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Olaya I, Burgess SM, Rog O. Formation and resolution of meiotic chromosome entanglements and interlocks. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs262004. [PMID: 38985540 PMCID: PMC11267460 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.262004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions between parental chromosomes during the formation of gametes can lead to entanglements, entrapments and interlocks between unrelated chromosomes. If unresolved, these topological constraints can lead to misregulation of exchanges between chromosomes and to chromosome mis-segregation. Interestingly, these configurations are largely resolved by the time parental chromosomes are aligned during pachytene. In this Review, we highlight the inevitability of topologically complex configurations and discuss possible mechanisms to resolve them. We focus on the dynamic nature of a conserved chromosomal interface - the synaptonemal complex - and the chromosome movements that accompany meiosis as potential mechanisms to resolve topological constraints. We highlight the advantages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for understanding biophysical features of the chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex that could contribute to mechanisms underlying interlock resolution. In addition, we highlight advantages of using the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model to understand how entanglements and interlocks are avoided and resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Olaya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sean M. Burgess
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ofer Rog
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Cell and Genome Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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2
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Arora UP, Dumont BL. Molecular evolution of the mammalian kinetochore complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.27.600994. [PMID: 38979348 PMCID: PMC11230421 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.27.600994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian centromeres are satellite-rich chromatin domains that serve as sites for kinetochore complex assembly. Centromeres are highly variable in sequence and satellite organization across species, but the processes that govern the co-evolutionary dynamics between rapidly evolving centromeres and their associated kinetochore proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we pursue a course of phylogenetic analyses to investigate the molecular evolution of the complete kinetochore complex across primate and rodent species with divergent centromere repeat sequences and features. We show that many protein components of the core centromere associated network (CCAN) harbor signals of adaptive evolution, consistent with their intimate association with centromere satellite DNA and roles in the stability and recruitment of additional kinetochore proteins. Surprisingly, CCAN and outer kinetochore proteins exhibit comparable rates of adaptive divergence, suggesting that changes in centromere DNA can ripple across the kinetochore to drive adaptive protein evolution within distant domains of the complex. Our work further identifies kinetochore proteins subject to lineage-specific adaptive evolution, including rapidly evolving proteins in species with centromere satellites characterized by higher-order repeat structure and lacking CENP-B boxes. Thus, features of centromeric chromatin beyond the linear DNA sequence may drive selection on kinetochore proteins. Overall, our work spotlights adaptively evolving proteins with diverse centromere-associated functions, including centromere chromatin structure, kinetochore protein assembly, kinetochore-microtubule association, cohesion maintenance, and DNA damage response pathways. These adaptively evolving kinetochore protein candidates present compelling opportunities for future functional investigations exploring how their concerted changes with centromere DNA ensure the maintenance of genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma P Arora
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor ME 04609
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA 02111
| | - Beth L Dumont
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor ME 04609
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA 02111
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 04469
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3
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Ishiguro KI. Mechanisms of meiosis initiation and meiotic prophase progression during spermatogenesis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101282. [PMID: 38797021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is a critical step for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Meiosis commences with pre-meiotic S phase that is subsequently followed by meiotic prophase. The meiotic prophase is characterized by the meiosis-specific chromosomal events such as chromosome recombination and homolog synapsis. Meiosis initiator (MEIOSIN) and stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) initiate meiosis by activating the meiotic genes by installing the meiotic prophase program at pre-meiotic S phase. This review highlights the mechanisms of meiotic initiation and meiotic prophase progression from the point of the gene expression program and its relevance to infertility. Furthermore, upstream pathways that regulate meiotic initiation will be discussed in the context of spermatogenic development, indicating the sexual differences in the mode of meiotic entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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Kameyama S, Niwa T, Kikuchi M, Tanaka M. Medaka Terb1 Mutant Displays Defects of Synaptonemal Complex Formation and Sexual Difference in Gametogenesis. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:314-322. [PMID: 38809870 DOI: 10.2108/zs230108] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) is a prerequisite for proper recombination and chromosomal segregation during meiotic prophase I. One mechanism that ensures SC formation is chromosomal movement, which is driven by the force derived from cytoskeletal motors. Here, we report the phenotype of medaka mutants lacking the telomere repeat binding bouquet formation protein 1 (TERB1), which, in combination with the SUN/KASH protein, mediates chromosomal movement by connecting telomeres and cytoskeletal motors. Mutations in the terb1 gene exhibit defects in SC formation in medaka. Although SC formation was initiated, as seen by the punctate lateral elements and fragmented transverse filaments, it was not completed in the terb1 mutant meiocytes. The mutant phenotype further revealed that the introduction of double strand breaks was independent of synapsis completion. In association with these phenotypes, meiocytes in both the ovaries and testes exhibited an aberrant arrangement of homologous chromosomes. Interestingly, although oogenesis halted at the zygotene-like stage in terb1 mutant, testes continued to produce sperm-like cells with aberrant DNA content. This indicates that the mechanism of meiotic checkpoint is sexually different in medaka, similar to the mammalian checkpoint in which oogenesis proceeds while spermatogenesis is arrested. Moreover, our results suggest that spermatogenesis is mechanistically dissociable from meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Kameyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Taiki Niwa
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Mariko Kikuchi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan,
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Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
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Dai P, Ma C, Chen C, Liang M, Dong S, Chen H, Zhang X. Unlocking Genetic Mysteries during the Epic Sperm Journey toward Fertilization: Further Expanding Cre Mouse Lines. Biomolecules 2024; 14:529. [PMID: 38785936 PMCID: PMC11117649 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions in animals. Conditional gene knockout using the cyclization recombination enzyme (Cre)/locus of crossover of P1 (Cre/LoxP) strategy has been extensively employed for functional assays at specific tissue or developmental stages. This approach aids in uncovering the associations between phenotypes and gene regulation while minimizing interference among distinct tissues. Various Cre-engineered mouse models have been utilized in the male reproductive system, including Dppa3-MERCre for primordial germ cells, Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre for spermatogonia, Prm1-Cre and Acrv1-iCre for haploid spermatids, Cyp17a1-iCre for the Leydig cell, Sox9-Cre for the Sertoli cell, and Lcn5/8/9-Cre for differentiated segments of the epididymis. Notably, the specificity and functioning stage of Cre recombinases vary, and the efficiency of recombination driven by Cre depends on endogenous promoters with different sequences as well as the constructed Cre vectors, even when controlled by an identical promoter. Cre mouse models generated via traditional recombination or CRISPR/Cas9 also exhibit distinct knockout properties. This review focuses on Cre-engineered mouse models applied to the male reproductive system, including Cre-targeting strategies, mouse model screening, and practical challenges encountered, particularly with novel mouse strains over the past decade. It aims to provide valuable references for studies conducted on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (P.D.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
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Lampitto M, Barchi M. Recent advances in mechanisms ensuring the pairing, synapsis and segregation of XY chromosomes in mice and humans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:194. [PMID: 38653846 PMCID: PMC11039559 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies are among the most common variations in human whole chromosome copy numbers, with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 1:400 to 1:1400 live births. Unlike whole-chromosome aneuploidies of autosomes, those of sex chromosomes, such as the 47, XXY aneuploidy that causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), often originate from the paternal side, caused by a lack of crossover (CO) formation between the X and Y chromosomes. COs must form between all chromosome pairs to pass meiotic checkpoints and are the product of meiotic recombination that occurs between homologous sequences of parental chromosomes. Recombination between male sex chromosomes is more challenging compared to both autosomes and sex chromosomes in females, as it is restricted within a short region of homology between X and Y, called the pseudo-autosomal region (PAR). However, in normal individuals, CO formation occurs in PAR with a higher frequency than in any other region, indicating the presence of mechanisms that promote the initiation and processing of recombination in each meiotic division. In recent years, research has made great strides in identifying genes and mechanisms that facilitate CO formation in the PAR. Here, we outline the most recent and relevant findings in this field. XY chromosome aneuploidy in humans has broad-reaching effects, contributing significantly also to Turner syndrome, spontaneous abortions, oligospermia, and even infertility. Thus, in the years to come, the identification of genes and mechanisms beyond XY aneuploidy is expected to have an impact on the genetic counseling of a wide number of families and adults affected by these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lampitto
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Barchi
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Cossu IG, Leu NA, Guan Y, Wang PJ. The N-terminal modification of HORMAD2 causes its ectopic persistence on synapsed chromosomes without meiotic blockade. Reproduction 2024; 167:e230330. [PMID: 38401263 PMCID: PMC10993814 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In brief The dissociation of HORMA domain protein 2 (HORMAD2) from the synaptonemal complex is tightly regulated. This study reveals that the N-terminal region of HORMAD2 is critical for its dissociation from synapsed meiotic chromosomes. Abstract During meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and recombination. HORMA domain proteins regulate key processes in meiosis. Mammalian HORMAD1 and HORMAD2 localize to unsynapsed chromosome axes but are removed upon synapsis by the TRIP13 AAA+ ATPase. TRIP13 engages the N-terminal region of HORMA domain proteins to induce an open conformation, resulting in the disassembly of protein complexes. Here, we report introduction of a 3×FLAG-HA tag to the N-terminus of HORMAD2 in mice. Coimmunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry identified HORMAD1 and SYCP2 as HORMAD2-associated proteins in the testis. Unexpectedly, the N-terminal tagging of HORMAD2 resulted in its abnormal persistence along synapsed regions in pachynema and ectopic localization to telomeres in diplonema. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that 3×FLAG-HA-HORMAD2 was distributed along the central region of the synaptonemal complex, whereas wild-type HORMAD1 persisted along the lateral elements in 3×FLAG-HA-HORMAD2 meiocytes. Although homozygous mice completed meiosis and were fertile, homozygous males exhibited a significant reduction in sperm count. Collectively, these results suggest that the N-terminus of HORMAD2 is important for its timely removal from meiotic chromosome axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella G. Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - N. Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yongjuan Guan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Liu N, Qiang W, Jordan P, Marko J, Qiao H. Cell-cycle and Age-Related Modulations in Mouse Chromosome Stiffness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.06.583771. [PMID: 38559262 PMCID: PMC10979861 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.06.583771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intricate structure of chromosomes is complex, and many aspects of chromosome configuration/organization remain to be fully understood. Measuring chromosome stiffness can provide valuable insights into their structure. However, the nature of chromosome stiffness, whether static or dynamic, remains elusive. In this study, we analyzed chromosome stiffness in MI and MII oocytes. We revealed that MI oocytes had a ten-fold increase in stiffness compared to mitotic chromosomes, whereas chromosome stiffness in MII oocytes was relatively low chromosome. We then investigated the contribution of meiosis-specific cohesin complexes to chromosome stiffness in MI and MII oocytes. Surprisingly, the Young's modulus of chromosomes from the three meiosis-specific cohesin mutants did not exhibit significant differences compared to the wild type, indicating that these proteins may not play a substantial role in determining chromosome stiffness. Additionally, our findings revealed an age-related increase in chromosome stiffness in MI oocytes. Age correlates with elevated DNA damage levels, so we investigated the impact of etoposide-induced DNA damage on chromosome stiffness, discovering a reduction in stiffness in response to such damage in MI oocytes. Overall, our study underscores the dynamic nature of chromosome stiffness, subject to changes influenced by the cell cycle and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Wenan Qiang
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Philip Jordan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Departments, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Marko
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Ahuja JS, Sandhu R, Huang L, Klein F, Börner GV. Temporal and Functional Relationship between Synaptonemal Complex Morphogenesis and Recombination during Meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575218. [PMID: 38260343 PMCID: PMC10802607 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
During prophase of meiosis I, programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) are processed into crossovers, a critical requirement for segregation of homologous chromosomes (homologs) and genome haploidization in sexually reproducing organisms. Crossovers form via homologous recombination in close temporospatial association with morphogenesis of the synaptonemal complex (SC), a proteinaceous structure that connects paired homologs along their length during the pachytene stage. Synapsis and recombination are a paradigm for the interplay between higher order chromosome structure and DNA metabolism, yet their temporal and functional relationship remains poorly understood. Probing linkage between these processes in budding yeast, we show that SC assembly is associated with a distinct threshold number of unstable D-loops. The transition from bona fide paranemic D-loops to plectonemic DSB single end invasions (SEIs) is completed during midpachynema, when the SC is fully assembled. Double Holliday junctions (dHJs) form at the time of desynapsis and are resolved into crossovers during diplonema. The SC central element component Zip1 shepherds recombination through three transitions, including DSB first end strand exchange and second end capture, as well as dHJ resolution. Zip1 mediates SEI formation independent of its polymerization whereas precocious Zip1 assembly interferes with double Holliday junction resolution. Together, our findings indicate that the synaptonemal complex controls recombination while assembled but also beyond its disassembly, possibly by establishing spatial constraints at recombination sites.
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Matveevsky SN, Kolomiets OL, Shchipanov NA, Pavlova SV. Natural male hybrid common shrews with a very long chromosomal multivalent at meiosis appear not to be completely sterile. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:45-58. [PMID: 38059675 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Among 36 known chromosomal hybrid zones of the common shrew Sorex araneus, the Moscow-Seliger hybrid zone is of special interest because inter-racial complex heterozygotes (F1 hybrids) produce the longest meiotic configuration, consisting of 11 chromosomes with monobrachial homology (undecavalent or chain-of-eleven: CXI). Different studies suggest that such a multivalent may negatively affect meiotic progression and in general should significantly reduce fertility of hybrids. In this work, by immunocytochemical and electron microscopy methods, we investigated for the first time chromosome synapsis, recombination and meiotic silencing in pachytene spermatocytes of natural inter-racial heterozygous shrew males carrying CXI configurations. Despite some abnormalities detected in spermatocytes, such as associations of chromosomes, stretched centromeres, and the absence of recombination nodules in some arms of the multivalent, a large number of morphologically normal spermatozoa were observed. Possible low stringency of pachytene checkpoints may mean that even very long meiotic configurations do not cause complete sterility of such complex inter-racial heterozygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey N Matveevsky
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana L Kolomiets
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Shchipanov
- Laboratory of Population Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Pavlova
- Laboratory of Population Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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12
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Crichton JH, Adams IR. Computational Tools for the Analysis of Meiotic Prophase I Images. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2818:249-270. [PMID: 39126480 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3906-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Prophase I is a remarkable stage of meiotic division during which homologous chromosomes pair together and exchange DNA by meiotic recombination. Fluorescence microscopy of meiotic chromosome spreads is a central tool in the study of this process, with chromosome axis proteins being visualized as extended filaments upon which recombination proteins localize in focal patterns.Chromosome pairing and recombination are dynamic processes, and hundreds of recombination foci can be present in some meiotic nuclei. As meiotic nuclei can exhibit significant variations in staining patterns within and between nuclei, particularly in mutants, manual analysis of images presents challenges for consistency, documentation, and reproducibility. Here we share a combination of complementary computational tools that can be used to partially automate the quantitative analysis of meiotic images. (1) The segmentation of axial and focal staining patterns to automatically measure chromosome axis length and count axis-associated (and non-axis associated) recombination foci; (2) Quantification of focus position along chromosome axes to investigate spatial regulation; (3) Simulation of random distributions of foci within the nucleus or along the chromosome axes to statistically investigate observed foci-axis associations and foci-foci associations; (4) Quantification of chromosome axis proximity to investigate relationships with chromosome synapsis/asynapsis; (5) Quantification of and orientation of focus-axis distances. Together, these tools provide a framework to perform routine documentation and analysis of meiotic images, as well as opening up routes to build on this initial output and perform more detailed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Crichton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
- RILD Building, University of Exeter, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon, UK.
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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Chotiner JY, Leu NA, Yang F, Cossu IG, Guan Y, Lin H, Wang PJ. TRIP13 localizes to synapsed chromosomes and functions as a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559355. [PMID: 37808842 PMCID: PMC10557606 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic progression requires coordinated assembly and disassembly of protein complexes involved in chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination. The AAA+ ATPase TRIP13 and its orthologue Pch2 are instrumental in remodeling HORMA domain proteins. Meiosis-specific HORMAD proteins are associated with unsynapsed chromosome axes but depleted from the synaptonemal complex (SC) of synapsed chromosome homologues. Here we report that TRIP13 localizes to the synapsed SC in early pachytene spermatocytes and to telomeres throughout meiotic prophase I. Loss of TRIP13 leads to meiotic arrest and thus sterility in both sexes. Trip13-null meiocytes exhibit abnormal persistence of HORMAD1 and HOMRAD2 on synapsed SC and chromosome asynapsis that preferentially affects XY and centromeric ends. These findings confirm the previously reported phenotypes of the Trip13 hypomorph alleles. Trip13 heterozygous (Trip13+/-) mice also exhibit meiotic defects that are less severe than the Trip13-null mice, showing that TRIP13 is a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis. Localization of TRIP13 to the synapsed SC is independent of SC axial element proteins such as REC8 and SYCP2/SYCP3. The N- or C-terminal FLAG-tagged TRIP13 proteins are functional and recapitulate the localization of native TRIP13 to SC and telomeres in knockin mice. Therefore, the evolutionarily conserved localization of TRIP13/Pch2 to the synapsed chromosomes provides an explanation for dissociation of HORMA domain proteins upon chromosome synapsis in diverse organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Chotiner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N. Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Isabella G. Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yongjuan Guan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Vrielynck N, Peuch M, Durand S, Lian Q, Chambon A, Hurel A, Guérin J, Guérois R, Mercier R, Grelon M, Mézard C. SCEP1 and SCEP2 are two new components of the synaptonemal complex central element. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:2016-2030. [PMID: 37973938 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiosis prophase. The SC is widely conserved across species, but its structure and roles during meiotic recombination are still debated. While the SC central region is made up of transverse filaments and central element proteins in mammals and fungi, few central element proteins have been identified in other species. Here we report the identification of two coiled-coil proteins, SCEP1 and SCEP2, that form a complex and localize at the centre of the Arabidopsis thaliana SC. In scep1 and scep2 mutants, chromosomes are aligned but not synapsed (the ZYP1 transverse filament protein is not loaded), crossovers are increased compared with the wild type, interference is lost and heterochiasmy is strongly reduced. We thus report the identification of two plant SC central elements, and homologues of these are found in all major angiosperm clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vrielynck
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Marion Peuch
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Stéphanie Durand
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qichao Lian
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aurélie Chambon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Aurélie Hurel
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Julie Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
| | - Raphaël Guérois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Raphaël Mercier
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mathilde Grelon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
| | - Christine Mézard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France.
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15
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Herrera LR, Johnson RA, McGlynn K, Gibbs ZA, Davis AJ, Whitehurst AW. The cancer testes antigen, HORMAD1, limits genomic instability in cancer cells by protecting stalled replication forks. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105348. [PMID: 37838177 PMCID: PMC10656231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105348] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors anomalously induce the expression of meiotic genes, which are otherwise restricted only to developing gametes. If and how these aberrantly expressed meiotic proteins influence DNA metabolism is not clear, but could have important implications for how tumors acquire and mitigate genomic instability. HORMAD1 is a highly conserved meiotic protein that is frequently expressed in lung adenocarincoma where its expression correlates with reduced patient survival and increased mutation burden. Here, we find that HORMAD1 associates with the replisome and is critical for protecting stalled DNA replication forks. Loss of HORMAD1 leads to nascent DNA strand degradation, an event which is mediated by the MRE11-DNA2-BLM pathway. We find that these phenotypes are due to limited RAD51 loading onto stalled replication forks in the absence of HORMAD1. Ultimately, loss of HORMAD1 leads to increased DNA breaks and chromosomal defects, which is exacerbated dramatically by induction of replication stress. Tumor cells proliferate despite encountering chronic replication stress, placing them on the precipice of catastrophic genomic damage. Our data support the hypothesis that the aberrant expression of HORMAD1 is engaged to attenuate the accumulation of excessive DNA damage due to chronic replication stress, which may otherwise lead to accumulation of toxic levels of genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Reza Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ronnesha A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kathleen McGlynn
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zane A Gibbs
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony J Davis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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16
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Billmyre KK, Kesler EA, Tsuchiya D, Corbin TJ, Weaver K, Moran A, Yu Z, Adams L, Delventhal K, Durnin M, Davies OR, Hawley RS. SYCP1 head-to-head assembly is required for chromosome synapsis in mouse meiosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1562. [PMID: 37862414 PMCID: PMC10588951 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In almost all sexually reproducing organisms, meiotic recombination and cell division require the synapsis of homologous chromosomes by a large proteinaceous structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC). While the SC's overall structure is highly conserved across eukaryotes, its constituent proteins diverge between phyla. Transverse filament protein, SYCP1, spans the width of the SC and undergoes amino-terminal head-to-head self-assembly in vitro through a motif that is unusually highly conserved across kingdoms of life. Here, we report creation of mouse mutants, Sycp1L102E and Sycp1L106E, that target SYCP1's head-to-head interface. L106E resulted in a complete loss of synapsis, while L102E had no apparent effect on synapsis, in agreement with their differential effects on the SYCP1 head-to-head interface in molecular dynamics simulations. In Sycp1L106E mice, homologs aligned and recruited low levels of mutant SYCP1 and other SC proteins, but the absence of synapsis led to failure of crossover formation and meiotic arrest. We conclude that SYCP1's conserved head-to-head interface is essential for meiotic chromosome synapsis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A. Kesler
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | | | - Kyle Weaver
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Andrea Moran
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Lane Adams
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Kym Delventhal
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Michael Durnin
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Owen Richard Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - R. Scott Hawley
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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17
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Cahoon CK, Richter CM, Dayton AE, Libuda DE. Sexual dimorphic regulation of recombination by the synaptonemal complex in C. elegans. eLife 2023; 12:e84538. [PMID: 37796106 PMCID: PMC10611432 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, germ cells faithfully transmit the genome to the next generation by forming haploid gametes, such as eggs and sperm. Although most meiotic proteins are conserved between eggs and sperm, many aspects of meiosis are sexually dimorphic, including the regulation of recombination. The synaptonemal complex (SC), a large ladder-like structure that forms between homologous chromosomes, is essential for regulating meiotic chromosome organization and promoting recombination. To assess whether sex-specific differences in the SC underpin sexually dimorphic aspects of meiosis, we examined Caenorhabditis elegans SC central region proteins (known as SYP proteins) in oogenesis and spermatogenesis and uncovered sex-specific roles for the SYPs in regulating meiotic recombination. We find that SC composition, specifically SYP-2, SYP-3, SYP-5, and SYP-6, is regulated by sex-specific mechanisms throughout meiotic prophase I. During pachytene, both oocytes and spermatocytes differentially regulate the stability of SYP-2 and SYP-3 within an assembled SC. Further, we uncover that the relative amount of SYP-2 and SYP-3 within the SC is independently regulated in both a sex-specific and a recombination-dependent manner. Specifically, we find that SYP-2 regulates the early steps of recombination in both sexes, while SYP-3 controls the timing and positioning of crossover recombination events across the genomic landscape in only oocytes. Finally, we find that SYP-2 and SYP-3 dosage can influence the composition of the other SYPs in the SC via sex-specific mechanisms during pachytene. Taken together, we demonstrate dosage-dependent regulation of individual SC components with sex-specific functions in recombination. These sexual dimorphic features of the SC provide insights into how spermatogenesis and oogenesis adapted similar chromosome structures to differentially regulate and execute recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cori K Cahoon
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Colette M Richter
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Amelia E Dayton
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Diana E Libuda
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
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18
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Zhang Q, Fan J, Xu W, Cao H, Qiu C, Xiong Y, Zhao H, Wang Y, Huang J, Yu C. The FLIP-FIGNL1 complex regulates the dissociation of RAD51/DMC1 in homologous recombination and replication fork restart. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8606-8622. [PMID: 37439366 PMCID: PMC10484675 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recruitment of RAD51 and/or DMC1 recombinases to single-strand DNA is indispensable for homology search and strand invasion in homologous recombination (HR) and for protection of nascent DNA strands at stalled replication forks. Thereafter RAD51/DMC1 dissociate, actively or passively, from these joint molecules upon DNA repair or releasing from replication stress. However, the mechanism that regulates RAD51/DMC1 dissociation and its physiological importance remain elusive. Here, we show that a FLIP-FIGNL1 complex regulates RAD51 and DMC1 dissociation to promote meiotic recombination and replication fork restart in mammals. Mice lacking FLIP are embryonic lethal, while germline-specific deletion of FLIP leads to infertility in both males and females. FLIP-null meiocytes are arrested at a zygotene-like stage with massive RAD51 and DMC1 foci, which frequently co-localize with SHOC1 and TEX11. Furthermore, FLIP interacts with FIGNL1. Depletion of FLIP or FIGNL1 in cell lines destabilizes each other and impairs RAD51 dissociation. Thus, the active dissociation of RAD51/DMC1 by the FLIP-FIGNL1 complex is a crucial step required for HR and replication fork restart, and represents a conserved mechanism in somatic cells and germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Jiayi Fan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Qiu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Huacun Zhao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics and Geriatrics Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Abstract
In meiosis, homologous chromosome synapsis is mediated by a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), that assembles between homologous chromosome axes. The mammalian SC comprises at least eight largely coiled-coil proteins that interact and self-assemble to generate a long, zipper-like structure that holds homologous chromosomes in close proximity and promotes the formation of genetic crossovers and accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. In recent years, numerous mutations in human SC genes have been associated with different types of male and female infertility. Here, we integrate structural information on the human SC with mouse and human genetics to describe the molecular mechanisms by which SC mutations can result in human infertility. We outline certain themes in which different SC proteins are susceptible to different types of disease mutation and how genetic variants with seemingly minor effects on SC proteins may act as dominant-negative mutations in which the heterozygous state is pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Adams
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| | - Owen R Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
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20
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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21
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Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Chromatin state, and dynamic loading of pro-crossover protein HEI10 at recombination intermediates shape meiotic chromosome patterning in plants. Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction, and its basic progression is conserved across eukaryote kingdoms. A key feature of meiosis is the formation of crossovers which result in the reciprocal exchange of segments of maternal and paternal chromosomes. This exchange generates chromosomes with new combinations of alleles, increasing the efficiency of both natural and artificial selection. Crossovers also form a physical link between homologous chromosomes at metaphase I which is critical for accurate chromosome segregation and fertility. The patterning of crossovers along the length of chromosomes is a highly regulated process, and our current understanding of its regulation forms the focus of this review. At the global scale, crossover patterning in plants is largely governed by the classically observed phenomena of crossover interference, crossover homeostasis and the obligatory crossover which regulate the total number of crossovers and their relative spacing. The molecular actors behind these phenomena have long remained obscure, but recent studies in plants implicate HEI10 and ZYP1 as key players in their coordination. In addition to these broad forces, a wealth of recent studies has highlighted how genomic and epigenomic features shape crossover formation at both chromosomal and local scales, revealing that crossovers are primarily located in open chromatin associated with gene promoters and terminators with low nucleosome occupancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lloyd
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, Ceredigion, UK.
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22
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Liu M, Liu S, Song C, Zhu H, Wu B, Zhang A, Zhao H, Wen Z, Gao J. Pre-meiotic deletion of PEX5 causes spermatogenesis failure and infertility in mice. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13365. [PMID: 36433756 PMCID: PMC9977671 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13365] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisomes are involved in the regulation of various pathological processes. Peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5), which plays an essential role in peroxisomal biogenesis, is critical for reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. However, its underlying functions in spermatogenesis have not yet been identified. Pex5 was deleted by crossing Stra8-Cre mice with Pex5flox/flox mice before the onset of meiosis. The morphology of testes and epididymides, spermatogenesis function, and fertility in both wild type (WT) and Pex5-/- mice were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunofluorescent staining. Mechanism of PEX5 affecting peroxisomes and spermatogenesis were validated by Western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to profile the dysregulated genes in testes from WT and Pex5-/- mice on postnatal day (P) 35. The adult Pex5 knockout male mice were completely sterile with no mature sperm production. Loss of Pex5 in spermatocytes resulted in multinucleated giant cell formation, meiotic arrest, abnormal tubulin expression, and deformed acrosome formation. Furthermore, Pex5 deletion led to delayed DNA double-strand break repair and improper crossover at the pachytene stage. Impaired peroxisome function in Pex5 knockout mice induced ROS redundancy, which in turn led to an increase in germ cell apoptosis and a decline in autophagy. Pex5 regulates ROS during meiosis and is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuangyuan Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chenyang Song
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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23
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Herrera LR, McGlynn K, Gibbs ZA, Davis AJ, Whitehurst AW. The Cancer Testes Antigen, HORMAD1, is a Tumor-Specific Replication Fork Protection Factor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.31.526348. [PMID: 36778501 PMCID: PMC9915569 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.31.526348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumors frequently activate the expression of genes that are only otherwise required for meiosis. HORMAD1, which is essential for meiotic recombination in multiple species, is expressed in over 50% of human lung adenocarcinoma cells (LUAD). We previously found that HORMAD1 promotes DNA double strand break (DSB) repair in LUAD. Here, we report that HORMAD1 takes on an additional role in protecting genomic integrity. Specifically, we find HORMAD1 is critical for protecting stalled DNA replication forks in LUAD. Loss of HORMAD1 leads to nascent DNA degradation, an event which is mediated by the MRE11-DNA2-BLM pathway. Moreover, following exogenous induction of DNA replication stress, HORMAD1 deleted cells accumulate single stranded DNA (ssDNA). We find that these phenotypes are the result of a lack of RAD51 and BRCA2 loading onto stalled replication forks. Ultimately, loss of HORMAD1 leads to increased DSBs and chromosomal aberrations in response to replication stress. Collectively, our data support a model where HORMAD1 expression is selected to mitigate DNA replication stress, which would otherwise induce deleterious genomic instability.
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24
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Crichton JH, Dunce JM, Dunne OM, Salmon LJ, Devenney PS, Lawson J, Adams IR, Davies OR. Structural maturation of SYCP1-mediated meiotic chromosome synapsis by SYCE3. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:188-199. [PMID: 36635604 PMCID: PMC7614228 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In meiosis, a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), assembles between homologous chromosomes to facilitate their recombination. Mammalian SC formation is thought to involve hierarchical zipper-like assembly of an SYCP1 protein lattice that recruits stabilizing central element (CE) proteins as it extends. Here we combine biochemical approaches with separation-of-function mutagenesis in mice to show that, rather than stabilizing the SYCP1 lattice, the CE protein SYCE3 actively remodels this structure during synapsis. We find that SYCP1 tetramers undergo conformational change into 2:1 heterotrimers on SYCE3 binding, removing their assembly interfaces and disrupting the SYCP1 lattice. SYCE3 then establishes a new lattice by its self-assembly mimicking the role of the disrupted interface in tethering together SYCP1 dimers. SYCE3 also interacts with CE complexes SYCE1-SIX6OS1 and SYCE2-TEX12, providing a mechanism for their recruitment. Thus, SYCE3 remodels the SYCP1 lattice into a CE-binding integrated SYCP1-SYCE3 lattice to achieve long-range synapsis by a mature SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Crichton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James M Dunce
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orla M Dunne
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucy J Salmon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul S Devenney
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Owen R Davies
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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25
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Functions of Steroid Hormones in the Male Reproductive Tract as Revealed by Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032748. [PMID: 36769069 PMCID: PMC9917565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are capable of diffusing through cell membranes to bind with intracellular receptors to regulate numerous physiological processes. Three classes of steroid hormones, namely androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids, contribute to the development of the reproductive system and the maintenance of fertility. During the past 30 years, mouse models have been produced in which the expression of genes encoding steroid hormone receptors has been enhanced, partially compromised or eliminated. These mouse models have revealed many of the physiological processes regulated by androgens, estrogens and to a more limited extent glucocorticoids in the testis and male accessory organs. In this review, advances provided by mouse models that have facilitated a better understanding of the molecular regulation of testis and reproductive tract processes by steroid hormones are discussed.
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26
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Ito M, Shinohara A. Chromosome architecture and homologous recombination in meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1097446. [PMID: 36684419 PMCID: PMC9853400 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1097446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiocytes organize higher-order chromosome structures comprising arrays of chromatin loops organized at their bases by linear axes. As meiotic prophase progresses, the axes of homologous chromosomes align and synapse along their lengths to form ladder-like structures called synaptonemal complexes (SCs). The entire process of meiotic recombination, from initiation via programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to completion of DSB repair with crossover or non-crossover outcomes, occurs in the context of chromosome axes and SCs. These meiosis-specific chromosome structures provide specialized environments for the regulation of DSB formation and crossing over. In this review, we summarize insights into the importance of chromosome architecture in the regulation of meiotic recombination, focusing on cohesin-mediated axis formation, DSB regulation via tethered loop-axis complexes, inter-homolog template bias facilitated by axial proteins, and crossover regulation in the context of the SCs. We also discuss emerging evidence that the SUMO and the ubiquitin-proteasome system function in the organization of chromosome structure and regulation of meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Ito
- *Correspondence: Masaru Ito, ; Akira Shinohara,
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Proteomic Analysis of Murine Bone Marrow Very Small Embryonic-like Stem Cells at Steady-State Conditions and after In Vivo Stimulation by Nicotinamide and Follicle-Stimulating Factor Reflects their Germ-Lineage Origin and Multi Germ Layer Differentiation Potential. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:120-132. [PMID: 35986128 PMCID: PMC9823037 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are a dormant population of development early stem cells deposited in adult tissues that as demonstrated contribute to tissue/organ repair and regeneration. We postulated developmental relationship of these cells to migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) and explained the quiescent state of these cells by the erasure of differently methylated regions (DMRs) at some of the paternally imprinted genes involved in embryogenesis. Recently, we reported that VSELs began to proliferate and expand in vivo in murine bone marrow (BM) after exposure to nicotinamide (NAM) and selected pituitary and gonadal sex hormones. In the current report, we performed proteomic analysis of VSELs purified from murine bone marrow (BM) after repeated injections of NAM + Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that in our previous studies turned out to be an effective combination to expand these cells. By employing the Gene Ontology (GO) resources, we have performed a combination of standard GO annotations (GO-CAM) to produce a network between BM steady-state conditions VSELs (SSC-VSELS) and FSH + NAM expanded VSELs (FSH + NAM VSELs). We have identified several GO biological processes regulating development, organogenesis, gene expression, signal transduction, Wnt signaling, insulin signaling, cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, inhibiting apoptosis, responses to extra- and intracellular stimuli, protein transport and stabilization, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination, DNA repair, immune response, and regulation of circadian rhythm. We report that VSELs express a unique panel of proteins that only partially overlapped with the proteome of BM - derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic mononuclear cells (MNCs) and respond to FSH + NAM stimulation by expressing proteins involved in the development of all three germ layers. Thus, our current data supports further germ-lineage origin and multi germ layer differentiation potential of these cells.
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A cryo-fixation protocol to study the structure of the synaptonemal complex. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:385-400. [PMID: 35486207 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-022-09689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variability in sexually reproducing organisms results from an exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. The genetic exchange mechanism is dependent on the synaptonemal complex (SC), a protein structure localized between the homologous chromosomes. The current structural models of the mammalian SC are based on electron microscopy, superresolution, and expansion microscopy studies using chemical fixatives and sample dehydration of gonads, which are methodologies known to produce structural artifacts. To further analyze the structure of the SC, without chemical fixation, we have adapted a cryo-fixation method for electron microscopy where pachytene cells are isolated from mouse testis by FACS, followed by cryo-fixation, cryo-substitution, and electron tomography. In parallel, we performed conventional chemical fixation and electron tomography on mouse seminiferous tubules to compare the SC structure obtained with the two fixation methods. We found several differences in the structure and organization of the SC in cryo-fixed samples when compared to chemically preserved samples. We found the central region of the SC to be wider and the transverse filaments to be more densely packed in the central region of the SC.
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Tian M, Cai X, Liu Y, Liucong M, Howard-Till R. A practical reference for studying meiosis in the model ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:595-608. [PMID: 37078080 PMCID: PMC10077211 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a critical cell division program that produces haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. Abnormalities in meiosis are often causes of infertility and birth defects (e.g., Down syndrome). Most organisms use a highly specialized zipper-like protein complex, the synaptonemal complex (SC), to guide and stabilize pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis. Although the SC is critical for meiosis in many eukaryotes, there are organisms that perform meiosis without a functional SC. However, such SC-less meiosis is poorly characterized. To understand the features of SC-less meiosis and its adaptive significance, the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena was selected as a model. Meiosis research in Tetrahymena has revealed intriguing aspects of the regulatory programs utilized in its SC-less meiosis, yet additional efforts are needed for obtaining an in-depth comprehension of mechanisms that are associated with the absence of SC. Here, aiming at promoting a wider application of Tetrahymena for meiosis research, we introduce basic concepts and core techniques for studying meiosis in Tetrahymena and then suggest future directions for expanding the current Tetrahymena meiosis research toolbox. These methodologies could be adopted for dissecting meiosis in poorly characterized ciliates that might reveal novel features. Such data will hopefully provide insights into the function of the SC and the evolution of meiosis from a unique perspective. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00149-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tian
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Xia Cai
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Mingmei Liucong
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Rachel Howard-Till
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
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Lv Y, Lu G, Cai Y, Su R, Liang L, Wang X, Mu W, He X, Huang T, Ma J, Zhao Y, Chen ZJ, Xue Y, Liu H, Chan WY. RBM46 is essential for gametogenesis and functions in post-transcriptional roles affecting meiotic cohesin subunits. Protein Cell 2022; 14:51-63. [PMID: 36726756 PMCID: PMC9871953 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RBM46 is a germ cell-specific RNA-binding protein required for gametogenesis, but the targets and molecular functions of RBM46 remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that RBM46 binds at specific motifs in the 3'UTRs of mRNAs encoding multiple meiotic cohesin subunits and show that RBM46 is required for normal synaptonemal complex formation during meiosis initiation. Using a recently reported, high-resolution technique known as LACE-seq and working with low-input cells, we profiled the targets of RBM46 at single-nucleotide resolution in leptotene and zygotene stage gametes. We found that RBM46 preferentially binds target mRNAs containing GCCUAU/GUUCGA motifs in their 3'UTRs regions. In Rbm46 knockout mice, the RBM46-target cohesin subunits displayed unaltered mRNA levels but had reduced translation, resulting in the failed assembly of axial elements, synapsis disruption, and meiotic arrest. Our study thus provides mechanistic insights into the molecular functions of RBM46 in gametogenesis and illustrates the power of LACE-seq for investigations of RNA-binding protein functions when working with low-abundance input materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Liang Liang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiuqing He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yueran Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250012, China,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Kazi S, Castañeda JM, Savolainen A, Xu Y, Liu N, Qiao H, Ramirez‐Solis R, Nozawa K, Yu Z, Matzuk MM, Prunskaite‐Hyyryläinen R. MRNIP interacts with sex body chromatin to support meiotic progression, spermatogenesis, and male fertility in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22479. [PMID: 35920200 PMCID: PMC9544956 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101168rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis has a principal role in sexual reproduction to generate haploid gametes in both sexes. During meiosis, the cell nucleus hosts a dynamic environment where some genes are transcriptionally activated, and some are inactivated at the same time. This becomes possible through subnuclear compartmentalization. The sex body, sequestering X and Y chromosomes during male meiosis and creating an environment for the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is one of the best known and studied subnuclear compartments. Herein, we show that MRNIP forms droplet-like accumulations that fuse together to create a distinct subnuclear compartment that partially overlaps with the sex body chromatin during diplotene. We demonstrate that Mrnip-/- spermatocytes have impaired DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, they display reduced sex body formation and defective MSCI. We show that Mrnip-/- undergoes critical meiocyte loss at the diplotene stage. Furthermore, we determine that DNA DSBs (induced by SPO11) and synapsis initiation (facilitated by SYCP1) precede Mrnip expression in testes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to an emerging role in DNA DSB repair, MRNIP has an essential function in spermatogenesis during meiosis I by forming drop-like accumulations interacting with the sex body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Kazi
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | | | - Audrey Savolainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Yiding Xu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Qian B, Li Y, Yan R, Han S, Bu Z, Gong J, Zheng B, Yuan Z, Ren S, He Q, Zhang J, Xu C, Wang R, Sun Z, Lin M, Zhou J, Ye L. RNA binding protein RBM46 regulates mitotic-to-meiotic transition in spermatogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2945. [PMID: 36001654 PMCID: PMC9401620 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis entry during spermatogenesis requires reprogramming from mitotic to meiotic gene expression profiles. Transcriptional regulation has been extensively studied in meiosis entry, but gain of function for master transcription factors is insufficient to down-regulate mitotic genes. RNA helicase YTHDC2 and its partner MEIOC emerge as essential posttranscriptional regulators of meiotic entry. However, it is unclear what governs the RNA binding specificity of YTHDC2/MEIOC. Here, we identified RNA binding protein RBM46 as a component of the YTHDC2/MEIOC complex. Testis-specific Rbm46 knockout in mice causes infertility with defective mitotic-to-meiotic transition, phenocopying global Ythdc2 or Meioc knockout. RBM46 binds to 3' UTR of mitotic transcripts within 100 nucleotides from YTHDC2 U-rich motifs and targets these transcripts for degradation. Dysregulated RBM46 expression is associated with human male fertility disorders. These findings establish the RBM46/YTHDC2/MEIOC complex as the major posttranscriptional regulator responsible for down-regulating mitotic transcripts during meiosis entry in mammalian spermatogenesis, with implications for understanding meiosis-related fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baomei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruoyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shenglin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiwen Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Sen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Multi-color dSTORM microscopy in Hormad1-/- spermatocytes reveals alterations in meiotic recombination intermediates and synaptonemal complex structure. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010046. [PMID: 35857787 PMCID: PMC9342782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinases RAD51 and its meiosis-specific paralog DMC1 accumulate on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of programmed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in meiosis. Here we used three-color dSTORM microscopy, and a mouse model with severe defects in meiotic DSB formation and synapsis (Hormad1-/-) to obtain more insight in the recombinase accumulation patterns in relation to repair progression. First, we used the known reduction in meiotic DSB frequency in Hormad1-/- spermatocytes to be able to conclude that the RAD51/DMC1 nanofoci that preferentially localize at distances of ~300 nm form within a single DSB site, whereas a second preferred distance of ~900 nm, observed only in wild type, represents inter-DSB distance. Next, we asked whether the proposed role of HORMAD1 in repair inhibition affects the RAD51/DMC1 accumulation patterns. We observed that the two most frequent recombinase configurations (1 DMC1 and 1 RAD51 nanofocus (D1R1), and D2R1) display coupled frequency dynamics over time in wild type, but were constant in the Hormad1-/- model, indicating that the lifetime of these intermediates was altered. Recombinase nanofoci were also smaller in Hormad1-/- spermatocytes, consistent with changes in ssDNA length or protein accumulation. Furthermore, we established that upon synapsis, recombinase nanofoci localized closer to the synaptonemal complex (SYCP3), in both wild type and Hormad1-/- spermatocytes. Finally, the data also revealed a hitherto unknown function of HORMAD1 in inhibiting coil formation in the synaptonemal complex. SPO11 plays a similar but weaker role in coiling and SYCP1 had the opposite effect. Using this large super-resolution dataset, we propose models with the D1R1 configuration representing one DSB end containing recombinases, and the other end bound by other ssDNA binding proteins, or both ends loaded by the two recombinases, but in below-resolution proximity. This may then often evolve into D2R1, then D1R2, and finally back to D1R1, when DNA synthesis has commenced. In order to correctly pair homologous chromosomes in the first meiotic prophase, repair of programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) is essential. By unravelling molecular details of the protein assemblies at single DSBs, using super-resolution microscopy, we aim to understand the dynamics of repair intermediates and their functions. We investigated the localization of the two recombinases RAD51 and DMC1 in wild type and HORMAD1-deficient cells. HORMAD1 is involved in multiple aspects of homologous chromosome association: it regulates formation and repair of DSBs, and it stimulates formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC), the macromolecular protein assembly that connects paired chromosomes. RAD51 and DMC1 enable chromosome pairing by promoting the invasions of the intact chromatids by single-stranded DNA ends that result from DSBs. We found that in absence of HORMAD1, RAD51 and DMC1 showed small but significant morphological and positional changes, combined with altered kinetics of specific RAD51/DMC1 configurations. We also determined that there is a generally preferred distance of ~900 nm between meiotic DSBs along the SC. Finally, we observed changes in the structure of the SC in Hormad1-/- spermatocytes. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular details of meiotic homologous recombination and the role of HORMAD1 in meiotic prophase.
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Dang H, Martin‐Villalba A, Schiebel E. Centrosome linker protein C-Nap1 maintains stem cells in mouse testes. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53805. [PMID: 35599622 PMCID: PMC9253759 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrosome linker component C-Nap1 (encoded by CEP250) anchors filaments to centrioles that provide centrosome cohesion by connecting the two centrosomes of an interphase cell into a single microtubule organizing unit. The role of the centrosome linker during development of an animal remains enigmatic. Here, we show that male CEP250-/- mice are sterile because sperm production is abolished. Premature centrosome separation means that germ stem cells in CEP250-/- mice fail to establish an E-cadherin polarity mark and are unable to maintain the older mother centrosome on the basal site of the seminiferous tubules. This failure prompts premature stem cell differentiation in expense of germ stem cell expansion. The concomitant induction of apoptosis triggers the complete depletion of germ stem cells and consequently infertility. Our study reveals a role for centrosome cohesion in asymmetric cell division, stem cell maintenance, and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairuo Dang
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität HeidelbergDeutsches Krebsforschungszentrum‐ZMBH AllianzUniversität HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS)Universität HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ana Martin‐Villalba
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum‐ZMBH AllianzUniversität HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Elmar Schiebel
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität HeidelbergDeutsches Krebsforschungszentrum‐ZMBH AllianzUniversität HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
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Abstract
Meiosis is critical for germ cell development in multicellular organisms. Initiation of meiosis coincides with pre-meiotic S phase, which is followed by meiotic prophase, a prolonged G2 phase that ensures numerous meiosis-specific chromosome events. Meiotic prophase is accompanied by robust alterations of gene expression. In mouse germ cells, MEIOSIN and STRA8 direct cell cycle switch from mitosis to meiosis. MEIOSIN and STRA8 coordinate meiotic initiation with cell cycle, by activating the meiotic genes to have meiotic prophase program installed at S phase. This review mainly focuses on the mechanism of meiotic initiation in mouse germ cells from the viewpoint of the transcription of meiotic genes. Furthermore, signaling pathways that regulate meiotic initiation will be discussed in the context of germ cell development, pointing out the sexual differences in the mode of meiotic initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Xia Q, Dang J, Wang P, Liang S, Wei X, Li X, Xiang S, Sun H, Wu D, Jing D, Wang S, Xia Y, He Q, Guo Q, Liang G. Low Female Gametophyte Fertility Contributes to the Low Seed Formation of the Diploid Loquat [ Eriobotrya Japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] Line H30-6. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:882965. [PMID: 35677248 PMCID: PMC9168767 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.882965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Loquat is a widely grown subtropic fruit because of its unique ripening season, nutrient content, and smooth texture of its fruits. However, loquat is not well-received because the fruits contain many large seeds. Therefore, the development of seedless or few-seed loquat varieties is the main objective of loquat breeding. Polyploidization is an effective approach for few-seed loquat breeding, but the resource is rare. The few-seed loquat line H30-6 was derived from a seedy variety. Additionally, H30-6 was systematically studied for its fruit characteristics, gamete fertility, pollen mother cell (PMC) meiosis, stigma receptivity, in situ pollen germination, fruit set, and karyotype. The results were as follows. (1) H30-6 produced only 1.54 seeds per fruit and the fruit edible rate was 70.77%. The fruit setting rate was 14.44% under open pollination, and the other qualities were equivalent to those of two other seedy varieties. (2) The in vitro pollen germination rate was only 4.04 and 77.46% of the H30-6 embryo sacs were abnormal. Stigma receptivity and self-compatibility in H30-6 were verified by in situ pollen germination and artificial pollination. Furthermore, the seed numbers in the fruits of H30-6 did not significantly differ among any of the pollination treatments (from 1.59 ±0.14 to 2 ± 0.17). (3) The chromosome configuration at meiotic diakinesis of H30-6 was 6.87I + 9.99II + 1.07III +0.69IV +0.24V (H30-6), and a total of 89.55% of H30-6 PMCs presented univalent chromosomes. Furthermore, chromosome lagging was the main abnormal phenomenon. Karyotype analysis showed that chromosomes of H30-6 had no recognizable karyotype abnormalities leading to unusual synapsis on the large scale above. (4) The abnormal embryo sacs of H30-6 could be divided into three main types: those remaining in the tetrad stage (13.38%), those remaining in the binucleate embryo sac stage (1.41%), and those without embryo sacs (52.82%). Therefore, we conclude that the loquat line H30-6 is a potential few-seed loquat resource. The diploid loquat line H30-6 was with low gametophyte fertility, which may be driven by abnormal meiotic synapses. The low female gamete fertility was the main reason for the few seeds. This diploid loquat line provides a new possibility for breeding a few-seed loquat at the diploid level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangbo Dang
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Senlin Liang
- Economic Crops of Ziyang City, Ziyang City, China
| | - Xu Wei
- America Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Suqiong Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Danlong Jing
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shumin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiao He
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qigao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guolu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Science for Southern Mountains Regions of Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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37
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Guan Y, Lin H, Leu NA, Ruthel G, Fuchs SY, Busino L, Luo M, Wang PJ. SCF ubiquitin E3 ligase regulates DNA double-strand breaks in early meiotic recombination. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5129-5144. [PMID: 35489071 PMCID: PMC9122608 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of meiotic DNA double strand breaks (DSB) is critical for germline genome integrity and homologous recombination. Here we demonstrate an essential role for SKP1, a constitutive subunit of the SCF (SKP1-Cullin-F-box) ubiquitin E3 ligase, in early meiotic processes. SKP1 restrains accumulation of HORMAD1 and the pre-DSB complex (IHO1-REC114-MEI4) on the chromosome axis in meiotic germ cells. Loss of SKP1 prior to meiosis leads to aberrant localization of DSB repair proteins and a failure in synapsis initiation in meiosis of both males and females. Furthermore, SKP1 is crucial for sister chromatid cohesion during the pre-meiotic S-phase. Mechanistically, FBXO47, a meiosis-specific F-box protein, interacts with SKP1 and HORMAD1 and targets HORMAD1 for polyubiquitination and degradation in HEK293T cells. Our results support a model wherein the SCF ubiquitin E3 ligase prevents hyperactive DSB formation through proteasome-mediated degradation of HORMAD1 and subsequent modulation of the pre-DSB complex during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjuan Guan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Huijuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Serge Y Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luca Busino
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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38
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Ravindranathan R, Raveendran K, Papanikos F, San-Segundo P, Tóth A. Chromosomal synapsis defects can trigger oocyte apoptosis without elevating numbers of persistent DNA breaks above wild-type levels. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:5617-5634. [PMID: 35580048 PMCID: PMC9177993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of haploid gametes depends on a modified version of homologous recombination in meiosis. Meiotic recombination is initiated by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) ends originating from programmed DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) that are generated by the topoisomerase-related SPO11 enzyme. Meiotic recombination involves chromosomal synapsis, which enhances recombination-mediated DSB repair, and thus, crucially contributes to genome maintenance in meiocytes. Synapsis defects induce oocyte apoptosis ostensibly due to unrepaired DSBs that persist in asynaptic chromosomes. In mice, SPO11-deficient oocytes feature asynapsis, apoptosis and, surprisingly, numerous foci of the ssDNA-binding recombinase RAD51, indicative of DSBs of unknown origin. Hence, asynapsis is suggested to trigger apoptosis due to inefficient DSB repair even in mutants that lack programmed DSBs. By directly detecting ssDNAs, we discovered that RAD51 is an unreliable marker for DSBs in oocytes. Further, SPO11-deficient oocytes have fewer persistent ssDNAs than wild-type oocytes. These observations suggest that oocyte quality is safeguarded in mammals by a synapsis surveillance mechanism that can operate without persistent ssDNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ravindranathan
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kavya Raveendran
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frantzeskos Papanikos
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Pedro A San-Segundo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Attila Tóth
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 351 458 6467; Fax: +49 351 458 6305;
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39
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Ali H, Unar A, Zubair M, Dil S, Ullah F, Khan I, Hussain A, Shi Q. In silico analysis of a novel pathogenic variant c.7G > A in C14orf39 gene identified by WES in a Pakistani family with azoospermia. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:719-730. [PMID: 35305148 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a multifactorial disorder that affects approximately 12% of couples of childbearing ages worldwide. Few studies have been conducted to understand the genetic causes of infertility in depth. The synaptonemal complex (SC), which is essential for the progression of meiosis, is a conserved tripartite structure that binds homologous chromosomes together and is thus required for fertility. This study investigated genetic causes of infertility in a Pakistani consanguineous family containing two patients suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We performed whole-exome sequencing, followed by Sanger sequencing, and identified a novel pathogenic variant (c.7G > A [p.D3N]) in the SC coding gene C14orf39, which was recessively co-segregated with NOA. In silico analysis revealed that charges on wild-type residues were lost, which may result in loss of interactions with other molecules and residues, and a reduction in protein stability occurred, which was caused by the p.D3N mutation. The novel variant generated the mutant protein C14ORF39D3N, and homozygous mutations in C14orf39 resulted in NOA. The transcriptome profile of C14ORF39 shows that it is specifically expressed in early brain development, which suggests that research in this area is required to study other functions of C14ORF39 in addition to its role in the germline. This research highlights the conserved role of C14orf39/SIX6OS1 in assembly of the SC and its indispensable role in facilitating genetic diagnosis in patients with infertility, which may enable the development of future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Ali
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, 19120, Pakistan
| | - Ihsan Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ansar Hussain
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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40
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Zhang J, Zhou X, Wan D, Yu L, Chen X, Yan T, Wu Z, Zheng M, Zhu F, Zhu H. TMPRSS12 Functions in Meiosis and Spermiogenesis and Is Required for Male Fertility in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:757042. [PMID: 35547804 PMCID: PMC9081376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.757042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are involved in many physiological activities as initiators of proteolytic cascades, and some members have been reported to play roles in male reproduction. Transmembrane serine protease 12 (TMPRSS12) has been shown to regulate sperm motility and uterotubal junction migration in mice, but its role in the testis remains unknown. In this study, we verified that TMPRSS12 was expressed in the spermatocytes and spermatids of testis and the acrosome of sperm. Mice deficient in Tmprss12 exhibited male sterility. In meiosis, TMPRSS12 was demonstrated to regulate synapsis and double-strand break repair; spermatocytes of Tmprss12−/− mice underwent impaired meiosis and subsequent apoptosis, resulting in reduced sperm counts. During spermiogenesis, TMPRSS12 was found to function in the development of mitochondria; abnormal mitochondrial structure in Tmprss12−/− sperm led to reduced availability of ATP, impacting sperm motility. The differential protein expression profiles of testes in Tmprss12−/− and wild-type mice and further molecule identification revealed potential targets of TMPRSS12 related to meiosis and mitochondrial function. Besides, TMPRSS12 was also found to be involved in a series of sperm functions, including capacitation, acrosome reaction and sperm-egg interaction. These data imply that TMPRSS12 plays a role in multiple aspects of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danyang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meimei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center of No. 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Zhu,
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41
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Nabi S, Askari M, Rezaei-Gazik M, Salehi N, Almadani N, Tahamtani Y, Totonchi M. A rare frameshift mutation in SYCP1 is associated with human male infertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6563198. [PMID: 35377450 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper assembly of the synaptonemal complex is essential for successful meiosis, and impairments in the process lead to infertility. Meiotic transverse filament proteins encoded by the SYCP1 (synaptonemal complex protein 1) gene are one of the main components of the synaptonemal complex and play an important role in correct synapsis and recombination. Family-based whole exome sequencing revealed a rare homozygous SYCP1 frameshift mutation (c.2892delA: p.K967Nfs*1) in two men with severe oligozoospermia, followed by validation and segregation through Sanger sequencing. This single nucleotide deletion not only changes lysine 967 (K) into asparagine (N) but also causes a premature stop codon, which leads to deletion of 968-976 residues from the end of the C-tail region of the SYCP1 protein. Although, sycp1 knockout male mice are reported to be sterile with a complete lack of spermatids and spermatozoa, to date no SYCP1 variant has been associated with human oligozoospermia. HADDOCK analysis indicated that this mutation decreases the ability of the truncated SYCP1 protein to bind DNA. Immunodetection of ϒH2AX signal, in SYCP1 mutant semen cells and a 40% DNA fragmentation index might indicate that a small number of DNA double-strand breaks, which require SYCP1 and/or synapsis to be repaired, are not efficiently repaired, resulting in defects in differentiation of germline cells and appearance of the oligozoospermia phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of homozygous SYCP1 mutation that decreases sperm count. Further studies are required to determine the function of the SYCP1 mutation, which is potentially associated with human oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Nabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masomeh Askari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezaei-Gazik
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Tahamtani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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42
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Loss, Gain, and Retention: Mechanisms Driving Late Prophase I Chromosome Remodeling for Accurate Meiotic Chromosome Segregation. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030546. [PMID: 35328099 PMCID: PMC8949218 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To generate gametes, sexually reproducing organisms need to achieve a reduction in ploidy, via meiosis. Several mechanisms are set in place to ensure proper reductional chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division (MI), including chromosome remodeling during late prophase I. Chromosome remodeling after crossover formation involves changes in chromosome condensation and restructuring, resulting in a compact bivalent, with sister kinetochores oriented to opposite poles, whose structure is crucial for localized loss of cohesion and accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we review the general processes involved in late prophase I chromosome remodeling, their regulation, and the strategies devised by different organisms to produce bivalents with configurations that promote accurate segregation.
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43
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Xiong M, Zhou S, Feng S, Gui Y, Li J, Wu Y, Dong J, Yuan S. UHRF1 is indispensable for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and interacts with the DNA damage response pathway in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:168-182. [PMID: 35284939 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During male meiosis, the constitutively unsynapsed XY chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), and the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is critical for MSCI establishment. Our previous study showed that UHRF1(ubiquitin-like, with PHD and ring finger domains 1) deletion led to meiotic arrest and male infertility; however, the underlying mechanisms of UHRF1 in the regulation of meiosis remain unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1 is required for MSCI and cooperates with the DDR pathway in male meiosis. UHRF1-deficient spermatocytes display aberrant pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage. In addition, UHRF1 deficiency leads to aberrant recruitment of ATR and FANCD2 on the sex chromosomes and disrupts the diffusion of ATR to the XY chromatin. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1 acts as a cofactor of BRCA1 to facilitate the recruitment of DDR factors onto sex chromosomes for MSCI establishment. Accordingly, deletion of UHRF1 leads to the failure of meiotic silencing on sex chromosomes, resulting in meiotic arrest. In addition to our previous findings, the present study reveals that UHRF1 participates in MSCI, ensuring the progression of male meiosis. This suggests a multifunctional role of UHRF1 in the male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.,Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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44
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Davila RA, Spiller C, Harkins D, Harvey T, Jordan PW, Gronostajski RM, Piper M, Bowles J. Deletion of NFIX results in defective progression through meiosis within the mouse testis. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1191-1205. [PMID: 35243487 PMCID: PMC9198952 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the nuclear factor I (NFI) family are key regulators of stem cell biology during development, with well-documented roles for NFIA, NFIB, and NFIX in a variety of developing tissues, including brain, muscle, and lung. Given the central role these factors play in stem cell biology, we posited that they may be pivotal for spermatogonial stem cells or further developing spermatogonia during testicular development. Surprisingly, in stark contrast to other developing organ systems where NFI members are co-expressed, these NFI family members show discrete patterns of expression within the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells (spermatogenic supporting cells) express NFIA, spermatocytes express NFIX, round spermatids express NFIB, and peritubular myoid cells express each of these three family members. Further analysis of NFIX expression during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium revealed expression not in spermatogonia, as we anticipated, but in spermatocytes. These data suggested a potential role for NFIX in spermatogenesis. To investigate, we analyzed mice with constitutive deletion of Nfix (Nfix-null). Assessment of germ cells in the postnatal day 20 (P20) testes of Nfix-null mice revealed that spermatocytes initiate meiosis, but zygotene stage spermatocytes display structural defects in the synaptonemal complex, and increased instances of unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks. Many developing spermatocytes in the Nfix-null testis exhibited multinucleation. As a result of these defects, spermatogenesis is blocked at early diplotene and very few round spermatids are produced. Collectively, these novel data establish the global requirement for NFIX in correct meiotic progression during the first wave of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Ayala Davila
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Danyon Harkins
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Tracey Harvey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard M Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
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45
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Lingg L, Rottenberg S, Francica P. Meiotic Genes and DNA Double Strand Break Repair in Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:831620. [PMID: 35251135 PMCID: PMC8895043 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells show widespread genetic alterations that change the expression of genes driving tumor progression, including genes that maintain genomic integrity. In recent years, it has become clear that tumors frequently reactivate genes whose expression is typically restricted to germ cells. As germ cells have specialized pathways to facilitate the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes, their aberrant regulation influences how cancer cells repair DNA double strand breaks (DSB). This drives genomic instability and affects the response of tumor cells to anticancer therapies. Since meiotic genes are usually transcriptionally repressed in somatic cells of healthy tissues, targeting aberrantly expressed meiotic genes may provide a unique opportunity to specifically kill cancer cells whilst sparing the non-transformed somatic cells. In this review, we highlight meiotic genes that have been reported to affect DSB repair in cancers derived from somatic cells. A better understanding of their mechanistic role in the context of homology-directed DNA repair in somatic cancers may provide useful insights to find novel vulnerabilities that can be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Lingg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Rottenberg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
| | - Paola Francica
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
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46
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Hou D, Yao C, Xu B, Luo W, Ke H, Li Z, Qin Y, Guo T. Variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 Identified in Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:724-734. [PMID: 34718620 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) are the most severe diseases causing irreversible infertility in females and males, respectively. The contribution of synaptonemal complex (SC) gene variations in the pathogenesis of sporadic patients with POI and NOA has not been systematically illustrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of SC genes in the pathogenesis of sporadic POI and NOA. DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. INTERVENTION(S) The variations of SC genes were filtered in the in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations following recessive inheritance mode were selected according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effects of the variations were verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ACMG classification and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Two homozygous variations of C14ORF39 and 2 recessive variations of SYCE1 were first identified in sporadic patients with POI and NOA, respectively. Functional studies showed the C14ORF39 variations significantly accelerated the protein degradation and the variations in SYCE1 disrupted its interaction with SYCP1 or C14ORF39, both of which affected SC assembly and meiosis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identified novel pathogenic variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 in sporadic patients with POI or NOA, highlighting the essential role of SC genes in the maintenance of ovarian and testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
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Rouen A, Rogers E, Kerlan V, Delemer B, Catteau-Jonard S, Reznik Y, Gompel A, Cedrin I, Guedj AM, Grouthier V, Brue T, Pienkowski C, Bachelot A, Chantot-Bastaraud S, Rousseau A, Simon T, Kott E, Siffroi JP, Touraine P, Christin-Maitre S. Whole exome sequencing in a cohort of familial premature ovarian insufficiency cases reveals a broad array of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 50% of families. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:843-853. [PMID: 35115167 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the diagnostic yield, including variants in genes yet to be incriminated, of whole exome sequencing (WES) in familial cases of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Endocrinology and reproductive medicine teaching hospital departments. PATIENTS Familial POI cases were recruited as part of a nationwide multicentric cohort. A total of 36 index cases in 36 different families were studied. Fifty-two relatives were available, including 25 with POI and 27 affectedwho were nonaffected. Karyotype analysis, FMR1 screening, single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis, and WES were performed in all subjects. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was a molecular etiology, as diagnosed by karyotype, FMR1 screening, single nucleotide polymorphism array, and WES. RESULTS A likely molecular etiology (pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant) was identified in 18 of 36 index cases (50% diagnostic yield). In 12 families, we found a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene previously incriminated in POI, and in 6 families, we found a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in new candidate genes. Most of the variants identified were located in genes involved in cell division and meiosis (n = 11) or DNA repair (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS The genetic etiologic diagnosis in POI allows for genetic familial counseling, anticipated pregnancy planning, and ovarian tissue preservation or oocyte preservation. Identifying new genes may lead to future development of therapeutics in reproduction based on disrupted molecular pathways. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT 01177891.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Rouen
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Eli Rogers
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Kerlan
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Brigitte Delemer
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabète, Nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
| | | | - Yves Reznik
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Caen, France
| | - Anne Gompel
- Université de Paris, Unité de Gynécologie Médicale, Hôpital Port-Royal, France
| | - Isabelle Cedrin
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Jean Verdier, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Brue
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, Marseille, France, and Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille Medical Genetics, Institut Marseille Maladies Rares, Marseille, France
| | | | - Anne Bachelot
- Service d'Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Constitutif des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance et du Développement, Centre Constitutif du Centre des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Chantot-Bastaraud
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Rousseau
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de l'Est Parisien, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Tabassome Simon
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de l'Est Parisien, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Esther Kott
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Siffroi
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Service d'Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Constitutif des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance et du Développement, Centre Constitutif du Centre des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Christin-Maitre
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Unité INSERM U933, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Constitutif des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance et du Développement, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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Gao JG, Jiang Y, Zheng JT, Nie LW. Pubertal exposure to acrylamide disrupts spermatogenesis by interfering with meiotic progression in male mice. Toxicol Lett 2022; 358:80-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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49
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Wright WW. The Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in an Adult Testis by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896390. [PMID: 35721702 PMCID: PMC9203831 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the in vivo regulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in adult testes by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). To study adult mouse testes, we reversibly inhibited GDNF stimulation of SSCs via a chemical-genetic approach. This inhibition diminishes replication and increases differentiation of SSCs, and inhibition for 9 days reduces transplantable SSC numbers by 90%. With more sustained inhibition, all SSCs are lost, and testes eventually resemble human testes with Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome. This resemblance prompted us to ask if GDNF expression is abnormally low in these infertile human testes. It is. Expression of FGF2 and FGF8 is also reduced, but some SCO testes contain SSCs. To evaluate the possible rebuilding of an SSC pool depleted due to inadequate GDNF signaling, we inhibited and then restored signaling to mouse SSCs. Partial rebuilding occurred, suggesting GDNF as therapy for men with SCO syndrome.
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50
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Grunwald HA, Weitzel AJ, Cooper KL. Applications of and considerations for using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion systems in rodents. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:3-14. [PMID: 34949863 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic elements that are inherited at super-Mendelian frequencies could be used in a 'gene drive' to spread an allele to high prevalence in a population with the goal of eliminating invasive species or disease vectors. We recently demonstrated that the gene conversion mechanism underlying a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene drive is feasible in mice. Although substantial technical hurdles remain, overcoming these could lead to strategies that might decrease the spread of rodent-borne Lyme disease or eliminate invasive populations of mice and rats that devastate island ecology. Perhaps more immediately achievable at moderate gene conversion efficiency, applications in a laboratory setting could produce complex genotypes that reduce the time and cost in both dollars and animal lives compared with Mendelian inheritance strategies. Here, we discuss what we have learned from early efforts to achieve CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene conversion, potential for broader applications in the laboratory, current limitations, and plans for optimizing this potentially powerful technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Grunwald
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Weitzel
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly L Cooper
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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