1
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Tucker EJ, Sharp MF, Lokchine A, Bell KM, Palmer CS, Kline BL, Robevska G, van den Bergen J, Dulon J, Stojanovski D, Ayers KL, Touraine P, Crismani W, Jaillard S, Sinclair AH. Biallelic FANCA variants detected in sisters with isolated premature ovarian insufficiency. Clin Genet 2024; 106:321-335. [PMID: 38779778 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14543] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency is a common form of female infertility affecting up to 4% of women and characterised by amenorrhea with elevated gonadotropin before the age of 40. Oocytes require controlled DNA breakage and repair for homologous recombination and the maintenance of oocyte integrity. Biallelic disruption of the DNA damage repair gene, Fanconi anemia complementation group A (FANCA), is a common cause of Fanconi anaemia, a syndrome characterised by bone marrow failure, cancer predisposition, physical anomalies and POI. There is ongoing dispute about the role of heterozygous FANCA variants in POI pathogenesis, with insufficient evidence supporting causation. Here, we have identified biallelic FANCA variants in French sisters presenting with POI, including a novel missense variant of uncertain significance and a likely pathogenic deletion that initially evaded detection. Functional studies indicated no discernible effect on DNA damage sensitivity in patient lymphoblasts. These novel FANCA variants add evidence that heterozygous loss of one allele is insufficient to cause DNA damage sensitivity and POI. We propose that intragenic deletions, that are relatively common in FANCA, may be missed without careful analysis, and could explain the presumed causation of heterozygous variants. Accurate variant curation is critical to optimise patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena J Tucker
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael F Sharp
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Lokchine
- CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
- Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Katrina M Bell
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bioinformatics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine S Palmer
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brianna L Kline
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gorjana Robevska
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jocelyn van den Bergen
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jérôme Dulon
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Diana Stojanovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Wayne Crismani
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvie Jaillard
- CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
- Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Xu H, Zhang Y, Wang C, Fu Z, Lv J, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Qi Y, Meng K, Yuan J, Wang X. Research progress on the fanconi anemia signaling pathway in non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1393111. [PMID: 38846492 PMCID: PMC11153779 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a disease characterized by spermatogenesis failure and comprises phenotypes such as hypospermatogenesis, mature arrest, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Studies have shown that FA cross-linked anemia (FA) pathway is closely related to the occurrence of NOA. There are FA gene mutations in male NOA patients, which cause significant damage to male germ cells. The FA pathway is activated in the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links; the key step in activating this pathway is the mono-ubiquitination of the FANCD2-FANCI complex, and the activation of the FA pathway can repair DNA damage such as DNA double-strand breaks. Therefore, we believe that the FA pathway affects germ cells during DNA damage repair, resulting in minimal or even disappearance of mature sperm in males. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of FA-related genes in male azoospermia, with the aim of providing a theoretical reference for clinical research and exploration of related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohui Xu
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhuoyan Fu
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yufang Yang
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yuanmin Qi
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Kai Meng
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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3
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Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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4
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Shah P, Hill R, Dion C, Clark SJ, Abakir A, Willems J, Arends MJ, Garaycoechea JI, Leitch HG, Reik W, Crossan GP. Primordial germ cell DNA demethylation and development require DNA translesion synthesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3734. [PMID: 38702312 PMCID: PMC11068800 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47219-2] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in DNA damage response (DDR) factors are associated with human infertility, which affects up to 15% of the population. The DDR is required during germ cell development and meiosis. One pathway implicated in human fertility is DNA translesion synthesis (TLS), which allows replication impediments to be bypassed. We find that TLS is essential for pre-meiotic germ cell development in the embryo. Loss of the central TLS component, REV1, significantly inhibits the induction of human PGC-like cells (hPGCLCs). This is recapitulated in mice, where deficiencies in TLS initiation (Rev1-/- or PcnaK164R/K164R) or extension (Rev7 -/-) result in a > 150-fold reduction in the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and complete sterility. In contrast, the absence of TLS does not impact the growth, function, or homeostasis of somatic tissues. Surprisingly, we find a complete failure in both activation of the germ cell transcriptional program and in DNA demethylation, a critical step in germline epigenetic reprogramming. Our findings show that for normal fertility, DNA repair is required not only for meiotic recombination but for progression through the earliest stages of germ cell development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Shah
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Ross Hill
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Camille Dion
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, W12 0HS, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Stephen J Clark
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Abdulkadir Abakir
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jeroen Willems
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juan I Garaycoechea
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, W12 0HS, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Gerry P Crossan
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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5
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Bakhshalizadeh S, Bird AD, Sreenivasan R, Bell KM, Robevska G, van den Bergen J, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Kueh AJ, Touraine P, Lokchine A, Jaillard S, Ayers KL, Wilhelm D, Sinclair AH, Tucker EJ. A Human Homozygous HELQ Missense Variant Does Not Cause Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in a Mouse Model. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:333. [PMID: 38540391 PMCID: PMC10970702 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030333] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of meiosis and DNA repair genes is associated with female fertility disorders like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this study, we identified a homozygous missense variant in the HELQ gene (c.596 A>C; p.Gln199Pro) through whole exome sequencing in a POI patient, a condition associated with disrupted ovarian function and female infertility. HELQ, an enzyme involved in DNA repair, plays a crucial role in repairing DNA cross-links and has been linked to germ cell maintenance, fertility, and tumour suppression in mice. To explore the potential association of the HELQ variant with POI, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to create a knock-in mouse model harbouring the equivalent of the human HELQ variant identified in the POI patient. Surprisingly, Helq knock-in mice showed no discernible phenotype, with fertility levels, histological features, and follicle development similar to wild-type mice. Despite the lack of observable effects in mice, the potential role of HELQ in human fertility, especially in the context of POI, should not be dismissed. Larger studies encompassing diverse ethnic populations and alternative functional approaches will be necessary to further examine the role of HELQ in POI. Our results underscore the potential uncertainties associated with genomic variants and the limitations of in vivo animal modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Bakhshalizadeh
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anthony D. Bird
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.D.B.); (D.W.)
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular & Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Katrina M. Bell
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Gorjana Robevska
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Jocelyn van den Bergen
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi
- Biostatistics Unit, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitie Salpetriere Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University Medicine, 75013 Paris, France;
| | - Anna Lokchine
- IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), INSERM/EHESP/Univ Rennes/CHU Rennes–UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (A.L.); (S.J.)
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Jaillard
- IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), INSERM/EHESP/Univ Rennes/CHU Rennes–UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (A.L.); (S.J.)
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Katie L. Ayers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.D.B.); (D.W.)
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Elena J. Tucker
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
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6
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Cao L, He X, Ren J, Wen C, Guo T, Yang F, Qin Y, Chen ZJ, Zhao S, Yang Y. Novel compound heterozygous variants in FANCI cause premature ovarian insufficiency. Hum Genet 2024; 143:357-369. [PMID: 38483614 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02650-9] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common reproductive aging disorder due to a dramatic decline of ovarian function before 40 years of age. Accumulating evidence reveals that genetic defects, particularly those related to DNA damage response, are a crucial contributing factor to POI. We have demonstrated that the functional Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway maintains the rapid proliferation of primordial germ cells to establish a sufficient reproductive reserve by counteracting replication stress, but the clinical implications of this function in human ovarian function remain to be established. Here, we screened the FANCI gene, which encodes a key component for FA pathway activation, in our whole-exome sequencing database of 1030 patients with idiopathic POI, and identified two pairs of novel compound heterozygous variants, c.[97C > T];[1865C > T] and c.[158-2A > G];[c.959A > G], in two POI patients, respectively. The missense variants did not alter FANCI protein expression and nuclear localization, apart from the variant c.158-2A > G causing abnormal splicing and leading to a truncated mutant p.(S54Pfs*5). Furthermore, the four variants all diminished FANCD2 ubiquitination levels and increased DNA damage under replication stress, suggesting that the FANCI variants impaired FA pathway activation and replication stress response. This study first links replication stress response defects with the pathogenesis of human POI, providing a new insight into the essential roles of the FA genes in ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Cao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xinmiao He
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jiayi Ren
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Canxin Wen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yajuan Yang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, 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 Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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7
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Martirosyan YO, Silachev DN, Nazarenko TA, Birukova AM, Vishnyakova PA, Sukhikh GT. Stem-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Unlocking New Possibilities for Treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2247. [PMID: 38137848 PMCID: PMC10744991 DOI: 10.3390/life13122247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), achieving successful pregnancy rates remains challenging. Diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency hinder IVF success-about 20% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients face a poor prognosis due to a low response, leading to higher cancellations and reduced birth rates. In an attempt to address the issue of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), we conducted systematic PubMed and Web of Science research, using keywords "stem cells", "extracellular vesicles", "premature ovarian insufficiency", "diminished ovarian reserve" and "exosomes". Amid the complex ovarian dynamics and challenges like POI, stem cell therapy and particularly the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a great potential is shown. EVs trigger paracrine mechanisms via microRNAs and bioactive molecules, suppressing apoptosis, stimulating angiogenesis and activating latent regenerative potential. Key microRNAs influence estrogen secretion, proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Extracellular vesicles present a lot of possibilities for treating infertility, and understanding their molecular mechanisms is crucial for maximizing EVs' therapeutic potential in addressing ovarian disorders and promoting reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana O. Martirosyan
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Denis N. Silachev
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Department of Functional Biochemistry of Biopolymers, A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A. Nazarenko
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Almina M. Birukova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Polina A. Vishnyakova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennadiy T. Sukhikh
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
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8
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Zhao J, Zhang Y, Li W, Yao M, Liu C, Zhang Z, Wang C, Wang X, Meng K. Research progress of the Fanconi anemia pathway and premature ovarian insufficiency†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:570-585. [PMID: 37669135 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fanconi anemia pathway is a key pathway involved in the repair of deoxyribonucleic acidinterstrand crosslinking damage, which chiefly includes the following four modules: lesion recognition, Fanconi anemia core complex recruitment, FANCD2-FANCI complex monoubiquitination, and downstream events (nucleolytic incision, translesion synthesis, and homologous recombination). Mutations or deletions of multiple Fanconi anemia genes in this pathway can damage the interstrand crosslinking repair pathway and disrupt primordial germ cell development and oocyte meiosis, thereby leading to abnormal follicular development. Premature ovarian insufficiency is a gynecological clinical syndrome characterized by amenorrhea and decreased fertility due to decreased oocyte pool, accelerated follicle atresia, and loss of ovarian function in women <40 years old. Furthermore, in recent years, several studies have detected mutations in the Fanconi anemia gene in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. In addition, some patients with Fanconi anemia exhibit symptoms of premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. The Fanconi anemia pathway and premature ovarian insufficiency are closely associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Wenbo Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Mengmeng Yao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chuqi Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Kai Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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9
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Xu W, Yang Y, Yu Y, Wen C, Zhao S, Cao L, Zhao S, Qin Y, Chen ZJ. FAAP100 is required for the resolution of transcription-replication conflicts in primordial germ cells. BMC Biol 2023; 21:174. [PMID: 37580696 PMCID: PMC10426154 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01676-1] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maintenance of genome stability in primordial germ cells (PGCs) is crucial for the faithful transmission of genetic information and the establishment of reproductive reserve. Numerous studies in recent decades have linked the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway with fertility, particularly PGC development. However, the role of FAAP100, an essential component of the FA core complex, in germ cell development is unexplored. RESULTS We find that FAAP100 plays an essential role in R-loop resolution and replication fork protection to counteract transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs) during mouse PGC proliferation. FAAP100 deletion leads to FA pathway inactivation, increases TRCs as well as cotranscriptional R-loops, and contributes to the collapse of replication forks and the generation of DNA damage. Then, the activated p53 signaling pathway triggers PGC proliferation defects, ultimately resulting in insufficient establishment of reproductive reserve in both sexes of mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that FAAP100 is required for the resolution of TRCs in PGCs to safeguard their genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yajuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yongze Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Canxin Wen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Simin Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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10
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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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11
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Wang X, Chen ZJ. A decade of discovery: the stunning progress of premature ovarian insufficiency research in China. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:27-39. [PMID: 35639630 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of key aspects of ovarian infertility. Due to early cession of ovarian function, POI imposes great challenges on the physiological and psychological health of women, and becomes a common cause of female infertility. In the worldwide, there has been a special outpouring of concern for about four million reproductive-aged women suffering from POI in China. Driven by advances in new technologies and efforts invested by Chinses researchers, understanding about POI has constantly been progressing over the past decade. Here, we comprehensively summarize and review the landmark development and achievements from POI studies in China spanning 2011 to 2020, which aims to provide key insights from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Homozygous missense mutation in CCDC155 disrupts the transmembrane distribution of CCDC155 and SUN1, resulting in non-obstructive azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency in humans. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1795-1809. [PMID: 35587281 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02459-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) represent the most serious forms of human infertility caused by gametogenic failure. Although whole-exome sequencing (WES) has uncovered multiple monogenic causes of human infertility, our knowledge of the genetic basis of human gametogenesis defects remains at a rudimentary stage. Coiled-coil-domain-containing protein 155 (CCDC155) encodes a core component of the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex that is essential for modulating telomere-led chromosome movements during the meiotic prophase of mice. Additionally, Ccdc155 deficiency in mice causes infertility in both sexes with meiotic arrest. In this study, we applied WES to identify the pathogenic genes for 15 NOA and POI patients whose parents were consanguineous and identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in CCDC155 [c.590T>C (p.Leu197Pro)] in a pair of familial NOA and POI patients whose parents were first cousins. The affected spermatocytes were unable to complete meiotic division coupled with unresolved repair of the DNA double-strand break. This rare missense mutation with lesions in the conserved CC domain of CCDC155 blocked nuclear envelope (NE) distribution and subsequently prevented NE-specific enrichment of Sad1- and UNC84-domain-containing 1 either ex vivo or in vitro, eventually leading to disruptive NE anchoring of chromosome-induced meiotic arrest in both sexes. This study presents the first evidence of the necessity of the SUN1-CCDC155 complex during human meiosis and provides insight into the CCDC155 CC domain, thereby expanding the genetic spectrum of human NOA and POI and promoting adequate genetic counselling and appropriate fertility guidance for these patients.
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13
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Novel STAG3 variant associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian consanguineous family. Gene 2022; 821:146281. [PMID: 35176428 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146281] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) present the most severe forms of male and female infertility. In the last decade, the increasing use of whole exome sequencing (WES) in genomics studies of these conditions has led to the introduction of a number of novel genes and variants especially in meiotic genes with restricted expression to gonads. In this study, exome sequencing of a consanguineous Iranian family with one POI and two NOA cases in three siblings showed that all three patients were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 (NM_001282717.1:c.1942G > A: p.Ala648Thr; NM_001282717.1:c.1951_1953del: p. Leu652del). Both variants occur within a short proximity of each other affecting the relatively conserved armadillo-type fold superfamily feature. STAG3 is a specific meiotic cohesin complex component that interacts with the α-kleisin subunit through this feature. Protein homology modeling indicated that the in-frame deletion destabilizes kleisin biding by STAG3. Although the missense variant did not seem to affect the binding significantly, protein homology modeling suggests that it further destabilizes kleisin binding when in double homozygous state with the deletion. Our findings are in line with several other studies having associated deleterious variants affecting this region with male and female infertility in humans and mouse models. This is the first report associating an in-frame STAG3 variant with NOA and POI in a single family. SUMMARY SENTENCE: A patient with primary ovarian failure and her two brothers with non-obstructive azoospermia were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 that potentially disrupt the protein's meiotic functions.
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14
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Wang W, Meng L, He J, Su L, Li Y, Tan C, Xu X, Nie H, Zhang H, Du J, Lu G, Luo M, Lin G, Tu C, Tan YQ. Bi-allelic variants in SHOC1 cause non-obstructive azoospermia with meiosis arrest in humans and mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6575911. [PMID: 35485979 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac015] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is pivotal to gametogenesis and fertility. Meiotic recombination is a mandatory process that ensures faithful chromosome segregation and generates genetic diversity in gametes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by meiotic arrest is a common cause of male infertility and has many genetic origins, including chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletion and monogenic mutations. However, the genetic causes of the majority of NOA cases remain to be elucidated. Here, we report our findings of three Shortage in chiasmata 1 (SHOC1) bi-allelic variants in three NOA patients, of which two are homozygous for the same loss-of-function variant (c.231_232del: p. L78Sfs*9), and one is heterozygous for two different missense variants (c.1978G>A: p.A660T; c.4274G>A: p.R1425H). Testicular biopsy of one patient revealed impairment of spermatocyte maturation. Both germ-cell-specific and general Shoc1-knockout mice exhibited similar male infertility phenotypes. Subsequent analysis revealed comprehensive defects in homologous pairing and synapsis along with abnormal expression of DMC1, RAD51 and RPA2 in Shoc1-defective spermatocyte spreads. These findings imply that SHOC1 may have a presynaptic function during meiotic recombination apart from its previously identified role in crossover formation. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for the clinical relevance of SHOC1 mutations in patients with NOA and contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of SHOC1 during meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Jiaxin He
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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15
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Zhang H, Li W, Jiang Y, Li J, Chen M, Wang R, Zhao J, Peng Z, Huang H, Liu R. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Genes Associated With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872179. [PMID: 35495142 PMCID: PMC9043847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects nearly 1% of men; however, the landscape of the causative genes is largely unknown. Objective: To explore the genetic etiology which is the fundamental cause of NOA, a prospective case-control study and parental–proband trio linkage analysis were performed. Materials: A total of 133 patients with clinicopathological NOA and 343 fertile controls were recruited from a single large academic fertility center located in Northeast China; in addition, eleven trio families were available and enrolled. Results: Whole exome sequencing-based rare variant association study between the cases and controls was performed using the gene burden association testing. Linkage analysis on the trio families was also interrogated. In total, 648 genes were identified to be associated with NOA (three of which were previously reported), out of which six novel genes were found further associated based on the linkage analysis in the trio families, and involved in the meiosis-related network. Discussion and Conclusion: The six currently identified genes potentially account for a fraction (3.76%, 5 out of 133 patients) of the heritability of unidentified NOA, and combining the six novel genes and the three previously reported genes together would potentially account for an overall 6.77% (9 out of 133 patients) heritability of unidentified NOA in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ruixue Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Peng
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
| | - Ruizhi Liu
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
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16
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Vanni VS, Campo G, Cioffi R, Papaleo E, Salonia A, Viganò P, Lambertini M, Candiani M, Meirow D, Orvieto R. The neglected members of the family: non-BRCA mutations in the Fanconi anemia/BRCA pathway and reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:296-311. [PMID: 35043201 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BReast CAncer (BRCA) genes are extensively studied in the context of fertility and reproductive aging. BRCA proteins are part of the DNA repair Fanconi anemia (FA)/BRCA pathway, in which more than 20 proteins are implicated. According to which gene is mutated and which interactions are lost owing to the mutation, carriers and patients with monoallelic or biallelic FA/BRCA mutations exhibit very different phenotypes, from overt FA to cancer predisposition or no pathological implications. The effect of the so far neglected non-BRCA FA mutations on fertility also deserves consideration. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE As improved treatments allow a longer life expectancy in patients with biallelic FA mutations and overt FA, infertility is emerging as a predominant feature. We thus reviewed the mechanisms for such a manifestation, as well as whether they also occur in monoallelic carriers of FA non-BRCA mutations. SEARCH METHODS Electronic databases PUBMED, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched using the following term: 'fanconi' OR 'FANC' OR 'AND' 'fertility' OR 'pregnancy' OR 'ovarian reserve' OR 'spermatogenesis' OR 'hypogonadism'. All pertinent reports in the English-language literature were retrieved until May 2021 and the reference lists were systematically searched in order to identify any potential additional studies. OUTCOMES Biallelic FA mutations causing overt FA disease are associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurring in the fourth decade in women and with primary non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in men. Hypogonadism in FA patients seems mainly associated with a defect in primordial germ cell proliferation in fetal life. In recent small, exploratory whole-exome sequencing studies, biallelic clinically occult mutations in the FA complementation group A (Fanca) and M (Fancm) genes were found in otherwise healthy patients with isolated NOA or POI, and also monoallelic carrier status for a loss-of-function mutation in Fanca has been implicated as a possible cause for POI. In those patients with known monoallelic FA mutations undergoing pre-implantation genetic testing, poor assisted reproduction outcomes are reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the repeated failures and the high miscarriage rates observed are not fully known. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The so far 'neglected' members of the FA/BRCA family will likely emerge as a relevant focus of investigation in the genetics of reproduction. Several (rather than a single) non-BRCA genes might be implicated. State-of-the-art methods, such as whole-genome/exome sequencing, and further exploratory studies are required to understand the prevalence and mechanisms for occult FA mutations in infertility and recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Stella Vanni
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Cioffi
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Dror Meirow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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17
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Feng K, Ge H, Chen H, Cui C, Zhang S, Zhang C, Meng L, Guo H, Zhang L. Novel exon mutation in SYCE1 gene is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1245-1252. [PMID: 35023261 PMCID: PMC8831938 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common cause of male infertility, and genetic problems, such as chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations, are important causes of NOA. Our centre received a case of NOA, in which no mature sperm was found during microdissection testicular sperm extraction. A postoperative pathological examination revealed that testicular spermatogenesis was blocked. Target region capture combined with high‐throughput sequencing was used to screen for male infertility‐related gene mutations. Sanger sequencing further confirmed that the SYCE1 gene, a central component of the synaptonemal complex (SC) during meiosis, had a homozygous deletion mutation in the tenth exon (c.689_690del; p.F230fs). Through molecular biological studies, we discovered altered expression and nuclear localization of the endogenous mutant SYCE1. To verify the effects in vitro, wild‐ and mutated‐type SYCE1 vectors were constructed and transfected into a human cell line. The results showed that the expression and molecular weight were decreased for SYCE1 containing c.689_690del. In addition, mutated SYCE1 was abnormally located in the cytoplasm rather than in the nucleus. In summary, our research suggests that the novel homozygous mutation (c.689_690del; p.F230fs) altered the SYCE1 expression pattern and may have disturbed SC assembly, leading to male infertility and to a barrier to gamete formation. We reported for the first time that a frameshift mutation occurred in the exon region of SYCE1 in an NOA patient. This study is beneficial for accurate NOA diagnosis and the development of corresponding gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hengtao Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Xinxiang Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haibin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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19
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Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is determined by exhaustion of follicles in the ovaries, which leads to infertility before the age of 40 years. It is characterized by a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Therefore, we will mainly discuss the genetic basis of POI in this review. We identified 107 genes related to POI etiology in mammals described by several independent groups. Thirty-four of these genes (AARS2, AIRE, ANTXR1, ATM, BMPR1B, CLPP, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, DCAF17, EIF2B, ERAL1, FANCA, FANCC, FMR1, FOXL2, GALT, GNAS, HARS2, HSD17B4, LARS2, LMNA, MGME1, NBN, PMM2, POLG, PREPL, RCBTB1, RECQL2/3/4, STAR, TWNK, and XRCC4/9) have been linked to syndromic POI and are mainly implicated in metabolism function and meiosis/DNA repair. In addition, the majority of genes associated with nonsyndromic POI, widely expanded by high-throughput techniques over the last decade, have been implicated in ovarian development and meiosis/DNA repair pathways (ATG7, ATG9, ANKRD31, BMP8B, BMP15, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPR2, BNC1, BRCA2, CPEB1, C14ORF39, DAZL, DIAPH2, DMC1, ERCC6, FANCL, FANCM, FIGLA, FSHR, GATA4, GDF9, GJA4, HELQ, HSF2BP, HFM1, INSL3, LHCGR, LHX8, MCM8, MCM9, MEIOB, MSH4, MSH5, NANOS3, NOBOX, NOTCH2, NR5A1, NUP107, PGRMC1, POLR3H, PRDM1, PRDM9, PSMC3IP, SOHLH1, SOHLH2, SPIDR, STAG3, SYCE1, TP63, UBR2, WDR62, and XRCC2), whereas a few are related to metabolic functions (EIF4ENIF1, KHDRBS1, MRPS22, POLR2C). Some genes, such as STRA8, FOXO3A, KIT, KITL, WNT4, and FANCE, have been shown to cause ovarian insufficiency in rodents, but mutations in these genes have yet to be elucidated in women affected by POI. Lastly, some genes have been rarely implicated in its etiology (AMH, AMHR2, ERRC2, ESR1, INHA, LMN4, POF1B, POU5F1, REC8, SMC1B). Considering the heterogeneous genetic and familial background of this disorder, we hope that an overview of literature data would reinforce that genetic screening of those patients is worthwhile and helpful for better genetic counseling and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malheiros França
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Section of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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20
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Verrilli L, Johnstone E, Allen-Brady K, Welt C. Shared genetics between nonobstructive azoospermia and primary ovarian insufficiency. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:204-213. [PMID: 36177363 PMCID: PMC9518791 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) both represent disease states of early, and often complete, failure of gametogenesis. Because oogenesis and spermatogenesis share the same conserved steps in meiosis I, it is possible that inherited defects in meiosis I could lead to shared causes of both POI and NOA. Currently, known genes that contribute to both POI and NOA are limited. In this review article, we provide a systematic review of genetic mutations in which both POI and NOA phenotypes exist. EVIDENCE REVIEW A PubMed literature review was conducted from January 1, 2000 through October 2020. We included all studies that demonstrated human cases of POI or NOA due to a specific genetic mutation either within the same family or in separate families. RESULTS We identified 33 papers that encompassed 10 genes of interest with mutations implicated in both NOA and POI. The genes were all involved in processes of meiosis I. CONCLUSION Mutations in genes involved in processes of meiosis I may cause both NOA and POI. Identifying these unique phenotypes among shared genotypes leads to biologic plausibility that the key error occurs early in gametogenesis with an etiology shared among both male and female offspring. From a clinical standpoint, this shared relationship may help us better understand and identify individuals at high risk for gonadal failure within families and suggests that clinicians obtain history for opposite sex family members when approaching a new diagnosis of POI or NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Verrilli
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Erica Johnstone
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Kristina Allen-Brady
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, 296 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
| | - Corrine Welt
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
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21
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Daum H, Zlotogora J. Fanconi Anemia Gene Variants in Patients with Gonadal Dysfunction. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1408-1413. [PMID: 33977503 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a multisystem disease, characterized by the triad of physical abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and increased risk for malignancy. In the past few years, data has accumulated regarding fertility issues in FA patients, mostly due to gonadal dysfunction, which is prevalent in FA patients reaching puberty. It seems that attenuated FA phenotype lacking the classical manifestations often is presented with POI or azoospermia. Searching the literature, we summarized data regarding FA patients presenting as suffering from sub/infertility due to gonadal dysfunction, with or without other FA symptoms. We present a summary of the patients having biallelic pathogenic variants in FA genes FANCA, FANCM, BRCA2, and XRCC2 that presented with gonadal dysfunction with or without other phenotypic features of FA. Some were in mosaic, while some are considered hypomorphic, enabling residual protein function. There are also a few descriptions of POI associated with monoallelic pathogenic variants in FANCA, BRCA2, and FANCL. We conclude that the diagnosis of FA in gonadal dysfunction patients is of utmost importance due to its actionability. Follow-up strategies in FA patients are designed to discover early stages of leukemias and solid tumors and thus save lives. The feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) can now ease this diagnostic procedure. An open question is the justification of performing NGS for all isolated azoospermia/POI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Daum
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Joël Zlotogora
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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22
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Li G, Yang X, Wang L, Pan Y, Chen S, Shang L, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Zhou Z, Chen Q, Zhang X, Zhang L, Wang Y, Li J, Jin L, Wu Y, Zhang X, Zhang F. Haploinsufficiency in non-homologous end joining factor 1 induces ovarian dysfunction in humans and mice. J Med Genet 2021; 59:579-588. [PMID: 33888552 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107398] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common disease in women that leads to a reduced reproductive lifespan. The aetiology of POI is genetically heterogeneous, with certain double-strand break (DSB) repair genes being implicated in POI. Although non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is an efficient DSB repair pathway, the functional relationship between this pathway and POI remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese family and identified a rare heterozygous loss-of-function variant in non-homologous end joining factor 1 (NHEJ1): c.532C>T (p.R178*), which co-segregated with POI and irregular menstruation. The amount of NHEJ1 protein in the proband was half of the normal level, indicating a link between NHEJ1 haploinsufficiency and POI. Furthermore, another rare heterozygous NHEJ1 variant c.500A>G (p.Y167C) was identified in one of 100 sporadic POI cases. Both variants were predicted to be deleterious by multiple in silico tools. In vitro assays showed that knock-down of NHEJ1 in human KGN ovarian cells impaired DNA repair capacity. We also generated a knock-in mouse model with a heterozygous Nhej1 variant equivalent to NHEJ1 p.R178* in familial patients. Compared with wild-type mice, heterozygous Nhej1-mutated female mice required a longer time to first birth, and displayed reduced numbers of primordial and growing follicles. Moreover, these mice exhibited higher sensitivity to DSB-inducing drugs. All these phenotypes are analogous to the progressive loss of ovarian function observed in POI. CONCLUSIONS Our observations in both humans and mice suggest that NHEJ1 haploinsufficiency is associated with non-syndromic POI, providing novel insights into genetic counselling and clinical prevention of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuncheng Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyue Shang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yucheng Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixue Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchen Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Genetics of Azoospermia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063264. [PMID: 33806855 PMCID: PMC8004677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia affects 1% of men, and it can be due to: (i) hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, (ii) primary quantitative spermatogenic disturbances, (iii) urogenital duct obstruction. Known genetic factors contribute to all these categories, and genetic testing is part of the routine diagnostic workup of azoospermic men. The diagnostic yield of genetic tests in azoospermia is different in the different etiological categories, with the highest in Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (90%) and the lowest in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) due to primary testicular failure (~30%). Whole-Exome Sequencing allowed the discovery of an increasing number of monogenic defects of NOA with a current list of 38 candidate genes. These genes are of potential clinical relevance for future gene panel-based screening. We classified these genes according to the associated-testicular histology underlying the NOA phenotype. The validation and the discovery of novel NOA genes will radically improve patient management. Interestingly, approximately 37% of candidate genes are shared in human male and female gonadal failure, implying that genetic counselling should be extended also to female family members of NOA patients.
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Akbari A, Padidar K, Salehi N, Mashayekhi M, Almadani N, Sadighi Gilani MA, Bashambou A, McElreavey K, Totonchi M. Rare missense variant in MSH4 associated with primary gonadal failure in both 46, XX and 46, XY individuals. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1134-1145. [PMID: 33448284 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveal a shared pathogenic variant responsible for primary gonadal failure in both male and female patients from a consanguineous family? SUMMARY ANSWER Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) were homozygous for the rare missense variant p. S754L located in the highly conserved MSH4 MutS signature motif of the ATPase domain. An oligozoospermic patient was heterozygous for the variant. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY MSH4 is a meiosis-specific protein expressed at a certain level in the testes and ovaries. Along with its heterodimer partner MSH5, it is responsible for double-strand Holliday junction recognition and stabilization, to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. Knockout male and female mice for Msh4 and Msh5 are reportedly infertile due to meiotic arrest. In humans, MSH4 is associated with male and female gonadal failure, with distinct variations in the MutS domain V. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective genetics study of a consanguineous family with multiple cases of gonadal failure in both genders. The subject family was recruited in Iran, in 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The proband who is affected by POI, an NOA brother, a fertile sister and their parents were subjected to WES. The discovered variant was validated in these individuals, and the rest of the family was also genotyped by Sanger sequencing. The variant was not detected in 800 healthy Iranian individuals from the Iranome database nor in 30 sporadic NOA and 30 sporadic POI patients. Suggested effect in aberrant splicing was studied by RT-PCR. Moreover, protein homology modeling was used to further investigate the amino acid substitution in silico. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The discovered variant is very rare and has never been reported in the homozygous state. It occurs in the ATPase domain at Serine 754, the first residue within the highly conserved MutS signature motif, substituting it with a Leucine. All variant effect prediction tools indicated this variant as deleterious. Since the substitution occurs immediately before the Walker B motif at position 755, further investigations based on protein homology were conducted. Considering the modeling results, the nature of the substituted amino acid residue and the distances between p. S754L variation and the residues of the Walker B motif suggested the possibility of conformational changes affecting the ATPase activity of the protein. LARGE SCALE DATA We have submitted dbSNP entry rs377712900 to ClinVar under SCV001169709, SCV001169708 and SCV001142647 for oligozoospermia, NOA and POI, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Studies in model organisms can shed more light on the role of this variant as our results were obtained by variant effect prediction tools and protein homology modeling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Identification of variants in meiotic genes should improve genetic counseling for both male and female infertility. Also, as two of our NOA patients underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with no success, ruling out the existence of pathogenic variants in meiotic genes in such patients prior to TESE could prove useful. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was financially supported by Royan Institute in Tehran, Iran, and Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvand Akbari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimiya Padidar
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Mashayekhi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anu Bashambou
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, 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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25
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Huang C, Guo T, Qin Y. Meiotic Recombination Defects and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652407. [PMID: 33763429 PMCID: PMC7982532 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is the depletion of ovarian function before 40 years of age due to insufficient oocyte formation or accelerated follicle atresia. Approximately 1–5% of women below 40 years old are affected by POI. The etiology of POI is heterogeneous, including genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, infection, iatrogenic factors, and environmental toxins. Genetic factors account for 20–25% of patients. However, more than half of the patients were idiopathic. With the widespread application of next-generation sequencing (NGS), the genetic spectrum of POI has been expanded, especially the latest identification in meiosis and DNA repair-related genes. During meiotic prophase I, the key processes include DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and subsequent homologous recombination (HR), which are essential for chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division and genome diversity of oocytes. Many animal models with defective meiotic recombination present with meiotic arrest, DSB accumulation, and oocyte apoptosis, which are similar to human POI phenotype. In the article, based on different stages of meiotic recombination, including DSB formation, DSB end processing, single-strand invasion, intermediate processing, recombination, and resolution and essential proteins involved in synaptonemal complex (SC), cohesion complex, and fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, we reviewed the individual gene mutations identified in POI patients and the potential candidate genes for POI pathogenesis, which will shed new light on the genetic architecture of POI and facilitate risk prediction, ovarian protection, and early intervention for POI women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzi Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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26
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Premature ovarian insufficiency: pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:637-650. [PMID: 33641066 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02055-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as a reduction in ovarian function before the expected age of menopause. POI is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and mood disorders, resulting in a reduced quality of life. Appropriate hormone replacement for premenopausal women decreases these adverse health risks and improves quality of life for women with POI, but does not prolong life expectancy. The potential etiologies of POI include chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations, autoimmune factors, and iatrogenic causes, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A major association is suggested to exist between reproductive longevity and the DNA damage pathway response genes. DNA damage and repair in ovarian granulosa cells is strongly associated with POI. Depletion of oocytes with damaged DNA occurs through different cell death mechanisms, such as apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis, mediated by the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/forkhead transcription factors 3 (FOXO3) pathway. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by the ability of self-renewal and differentiation and play an important role in the regeneration of injured tissues. Transplantation of MSCs has been shown to functionally restore ovarian reserve in a POI mouse model. Recent advances in stem cell therapy are likely to be translated to new therapeutic options bringing new hope to patients with POI. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathogenic mechanisms that involve cell death and DNA damage and repair pathways and to discuss the stem cell-based therapies as potential therapeutic options for this gynecologic pathology.
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Genetic etiologic analysis in 74 Chinese Han women with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency by combined molecular genetic testing. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:965-978. [PMID: 33538981 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02083-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the disease-causing genes of Chinese Han women with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS Seventy-four Chinese Han women with idiopathic POI were collected to analyze the genetic etiology. Triplet repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) was performed to screen the FMR1 (CGG)n premutation, and then 60 POI-related genes were sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in POI patients with normal FMR1. RESULTS A total of one patient (1/74) with FMR1 premutation was identified. Targeted NGS revealed that 15.07% (11/73) patients had pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of Mendelian genes (FOXL2, EIF2B2, CYP17A1, CLPP, MCM9, GDF9, MSH5, ERCC6, POLG). Ten novel variants in six Mendelian genes were identified, such as CLPP c.355A>C (p.I119L) and c.688A>C (p.M230L), MCM9 c.1157C>T (p.T386M) and c.1291A>G (p.M431V), GDF9 c. 238C>T (p.Q80X), MSH5 c.604G>C (p.G202R) and c.2063T>C (p.I688T), ERCC6 c.C1769C>T (p.P590L), POLG c.2832G>C (p.E944D), and c.2821A>G (p.I941V). CONCLUSION This study suggested targeted NGS was an efficient etiologic test for idiopathic POI patients without FMR1 premutation and enriched the variant spectrum of POI-related genes.
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Yang Y, Zhao S, Qin Y. Response to “Should
FANCL
heterozygous pathogenic variants be considered as potentially causative of primary ovarian insufficiency?”. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1700-1701. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.24073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan Shandong China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan Shandong China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Jinan Shandong China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health Jinan Shandong China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics Shandong University Jinan Shandong China
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Tu C, Meng L, Nie H, Yuan S, Wang W, Du J, Lu G, Lin G, Tan YQ. A homozygous RPL10L missense mutation associated with male factor infertility and severe oligozoospermia. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:561-568. [PMID: 32111475 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the genetic cause of male factor infertility characterized by severe oligozoospermia. DESIGN Genetic studies. SETTING Medical university. PATIENT(S) Two infertile brothers with severe oligozoospermia in a consanguineous Han Chinese family, 414 additional patients with oligo-/azoospermia, and 223 fertile (control) subjects. INVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genetic analyses using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were performed for two brothers with severe oligozoospermia. The effects of an identified candidate causative mutation were investigated in silico and in vitro. Whole-exome sequencing screening for the candidate mutation was conducted in 414 patients with oligo-/azoospermia and 223 fertile subjects. RESULT(S) A homozygous missense variant (NM_080746:c.A257C: p.H86P) in RPL10L was identified in the two affected brothers and shown to cosegregate with the severe oligozoospermia phenotype. The mutation was absent in public databases, including the 1000 Genomes Project and the Exome Aggregation Consortium. All queried databases predicted the mutation to be damaging, consistent with the fact that it decreased protein levels in vitro. Subsequent mutation screening identified three additional heterozygous RPL10L mutations in three of 414 subjects with oligo-/azoospermia, but no RPL10L mutations among 223 fertile subjects. CONCLUSION(S) Our findings implicate RPL10L as a novel candidate gene in the pathogenesis of human male factor infertility and severe oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Yuan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Yang Y, Guo T, Liu R, Ke H, Xu W, Zhao S, Qin Y. FANCL
gene mutations in premature ovarian insufficiency. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1033-1041. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Ran Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Weiwei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong University Jinan Shandong China
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Zhang YX, He WB, Xiao WJ, Meng LL, Tan C, Du J, Lu GX, Lin G, Tan YQ. Novel loss-of-function mutation in MCM8 causes premature ovarian insufficiency. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1165. [PMID: 32048466 PMCID: PMC7196458 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one major cause of female infertility, minichromosome maintenance complex component 8 (MCM8) has been reported to be responsible for POI. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the genetic variants of women with POI. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the variants in all the family members. Various bioinformatic software was used for the pathogenicity assessment. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), real‐time quantitative PCR, and a chromosomal instability study induced by mitomycin C were performed to analyze the functional effects of the variant. Results A novel homozygous frameshift mutation (NM_032485.4:c.351_354delAAAG) of MCM8 gene was identified in the patients, segregated with POI in this family. This mutation is predicted to produce truncated MCM8 protein and to be pathogenic. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that the frameshift mutation led to a remarkably reduced level of MCM8 transcript products, and chromosomal instability study showed that the ability of mutant MCM8 to repair DNA breaks was impaired. Conclusion We identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the MCM8 gene in two affected sisters with POI, and functional analysis revealed that this mutation is pathogenic. Our findings enrich the MCM8 mutation spectrum and might help clinicians to make a precise diagnosis, thereby allowing better family planning and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xin Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wen-Juan Xiao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Lan-Lan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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32
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Pashaei M, Rahimi Bidgoli MM, Zare-Abdollahi D, Najmabadi H, Haji-Seyed-Javadi R, Fatehi F, Alavi A. The second mutation of SYCE1 gene associated with autosomal recessive nonobstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:451-458. [PMID: 31916078 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01660-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It is estimated that 40-50% of infertility among human couples is due to male infertility. Azoospermia is estimated to occur in 1% of all men and to be the cause of 10-20% of male infertility. Genetic defects, including single gene effects, maybe cause of azoospermia in 20-30% of affected males. Here, we aim to identify the genetic cause of azoospermia in a man who is also affected by hereditary spastic paraplegia. METHODS The proband was subjected to whole-exome sequencing, followed by a comprehensive in silico analysis to identify the azoospermia causative gene. RESULTS A novel splice site mutation c.375-2A > G in SYCE1 that is thought to be the cause of azoospermia was identified. This variant co-segregated with azoospermia status in the family that has three additional affected males. CONCLUSION SYCE1 gene encodes synaptonemal complex (SC) central element 1 protein which contributes to the formation of the synaptonemal complex during meiosis. Syce1 null male and female mice have been shown to be infertile. There have only been two reports on the effects of SYCE1 mutations in humans; it was shown as the cause of primary ovarian failure (POI) in one and as the cause of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) in another. We suggest that the mutation 375-2A > G, which affects the acceptor splice site within intron 6 of SYCE1, is the likely cause of azoospermia and subsequent infertility in the family studied. The finding constitutes the third report of SYCE1mutations that affect infertility in humans and further supports its contribution to this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Pashaei
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Davood Zare-Abdollahi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Najmabadi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramona Haji-Seyed-Javadi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afagh Alavi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Schilit SLP. Recent advances and future opportunities to diagnose male infertility. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019; 11:331-341. [PMID: 31853232 PMCID: PMC6919557 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Infertility affects 10-15% of couples, making it one of the most frequent health disorders for individuals of reproductive age. The state of childlessness and efforts to restore fertility cause substantial emotional, social, and financial stress on couples. Male factors contribute to about half of all infertility cases, and yet are understudied relative to female factors. The result is that the majority of men with infertility lack specific causal diagnoses, which serves as a missed opportunity to inform therapies for these couples. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we describe current standards for diagnosing male infertility and the various interventions offered to men in response to differential diagnoses. We then discuss recent advances in the field of genetics to identify novel etiologies for formerly unexplained infertility. SUMMARY With a specific genetic diagnosis, male factors can be addressed with appropriate reproductive counseling and with potential access to assisted reproductive technologies to improve chances of a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. P. Schilit
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Department of Genetics,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Leder Human Biology and Translational Medicine Program,
Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School Genetics Training Program, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Ghieh F, Mitchell V, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Genetic defects in human azoospermia. Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:4. [PMID: 31024732 PMCID: PMC6477738 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As with many other diseases, genetic testing in human azoospermia was initially restricted to karyotype analyses (leading to diagnostic chromosome rearrangement tests for Klinefelter and other syndromes). With the advent of molecular biology in the 1980s, genetic screening was broadened to analyses of Y chromosome microdeletions and the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Decades later, the emergence of whole-genome techniques has led to the identification of other genetic defects associated with human azoospermia. Although TEX11 and ADGRG2 defects are frequently described in men with azoospermia, most of the causal gene defects found to date are private (i.e. identified in a small number of consanguineous families). Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of all the types of genetic defects known to be linked to human azoospermia and try to give clinical practice guidelines according to azoospermia phenotype. Along with homozygous mutations, polymorphisms and epigenetic defects are also briefly discussed. However, as these variations predispose to azoospermia, a specific review will be needed to compile data on all the particular genetic variations reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ghieh
- 1EA7404-GIG, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, UVSQ, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Valérie Mitchell
- 2CHU Lille, Reproductive Biology Institute-Spermiologie-CECOS, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France.,3EA4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", University of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - François Vialard
- 1EA7404-GIG, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, UVSQ, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Genetics Division, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
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Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial and heterogeneous pathological condition affecting 7% of the general male population. The genetic landscape of male infertility is highly complex as semen and testis histological phenotypes are extremely heterogeneous, and at least 2000 genes are predicted to be involved in spermatogenesis. Genetic factors have been described in each etiological category of male reproductive impairment: (1) hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction; (2) quantitative and qualitative alterations of spermatogenesis; (3) ductal obstruction/dysfunction. In 25% of azoospermic and in 10% of oligozoospermic men, a genetic anomaly can be diagnosed with the current genetic testing. However, up to now, only a relatively low number of monogenic factors have a clear-cut cause-effect relationship with impaired reproductive function. Thanks to the widespread diffusion of Next-Generation Sequencing, a continuously increasing number of monogenic causes of male infertility are being discovered and their validation is currently ongoing. The identification of genetic factors is of outmost clinical importance since there is a risk of transmission of genetic defects through natural or assisted reproductive techniques. The benefit of the genetic diagnosis of infertility has an obvious clinical significance for the patient itself with implications not only for his reproductive health but in many instances also for his general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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