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McClendon LK, Lanz RB, Panigrahi A, Gomez K, Bolt MJ, Liu M, Stossi F, Mancini MA, Dacso CC, Lonard DM, O'Malley BW. Transcriptional coactivation of NRF2 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts promotes resistance to oxidative stress. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 194:70-84. [PMID: 38969334 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
We recently discovered that steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) SRCs-1, 2 and 3, are abundantly expressed in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and their activation with the SRC small molecule stimulator MCB-613 improves cardiac function and dramatically lowers pro-fibrotic signaling in CFs post-myocardial infarction. These findings suggest that CF-derived SRC activation could be beneficial in the mitigation of chronic heart failure after ischemic insult. However, the cardioprotective mechanisms by which CFs contribute to cardiac pathological remodeling are unclear. Here we present studies designed to identify the molecular and cellular circuitry that governs the anti-fibrotic effects of an MCB-613 derivative, MCB-613-10-1, in CFs. We performed cytokine profiling and whole transcriptome and proteome analyses of CF-derived signals in response to MCB-613-10-1. We identified the NRF2 pathway as a direct MCB-613-10-1 therapeutic target for promoting resistance to oxidative stress in CFs. We show that MCB-613-10-1 promotes cell survival of anti-fibrotic CFs exposed to oxidative stress by suppressing apoptosis. We demonstrate that an increase in HMOX1 expression contributes to CF resistance to oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis via a mechanism involving SRC co-activation of NRF2, hence reducing inflammation and fibrosis. We provide evidence that MCB-613-10-1 acts as a protectant against oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage. Our data reveal that SRC stimulation of the NRF2 transcriptional network promotes resistance to oxidative stress and highlights a mechanistic approach toward addressing pathologic cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K McClendon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Rainer B Lanz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Anil Panigrahi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Kristan Gomez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Michael J Bolt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Michael A Mancini
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Clifford C Dacso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - David M Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
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Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Robinson BR, Molloy M, Krisp C, Velkov T, Casagranda F, Dominado N, Silva Balbin Villaverde AI, Zhang XD, Hime GR, Baker MA. The role of HnrnpF/H as a driver of oligoteratozoospermia. iScience 2024; 27:110198. [PMID: 39092172 PMCID: PMC11292545 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110198] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Male subfertility or infertility is a common condition often characterized by men producing a low number of sperm with poor quality. To gain insight into this condition, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of semen samples obtained from infertile and fertile men. At least 6 proteins showed significant differences in regulation of alternatively spliced isoforms. To investigate this link between aberrant alternative splicing and production of poor-quality spermatozoa, we overexpressed the hnrnpH/F-orthologue Glorund (Glo) in Drosophila, which was also found to be abundant in poor quality human sperm. Transgenic animals produced low numbers of morphologically defective spermatozoa and aberrant formation of the "dense body," an organelle akin to the mammalian manchette. Furthermore, fertility trials demonstrated that transgenic flies were either completely infertile or highly subfertile. These findings suggest that dysregulation of hnrnpH/F is likely to result in the production of low-quality semen, leading to subfertility or infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K. Netherton
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Ogle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Benjamin R. Robinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mark Molloy
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection & Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Franca Casagranda
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nicole Dominado
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mark A. Baker
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Wei T, Mo L, Wu Z, Zou T, Huang J. Gonadal transcriptome analysis of genes related to sex differentiation and sex development in the Pomacea canaliculata. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101235. [PMID: 38631127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
As an invasive alien animal, Pomacea canaliculata poses a great danger to the ecology and human beings. Recently, there has been a gradual shift towards bio-friendly control. Based on the development of RNA interference and CRISPR technology as molecular regulatory techniques for pest control, it was determined if the knockout of genes related to sex differentiation in P. canaliculata could induce sterility, thereby helping in population control. However, the knowledge of sex differentiation- and development-related genes in P. canaliculata is currently lacking. Here, transcriptomic approaches were used to study the genes expressed in the two genders of P. canaliculata at various developmental stages. Gonad transcriptomes of immature or mature males and females were compared, revealing 12,063 genes with sex-specific expression, of which 6066 were male- and 5997 were female-specific. Among the latter, 581 and 235 genes were up-regulated in immature and mature females, respectively. The sex-specific expressed genes identified included GnRHR2 and TSSK3 in males and ZAR1 and WNT4 in females. Of the genes, six were involved in reproduction: CCNBLIP1, MND1, DMC1, DLC1, MRE11, and E(sev)2B. Compared to immature snail gonads, the expression of HSP90 and CDK1 was markedly reduced in gonadal. It was hypothesized that the two were associated with the development of females. These findings provided new insights into crucial genetic information on sex differentiation and development in P. canaliculata. Additionally, some candidate genes were explored, which can contribute to future studies on controlling P. canaliculata using molecular regulatory techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China
| | - Lili Mo
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China
| | - Zhengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China
| | - Tongxiang Zou
- College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China.
| | - Jinlong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China.
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Zhang P, Zhang F, Sui H, Yang X, Ji Y, Zheng S, Li W, Cheng K, Wang C, Jiao J, Zhang X, Cao Z, Zhang Y. Characterization of sexual maturity-associated N6-methyladenosine in boar testes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:447. [PMID: 38714941 PMCID: PMC11075296 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10343-w] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and size of the testes are crucial for boar fertility. Testicular development is tightly regulated by epigenetics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a prevalent internal modification on mRNA and plays an important role in development. The mRNA m6A methylation in boar testicular development still needs to be investigated. RESULTS Using the MeRIP-seq technique, we identify and profile m6A modification in boar testes between piglets and adults. The results showed 7783 distinct m6A peaks in piglets and 6590 distinct m6A peaks in adults, with 2,471 peaks shared between the two groups. Enrichment of GO and KEGG analysis reveal dynamic m6A methylation in various biological processes and signalling pathways. Meanwhile, we conjointly analyzed differentially methylated and expressed genes in boar testes before and after sexual maturity, and reproductive related genes (TLE4, TSSK3, TSSK6, C11ORF94, PATZ1, PHLPP1 and PAQR7) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that differential genes are associated with important biological functions, including regulation of growth and development, regulation of metabolic processes and protein catabolic processes. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that m6A methylation, differential expression and the related signalling pathways are crucial for boar testicular development. These results suggest a role for m6A modification in boar testicular development and provided a resource for future studies on m6A function in boar testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Heming Sui
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
- National Animal Husbandry Service, Beijing, 100125, China
| | - Xingyu Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yiming Ji
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Shenghao Zheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wei Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Kun Cheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Chonglong Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Anhui Haoyu Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Luan, 237451, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No.130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, China.
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Wang C, Ye T, Bao J, Dong J, Wang W, Li C, Ding H, Chen H, Wang X, Shi J. 5- methylcytidine effectively improves spermatogenesis recovery in busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176405. [PMID: 38341078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176405] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The function and regulatory mechanisms of 5-methylcytidine (m5C) in oligoasthenospermia remain unclear. In this study, we made a mouse model of oligoasthenospermia through the administration of busulfan (BUS). For the first time, we demonstrated that m5C levels decreased in oligoasthenospermia. The m5C levels were upregulated through the treatments of 5-methylcytidine. The testicular morphology and sperm concentrations were improved via upregulating m5C. The cytoskeletal regenerations of testis and sperm were accompanying with m5C treatments. m5C treatments improved T levels and reduced FSH and LH levels. The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly reduced through m5C treatments. RNA sequencing analysis showed m5C treatments increased the expression of genes involved in spermatid differentiation/development and cilium movement. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated the regeneration of cilium and quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the high expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that the upregulation of m5C in oligoasthenospermia facilitates testicular morphology recovery and male infertility via multiple pathways, including cytoskeletal regeneration, hormonal levels, attenuating oxidative stress, spermatid differentiation/development and cilium movement. m5C may be a potential therapeutic agent for oligoasthenospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengniu Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Taowen Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Junze Bao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Jin Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Wenran Wang
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Hongping Ding
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China; Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China; Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China.
| | - Jianwu Shi
- Basic Medical Research Centre, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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Poikela N, Laetsch DR, Hoikkala V, Lohse K, Kankare M. Chromosomal Inversions and the Demography of Speciation in Drosophila montana and Drosophila flavomontana. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae024. [PMID: 38482698 PMCID: PMC10972691 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae024] [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] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal inversions may play a central role in speciation given their ability to locally reduce recombination and therefore genetic exchange between diverging populations. We analyzed long- and short-read whole-genome data from sympatric and allopatric populations of 2 Drosophila virilis group species, Drosophila montana and Drosophila flavomontana, to understand if inversions have contributed to their divergence. We identified 3 large alternatively fixed inversions on the X chromosome and one on each of the autosomes 4 and 5. A comparison of demographic models estimated for inverted and noninverted (colinear) chromosomal regions suggests that these inversions arose before the time of the species split. We detected a low rate of interspecific gene flow (introgression) from D. montana to D. flavomontana, which was further reduced inside inversions and was lower in allopatric than in sympatric populations. Together, these results suggest that the inversions were already present in the common ancestral population and that gene exchange between the sister taxa was reduced within inversions both before and after the onset of species divergence. Such ancestrally polymorphic inversions may foster speciation by allowing the accumulation of genetic divergence in loci involved in adaptation and reproductive isolation inside inversions early in the speciation process, while gene exchange at colinear regions continues until the evolving reproductive barriers complete speciation. The overlapping X inversions are particularly good candidates for driving the speciation process of D. montana and D. flavomontana, since they harbor strong genetic incompatibilities that were detected in a recent study of experimental introgression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Poikela
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Dominik R Laetsch
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ville Hoikkala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Konrad Lohse
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maaria Kankare
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Choi S, Hong SH, Han G, Cho C. Profiling of testis-specific or testis-predominant genes expressed in mouse male germ cell lines GC-1 and GC-2. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:279-287. [PMID: 38291311 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01488-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a tightly organized process that utilizes an intrinsic genetic program composed of germ cell-specific genes. Although mouse germ cell-related cell lines are available, few germ cell-specific genes have been comprehensively identified in such cell lines. OBJECTIVE We aimed to profile gene expression in the male mouse germ cell-related cell lines, GC-1 and GC-2, characterize their transcriptomic nature, and identify potential testis- or germ cell-specific or -predominant genes expressed in these cell lines. METHODS We performed profiling analysis of genes transcribed in the mouse germ cell-related cell lines, GC-1 and GC-2, using our previous microarray data together with public transcriptome information. We analyzed the expression of a number of the cell line genes predicted to be preferentially expressed in testis by RT-PCR. RESULTS We found that most testis-specific or -predominant mRNAs are not expressed in GC-1 and GC-2 cells, implying that these cell lines have lost their testis- or germ cell-specific genetic characteristics. RT-PCR analysis of genes predicted to be expressed in the cell lines with preferential testicular expression showed the testis-specific or -predominant expression of nine genes and verified four of them as being expressed in the germ cell lines. Among them, only cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 genes (Cdkn3) showed testis and germ cell specificity. CONCLUSION Our study provides extensive transcriptomic information to shed light on the limited testicular characteristics of the mouse male germ cell-derived cell lines, GC-1 and GC-2, and offers a list of germ cell line genes with testicular preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungho Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
- R&D Center, KYNOGEN Corp, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Seong Hyeon Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gwidong Han
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea.
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Mercado-Evans V, Chew C, Serchejian C, Saltzman A, Mejia ME, Zulk JJ, Cornax I, Nizet V, Patras KA. Tamm-Horsfall protein augments neutrophil NETosis during urinary tract infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578501. [PMID: 38370726 PMCID: PMC10871275 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Urinary neutrophils are a hallmark of urinary tract infection (UTI), yet the mechanisms governing their activation, function, and efficacy in controlling infection remain incompletely understood. Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP), the most abundant protein in urine, uses terminal sialic acids to bind an inhibitory receptor and dampen neutrophil inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that neutrophil modulation is an integral part of THP-mediated host protection. In a UTI model, THP-deficient mice showed elevated urinary tract bacterial burdens, increased neutrophil recruitment, and more severe tissue histopathological changes compared to WT mice. Furthermore, THP-deficient mice displayed impaired urinary NETosis during UTI. To investigate the impact of THP on NETosis, we coupled in vitro fluorescence-based NET assays, proteomic analyses, and standard and imaging flow cytometry with peripheral human neutrophils. We found that THP increases proteins involved in respiratory chain, neutrophil granules, and chromatin remodeling pathways, enhances NETosis in an ROS-dependent manner, and drives NET-associated morphologic features including nuclear decondensation. These effects were observed only in the presence of a NETosis stimulus and could not be solely replicated with equivalent levels of sialic acid alone. We conclude that THP is a critical regulator of NETosis in the urinary tract, playing a key role in host defense against UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claude Chew
- Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Camille Serchejian
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander Saltzman
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marlyd E. Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob J. Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ingrid Cornax
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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11
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Sutton C, Nozawa K, Kent K, Saltzman A, Leng M, Nagarajan S, Malovannaya A, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. Molecular dissection and testing of PRSS37 function through LC-MS/MS and the generation of a PRSS37 humanized mouse model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11374. [PMID: 37452050 PMCID: PMC10349139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The quest for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill for men still exists. Serine protease 37 (PRSS37) is a sperm-specific protein that when ablated in mice renders them sterile. In this study we sought to examine the molecular sequelae of PRSS37 loss to better understand its molecular function, and to determine whether human PRSS37 could rescue the sterility phenotype of knockout (KO) mice, allowing for a more appropriate model for drug molecule testing. To this end, we used CRISPR-EZ to create mice lacking the entire coding region of Prss37, used pronuclear injection to create transgenic mice expressing human PRSS37, intercrossed these lines to generate humanized mice, and performed LC-MS/MS of KO and control tissues to identify proteomic perturbances that could attribute a molecular function to PRSS37. We found that our newly generated Prss37 KO mouse line is sterile, our human transgene rescues the sterility phenotype of KO mice, and our proteomics data not only yields novel insight into the proteome as it evolves along the male reproductive tract, but also demonstrates the proteins significantly influenced by PRSS37 loss. In summary, we report vast biological insight including insight into PRSS37 function and the generation of a novel tool for contraceptive evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Saltzman
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mei Leng
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sureshbabu Nagarajan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Zhang X, Peng J, Wu M, Sun A, Wu X, Zheng J, Shi W, Gao G. Broad phosphorylation mediated by testis-specific serine/threonine kinases contributes to spermiogenesis and male fertility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2629. [PMID: 37149634 PMCID: PMC10164148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies elucidate a link between testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) and male infertility in mammals, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify a TSSK homolog in Drosophila, CG14305 (termed dTSSK), whose mutation impairs the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis and causes multiple phenotypic defects in nuclear shaping, DNA condensation, and flagellar organization in spermatids. Genetic analysis demonstrates that kinase catalytic activity of dTSSK, which is functionally conserved with human TSSKs, is essential for male fertility. Phosphoproteomics identify 828 phosphopeptides/449 proteins as potential substrates of dTSSK enriched primarily in microtubule-based processes, flagellar organization and mobility, and spermatid differentiation and development, suggesting that dTSSK phosphorylates various proteins to orchestrate postmeiotic spermiogenesis. Among them, the two substrates, protamine-like protein Mst77F/Ser9 and transition protein Mst33A/Ser237, are biochemically validated to be phosphorylated by dTSSK in vitro, and are genetically demonstrated to be involved in spermiogenesis in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that broad phosphorylation mediated by TSSKs plays an indispensable role in spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Angyang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Wangfei Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanjun Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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