1
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Barton LJ, Roa-de la Cruz L, Lehmann R, Lin B. The journey of a generation: advances and promises in the study of primordial germ cell migration. Development 2024; 151:dev201102. [PMID: 38607588 PMCID: PMC11165723 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The germline provides the genetic and non-genetic information that passes from one generation to the next. Given this important role in species propagation, egg and sperm precursors, called primordial germ cells (PGCs), are one of the first cell types specified during embryogenesis. In fact, PGCs form well before the bipotential somatic gonad is specified. This common feature of germline development necessitates that PGCs migrate through many tissues to reach the somatic gonad. During their journey, PGCs must respond to select environmental cues while ignoring others in a dynamically developing embryo. The complex multi-tissue, combinatorial nature of PGC migration is an excellent model for understanding how cells navigate complex environments in vivo. Here, we discuss recent findings on the migratory path, the somatic cells that shepherd PGCs, the guidance cues somatic cells provide, and the PGC response to these cues to reach the gonad and establish the germline pool for future generations. We end by discussing the fate of wayward PGCs that fail to reach the gonad in diverse species. Collectively, this field is poised to yield important insights into emerging reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacy J. Barton
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-de la Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Ruth Lehmann
- Whitehead Institute and Department of Biology, MIT, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Benjamin Lin
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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2
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Xu J, Guo Y, Tan Z, Ban W, Tian J, Chen K, Xu H. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of rad51 gene associated with gametogenesis in Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Gene 2023; 887:147729. [PMID: 37619650 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147729] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Rad51 is a recA-like recombinase that plays a crucial role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks through homologous recombination during mitosis and meiosis in mammals and other organisms. However, its role in reptiles remains largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physiological role of the rad51 gene in reptiles, particularly in Pelodiscus sinensis. Firstly, the cDNA of rad51 gene was cloned and analyzed in P. sinensis. The cloned cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1020 bp and encodeed a peptide of 339 amino acids. The multiple alignments and phylogenetic tree analysis of Rad51 showed that P. sinensis shares the high identity with Chelonia mydas (97.95%) and Mus musculus (95.89%). Secondly, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that rad51 mRNA was highly expressed in both ovary and testis, while being weak in the somatic tissues examined in this study. Furthermore, chemical in situ hybridization (CISH) was performed to examine the expression profile of rad51 mRNA in germ cells at different stages. In the testis, rad51 mRNA expression was found to be stronger in the germ cells at early stages, specifically in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, but it was undetectable in spermatids. In the ovary, rad51 mRNA exhibited a uniform distribution in the cytoplasm of oocytes at early stages. The signal intensity of rad51 mRNA was highest in primary oocytes and gradually declined during oogenesis as the oocytes developed. These results suggest that rad51 plays a vital role in the development of germ cells, particularly during the early stages of gametogenesis in P. sinensis. The dynamic expression pattern of rad51 mRNA provides insights into the mechanisms underlying germ cell development and differentiation into gametes in turtles, even in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Yonglin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Zhimin Tan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Wenzhuo Ban
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Jiaming Tian
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Kaili Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences of Chongqing, College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China.
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3
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Golkar-Narenji A, Dziegiel P, Kempisty B, Petitte J, Mozdziak PE, Bryja A. In vitro culture of reptile PGCS to preserve endangered species. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1314-1326. [PMID: 37178380 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12033] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs), are the source of gametes in vertebrates. There are similarities in the development of PGCs of reptiles with avian and mammalian species PGCs development. PGCs culture has been performed for avian and mammalian species but there is no report for reptilian PGCs culture. In vitro culture of PGCs is needed to produce transgenic animals, preservation of endangered animals and for studies on cell behaviour and research on fertility. Reptiles are traded as exotic pets and a source of food and they are valuable for their skin and they are useful as model for medical research. Transgenic reptile has been suggested to be useful for pet industry and medical research. In this research different aspects of PGCs development was compared in three main classes of vertebrates including mammalian, avian and reptilian species. It is proposed that a discussion on similarities between reptilian PGCs development with avian and mammalian species helps to find clues for studies of reptilian PGCs development details and finding an efficient protocol for in vitro culture of reptilian PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Golkar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Piotr Dziegiel
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Histology and Embryology, Wrocław Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
- Graduate Physiology Program NC State University North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
| | - James Petitte
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul Edward Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Graduate Physiology Program NC State University North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Artur Bryja
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
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4
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Saber M, Shekari F, Mousavi SA, Moini A, Miri MS, Esfandiari F. JAK/STAT3 pathway promotes proliferation of ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2023:113689. [PMID: 37355151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113689] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accurate identification and isolation of ovarian stem cells from mammalian ovaries remain a major challenge because of the lack of specific surface markers and suitable in vitro culture systems. Optimized culture conditions for in vitro expansion of ovarian stem cells would allow for identifying requirements of these stem cells for proliferation and differentiation that would pave the way to uncover role of ovarian stem cells in ovarian pathophysiology. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) aggregate culture system for enrichment of ovarian stem cells and named them aggregate-derived stem cells (ASCs). We hypothesized that mimicking the ovarian microenvironment in vitro by using an aggregate model of the ovary would provide a suitable niche for the isolation of ovarian stem cells from adult mouse and human ovaries and wanted to find out the main cellular pathway governing the proliferation of these stem cells. RESULTS We showed that ovarian aggregates take an example from ovary microenvironment in terms of expression of ovarian markers, hormone secretion and supporting the viability of the cells. We found that aggregates-derived stem cells proliferate in vitro as long-term while remained expression of germline markers. These ovarian stem cells differentiated to oocyte like cells in vitro spontaneously. Transplantation of these stem cells in to chemotherapy mouse ovary could restore ovarian structure. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that interleukin6 is upregulated pathway in ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells. Our data showed that JAK/Stat3 signaling pathway which is activated downstream of IL6 is critical for ovarian stem cells proliferation. CONCLUSIONS We developed a platform that is highly reproducible for in vitro propagation of ovarian stem cells. Our study provides a primary insight into cellular pathway governing the proliferation of ovarian stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Saber
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Shekari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed-Ahmad Mousavi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monireh-Sadat Miri
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiari
- 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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5
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Sukparangsi W, Morganti E, Lowndes M, Mayeur H, Weisser M, Hammachi F, Peradziryi H, Roske F, Hölzenspies J, Livigni A, Godard BG, Sugahara F, Kuratani S, Montoya G, Frankenberg SR, Mazan S, Brickman JM. Evolutionary origin of vertebrate OCT4/POU5 functions in supporting pluripotency. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5537. [PMID: 36130934 PMCID: PMC9492771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The support of pluripotent cells over time is an essential feature of development. In eutherian embryos, pluripotency is maintained from naïve states in peri-implantation to primed pluripotency at gastrulation. To understand how these states emerged, we reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of the Pou5 gene family, which contains the central pluripotency factor OCT4. By coupling evolutionary sequence analysis with functional studies in mouse embryonic stem cells, we find that the ability of POU5 proteins to support pluripotency originated in the gnathostome lineage, prior to the generation of two paralogues, Pou5f1 and Pou5f3 via gene duplication. In osteichthyans, retaining both genes, the paralogues differ in their support of naïve and primed pluripotency. The specialization of these duplicates enables the diversification of function in self-renewal and differentiation. By integrating sequence evolution, cell phenotypes, developmental contexts and structural modelling, we pinpoint OCT4 regions sufficient for naïve pluripotency and describe their adaptation over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woranop Sukparangsi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand
| | - Elena Morganti
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Molly Lowndes
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hélène Mayeur
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, UMR7232, F-66650, Banyuls sur Mer, France
| | - Melanie Weisser
- Structural Molecular Biology Group, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fella Hammachi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Hanna Peradziryi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fabian Roske
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jurriaan Hölzenspies
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alessandra Livigni
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Benoit Gilbert Godard
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, FR2424, Development and Evolution of Vertebrates Group, Station Biologique, F-29688, Roscoff, France.,CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche, UMR7009, F-06234, Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | - Fumiaki Sugahara
- Division of Biology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kuratani
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Morphology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Guillermo Montoya
- Structural Molecular Biology Group, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sylvie Mazan
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, UMR7232, F-66650, Banyuls sur Mer, France.
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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6
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Porras-Gómez TJ, Villagrán-SantaCruz M, Moreno-Mendoza N. Biology of primordial germ cells in vertebrates with emphasis in urodeles amphibians. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:773-792. [PMID: 34532913 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23533] [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: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are highly specialized cells that play a relevant role in the maintenance and evolution of the species, since they create new combinations of genetic information between the organisms. Amphibians are a class of amniote vertebrates that are divided into three subclasses, the anurans (frogs and toads), the urodeles (salamanders and newts), and the gymnophiones (caecilians). The study of PGCs in amphibians has been addressed in more detail in anurans while little is known about the biology of this cell lineage in urodeles. Studies in some urodeles species have suggested that PGCs are of mesodermal origin, specifying in the lateral plate mesoderm at the late gastrula stage. With classical experiments it shown that, there is an induction of mesoderm, therefore most likely urodeles PGCs develop from unspecialized mesodermal tissue that responds to extracellular signals. However, some fundamental biological processes of PGCs such as the analysis of their specification, arrival, and colonization to the gonads, and their maintenance and differentiation into mature and fertile gametes remain to be elucidated. Therefore, knowledge about the biology of PGCs is of great importance to ensure the perpetuation of urodeles amphibians, as some species are in danger of becoming extinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania J Porras-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Biología Tisular y Reproductora, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maricela Villagrán-SantaCruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Tisular y Reproductora, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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7
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Hansen CL, Pelegri F. Primordial Germ Cell Specification in Vertebrate Embryos: Phylogenetic Distribution and Conserved Molecular Features of Preformation and Induction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730332. [PMID: 34604230 PMCID: PMC8481613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) occurs during early embryonic development and is critical for the survival and fitness of sexually reproducing species. Here, we review the two main mechanisms of PGC specification, induction, and preformation, in the context of four model vertebrate species: mouse, axolotl, Xenopus frogs, and zebrafish. We additionally discuss some notable molecular characteristics shared across PGC specification pathways, including the shared expression of products from three conserved germline gene families, DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) genes, nanos-related genes, and DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the distribution of germ cell determination systems across kingdom Animalia, with particular attention to vertebrate species, but include several categories of invertebrates - ranging from the "proto-vertebrate" cephalochordates to arthropods, cnidarians, and ctenophores. We also briefly highlight ongoing investigations and potential lines of inquiry that aim to understand the evolutionary relationships between these modes of specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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8
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Nicholls PK, Page DC. Germ cell determination and the developmental origin of germ cell tumors. Development 2021; 148:239824. [PMID: 33913479 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In each generation, the germline is tasked with producing somatic lineages that form the body, and segregating a population of cells for gametogenesis. During animal development, when do cells of the germline irreversibly commit to producing gametes? Integrating findings from diverse species, we conclude that the final commitment of the germline to gametogenesis - the process of germ cell determination - occurs after primordial germ cells (PGCs) colonize the gonads. Combining this understanding with medical findings, we present a model whereby germ cell tumors arise from cells that failed to undertake germ cell determination, regardless of their having colonized the gonads. We propose that the diversity of cell types present in these tumors reflects the broad developmental potential of migratory PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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9
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Moravec CE, Pelegri F. The role of the cytoskeleton in germ plasm aggregation and compaction in the zebrafish embryo. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 140:145-179. [PMID: 32591073 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of genetic information from one generation to another is crucial for survival of animal species. This is accomplished by the induction of primordial germ cells (PGCs) that will eventually establish the germline. In some animals the germline is induced by signals in gastrula, whereas in others it is specified by inheritance of maternal determinants, known as germ plasm. In zebrafish, aggregation and compaction of maternally derived germ plasm during the first several embryonic cell cycles is essential for generation of PGCs. These processes are controlled by cellular functions associated with the cellular division apparatus. Ribonucleoparticles containing germ plasm components are bound to both the ends of astral microtubules and a dynamic F-actin network through a mechanism integrated with that which drives the cell division program. In this chapter we discuss the role that modifications of the cell division apparatus, including the cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, play in the regulation of zebrafish germ plasm assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Moravec
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
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10
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Pewphong R, Kitana J, Kitana N. Chronology of Gonadal Development in the Malayan Snail-eating Turtle Malayemys macrocephala. Zool Stud 2020; 59:e20. [PMID: 33262844 PMCID: PMC7688403 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2020.59-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The snail-eating turtle, Malayemys macrocephala, is a common freshwater turtle that can be used as an animal model for developmental biology. However, a thorough investigation of its development is needed before this species can be used as a model. Thus, this study aimed to examine the gonadal development of M. macrocephala. Turtle eggs were collected from rice fields in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, and transported to the laboratory. Eggs were incubated in microprocessor-controlled incubators and randomly dissected on a weekly basis to reveal the developing embryos, then their developmental stage was identified according to Yntema (1968). Primordial germ cells and gonad structure were processed through the paraffin method. Moreover, the dynamics of germ cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. Examination of the gonad revealed four main stages of gonadal development: (i) germ cell migration, (ii) genital ridge appearance, (iii) testicular formation, and (iv) ovarian formation. In the male turtle (incubated at 26°C), gonad developed into the testis with medullary sex cords starting at Yntema stage 17. In the female turtle (incubated at 32°C), these sex cords then degenerated, followed by cortical development into an ovarian structure starting at Yntema stage 19. Subsequently, testicular and ovarian development occurred independently, and distinct sex organs were apparent at Yntema stage 25. In addition, the presumptive testis showed germ cell proliferation in the medulla at Yntema stages 17, 19, and 25 and germ cell apoptosis in the cortex at Yntema stages 19 and 25. The presumptive ovary showed germ cell proliferation in the cortex at Yntema stages 19 and 25, and germ cell apoptosis in the medulla at Yntema stages 19 and 25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rangsima Pewphong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. E-mail: (NK); (Pewphong); (JK)
| | - Jirarach Kitana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. E-mail: (NK); (Pewphong); (JK)
- BioSentinel Research Group (Special Task Force for Activating Research), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Noppadon Kitana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. E-mail: (NK); (Pewphong); (JK)
- BioSentinel Research Group (Special Task Force for Activating Research), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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11
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Jung KM, Kim YM, Keyte AL, Biegler MT, Rengaraj D, Lee HJ, Mello CV, Velho TAF, Fedrigo O, Haase B, Jarvis ED, Han JY. Identification and characterization of primordial germ cells in a vocal learning Neoaves species, the zebra finch. FASEB J 2019; 33:13825-13836. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900760rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyResearch Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Young Min Kim
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyResearch Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Anna L. Keyte
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of LanguageThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Matthew T. Biegler
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of LanguageThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurobiologyDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyResearch Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hong Jo Lee
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyResearch Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Claudio V. Mello
- Department Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Tarciso A. F. Velho
- The Division of Biology and Biological EngineeringCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatalBrazil
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Laboratory of Vertebrate GenomesThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Bettina Haase
- Laboratory of Vertebrate GenomesThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Erich D. Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of LanguageThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurobiologyDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseMarylandUSA
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyResearch Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
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12
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Liu X, Tang Z, Zhang P, Zhu X, Chu Z, Li W, Xu H. Identification and characterization of DAZ family genes in Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 332:258-268. [PMID: 31531931 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The DAZ family genes, including boule, dazl, and daz, play pivotal roles in germ cell development and differentiation during gametogenesis in organisms, which have been widely studied in mammals, reptiles, or fishes. Dazl was bisexual expressed in both mitotic and meiotic germ cells, daz was male premeiotic expressed, whereas boule exhibits largely in unisexual meiotic germ cells but bisexual expression in several fishes, however, there is lack of report on boule gene and the evolutionary conservation and divergence of dazl and boule in reptile. Here, both boule and dazl genes were characterized in Pelodiscus sinensis. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that boule and dazl were abundantly expressed in adult ovary and testis but barely in somatic tissues, such as heart, brain, liver, spleen, and kidney. Moreover, through fluorescent in situ hybridization, bisexual and germline-specific expression profiles of boule and dazl messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were demonstrated. Boule mRNA exhibited a maximal meiotic expression in spermatocytes, and a relatively low, but distinct expression in oocytes at meiotic stages in P. sinensis, similar to the expression profile of human boule in ovary. However, dazl mRNA was richly distributed in male germ cells at almost all stages during spermatogenesis, and predominantly expressed in most of stages of oocytes including premeiotic and meiotic stages. These findings imply that boule and dazl would play distinct roles in the sexual differentiation of germ cells during turtle gametogenesis, and the major functions of daz family members involved in germ cell differentiation would be conserved across species including P. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhoukai Tang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Fishery School of Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Piaoyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhangjie Chu
- Fishery School of Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application & Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Jamieson-Lucy A, Mullins MC. The vertebrate Balbiani body, germ plasm, and oocyte polarity. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:1-34. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Milani L, Maurizii MG. Insights into Germline Development and Differentiation in Molluscs and Reptiles: The Use of Molecular Markers in the Study of Non-model Animals. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 68:321-353. [PMID: 31598863 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23459-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
When shifting research focus from model to non-model species, many differences in the working approach should be taken into account and usually methodological modifications are required because of the lack of genetics/genomics and developmental information for the vast majority of organisms. This lack of data accounts for the largely incomplete understanding of how the two components-genes and developmental programs-are intermingled in the process of evolution. A deeper level of knowledge was reached for a few model animals, making it possible to understand some of the processes that guide developmental changes during evolutionary time. However, it is often difficult to transfer the obtained information to other, even closely related, animals. In this chapter, we present and discuss some examples, such as the choice of molecular markers to be used to characterize differentiation and developmental processes. The chosen examples pertain to the study of germline in molluscs, reptiles, and other non-model animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Milani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Maurizii
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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15
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Warner DA, Du WG, Georges A. Introduction to the special issue-Developmental plasticity in reptiles: Physiological mechanisms and ecological consequences. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:153-161. [PMID: 29956505 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Scientific interest in developmental plasticity spans many disciplines, and research on reptiles has provided many insights into this field. We highlight these contributions, review the field's history, and introduce the special issue on this topic .
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Wei-Guo Du
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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16
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Canesini G, Stoker C, Galoppo GH, Durando ML, Tschopp MV, Luque EH, Muñoz-de-Toro MM, Ramos JG. Temperature- vs. estrogen-induced sex determination in Caiman latirostris embryos: Both females, but with different expression patterns of key molecules involved in ovarian development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:176-188. [PMID: 29197555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Caiman latirostris is a species with temperature dependent sex determination (TSD), which implies that the incubation temperature of the eggs is the main factor that determines the sex during a thermo-sensitive period (TSP). However, estrogens play a critical role in this process. The administration of 17β-estradiol (E2) previous to TSP overrides the effects of male incubation temperature, producing phenotypic females. This effect has been defined as sex reversal or estrogen-induced sex determination (E2SD). The aim of the present study is to describe similarities and differences in the effects of TSD and E2SD treatment conditions on ovary development. Our results show that the two treatment conditions studied are able to produce different ovaries. Treatment with E2 modified the expression pattern of estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor, and expression of the enzyme aromatase. Moreover, in E2SD females, the proliferation/apoptosis dynamic was also altered and high expression of TAp63 was observed suggesting the presence of greater DNA damage in germ cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the morphology of the female gonad of C. latirostris in three stages of embryonic development and shows the expression of TAp63 during the gonad development of a reptile. It is important to emphasize that the changes demonstrated in E2SD female gonads of embryos show that environmental compounds with proven estrogenic activity alter the follicular dynamics of C. latirostris in neonatal as much as in juvenile animals, endangering their reproductive health and possibly bringing consequences to ecology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Germán H Galoppo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Milena L Durando
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María V Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Mónica M Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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17
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Localization and distribution of gonadal proteins in the oviparous lizard Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Acta Histochem 2017; 119:516-522. [PMID: 28515008 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Among vertebrates, several specific proteins are involved in the function and development of gonads. Several genes such as SOX9, FOXL2, DDX4, IFITM3, and DPPA3, are active during embryonic differentiation and maintain their expression in adult tissues, playing important roles in the function and development of the line cell, where these are produced. Among reptiles, molecular mechanisms for sex differentiation have been analyzed in turtles, crocodiles, and some lizards, while in adult stages such studies are scarce. The aim of this study was to locate and analyze the distribution of important gonadal proteins in adult and embryonic ovaries and testes of the oviparous lizard Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Adult specimens and embryos of the lizard S. aeneus were collected in Milpa Alta, a suburb located Southwest of Mexico City. Expression of gonadal proteins was analyzed using immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy. Our results showed that SOX9 is located in Sertoli cells of embryonic and adult testes. FOXL2 is expressed in follicular cells of adult ovaries. DDX4 and IFITM3 are located in germ line cells as well as in follicular cells of adult ovaries. DPPA3 was observed in somatic and germ line cells of adult and embryonic gonads. Our observations show that important molecules of vertebrate ovaries and testes are conserved in S. aeneus and it is suggested that these may have a similar role during gonadal development and function.
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Radhakrishnan S, Literman R, Neuwald J, Severin A, Valenzuela N. Transcriptomic responses to environmental temperature by turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination assessed by RNAseq inform the genetic architecture of embryonic gonadal development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172044. [PMID: 28296881 PMCID: PMC5352168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate sexual fate is decided primarily by the individual's genotype (GSD), by the environmental temperature during development (TSD), or both. Turtles exhibit TSD and GSD, making them ideal to study the evolution of sex determination. Here we analyze temperature-specific gonadal transcriptomes (RNA-sequencing validated by qPCR) of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta TSD) before and during the thermosensitive period, and at equivalent stages in soft-shell turtles (Apalone spinifera-GSD), to test whether TSD's and GSD's transcriptional circuitry is identical but deployed differently between mechanisms. Our data show that most elements of the mammalian urogenital network are active during turtle gonadogenesis, but their transcription is generally more thermoresponsive in TSD than GSD, and concordant with their sex-specific function in mammals [e.g., upregulation of Amh, Ar, Esr1, Fog2, Gata4, Igf1r, Insr, and Lhx9 at male-producing temperature, and of β-catenin, Foxl2, Aromatase (Cyp19a1), Fst, Nf-kb, Crabp2 at female-producing temperature in Chrysemys]. Notably, antagonistic elements in gonadogenesis (e.g., β-catenin and Insr) were thermosensitive only in TSD early-embryos. Cirbp showed warm-temperature upregulation in both turtles disputing its purported key TSD role. Genes that may convert thermal inputs into sex-specific development (e.g., signaling and hormonal pathways, RNA-binding and heat-shock) were differentially regulated. Jak-Stat, Nf-κB, retinoic-acid, Wnt, and Mapk-signaling (not Akt and Ras-signaling) potentially mediate TSD thermosensitivity. Numerous species-specific ncRNAs (including Xist) were differentially-expressed, mostly upregulated at colder temperatures, as were unannotated loci that constitute novel TSD candidates. Cirbp showed warm-temperature upregulation in both turtles. Consistent transcription between turtles and alligator revealed putatively-critical reptilian TSD elements for male (Sf1, Amh, Amhr2) and female (Crabp2 and Hspb1) gonadogenesis. In conclusion, while preliminary, our data helps illuminate the regulation and evolution of vertebrate sex determination, and contribute genomic resources to guide further research into this fundamental biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srihari Radhakrishnan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Robert Literman
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Neuwald
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Severin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Genome Informatics Facility, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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19
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Li W, Zhang P, Wu X, Zhu X, Xu H. A Novel Dynamic Expression of vasa in Male Germ Cells during Spermatogenesis in the Chinese Soft-Shell Turtle (Pelidiscus sinensis
). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:230-239. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute; Chinese Academic of Fisheries Sciences; Guangzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Piaoyi Zhang
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute; Chinese Academic of Fisheries Sciences; Guangzhou People's Republic of China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xuling Wu
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute; Chinese Academic of Fisheries Sciences; Guangzhou People's Republic of China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science; Shanghai Ocean University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute; Chinese Academic of Fisheries Sciences; Guangzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute; Chinese Academic of Fisheries Sciences; Guangzhou People's Republic of China
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20
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Škugor A, Tveiten H, Johnsen H, Andersen Ø. Multiplicity of Buc copies in Atlantic salmon contrasts with loss of the germ cell determinant in primates, rodents and axolotl. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:232. [PMID: 27784263 PMCID: PMC5080839 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primordial germ cells (PGCs) giving rise to gametes are determined by two different mechanisms in vertebrates. While the germ cell fate in mammals and salamanders is induced by zygotic signals, maternally delivered germ cell determinants specify the PGCs in birds, frogs and teleost fish. Assembly of the germ plasm in the oocyte is organized by the single Buc in zebrafish, named Velo1 in Xenopus, and by Oskar in Drosophila. Secondary loss of oskar in several insect lineages coincides with changes in germline determination strategies, while the presence of buc in mammals suggests functions not associated with germline formation. RESULTS To clarify the evolutionary history of buc we searched for the gene in genomes available from various chordates. No buc sequence was found in lamprey and chordate invertebrates, while the gene was identified in a conserved syntenic region in elephant shark, spotted gar, teleosts, Comoran coelacanth and most tetrapods. Rodents have probably lost the buc gene, while a premature translation stop was found in primates and in Mexican axolotl lacking germ plasm. In contrast, several buc and buc-like (bucL) paralogs were identified in the teleosts examined, including zebrafish, and the tetraploid genome of Atlantic salmon harbors seven buc and bucL genes. Maternal salmon buc1a, buc2a and buc2b mRNAs were abundant in unfertilized eggs together with dnd and vasa mRNAs. Immunostained salmon Buc1a was restricted to cleavage furrows in 4-cell stage embryos similar to a fluorescent zebrafish Buc construct injected in salmon embryos. Salmon Buc1a and Buc2a localized together with DnD, Vasa and Dazl within the Balbiani body of early oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Buc probably originated more than 400 million years ago and might have played an ancestral role in assembling germ plasm. Functional redundancy or subfunctionalization of salmon Buc paralogs in germline formation is suggested by the maternally inherited mRNAs of three salmon buc genes, the localized Buc1a in the cleavage furrows and the distribution of Buc1a and Buc2a in the Balbiani body during oogenesis. The extra-ovarian expression of salmon buc genes and the presence of a second zebrafish bucL gene suggest additional functions not related to germ cell specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrijana Škugor
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), PO Box 5003, N-1430, Ås, Norway
| | | | | | - Øivind Andersen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), PO Box 5003, N-1430, Ås, Norway. .,Nofima, PO Box 5010, N-1430, Ås, Norway.
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21
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Bertocchini F, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Germline development in amniotes: A paradigm shift in primordial germ cell specification. Bioessays 2016; 38:791-800. [PMID: 27273724 PMCID: PMC5089639 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the field of germline development in amniote vertebrates, primordial germ cell (PGC) specification in birds and reptiles remains controversial. Avians are believed to adopt a predetermination or maternal specification mode of PGC formation, contrary to an inductive mode employed by mammals and, supposedly, reptiles. Here, we revisit and review some key aspects of PGC development that channelled the current subdivision, and challenge the position of birds and reptiles as well as the 'binary' evolutionary model of PGC development in vertebrates. We propose an alternative view on PGC specification where germ plasm plays a role in laying the foundation for the formation of PGC precursors (pPGC), but not necessarily of PGCs. Moreover, inductive mechanisms may be necessary for the transition from pPGCs to PGCs. Within this framework, the implementation of data from birds and reptiles could provide new insights on the evolution of PGC specification in amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bertocchini
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC)‐CSIC‐University of CantabriaSantanderSpain
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and EmbryologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of Reproductive MedicineGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
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22
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Abstract
Embryos of many animal models express germ line determinants that suppress transcription and mediate early germ line commitment, which occurs before the somatic cell lineages are established. However, not all animals segregate their germ line in this manner. The 'last cell standing' model describes primordial germ cell (PGC) development in axolotls, in which PGCs are maintained by an extracellular signalling niche, and germ line commitment occurs after gastrulation. Here, we propose that this 'stochastic' mode of PGC specification is conserved in vertebrates, including non-rodent mammals. We postulate that early germ line segregation liberates genetic regulatory networks for somatic development to evolve, and that it therefore emerged repeatedly in the animal kingdom in response to natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
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23
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Stower MJ, Diaz RE, Fernandez LC, Crother MW, Crother B, Marco A, Trainor PA, Srinivas S, Bertocchini F. Bi-modal strategy of gastrulation in reptiles. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:1144-1157. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Stower
- Department of Physiology; Anatomy and Genetics; University of Oxford; Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Raul E. Diaz
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City Missouri USA
| | - Lucia Carrera Fernandez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotechnologia de Cantabria-CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria-Sodercan; Santander Spain
| | | | - Brian Crother
- Southeastern Louisiana University; Hammond Louisiana
| | - Adolfo Marco
- Estacion Biologica Doñana-CSIC; C/ Américo Vespudio s/n; Seville Spain
| | - Paul A. Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City Missouri USA
- Department of Anatomy; and Cell Biology; University of Kansas Medical Center; Kansas City Kansas USA
| | - Shankar Srinivas
- Department of Physiology; Anatomy and Genetics; University of Oxford; Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Federica Bertocchini
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotechnologia de Cantabria-CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria-Sodercan; Santander Spain
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24
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Milani L, Maurizii MG. Vasa expression in spermatogenic cells during the reproductive-cycle phases ofPodarcis sicula(Reptilia, Lacertidae). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:424-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Milani
- Department of Scienze Biologiche; Geologiche ed Ambientali, University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Maurizii
- Department of Scienze Biologiche; Geologiche ed Ambientali, University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
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25
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Chatfield J, O'Reilly MA, Bachvarova RF, Ferjentsik Z, Redwood C, Walmsley M, Patient R, Loose M, Johnson AD. Stochastic specification of primordial germ cells from mesoderm precursors in axolotl embryos. Development 2014; 141:2429-40. [PMID: 24917499 PMCID: PMC4050694 DOI: 10.1242/dev.105346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A common feature of development in most vertebrate models is the early segregation of the germ line from the soma. For example, in Xenopus and zebrafish embryos primordial germ cells (PGCs) are specified by germ plasm that is inherited from the egg; in mice, Blimp1 expression in the epiblast mediates the commitment of cells to the germ line. How these disparate mechanisms of PGC specification evolved is unknown. Here, in order to identify the ancestral mechanism of PGC specification in vertebrates, we studied PGC specification in embryos from the axolotl (Mexican salamander), a model for the tetrapod ancestor. In the axolotl, PGCs develop within mesoderm, and classic studies have reported their induction from primitive ectoderm (animal cap). We used an axolotl animal cap system to demonstrate that signalling through FGF and BMP4 induces PGCs. The role of FGF was then confirmed in vivo. We also showed PGC induction by Brachyury, in the presence of BMP4. These conditions induced pluripotent mesodermal precursors that give rise to a variety of somatic cell types, in addition to PGCs. Irreversible restriction of the germ line did not occur until the mid-tailbud stage, days after the somatic germ layers are established. Before this, germline potential was maintained by MAP kinase signalling. We propose that this stochastic mechanism of PGC specification, from mesodermal precursors, is conserved in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Chatfield
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marie-Anne O'Reilly
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Rosemary F Bachvarova
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zoltan Ferjentsik
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Catherine Redwood
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Maggie Walmsley
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Roger Patient
- Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Mathew Loose
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Andrew D Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Evans T, Wade CM, Chapman FA, Johnson AD, Loose M. Acquisition of germ plasm accelerates vertebrate evolution. Science 2014; 344:200-3. [PMID: 24723612 DOI: 10.1126/science.1249325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cell (PGC) specification occurs either by induction from pluripotent cells (epigenesis) or by a cell-autonomous mechanism mediated by germ plasm (preformation). Among vertebrates, epigenesis is basal, whereas germ plasm has evolved convergently across lineages and is associated with greater speciation. We compared protein-coding sequences of vertebrate species that employ preformation with their sister taxa that use epigenesis and demonstrate that genes evolve more rapidly in species containing germ plasm. Furthermore, differences in rates of evolution appear to cause phylogenetic incongruence in protein-coding sequence comparisons between vertebrate taxa. Our results support the hypothesis that germ plasm liberates constraints on somatic development and that enhanced evolvability drives the evolution of germ plasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri Evans
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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27
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Kohno S, Parrott BB, Yatsu R, Miyagawa S, Moore BC, Iguchi T, Guillette L. Gonadal Differentiation in Reptiles Exhibiting Environmental Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2014; 8:208-26. [DOI: 10.1159/000358892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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28
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Yu L, Yan M, Sui J, Sheng WQ, Zhang ZF. Gonadogenesis and expression pattern of the vasa
gene in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
during early development. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:744-52. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China; Qingdao China
| | - Meng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China; Qingdao China
| | - Juan Sui
- Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute; Qingdao China
| | - Wan-Qiang Sheng
- Department of Biological Sciences; National University of Singapore; Kent Ridge Singapore
| | - Zhi-Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China; Qingdao China
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29
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pluripotency is a fundamental property of early mammalian development but it is currently unclear to what extent its cellular mechanisms are conserved in vertebrates or metazoans. POU5F1 and POU2 are the two principle members constituting the class V POU domain family of transcription factors, thought to have a conserved role in the regulation of pluripotency in vertebrates as well as germ cell maintenance and neural patterning. They have undergone a complex pattern of evolution which is poorly understood and controversial. RESULTS By analyzing the sequences of POU5F1, POU2 and their flanking genes, we provide strong indirect evidence that POU5F1 originated at least as early as a common ancestor of gnathostomes but became extinct in a common ancestor of teleost fishes, while both POU5F1 and POU2 survived in the sarcopterygian lineage leading to tetrapods. Less divergent forms of POU5F1 and POU2 appear to have persisted among cartilaginous fishes. CONCLUSIONS Our study resolves the controversial evolutionary relationship between teleost pou2 and tetrapod POU2 and POU5F1, and shows that class V POU transcription factors have existed at least since the common ancestor of gnathostome vertebrates. It provides a framework for elucidating the basis for the lineage-specific extinctions of POU2 and POU5F1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Frankenberg
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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30
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Zhang W, Rui L, Zhang J, Yu X, Yuan F, Yan L, Zhang Z, Wan Z, Shao Q, Qi C, Li Z. Production of chimeras between the Chinese soft-shelled turtle and Peking duck through transfer of early blastoderm cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:1786-92. [PMID: 23348946 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.072843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chimeras are useful models for studies of developmental biology and cell differentiation. Intraspecies and interspecies germline chimeras have been produced in previous studies, but the feasibility of producing chimeras between animals of two different classes remains unclear. To address this issue, we attempted to produce chimeras between the Chinese soft-shelled turtle and the Peking duck by transferring stage X blastoderm cells to recipient embryos. We then examined the survival and development of the PKH26-labeled donor cells in the heterologous embryos. At early embryonic stages, both turtle and duck donor cells that were labeled with PKH26 were readily observed in the brain, neural tube, heart and gonads of the respective recipient embryos. Movement of turtle donor-derived cells was observed in the duck host embryos after 48 h of incubation. Although none of the hatchlings presented a chimeric phenotype, duck donor-derived cells were detected in a variety of organs in the hatchling turtles, particularly in the gonads. Moreover, in the hatched turtles, mRNA expression of tissue-specific duck genes MEF2a and MEF2c was detected in many tissues, including the muscle, heart, small and large intestines, stomach and kidney. Similarly, SPAG6 mRNA was detected in a subset of turtle tissues, including the gonad and the small and large intestines. These results suggest that duck donor-derived cells can survive and differentiate in recipient turtles; however, no turtle-derived cells were detected in the hatched ducks. Our findings indicate that chimeras can be produced between animals of two different classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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31
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Nakamura Y, Kagami H, Tagami T. Development, differentiation and manipulation of chicken germ cells. Dev Growth Differ 2013; 55:20-40. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Kagami
- Faculty of Agriculture; Shinshu University; 8304; Minamiminowa; Nagano; 399-4598; Japan
| | - Takahiro Tagami
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research Division; NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science; 2 Ikenodai; Tsukuba; Ibaraki; 305-0901; Japan
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32
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Bertocchini F, Alev C, Nakaya Y, Sheng G. A little winning streak: The reptilian-eye view of gastrulation in birds. Dev Growth Differ 2012; 55:52-9. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bertocchini
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnologia de Cantabria (IBBTEC); CSIC-SODERCAN-Universidad de Cantabria; Facultad de Medicina; Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria, s/n; 39011; Santander; Spain
| | - Cantas Alev
- Lab for Early Embryogenesis; RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi; Chuo-Ku; Kobe; Hyogo; 650-0047; Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakaya
- Lab for Early Embryogenesis; RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi; Chuo-Ku; Kobe; Hyogo; 650-0047; Japan
| | - Guojun Sheng
- Lab for Early Embryogenesis; RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi; Chuo-Ku; Kobe; Hyogo; 650-0047; Japan
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33
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Maternally localized germ plasm mRNAs and germ cell/stem cell formation in the cnidarian Clytia. Dev Biol 2012; 364:236-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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34
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Primordial Germ Cell Technologies for Avian Germplasm Cryopreservation and Investigating Germ Cell Development. J Poult Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.011161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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35
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Johnson AD, Richardson E, Bachvarova RF, Crother BI. Evolution of the germ line-soma relationship in vertebrate embryos. Reproduction 2011; 141:291-300. [PMID: 21228047 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The germ line and soma together maintain genetic lineages from generation to generation: the germ line passes genetic information between generations; the soma is the vehicle for germ line transmission, and is shaped by natural selection. The germ line and somatic lineages arise simultaneously in early embryos, but how their development is related depends on how primordial germ cells (PGC) are specified. PGCs are specified by one of two means. Epigenesis describes the induction of PGCs from pluripotent cells by signals from surrounding somatic tissues. In contrast, PGCs in many species are specified cell-autonomously by maternally derived molecules, known as germ plasm, and this is called preformation. Germ plasm inhibits signaling to PGCs; thus, they are specified cell-autonomously. Germ plasm evolved independently in many animal lineages, suggesting convergent evolution, and therefore it would be expected to convey a selective advantage. But, what this is remains unknown. We propose that the selective advantage that drives the emergence of germ plasm in vertebrates is the disengagement of germ line specification from somatic influences. This liberates the evolution of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that govern somatic development, and thereby enhances species evolvability, a well-recognized selective advantage. We cite recent evidence showing that frog embryos, which contain germ plasm, have modified GRNs that are not conserved in axolotls, which represent more basal amphibians and employ epigenesis. We also present the correlation of preformation with enhanced species radiations, and we discuss the mutually exclusive trajectories influenced by germ plasm or pluripotency, which shaped chordate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Johnson
- School of Biology, Institute of Genetics, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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36
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Dixon JE, Allegrucci C, Redwood C, Kump K, Bian Y, Chatfield J, Chen YH, Sottile V, Voss SR, Alberio R, Johnson AD. Axolotl Nanog activity in mouse embryonic stem cells demonstrates that ground state pluripotency is conserved from urodele amphibians to mammals. Development 2010; 137:2973-80. [PMID: 20736286 DOI: 10.1242/dev.049262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cells in the pluripotent ground state can give rise to somatic cells and germ cells, and the acquisition of pluripotency is dependent on the expression of Nanog. Pluripotency is conserved in the primitive ectoderm of embryos from mammals and urodele amphibians, and here we report the isolation of a Nanog ortholog from axolotls (axNanog). axNanog does not contain a tryptophan repeat domain and is expressed as a monomer in the axolotl animal cap. The monomeric form is sufficient to regulate pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells, but axNanog dimers are required to rescue LIF-independent self-renewal. Our results show that protein interactions mediated by Nanog dimerization promote proliferation. More importantly, they demonstrate that the mechanisms governing pluripotency are conserved from urodele amphibians to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Dixon
- Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG2 2UH, UK
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37
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Shah C, VanGompel MJW, Naeem V, Chen Y, Lee T, Angeloni N, Wang Y, Xu EY. Widespread presence of human BOULE homologs among animals and conservation of their ancient reproductive function. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1001022. [PMID: 20657660 PMCID: PMC2904765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific traits that lead to the production of dimorphic gametes, sperm in males and eggs in females, are fundamental for sexual reproduction and accordingly widespread among animals. Yet the sex-biased genes that underlie these sex-specific traits are under strong selective pressure, and as a result of adaptive evolution they often become divergent. Indeed out of hundreds of male or female fertility genes identified in diverse organisms, only a very small number of them are implicated specifically in reproduction in more than one lineage. Few genes have exhibited a sex-biased, reproductive-specific requirement beyond a given phylum, raising the question of whether any sex-specific gametogenesis factors could be conserved and whether gametogenesis might have evolved multiple times. Here we describe a metazoan origin of a conserved human reproductive protein, BOULE, and its prevalence from primitive basal metazoans to chordates. We found that BOULE homologs are present in the genomes of representative species of each of the major lineages of metazoans and exhibit reproductive-specific expression in all species examined, with a preponderance of male-biased expression. Examination of Boule evolution within insect and mammalian lineages revealed little evidence for accelerated evolution, unlike most reproductive genes. Instead, purifying selection was the major force behind Boule evolution. Furthermore, loss of function of mammalian Boule resulted in male-specific infertility and a global arrest of sperm development remarkably similar to the phenotype in an insect boule mutation. This work demonstrates the conservation of a reproductive protein throughout eumetazoa, its predominant testis-biased expression in diverse bilaterian species, and conservation of a male gametogenic requirement in mice. This shows an ancient gametogenesis requirement for Boule among Bilateria and supports a model of a common origin of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eugene Yujun Xu
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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38
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Saotome K, Hayashi K, Adachi N, Nakamura Y, Nakamura M. Isolation and characterization of Vasa in the frog Rana rugosa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 313:452-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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39
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Swiers G, Chen YH, Johnson AD, Loose M. A conserved mechanism for vertebrate mesoderm specification in urodele amphibians and mammals. Dev Biol 2010; 343:138-52. [PMID: 20394741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how mesoderm is specified during development is a fundamental issue in biology, and it has been studied intensively in embryos from Xenopus. The gene regulatory network (GRN) for Xenopus is surprisingly complex and is not conserved in vertebrates, including mammals, which have single copies of the key genes Nodal and Mix. Why the Xenopus GRN should express multiple copies of Nodal and Mix genes is not known. To understand how these expanded gene families evolved, we investigated mesoderm specification in embryos from axolotls, representing urodele amphibians, since urodele embryology is basal to amphibians and was conserved during the evolution of amniotes, including mammals. We show that single copies of Nodal and Mix are required for mesoderm specification in axolotl embryos, suggesting the ancestral vertebrate state. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel genetic interaction in which Mix induces Brachyury expression, standing in contrast to the relationship of these molecules in Xenopus. However, we demonstrate that this functional relationship is conserved in mammals by showing that it is involved in the production of mesoderm from mouse embryonic stem cells. From our results, we produced an ancestral mesoderm (m)GRN, which we suggest is conserved in vertebrates. The results are discussed within the context of a theory in which the evolution of mechanisms governing early somatic development is constrained by the ancestral germ line-soma relationship, in which germ cells are produced by epigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Swiers
- Institute of Genetics, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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40
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Kito G, Aramaki S, Tanaka K, Soh T, Yamauchi N, Hattori MA. Temporal and spatial differential expression of chicken germline-specific proteins cDAZL, CDH and CVH during gametogenesis. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:341-6. [PMID: 20332590 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-218a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Deleted in Azoospermia-Like (DAZL) protein coded by Dazl gene is a germline-specific RNA-binding protein essential for gametogenesis in vertebrates, and the chicken Dazl gene has also been identified in primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, the temporal and spatial expression of chicken DAZL (cDAZL) and its molecular role in germ cell development remain enigmatic. Here, we investigated the subcellular distribution and expression of cDAZL at the various stages by using a polyclonal antibody raised against its C-terminal region and compared them with those of additional germline-specific proteins chicken vasa homologue (CVH) and chicken dead end homologue (CDH). Western blot analysis for cDAZL revealed a single band in the embryonic gonads and premature chicken testis, whereas no band was detected in the premature chicken ovary. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry revealed that cDAZL was present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of circulating PGCs. Cells positive for cDAZL and CVH coexisted in the embryonic gonads and premature chicken testis, in which they were distributed near the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. Of interest, cDAZL was not found in the premature chicken ovary, whereas CVH and CDH were present in germ cells. Collectively, three germline-specific proteins are expressed in chicken germ cells, but their patterns of expression are temporally and spatially distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gakushi Kito
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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41
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Bachvarova RF, Crother BI, Johnson AD. Evolution of germ cell development in tetrapods: comparison of urodeles and amniotes. Evol Dev 2009; 11:603-9. [PMID: 19754716 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2009.00366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The embryonic development of germ cells in tetrapods is described, focusing on groups with the inductive mode of germ cell specification. In mammals PGCs are induced early in the gastrulation process, they are internalized with future extraembryonic mesoderm in the early posterior primitive streak, and specified soon thereafter. Strong evidence indicates that a similar process occurs in turtles and some other reptiles. In amniotes, the PGCs appear well before formation of the gonad in the posterior trunk, resulting in a period in which they are located outside the embryo before their migration to the gonad. In contrast, in urodeles the PGCs appear relatively late, and throughout development maintain a position close to precursors of the somatic cells of the gonad so that migration is not required. In lampreys early development of germ cells is strikingly similar to that in urodeles, suggesting this is the primitive process. As amniotes evolved large yolky eggs and better access to nutrition, development of the posterior half of the trunk became more dependent on cell proliferation; this was followed or accompanied by a shift of early germ cell development to the equivalent of the early primitive streak. A similar process may have occurred as some basal vertebrates developed large yolky eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary F Bachvarova
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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