and sustainable cattle production. In addition to gene expression information, we also provide methodological information, which is important for the rigor and reliability of the studies. Fertility is a complex trait influenced by several factors and has low heritability, although heritability of scrotal circumference is high and that it is a known fertility maker. There is a need for new knowledge on the expression levels and functions of sperm RNA, proteins, and metabolites. The new knowledge can shed light on additional fertility markers that can be used in combination with scrotal circumference to predict the fertility of breeding bulls. This review provides a comprehensive review of sperm functional characteristics or phenotypes associated with bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Memmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Frank Dean Jousan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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20
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Lieberman B, Kusi M, Hung CN, Chou CW, He N, Ho YY, Taverna JA, Huang THM, Chen CL. Toward uncharted territory of cellular heterogeneity: advances and applications of single-cell RNA-seq. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2021; 5:1-21. [PMID: 34322662 PMCID: PMC8315474 DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2020.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among single-cell analysis technologies, single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has been one of the front runners in technical inventions. Since its induction, scRNA-seq has been well received and undergone many fast-paced technical improvements in cDNA synthesis and amplification, processing and alignment of next generation sequencing reads, differentially expressed gene calling, cell clustering, subpopulation identification, and developmental trajectory prediction. scRNA-seq has been exponentially applied to study global transcriptional profiles in all cell types in humans and animal models, healthy or with diseases, including cancer. Accumulative novel subtypes and rare subpopulations have been discovered as potential underlying mechanisms of stochasticity, differentiation, proliferation, tumorigenesis, and aging. scRNA-seq has gradually revealed the uncharted territory of cellular heterogeneity in transcriptomes and developed novel therapeutic approaches for biomedical applications. This review of the advancement of scRNA-seq methods provides an exploratory guide of the quickly evolving technical landscape and insights of focused features and strengths in each prominent area of progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Lieberman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Meena Kusi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Chia-Nung Hung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Chou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ning He
- Department of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yen-Yi Ho
- Department of Statistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Josephine A. Taverna
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Tim H. M. Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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21
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Yoshida S. Mouse Spermatogenesis Reflects the Unity and Diversity of Tissue Stem Cell Niche Systems. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a036186. [PMID: 32152184 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mouse spermatogenesis is supported by spermatogenic stem cells (SSCs). SSCs maintain their pool while migrating over an open (or facultative) niche microenvironment of testicular seminiferous tubules, where ligands that support self-renewal are likely distributed widely. This contrasts with the classic picture of closed (or definitive) niches in which stem cells are gathered and the ligands are highly localized. Some of the key properties observed in the dynamics of SSCs in the testicular niche in vivo, which show the flexible and stochastic (probabilistic) fate behaviors, are found to be generic for a wide range of, if not all, tissue stem cells. SSCs also show properties characteristic of an open niche-supported system, such as high motility. Motivated by the properties of SSCs, in this review, I will reconsider the potential unity and diversity of tissue stem cell systems, with an emphasis on the varying degrees of ligand distribution and stem cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; and Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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22
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Dong Z, Dai L, Zhang Y, Fang C, Shi G, Chen Y, Li J, Wang Q, Fu J, Yu Y, Wang W, Cheng L, Liu Y, Lin Y, Wang Y, Wang Q, Wang H, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Su X, Zhang S, Wang F, Qiu M, Zhou Z, Deng H. Hypomethylation of GDNF family receptor alpha 1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts metastasis of colorectal cancer. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009159. [PMID: 33175846 PMCID: PMC7682896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of poor prognosis and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC is currently difficult. In the present study, we screened for a novel biomarker, GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1) based on the expression and methylation data in CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Altlas (TCGA), followed by further analysis of the correlation between the GFRA1 expression, methylation, and prognosis of patients. Our results show DNA hypomethylation-mediated upregulation of GFRA1 in invasive CRC, and it was found to be correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, GFRA1 methylation-modified sequences were found to have potential as methylation diagnostic markers of highly metastatic CRC. The targeted demethylation of GFRA1 by dCas9-TET1CD and gRNA promoted CRC metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, demethylation of GFRA1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by promoting AKT phosphorylation and increasing c-Jun expression in CRC cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that GFRA1 hypomethylation can promote CRC invasion via inducing EMT, and thus, GFRA1 methylation can be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of highly metastasis CRC. Abnormal DNA methylation, one of important characteristics in tumor cells, is exploited as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC will be helpful for the clinical management, thus prolongs patient survival. However, it is currently difficult to make early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC in clinical practice. Currently, we screened a novel biomarker gene, GFRA1, which associated with the invasion and poor prognosis of CRC. The targeted demethylation of GFRA1 exerted a significant promoting effect on CRC metastasis, and GFRA1 methylation-modified sequences are valuable diagnostic biomarker for CRC metastasis risk assessment. Mechanically, demethylation of GFRA1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating AKT phosphorylation and c-Jun expression in CRC cells. Our results demonstrate the promoting effect of GFRA1 demethylation on CRC invasion and GFRA1 methylation may be a potential prognostic marker for predicting metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Junshu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiamei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Hantao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongguang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, the People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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23
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Unique Epigenetic Programming Distinguishes Regenerative Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Developing Mouse Testis. iScience 2020; 23:101596. [PMID: 33083754 PMCID: PMC7552105 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) both self-renew and give rise to progenitors that initiate spermatogenic differentiation in the mammalian testis. Questions remain regarding the extent to which the SSC and progenitor states are functionally distinct. Here we provide the first multiparametric integrative analysis of mammalian germ cell epigenomes comparable with that done for >100 somatic cell types by the ENCODE Project. Differentially expressed genes distinguishing SSC- and progenitor-enriched spermatogonia showed distinct histone modification patterns, particularly for H3K27ac and H3K27me3. Motif analysis predicted transcription factors that may regulate spermatogonial subtype-specific fate, and immunohistochemistry and gene-specific chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed subtype-specific differences in target gene binding of a subset of these factors. Taken together, these results show that SSCs and progenitors display distinct epigenetic profiling consistent with these spermatogonial subtypes being differentially programmed to either self-renew and maintain regenerative capacity as SSCs or lose regenerative capacity and initiate lineage commitment as progenitors.
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24
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Chen W, Zhang Z, Chang C, Yang Z, Wang P, Fu H, Wei X, Chen E, Tan S, Huang W, Sun L, Ni T, Yang Y, Wang Y. A bioenergetic shift is required for spermatogonial differentiation. Cell Discov 2020; 6:56. [PMID: 32864161 PMCID: PMC7431567 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-0183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A bioenergetic balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is particularly important for stem cell fate specification. It however remains to be determined whether undifferentiated spermatogonia switch their preference for bioenergy production during differentiation. In this study, we found that ATP generation in spermatogonia was gradually increased upon retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation. To accommodate this elevated energy demand, RA signaling concomitantly switched ATP production in spermatogonia from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration, accompanied by increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Disrupting mitochondrial respiration significantly blocked spermatogonial differentiation. Inhibition of glucose conversion to glucose-6-phosphate or pentose phosphate pathway also repressed the formation of c-Kit+ differentiating germ cells, suggesting that metabolites produced from glycolysis are required for spermatogonial differentiation. We further demonstrated that the expression levels of several metabolic regulators and enzymes were significantly altered upon RA-induced differentiation, with both RNA-seq and quantitative proteomic analyses. Taken together, our data unveil a critically regulated bioenergetic balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration that is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Zhaoran Zhang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Chingwen Chang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Zhichang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Pengxiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Haihui Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Eric Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Suxu Tan
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Yi Yang
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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25
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Micati DJ, Radhakrishnan K, Young JC, Rajpert‐De Meyts E, Hime GR, Abud HE, Loveland KL. ‘Snail factors in testicular germ cell tumours and their regulation by the BMP4 signalling pathway’. Andrology 2020; 8:1456-1470. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana J. Micati
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Karthika Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Julia C. Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Ewa Rajpert‐De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Helen E. Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Stem Cells and Development Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
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26
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Tan JHL, Wollmann H, van Pelt AMM, Kaldis P, Messerschmidt DM. Infertility-Causing Haploinsufficiency Reveals TRIM28/KAP1 Requirement in Spermatogonia. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:818-827. [PMID: 32302554 PMCID: PMC7220855 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis relies on exquisite stem cell homeostasis, the carefully balanced self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Disturbing this equilibrium will likely manifest through sub- or infertility, a global health issue with often idiopathic presentation. In this respect, disease phenotypes caused by haploinsufficiency of otherwise vital developmental genes are of particular interest. Here, we show that mice heterozygous for Trim28, an essential epigenetic regulator, suffer gradual testicular degeneration. Contrary to previous reports we detect Trim28 expression in spermatogonia, albeit at low levels. Further reduction through Trim28 heterozygosity increases the propensity of SSCs to differentiate at the cost of self-renewal. TRIM28/KAP1 haploinsufficiency causes testicular degeneration and infertility TRIM28/KAP1 is expressed in spermatogonia stem cell compartment Stem cell homeostasis in the testis is dependent on proper TRIM28/KAP1 levels
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel H L Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering (NGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Heike Wollmann
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Daniel M Messerschmidt
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore.
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27
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Chen Z, Li X, Jin J, Zhou W, Chen J, Fok KL. Connective tissue growth factor mediates mouse spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118708. [PMID: 32240712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonia migrate to the microenvironment during the establishment from gonocytes and leave it when they differentiate. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation-associated migration remain mostly unknown. In this study, we show that spermatogonial differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) was accompanied with increased migration ability and elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a member of the CCN family. CTGF was mainly expressed in the testicular somatic cells and committed spermatogonial progenitors. Recombinant CTGF (rCTGF) promoted the spermatogonial migration and silencing of endogenous CTGF suppressed the migration of homogenous spermatogonial cell lines. Moreover, depletion of CTGF by neutralizing antibody inhibited the elevated migration ability induced by RA, suggesting both the paracrine and autocrine roles of CTGF in spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. Finally, CTGF interacted with β1-integrin and regulated its level in spermatogonial cell lines. Together, our study provides novel insights into the regulation of spermatogonial migration by CTGF, which may shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jing Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Junjiang Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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28
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Kiefer H, Perrier JP. DNA methylation in bull spermatozoa: evolutionary impacts, interindividual variability, and contribution to the embryo. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2019-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The DNA methylome of spermatozoa results from a unique epigenetic reprogramming crucial for chromatin compaction and the protection of the paternal genetic heritage. Although bull semen is widely used for artificial insemination (AI), little is known about the sperm epigenome in cattle. The purpose of this review is to synthetize recent work on the bull sperm methylome in light of the knowledge accumulated in humans and model species. We will address sperm-specific DNA methylation features and their potential evolutionary impacts, with particular emphasis on hypomethylated regions and repetitive elements. We will review recent examples of interindividual variability and intra-individual plasticity of the bull sperm methylome as related to fertility and age, respectively. Finally, we will address paternal methylome reprogramming after fertilization, as well as the mechanisms potentially involved in epigenetic inheritance, and provide some examples of disturbances that alter the dynamics of reprogramming in cattle. Because the selection of AI bulls is closely based on their genotypes, we will also discuss the complex interplay between sequence polymorphism and DNA methylation, which represents both a difficulty in addressing the role of DNA methylation in shaping phenotypes and an opportunity to better understand genome plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kiefer
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en-Josas, France
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en-Josas, France
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en-Josas, France
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29
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Huang G, Liu L, Wang H, Gou M, Gong P, Tian C, Deng W, Yang J, Zhou TT, Xu GL, Liu L. Tet1 Deficiency Leads to Premature Reproductive Aging by Reducing Spermatogonia Stem Cells and Germ Cell Differentiation. iScience 2020; 23:100908. [PMID: 32114381 PMCID: PMC7049665 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes are involved in DNA demethylation, important in regulating embryo development, stem cell pluripotency and tumorigenesis. Alterations of DNA methylation with age have been shown in various somatic cell types. We investigated whether Tet1 and Tet2 regulate aging. We showed that Tet1-deficient mice undergo a progressive reduction of spermatogonia stem cells and spermatogenesis and thus accelerated infertility with age. Tet1 deficiency decreases 5hmC levels in spermatogonia and downregulates a subset of genes important for cell cycle, germ cell differentiation, meiosis and reproduction, such as Ccna1 and Spo11, resulting in premature reproductive aging. Moreover, Tet1 and 5hmC both regulate signaling pathways key for stem cell development, including Wnt and PI3K-Akt, autophagy and stress response genes. In contrast, effect of Tet2 deficiency on male reproductive aging is minor. Hence, Tet1 maintains spermatogonia stem cells with age, revealing an important role of Tet1 in regulating stem cell aging. Tet1 regulates stem cell aging and differentiation Tet1 plays an important role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells Loss of Tet1 results in exhaustion of spermatogonia and premature reproductive aging Effect of Tet2 deficiency on reproductive aging in males is minor
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Affiliation(s)
- Guian Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mo Gou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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30
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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31
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Laurentino S, Heckmann L, Di Persio S, Li X, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Wistuba J, Cremers JF, Gromoll J, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. High-resolution analysis of germ cells from men with sex chromosomal aneuploidies reveals normal transcriptome but impaired imprinting. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:127. [PMID: 31462300 PMCID: PMC6714305 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common sex chromosomal aneuploidy in males is Klinefelter syndrome, which is characterized by at least one supernumerary X chromosome. While these men have long been considered infertile, focal spermatogenesis can be observed in some patients, and sperm can be surgically retrieved and used for artificial reproductive techniques. Although these gametes can be used for fertility treatments, little is known about the molecular biology of the germline in Klinefelter men. Specifically, it is unclear if germ cells in Klinefelter syndrome correctly establish the androgenetic DNA methylation profile and transcriptome. This is due to the low number of germ cells in the Klinefelter testes available for analysis. Results Here, we overcame these difficulties and successfully investigated the epigenetic and transcriptional profiles of germ cells in Klinefelter patients employing deep bisulfite sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing. On the transcriptional level, the germ cells from Klinefelter men clustered together with the differentiation stages of normal spermatogenesis. Klinefelter germ cells showed a normal DNA methylation profile of selected germ cell-specific markers compared with spermatogonia and sperm from men with normal spermatogenesis. However, germ cells from Klinefelter patients showed variations in the DNA methylation of imprinted regions. Conclusions These data indicate that Klinefelter germ cells have a normal transcriptome but might present aberrant imprinting, showing impairment in germ cell development that goes beyond mere germ cell loss. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0720-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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32
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Aging of spermatogonial stem cells by Jnk-mediated glycolysis activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:16404-16409. [PMID: 31358627 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904980116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Because spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are immortal by serial transplantation, SSC aging in intact testes is considered to be caused by a deteriorated microenvironment. Here, we report a cell-intrinsic mode of SSC aging by glycolysis activation. Using cultured SSCs, we found that aged SSCs proliferated more actively than young SSCs and showed enhanced glycolytic activity. Moreover, they remained euploid and exhibited stable androgenetic imprinting patterns with robust SSC activity despite having shortened telomeres. Aged SSCs showed increased Wnt7b expression, which was associated with decreased Polycomb complex 2 activity. Our results suggest that aberrant Wnt7b expression activated c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which down-regulated mitochondria numbers by suppressing Ppargc1a Down-regulation of Ppargc1a probably decreased reactive oxygen species and enhanced glycolysis. Analyses of the Klotho-deficient aging mouse model and 2-y-old aged rats confirmed JNK hyperactivation and increased glycolysis. Therefore, not only microenvironment but also intrinsic activation of JNK-mediated glycolysis contributes to SSC aging.
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The initiation of puberty in Atlantic salmon brings about large changes in testicular gene expression that are modulated by the energy status. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:475. [PMID: 31185904 PMCID: PMC6558769 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When puberty starts before males reach harvest size, animal welfare and sustainability issues occur in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. Hallmarks of male puberty are an increased proliferation activity in the testis and elevated androgen production. Examining transcriptional changes in salmon testis during the transition from immature to maturing testes may help understanding the regulation of puberty, potentially leading to procedures to modulate its start. Since differences in body weight influence, via unknown mechanisms, the chances for entering puberty, we used two feed rations to create body weight differences. Results Maturing testes were characterized by an elevated proliferation activity of Sertoli cells and of single undifferentiated spermatogonia. Pituitary gene expression data suggest increased Gnrh receptor and gonadotropin gene expression, potentially responsible for the elevated circulating androgen levels in maturing fish. Transcriptional changes in maturing testes included a broad variety of signaling systems (e.g. Tgfβ, Wnt, insulin/Igf, nuclear receptors), but also, activation of metabolic pathways such as anaerobic metabolism and protection against ROS. Feed restriction lowered the incidence of puberty. In males maturing despite feed restriction, plasma androgen levels were higher than in maturing fish receiving the full ration. A group of 449 genes that were up-regulated in maturing fully fed fish, was up-regulated more prominently in testis from fish maturing under caloric restriction. Moreover, 421 genes were specifically up-regulated in testes from fish maturing under caloric restriction, including carbon metabolism genes, a pathway relevant for nucleotide biosynthesis and for placing epigenetic marks. Conclusions Undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cell populations increased at the beginning of puberty, which was associated with the up-regulation of metabolic pathways (e.g. anaerobic and ROS pathways) known from other stem cell systems. The higher androgen levels in males maturing under caloric restriction may be responsible for the stronger up-regulation of a common set of (449) maturation-associated genes, and the specific up-regulation of another set of (421) genes. The latter opened regulatory and/or metabolic options for initiating puberty despite feed restriction. As a means to reduce the incidence of male puberty in salmon, however, caloric restriction seems unsuitable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5869-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Yoshida S. Heterogeneous, dynamic, and stochastic nature of mammalian spermatogenic stem cells. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:245-285. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Epigenetic Erosion in Adult Stem Cells: Drivers and Passengers of Aging. Cells 2018; 7:cells7120237. [PMID: 30501028 PMCID: PMC6316114 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In complex organisms, stem cells are key for tissue maintenance and regeneration. Adult stem cells replenish continuously dividing tissues of the epithelial and connective types, whereas in non-growing muscle and nervous tissues, they are mainly activated upon injury or stress. In addition to replacing deteriorated cells, adult stem cells have to prevent their exhaustion by self-renewal. There is mounting evidence that both differentiation and self-renewal are impaired upon aging, leading to tissue degeneration and functional decline. Understanding the molecular pathways that become deregulate in old stem cells is crucial to counteract aging-associated tissue impairment. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic mechanisms governing the transition between quiescent and active states, as well as the decision between self-renewal and differentiation in three different stem cell types, i.e., spermatogonial stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and muscle stem cells. We discuss the epigenetic events that channel stem cell fate decisions, how this epigenetic regulation is altered with age, and how this can lead to tissue dysfunction and disease. Finally, we provide short prospects of strategies to preserve stem cell function and thus promote healthy aging.
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Yoshida S. Open niche regulation of mouse spermatogenic stem cells. Dev Growth Differ 2018; 60:542-552. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell BiologyNational Institute for Basic BiologyNational Institutes of Natural Sciences Okazaki Japan
- Department of Basic BiologySchool of Life ScienceSOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies) Okazaki Japan
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37
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Accurate annotation of accessible chromatin in mouse and human primordial germ cells. Cell Res 2018; 28:1077-1089. [PMID: 30305709 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive and accurate chromatin remodeling is essential during primordial germ cell (PGC) development for the perpetuation of genetic information across generations. Here, we report that distal cis-regulatory elements (CREs) marked by DNase I-hypersensitive sites (DHSs) show temporally restricted activities during mouse and human PGC development. Using DHS maps as proxy, we accurately locate the genome-wide binding sites of pluripotency transcription factors in mouse PGCs. Unexpectedly, we found that mouse female meiotic recombination hotspots can be captured by DHSs, and for the first time, we identified 12,211 recombination hotspots in mouse female PGCs. In contrast to that of meiotic female PGCs, the chromatin of mitotic-arrested male PGCs is permissive through nuclear transcription factor Y (NFY) binding in the distal regulatory regions. Furthermore, we examined the evolutionary pressure on PGC CREs, and comparative genomic analysis revealed that mouse and human PGC CREs are evolutionarily conserved and show strong conservation across the vertebrate tree outside the mammals. Therefore, our results reveal unique, temporally accessible chromatin configurations during mouse and human PGC development.
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Denomme MM, McCallie BR, Parks JC, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Alterations in the sperm histone-retained epigenome are associated with unexplained male factor infertility and poor blastocyst development in donor oocyte IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2443-2455. [PMID: 29087470 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a distinct sperm histone-retained epigenetic signature in unexplained male factor infertility patients resulting in compromised blastocyst development? SUMMARY ANSWER Using only donor oocyte IVF cycles, sperm DNA methylation patterns and miRNA profiles were significantly altered in normozoospermic patients resulting in poor blastocyst development, reflecting a subset of unexplained male factor infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant sperm DNA methylation has been associated with known male factor infertility, particularly noted in oligozoospermic patients. Unexplained male factor infertility remains a significant proportion of in vitro fertilization failures having unknown underlying physiology. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Sperm samples (n = 40) and blastocysts (n = 48) were obtained during fertile donor oocyte IVF cycles with normozoospermic parameters, thereby excluding known female and male infertility factors. Samples were divided into two groups based on blastocyst development (Good Group = ≥20% embryos with D5 grade 'AA' blastocysts, and ≥60% embryos of transferable quality on D5 and D6; Poor Group = ≤10% embryos with D5 grade 'AA' blastocysts, and ≤40% embryos of transferable quality on D5 and D6). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Samples were obtained from patients undergoing IVF treatments with informed consent and institutional review board approval. The Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip microarray was used to identify histone-retained CpG island genes and genomic regions showing differences in sperm DNA methylation between the Good Group and the Poor Group. Pathway and gene network analysis for the significantly altered genes was performed, and targeted DNA methylation validation was completed for 23 genes and two imprinting control regions. Sperm miRNA profiles were assessed using the TaqMan® Human MicroRNA Array Card, with corresponding blastocyst mRNA gene expression examined by qRT-PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Our study is the first to investigate unexplained male factor infertility while significantly eliminating confounding female factors from our sample population by using only young fertile donor oocytes. We identified 1634 CpG sites located at retained histone CpG island regions that had significant sperm DNA methylation differentials between the two embryogenesis groups (P < 0.05). A largely hypermethylated profile was evident in the Good Group, with a small but distinct and statistically significant shift (P < 0.05) observed in the Poor Group. Genes involved in embryonic development were highly represented among histone-retained CpG sites with decreased methylation in the Poor Group (P < 0.05). Ten significantly altered sperm miRNAs (P < 0.05), correlated with altered target gene mRNA expression in the blastocysts from the Poor Group (P < 0.05). Taken together, significantly impacted sperm miRNA and target transcript levels in blastocysts from the Poor Group may contribute alongside aberrant sperm DNA methylation to the compromised blastocyst development observed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our examination of CpG island regions restricted to retained histones represents only a small part of the sperm epigenome. The results observed are descriptive and further studies are needed to elucidate the functional effects of differential sperm DNA methylation on unexplained male factor infertility and blastocyst development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Slight epigenetic changes in sperm may have a cumulative effect on fertility and embryonic developmental competence. Knowledge of sperm epigenetics and inheritance has important implications for future generations, while providing evidence for potential causes of unexplained male factor infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was used for this study. None of the authors have any competing interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Denomme
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA
| | - Blair R McCallie
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA
| | - Jason C Parks
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA
| | - William B Schoolcraft
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA
| | - Mandy G Katz-Jaffe
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA.,Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree CO, 80124, USA
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Zheng Y, Lei Q, Jongejan A, Mulder CL, van Daalen SKM, Mastenbroek S, Hwang G, Jordan PW, Repping S, Hamer G. The influence of retinoic acid-induced differentiation on the radiation response of male germline stem cells. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 70:55-66. [PMID: 30179733 PMCID: PMC6237089 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lifelong mammalian male fertility is maintained through an intricate balance between spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation. DNA damage in spermatogonia, for instance caused by chemo- or radiotherapy, can induce cell cycle arrest or germ cell apoptosis, possibly resulting in male infertility. Spermatogonia are generally more radiosensitive and prone to undergo apoptosis than somatic cells. Among spermatogonial subtypes the response to DNA damage is differentially modulated; undifferentiated spermatogonia, including the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), are relatively radio-resistant, whereas differentiating spermatogonia are very radiosensitive. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this difference, we used an in vitro system consisting of mouse male germline stem (GS) cells that can be induced to differentiate. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we analyzed the response of undifferentiated and differentiating GS cells to ionizing radiation (IR). At the RNA expression level, both undifferentiated and differentiating GS cells showed a very similar response to IR. Protein localization of several genes found to be involved in either spermatogonial differentiation or radiation response was investigated using mouse testis sections. For instance, we found that the transcription factor PDX1 was specifically expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia and thus may be a novel marker for these cells. Interestingly, also at the protein level, undifferentiated GS cells showed a more pronounced upregulation of p53 in response to IR than differentiating GS cells. The higher p53 protein level in undifferentiated spermatogonia may preferentially induce cell cycle arrest, thereby giving these cells more time to repair inflicted DNA damage and increase their radio-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grace Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Watanabe T, Cui X, Yuan Z, Qi H, Lin H. MIWI2 targets RNAs transcribed from piRNA-dependent regions to drive DNA methylation in mouse prospermatogonia. EMBO J 2018; 37:e95329. [PMID: 30108053 PMCID: PMC6138435 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Argonaute/Piwi proteins can regulate gene expression via RNA degradation and translational regulation using small RNAs as guides. They also promote the establishment of suppressive epigenetic marks on repeat sequences in diverse organisms. In mice, the nuclear Piwi protein MIWI2 and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are required for DNA methylation of retrotransposon sequences and some other sequences. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that piRNA-dependent regions are transcribed at the stage when piRNA-mediated DNA methylation takes place. MIWI2 specifically interacts with RNAs from these regions. In addition, we generated mice with deletion of a retrotransposon sequence either in a representative piRNA-dependent region or in a piRNA cluster. Both deleted regions were required for the establishment of DNA methylation of the piRNA-dependent region, indicating that piRNAs determine the target specificity of MIWI2-mediated DNA methylation. Our results indicate that MIWI2 affects the chromatin state through base-pairing between piRNAs and nascent RNAs, as observed in other organisms possessing small RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Watanabe
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiekui Cui
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhongyu Yuan
- Zhiyuan College, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongying Qi
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Green CD, Ma Q, Manske GL, Shami AN, Zheng X, Marini S, Moritz L, Sultan C, Gurczynski SJ, Moore BB, Tallquist MD, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. A Comprehensive Roadmap of Murine Spermatogenesis Defined by Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Dev Cell 2018; 46:651-667.e10. [PMID: 30146481 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis requires intricate interactions between the germline and somatic cells. Within a given cross section of a seminiferous tubule, multiple germ and somatic cell types co-occur. This cellular heterogeneity has made it difficult to profile distinct cell types at different stages of development. To address this challenge, we collected single-cell RNA sequencing data from ∼35,000 cells from the adult mouse testis and identified all known germ and somatic cells, as well as two unexpected somatic cell types. Our analysis revealed a continuous developmental trajectory of germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified candidate transcriptional regulators at several transition points during differentiation. Focused analyses delineated four subtypes of spermatogonia and nine subtypes of Sertoli cells; the latter linked to histologically defined developmental stages over the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Overall, this high-resolution cellular atlas represents a community resource and foundation of knowledge to study germ cell development and in vivo gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Simone Marini
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Bethany B Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Lecluze E, Jégou B, Rolland AD, Chalmel F. New transcriptomic tools to understand testis development and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:47-59. [PMID: 29501799 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The testis plays a central role in the male reproductive system - secreting several hormones including male steroids and producing male gametes. A complex and coordinated molecular program is required for the proper differentiation of testicular cell types and maintenance of their functions in adulthood. The testicular transcriptome displays the highest levels of complexity and specificity across all tissues in a wide range of species. Many studies have used high-throughput sequencing technologies to define the molecular dynamics and regulatory networks in the testis as well as to identify novel genes or gene isoforms expressed in this organ. This review intends to highlight the complementarity of these transcriptomic studies and to show how the use of different sequencing protocols contribute to improve our global understanding of testicular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Lecluze
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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Perrier JP, Sellem E, Prézelin A, Gasselin M, Jouneau L, Piumi F, Al Adhami H, Weber M, Fritz S, Boichard D, Le Danvic C, Schibler L, Jammes H, Kiefer H. A multi-scale analysis of bull sperm methylome revealed both species peculiarities and conserved tissue-specific features. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:404. [PMID: 29843609 PMCID: PMC5975405 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa have a remarkable epigenome in line with their degree of specialization, their unique nature and different requirements for successful fertilization. Accordingly, perturbations in the establishment of DNA methylation patterns during male germ cell differentiation have been associated with infertility in several species. While bull semen is widely used in artificial insemination, the literature describing DNA methylation in bull spermatozoa is still scarce. The purpose of this study was therefore to characterize the bull sperm methylome relative to both bovine somatic cells and the sperm of other mammals through a multiscale analysis. RESULTS The quantification of DNA methylation at CCGG sites using luminometric methylation assay (LUMA) highlighted the undermethylation of bull sperm compared to the sperm of rams, stallions, mice, goats and men. Total blood cells displayed a similarly high level of methylation in bulls and rams, suggesting that undermethylation of the bovine genome was specific to sperm. Annotation of CCGG sites in different species revealed no striking bias in the distribution of genome features targeted by LUMA that could explain undermethylation of bull sperm. To map DNA methylation at a genome-wide scale, bull sperm was compared with bovine liver, fibroblasts and monocytes using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and immunoprecipitation of methylated DNA followed by microarray hybridization (MeDIP-chip). These two methods exhibited differences in terms of genome coverage, and consistently, two independent sets of sequences differentially methylated in sperm and somatic cells were identified for RRBS and MeDIP-chip. Remarkably, in the two sets most of the differentially methylated sequences were hypomethylated in sperm. In agreement with previous studies in other species, the sequences that were specifically hypomethylated in bull sperm targeted processes relevant to the germline differentiation program (piRNA metabolism, meiosis, spermatogenesis) and sperm functions (cell adhesion, fertilization), as well as satellites and rDNA repeats. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the undermethylation of bull spermatozoa when compared with both bovine somatic cells and the sperm of other mammals, and raise questions regarding the dynamics of DNA methylation in bovine male germline. Whether sperm undermethylation has potential interactions with structural variation in the cattle genome may deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Perrier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- Present Address: Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eli Sellem
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Prézelin
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Maxime Gasselin
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - François Piumi
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- Present Address: Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
- Present Address: Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR3664, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hala Al Adhami
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et signalisation cellulaire, 300 bd Sébastien Brant, 67412 Illkirch cedex, France
| | - Michaël Weber
- CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242 Biotechnologie et signalisation cellulaire, 300 bd Sébastien Brant, 67412 Illkirch cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
- UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Chrystelle Le Danvic
- ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
- UMR CNRS/USTL 8576, UGSF, Villeneuve D’Ascq, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
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Guo J, Grow EJ, Yi C, Mlcochova H, Maher GJ, Lindskog C, Murphy PJ, Wike CL, Carrell DT, Goriely A, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR. Chromatin and Single-Cell RNA-Seq Profiling Reveal Dynamic Signaling and Metabolic Transitions during Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Development. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 21:533-546.e6. [PMID: 28985528 PMCID: PMC5832720 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human adult spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) must balance self-renewal and differentiation. To understand how this is achieved, we profiled DNA methylation and open chromatin (ATAC-seq) in SSEA4+ hSSCs, analyzed bulk and single-cell RNA transcriptomes (RNA-seq) in SSEA4+ hSSCs and differentiating c-KIT+ spermatogonia, and performed validation studies via immunofluorescence. First, DNA hypomethylation at embryonic developmental genes supports their epigenetic "poising" in hSSCs for future/embryonic expression, while core pluripotency genes (OCT4 and NANOG) were transcriptionally and epigenetically repressed. Interestingly, open chromatin in hSSCs was strikingly enriched in binding sites for pioneer factors (NFYA/B, DMRT1, and hormone receptors). Remarkably, single-cell RNA-seq clustering analysis identified four cellular/developmental states during hSSC differentiation, involving major transitions in cell-cycle and transcriptional regulators, splicing and signaling factors, and glucose/mitochondria regulators. Overall, our results outline the dynamic chromatin/transcription landscape operating in hSSCs and identify crucial molecular pathways that accompany the transition from quiescence to proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Guo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Edward J Grow
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Chongil Yi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hana Mlcochova
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Maher
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrick J Murphy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Candice L Wike
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84122, USA
| | - Anne Goriely
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK
| | - James M Hotaling
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84122, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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45
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Sakashita A, Yeh YHV, Namekawa SH, Lin SP. Epigenomic and single-cell profiling of human spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Investig 2018; 5:11. [PMID: 29782571 PMCID: PMC5945786 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2018.04.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yu-Han V. Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University/Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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46
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Gaysinskaya V, Miller BF, De Luca C, van der Heijden GW, Hansen KD, Bortvin A. Transient reduction of DNA methylation at the onset of meiosis in male mice. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:15. [PMID: 29618374 PMCID: PMC5883305 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Meiosis is a specialized germ cell cycle that generates haploid gametes. In the initial stage of meiosis, meiotic prophase I (MPI), homologous chromosomes pair and recombine. Extensive changes in chromatin in MPI raise an important question concerning the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation to meiosis. Interestingly, previous studies concluded that in male mice, genome-wide DNA methylation patters are set in place prior to meiosis and remain constant subsequently. However, no prior studies examined DNA methylation during MPI in a systematic manner necessitating its further investigation. Results In this study, we used genome-wide bisulfite sequencing to determine DNA methylation of adult mouse spermatocytes at all MPI substages, spermatogonia and haploid sperm. This analysis uncovered transient reduction of DNA methylation (TRDM) of spermatocyte genomes. The genome-wide scope of TRDM, its onset in the meiotic S phase and presence of hemimethylated DNA in MPI are all consistent with a DNA replication-dependent DNA demethylation. Following DNA replication, spermatocytes regain DNA methylation gradually but unevenly, suggesting that key MPI events occur in the context of hemimethylated genome. TRDM also uncovers the prior deficit of DNA methylation of LINE-1 retrotransposons in spermatogonia resulting in their full demethylation during TRDM and likely contributing to the observed mRNA and protein expression of some LINE-1 elements in early MPI. Conclusions Our results suggest that contrary to the prevailing view, chromosomes exhibit dynamic changes in DNA methylation in MPI. We propose that TRDM facilitates meiotic prophase processes and gamete quality control. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13072-018-0186-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Gaysinskaya
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brendan F Miller
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Godfried W van der Heijden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO BOX 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper D Hansen
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alex Bortvin
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Giannoulatou E, Maher GJ, Ding Z, Gillis AJM, Dorssers LCJ, Hoischen A, Rajpert-De Meyts E, McVean G, Wilkie AOM, Looijenga LHJ, Goriely A. Whole-genome sequencing of spermatocytic tumors provides insights into the mutational processes operating in the male germline. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178169. [PMID: 28542371 PMCID: PMC5439955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult male germline stem cells (spermatogonia) proliferate by mitosis and, after puberty, generate spermatocytes that undertake meiosis to produce haploid spermatozoa. Germ cells are under evolutionary constraint to curtail mutations and maintain genome integrity. Despite constant turnover, spermatogonia very rarely form tumors, so-called spermatocytic tumors (SpT). In line with the previous identification of FGFR3 and HRAS selfish mutations in a subset of cases, candidate gene screening of 29 SpTs identified an oncogenic NRAS mutation in two cases. To gain insights in the etiology of SpT and into properties of the male germline, we performed whole-genome sequencing of five tumors (4/5 with matched normal tissue). The acquired single nucleotide variant load was extremely low (~0.2 per Mb), with an average of 6 (2-9) non-synonymous variants per tumor, none of which is likely to be oncogenic. The observed mutational signature of SpTs is strikingly similar to that of germline de novo mutations, mostly involving C>T transitions with a significant enrichment in the ACG trinucleotide context. The tumors exhibited extensive aneuploidy (50-99 autosomes/tumor) involving whole-chromosomes, with recurrent gains of chr9 and chr20 and loss of chr7, suggesting that aneuploidy itself represents the initiating oncogenic event. We propose that SpT etiology recapitulates the unique properties of male germ cells; because of evolutionary constraints to maintain low point mutation rate, rare tumorigenic driver events are caused by a combination of gene imbalance mediated via whole-chromosome aneuploidy. Finally, we propose a general framework of male germ cell tumor pathology that accounts for their mutational landscape, timing and cellular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Giannoulatou
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey J. Maher
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhihao Ding
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gilean McVean
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew O. M. Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Goriely
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC-Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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48
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Helsel AR, Yang QE, Oatley MJ, Lord T, Sablitzky F, Oatley JM. ID4 levels dictate the stem cell state in mouse spermatogonia. Development 2017; 144:624-634. [PMID: 28087628 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a classic model of cycling cell lineages that depend on a balance between stem cell self-renewal for continuity and the formation of progenitors as the initial step in the production of differentiated cells. The mechanisms that guide the continuum of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) to progenitor spermatogonial transition and precise identifiers of subtypes in the process are undefined. Here we used an Id4-eGfp reporter mouse to discover that EGFP intensity is predictive of the subsets, with the ID4-EGFPBright population being mostly, if not purely, SSCs, whereas the ID4-EGFPDim population is in transition to the progenitor state. These subsets are also distinguishable by transcriptome signatures. Moreover, using a conditional overexpression mouse model, we found that transition from the stem cell to the immediate progenitor state requires downregulation of Id4 coincident with a major change in the transcriptome. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the level of ID4 is predictive of stem cell or progenitor capacity in spermatogonia and dictates the interface of transition between the different functional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen R Helsel
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.,Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH 810001, China
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Tessa Lord
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Fred Sablitzky
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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49
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An J, Zheng Y, Dann CT. Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition Mediated by CDH1 Promotes Spontaneous Reprogramming of Male Germline Stem Cells to Pluripotency. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:446-459. [PMID: 28065642 PMCID: PMC5311464 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured spermatogonial stem cells (GSCs) can spontaneously form pluripotent cells in certain culture conditions. However, GSC reprogramming is a rare event that is largely unexplained. We show GSCs have high expression of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) suppressors resulting in a developmental barrier inhibiting GSC reprogramming. Either increasing OCT4 or repressing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling promotes GSC reprogramming by upregulating CDH1 and boosting MET. Reducing ZEB1 also enhances GSC reprogramming through its direct effect on CDH1. RNA sequencing shows that rare GSCs, identified as CDH1+ after trypsin digestion, are epithelial-like cells. CDH1+ GSCs exhibit enhanced reprogramming and become more prevalent during the course of reprogramming. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the spontaneous emergence of pluripotent cells from GSC cultures; namely, rare GSCs upregulate CDH1 and initiate MET, processes normally kept in check by ZEB1 and TGF-β signaling, thereby ensuring germ cells are protected from aberrant acquisition of pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui An
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Chemistry A025, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Chemistry A025, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Christina Tenenhaus Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Chemistry A025, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA.
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50
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Kobayashi N, Okae H, Hiura H, Chiba H, Shirakata Y, Hara K, Tanemura K, Arima T. Genome-Scale Assessment of Age-Related DNA Methylation Changes in Mouse Spermatozoa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167127. [PMID: 27880848 PMCID: PMC5120852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays important roles in the production and functioning of spermatozoa. Recent studies have suggested that DNA methylation patterns in spermatozoa can change with age, but the regions susceptible to age-related methylation changes remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted genome-scale DNA methylation profiling of spermatozoa obtained from C57BL/6N mice at 8 weeks (8w), 18 weeks (18w) and 17 months of age (17m). There was no substantial difference in the global DNA methylation patterns between 18w and 17m samples except for a slight increase of methylation levels in long interspersed nuclear elements in the 17m samples. We found that maternally methylated imprinting control regions (mICRs) and spermatogenesis-related gene promoters had 5–10% higher methylation levels in 8w samples than in 18w or 17m samples. Analysis of individual sequence reads suggested that these regions were fully methylated (80–100%) in a subset of 8w spermatozoa. These regions are also known to be highly methylated in a subset of postnatal spermatogonia, which might be the source of the increased DNA methylation in 8w spermatozoa. Another possible source was contamination by somatic cells. Although we carefully purified the spermatozoa, it was difficult to completely exclude the possibility of somatic cell contamination. Further studies are needed to clarify the source of the small increase in DNA methylation in the 8w samples. Overall, our findings suggest that DNA methylation patterns in mouse spermatozoa are relatively stable throughout reproductive life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980–8575, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1–1 Amamiya-machi, Tsutsumidori, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981–8555, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980–8575, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hiura
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980–8575, Japan
| | - Hatsune Chiba
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980–8575, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Shirakata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1–1 Amamiya-machi, Tsutsumidori, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981–8555, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1–1 Amamiya-machi, Tsutsumidori, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981–8555, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1–1 Amamiya-machi, Tsutsumidori, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981–8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980–8575, Japan
- * E-mail:
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