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Ferrero G, Festa R, Follia L, Lettieri G, Tarallo S, Notari T, Giarra A, Marinaro C, Pardini B, Marano A, Piaggeschi G, Di Battista C, Trifuoggi M, Piscopo M, Montano L, Naccarati A. Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:12. [PMID: 38243211 PMCID: PMC10799426 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. METHODS Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. RESULTS Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Corso Svizzera, 185, 10149, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosaria Festa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Tarallo
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggeschi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Di Battista
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital, 84020, Oliveto Citra, Salerno, Italy.
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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Xu H, Zhang S, Duan Q, Lou M, Ling Y. Comprehensive analyses of 435 goat transcriptomes provides insight into male reproduction. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:127942. [PMID: 37979751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
A systematic analysis of genes related to reproduction is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie male reproductive traits in mammals. Here, we utilized 435 goat transcriptome datasets to unveil the testicular tissue-specific genes (TSGs), allele-specific expression (ASE) genes and their uncharacterized transcriptional features related to male goat reproduction. Results showed a total of 1790 TSGs were identified in goat testis, which was the most among all tissues. GO enrichment analyses suggested that testicular TSGs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis, multicellular organism development, spermatid development, and flagellated sperm motility. Subsequently, a total of 95 highly conserved TSGs (HCTSGs), 508 middle conserved TSGs (MCTSGs) and 42 no conserved TSGs (NCTSGs) were identified in goat testis. GO enrichment analyses suggested that the HCTSGs and MCTSGs has a more important association with male reproduction than NCTSGs. Additionally, we identified 644 ASE genes, including 88 tissue-specific ASE (TS-ASE) genes (e.g., FSIP2, TDRD9). GO enrichment analyses indicated that both ASE genes and TS-ASE genes were associated with goat male reproduction. Overall, this study revealed an extensive gene set involved in the regulation of male goat reproduction and their dynamic transcription patterns. Data reported here provide valuable insights for a further improvement of the economic benefits of goats as well as future treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Sihuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Qin Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Mengyu Lou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.
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Wei C, Yan X, Mann JM, Geng R, Xie H, Demireva EY, Sun L, Ding D, Chen C. PNLDC1 catalysis and postnatal germline function are required for piRNA trimming, LINE1 silencing, and spermatogenesis in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.26.573375. [PMID: 38234819 PMCID: PMC10793440 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.26.573375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical and conserved roles in transposon silencing and gene regulation in the animal germline. Two distinct piRNA populations are present during mouse spermatogenesis: pre-pachytene piRNAs in fetal/neonatal testes and pachytene piRNAs in adult testes. PNLDC1 is required for both pre-pachytene piRNA and pachytene piRNA 3' end maturation in multiple species. However, whether PNLDC1 is the bona fide piRNA trimmer and the physiological role of 3' trimming of two distinct piRNA populations in spermatogenesis remain unclear. Here, by inactivating Pnldc1 exonuclease activity in vitro and in mice, we reveal that PNLDC1 trimmer activity is required for both pre-pachytene piRNA and pachytene piRNA 3' end trimming and male fertility. Furthermore, conditional inactivation of Pnldc1 in postnatal germ cells causes LINE1 transposon de-repression and spermatogenic arrest in mice. This indicates that pachytene piRNA trimming, but not pre-pachytene piRNA trimming, is essential for mouse germ cell development and transposon silencing. Our findings highlight the potential of inhibiting germline piRNA trimmer activity as a potential means for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Yan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Elena Y. Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
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Glotov AS, Chernykh VB, Solovova OA, Polyakov AV, Donnikov MY, Kovalenko LV, Barbitoff YA, Nasykhova YA, Lazareva TE, Glotov OS. Russian Regional Differences in Allele Frequencies of CFTR Gene Variants: Genetic Monitoring of Infertile Couples. Genes (Basel) 2023; 15:45. [PMID: 38254935 PMCID: PMC10815393 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010045] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A male factor, commonly associated with poor semen quality, is revealed in about 50% of infertile couples. CFTR gene (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conduction Regulator) variants are one of the common genetic causes of azoospermia-related male infertility. Notably, the spectrum and frequency of pathogenic CFTR variants vary between populations and geographical regions. In this work, we made an attempt to evaluate the allele frequency (AF) of 12 common CFTR variants in infertile Russian men and healthy individuals from different districts of Russia. Because of the limited number of population-based studies on Russian individuals, we characterized the population AFs based on data from the Registry of Russian cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In addition to the CF patient registry, we estimated the local frequencies of the same set of variants based on the results of genotyping of CF patients in local biocollections (from St. Petersburg and Yugra regions). AFs of common CFTR variants calculated based on registry and biocollection data showed good concordance with directly measured population AFs. The estimated region-specific frequencies of CFTR variants allowed us to uncover statistically significant regional differences in the frequencies of the F508del (c.1521_1523del; p.Phe508del) and CFTRdele2,3(21kb) (c.54-5940_273+10250del21kb; p.Ser18ArgfsX) variants. The data from population-based studies confirmed previous observations that F508del, CFTRdele2,3(21kb), and L138ins (c.413_415dup; p.Leu138dup)variants are the most abundant among infertile patients, and their frequencies are significantly lower in healthy individuals and should be taken into account during genetic monitoring of the reproductive health of Russian individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey S. Glotov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (Y.A.N.); (O.S.G.)
| | | | - Olga A. Solovova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechie Street 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Maksim Yu. Donnikov
- Budgetary Institution of Highest Education of KHMAO-Yugra “Surgut State University”, 628400 Surgut, Russia; (M.Y.D.)
| | - Ludmila V. Kovalenko
- Budgetary Institution of Highest Education of KHMAO-Yugra “Surgut State University”, 628400 Surgut, Russia; (M.Y.D.)
| | - Yury A. Barbitoff
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (Y.A.N.); (O.S.G.)
| | - Yulia A. Nasykhova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (Y.A.N.); (O.S.G.)
| | - Tatyana E. Lazareva
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (Y.A.N.); (O.S.G.)
| | - Oleg S. Glotov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductology, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (Y.A.N.); (O.S.G.)
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Joshi M, Sethi S, Mehta P, Kumari A, Rajender S. Small RNAs, spermatogenesis, and male infertility: a decade of retrospect. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:106. [PMID: 37924131 PMCID: PMC10625245 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01155-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), being the top regulators of gene expression, have been thoroughly studied in various biological systems, including the testis. Research over the last decade has generated significant evidence in support of the crucial roles of sncRNAs in male reproduction, particularly in the maintenance of primordial germ cells, meiosis, spermiogenesis, sperm fertility, and early post-fertilization development. The most commonly studied small RNAs in spermatogenesis are microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (ts-RNAs). Small non-coding RNAs are crucial in regulating the dynamic, spatial, and temporal gene expression profiles in developing germ cells. A number of small RNAs, particularly miRNAs and tsRNAs, are loaded on spermatozoa during their epididymal maturation. With regard to their roles in fertility, miRNAs have been studied most often, followed by piRNAs and tsRNAs. Dysregulation of more than 100 miRNAs has been shown to correlate with infertility. piRNA and tsRNA dysregulations in infertility have been studied in only 3-5 studies. Sperm-borne small RNAs hold great potential to act as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility. In this article, we review the role of small RNAs in spermatogenesis, their association with infertility, and their potential as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Sethi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anamika Kumari
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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6
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Olotu O, Ahmedani A, Kotaja N. Small Non-Coding RNAs in Male Reproduction. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:213-225. [PMID: 38346711 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive functions are strictly regulated in order to maintain sperm production and fertility. All processes are controlled by precise regulation of gene expression, which creates specific gene expression programs for different developmental stages and cell types, and forms the functional basis for the reproductive system. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are involved in gene regulation by targeting mRNAs for translational repression and degradation through complementary base pairing to recognize their targets. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the function of different classes of sncRNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), during male germ cell differentiation, with the focus on sncRNAs expressed in the germline. Although transcriptionally inactive, mature spermatozoa contain a complex population of sncRNAs, and we also discuss the recently identified role of sperm sncRNAs in the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic information on father's environmental and lifestyle exposures to offspring. Finally, we summarize the current information on the utility of sncRNAs as potential biomarkers of infertility that may aid in the diagnosis and prediction of outcomes of medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Olotu
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ammar Ahmedani
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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7
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Fang Q, Bi X, Wei H, Liu S, Di J, Liu Y, Xu F, Wang B. A novel nonsense mutation of PNLDC1 associated with male infertility due to oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in a consanguineous Chinese family. QJM 2023; 116:866-868. [PMID: 37458503 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Q Fang
- Department of Reproduction, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - X Bi
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - H Wei
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - S Liu
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - J Di
- Department of Reproduction, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Reproduction, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - F Xu
- Department of Reproduction, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - B Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP)
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