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Novel Mutations in X-Linked, USP26-Induced Asthenoteratozoospermia and Male Infertility. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071594. [PMID: 34202084 PMCID: PMC8307012 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic background. Abnormal sperm morphologies have been found to be closely related to male infertility. Here, we conducted whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 150 Han Chinese men with asthenoteratozoospermia. Two novel hemizygous mutations were identified in USP26, an X-linked gene preferentially expressed in the testis and encoding a deubiquitinating enzyme. These USP26 variants are extremely rare in human population genome databases and have been predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatics tools. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and electron microscopy analyses of the spermatozoa from men harboring hemizygous USP26 variants showed a highly aberrant morphology and ultrastructure of the sperm heads and flagella. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting assays revealed obviously reduced levels of USP26 mRNA and protein in the spermatozoa from men harboring hemizygous deleterious variants of USP26. Furthermore, intracytoplasmic sperm injections performed on infertile men harboring hemizygous USP26 variants achieved satisfactory outcomes. Overall, our study demonstrates that USP26 is essential for normal sperm morphogenesis, and hemizygous USP26 mutations can induce X-linked asthenoteratozoospermia. These findings will provide effective guidance for the genetic and reproductive counseling of infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia.
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2
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A novel frameshift mutation in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 gene in a patient with severe oligozoospermia. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222437. [PMID: 32202304 PMCID: PMC7198038 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) encodes a predicted protein containing his- and cys- domains that are conserved among deubiquitinating enzymes. USP26 is specifically expressed in testis tissue and is a potential infertility gene. In the present study, we performed genetic testing related to spermatogenesis impairment in a patient with idiopathic severe oligozoospermia to identify the cause. The patient underwent clinical examination and reproductive hormone testing. Genes associated with male infertility, including USP26, were assessed by targeted exome sequencing. A novel frameshift mutation, c.2195delT (p.Phe732Serfs*14), was identified in USP26. This frameshift mutation was located in residue 732 of USP26 gene, leading to loss of the conserved deubiquitinating enzyme His-domain and producing a truncated protein of 744 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis revealed this mutation to be pathogenic. A novel framshift mutation c.2195delT (p.Phe732Serfs*14) in USP26 gene was reported to be associated with male infertility in a Chinese patient with severe oligozoospermia.
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3
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Capalbo A, Poli M, Riera-Escamilla A, Shukla V, Kudo Høffding M, Krausz C, Hoffmann ER, Simon C. Preconception genome medicine: current state and future perspectives to improve infertility diagnosis and reproductive and health outcomes based on individual genomic data. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:254-279. [PMID: 33197264 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our genetic code is now readable, writable and hackable. The recent escalation of genome-wide sequencing (GS) applications in population diagnostics will not only enable the assessment of risks of transmitting well-defined monogenic disorders at preconceptional stages (i.e. carrier screening), but also facilitate identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting reproductive fitness. Through GS, the acquisition and curation of reproductive-related findings will warrant the expansion of genetic assessment to new areas of genomic prediction of reproductive phenotypes, pharmacogenomics and molecular embryology, further boosting our knowledge and therapeutic tools for treating infertility and improving women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this article, we review current knowledge and potential development of preconception genome analysis aimed at detecting reproductive and individual health risks (recessive genetic disease and medically actionable secondary findings) as well as anticipating specific reproductive outcomes, particularly in the context of IVF. The extension of reproductive genetic risk assessment to the general population and IVF couples will lead to the identification of couples who carry recessive mutations, as well as sub-lethal conditions prior to conception. This approach will provide increased reproductive autonomy to couples, particularly in those cases where preimplantation genetic testing is an available option to avoid the transmission of undesirable conditions. In addition, GS on prospective infertility patients will enable genome-wide association studies specific for infertility phenotypes such as predisposition to premature ovarian failure, increased risk of aneuploidies, complete oocyte immaturity or blastocyst development failure, thus empowering the development of true reproductive precision medicine. SEARCH METHODS Searches of the literature on PubMed Central included combinations of the following MeSH terms: human, genetics, genomics, variants, male, female, fertility, next generation sequencing, genome exome sequencing, expanded carrier screening, secondary findings, pharmacogenomics, controlled ovarian stimulation, preconception, genetics, genome-wide association studies, GWAS. OUTCOMES Through PubMed Central queries, we identified a total of 1409 articles. The full list of articles was assessed for date of publication, limiting the search to studies published within the last 15 years (2004 onwards due to escalating research output of next-generation sequencing studies from that date). The remaining articles' titles were assessed for pertinence to the topic, leaving a total of 644 articles. The use of preconception GS has the potential to identify inheritable genetic conditions concealed in the genome of around 4% of couples looking to conceive. Genomic information during reproductive age will also be useful to anticipate late-onset medically actionable conditions with strong genetic background in around 2-4% of all individuals. Genetic variants correlated with differential response to pharmaceutical treatment in IVF, and clear genotype-phenotype associations are found for aberrant sperm types, oocyte maturation, fertilization or pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. All currently known capabilities of GS at the preconception stage are reviewed along with persisting and forthcoming barriers for the implementation of precise reproductive medicine. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The expansion of sequencing analysis to additional monogenic and polygenic traits may enable the development of cost-effective preconception tests capable of identifying underlying genetic causes of infertility, which have been defined as 'unexplained' until now, thus leading to the development of a true personalized genomic medicine framework in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy.,Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vallari Shukla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology BIDMC, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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4
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Ji X, Lin L, Shen S, Dong X, Chen C, Li Y, Zhu Y, Huang H, Chen J, Chen X, Wei L, He J, Duan W, Su L, Jiang Y, Fan J, Guan J, You D, Shafer A, Bjaanaes MM, Karlsson A, Planck M, Staaf J, Helland Å, Esteller M, Wei Y, Zhang R, Chen F, Christiani DC. Epigenetic-smoking interaction reveals histologically heterogeneous effects of TRIM27 DNA methylation on overall survival among early-stage NSCLC patients. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:2759-2774. [PMID: 33448640 PMCID: PMC7607178 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tripartite motif containing 27 (TRIM27) is highly expressed in lung cancer, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we profiled DNA methylation of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tumours from 613 early-stage NSCLC patients and evaluated associations between CpG methylation of TRIM27 and overall survival. Significant CpG probes were confirmed in 617 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The methylation of the CpG probe cg05293407TRIM27 was significantly associated with overall survival in patients with LUSC (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.30-2.09, P = 4.52 × 10-5), but not in patients with LUAD (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.87-1.33, P = 0.493). As incidence of LUSC is associated with higher smoking intensity compared to LUAD, we investigated whether smoking intensity impacted on the prognostic effect of cg05293407TRIM27 methylation in NSCLC. LUSC patients had a higher average pack-year of smoking (37.49LUAD vs 54.79LUSC, P = 1.03 × 10-19) and included a higher proportion of current smokers than LUAD patients (28.24%LUAD vs 34.09%LUSC, P = 0.037). cg05293407TRIM27 was significantly associated with overall survival only in NSCLC patients with medium-high pack-year of smoking (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26-1.96, P = 5.25 × 10-5). We conclude that cg05293407TRIM27 methylation is a potential predictor of LUSC prognosis, and smoking intensity may impact on its prognostic value across the various types of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijuan Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sipeng Shen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuesi Dong
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangmin Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jieyu He
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Duan
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juanjuan Fan
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinxing Guan
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongfang You
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Shafer
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Moksnes Bjaanaes
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Karlsson
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund and CREATE Health Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Planck
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund and CREATE Health Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Staaf
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund and CREATE Health Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer, Madrid, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yongyue Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruyang Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Tian H, Huo Y, Zhang J, Ding S, Wang Z, Li H, Wang L, Lu M, Liu S, Qiu S, Zhang Q. Disruption of ubiquitin specific protease 26 gene causes male subfertility associated with spermatogenesis defects in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1118-1128. [PMID: 30561524 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is an X-linked gene exclusively expressed in the testis and codes for the USP26, a peptidase enzyme that belongs to the deubiquitinating enzyme family. Recent studies have indicated that mutations in USP26 affect spermatogenesis and are associated with male infertility in humans and mice. However, the exact role of USP26 in spermatogenesis and how it affects male reproduction remains unknown. In this study, we generated a conventional Usp26 knockout mouse model and found that deletion of Usp26 in male mice (Usp26-/Y) leads to significantly reduced pup numbers per litter and significantly increased intervals between two consecutive offspring. We also found that the serum follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone levels of adult Usp26-/Y mice were significantly decreased compared to those of Usp26+/Y mice. Histological examination results showed that Usp26-/Y mice had significantly increased percentage of abnormal seminiferous tubules at different ages. Flow cytometry results exhibited that Usp26-/Y mice had significantly reduced percentage of mature haploid cells in the testes compared to Usp26+/Y mice. Sperm counts in epididymis were also significantly declined in Usp26-/Y mice compared to those in Usp26+/Y mice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation analysis results showed that USP26 and androgen receptor were co-localized in mouse testicular cells at different ages and they both had physiological interactions. All these results demonstrated that the loss of Usp26 affects spermatogenesis and hormone secretion and causes male subfertility. Our study also provides the evidence on the interactions between USP26 and androgen receptor in mouse testis, whereby pointing to a potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Tian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongwei Huo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical Center, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shangshu Ding
- Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hecheng Li
- Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lirong Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shudong Qiu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Research Center of Reproductive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Tulane Center for Aging.,Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium
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6
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Arafat M, Zeadna A, Levitas E, Har Vardi I, Samueli B, Shaco-Levy R, Dabsan S, Lunenfeld E, Huleihel M, Parvari R. Novel mutation in USP26 associated with azoospermia in a Sertoli cell-only syndrome patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1258. [PMID: 32410375 PMCID: PMC7336752 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin‐Specific Peptidase 26 (USP26), located on the X chromosome, encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme expressed mainly in testis, where it regulates protein turnover during spermatogenesis and modulates the ubiquitination levels of the Androgen Receptor (AR), and as a consequence, affects AR signaling. Methods The patient was thoroughly characterized clinically. He was genetically tested by chromosome analysis and whole exome sequencing (WES). Results The patient was diagnosed with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome pattern (SCOS). The WES analysis revealed only the variation in USP26: causing p.P469S in a highly evolutionary conserved amino acid as the possible cause for SCOS. The literature search identified 34 single variations and 14 clusters of variations in USP26 that were associated with male infertility. Only one of the 22 variations and of one cluster of three mutations tested for ubiquitination activity was found as damaging. Only one out of six variations tested for effect on AR function was found as damaging. Thus, the association of USP26 with male fertility was questioned. Conclusions The finding in our patient and the discussion on the reviewed literature support a possible role for USP26 in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Arafat
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Atif Zeadna
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har Vardi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Benzion Samueli
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruth Shaco-Levy
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Salam Dabsan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruti Parvari
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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7
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Usp26 mutation in mice leads to defective spermatogenesis depending on genetic background. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13757. [PMID: 31551464 PMCID: PMC6760205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a reproductive system process that produces sperm. Ubiquitin specific peptidase 26 (USP26) is an X chromosome-linked deubiquitinase that is specifically expressed in the testes. It has long been controversial whether USP26 variants are associated with human male infertility. Thus, in the present study, we introduced a mutation into the Usp26 gene in mice and found that Usp26 mutant males backcrossed to a DBA/2 background, but not a C57BL/6 background, were sterile or subfertile and had atrophic testes. These findings indicate that the effects of the Usp26 mutation on male reproductive capacity were influenced by genetic background. Sperm in the cauda epididymis of Usp26 mutant mice backcrossed to a DBA/2 background were decreased in number and showed a malformed head morphology compared to those of wild-type mice. Additionally, histological examinations of the testes revealed that the number of round and elongated spermatids were dramatically reduced in Usp26 mutant mice. The mutant mice exhibited unsynapsed chromosomes in pachynema and defective chiasma formation in diplonema, which presumably resulted in apoptosis of metaphase spermatocytes and subsequent decrease of spermatids. Taken together, these results indicate that the deficiencies in fertility and spermatogenesis caused by mutation of Usp26 were dependent on genetic background.
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Felipe-Medina N, Gómez-H L, Condezo YB, Sanchez-Martín M, Barbero JL, Ramos I, Llano E, Pendás AM. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is not essential for mouse gametogenesis and fertility. Chromosoma 2019; 128:237-247. [PMID: 30887115 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is a deubiquitylating enzyme belonging to the USPs family with a transcription pattern restricted to the male germline. Since protein ubiquitination is an essential regulatory mechanism during meiosis, many efforts have been focused on elucidating the function of USP26 and its relationship with fertility. During the last decade, several studies have reported the presence of different polymorphisms in USP26 in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia suggesting that this gene may be associated with human infertility. However, other studies have revealed the presence of these and novel polymorphisms, including nonsense mutations, in men with normal spermatogenesis as well. Thus, the results remain controversial and its function is unknown. In the present study, we describe the in vivo functional analysis of mice lacking USP26. The phenotypic analysis of two different Usp26-null mutants showed no overt-phenotype with both males and females being fertile. Cytological analysis of spermatocytes showed no defects in synapsis, chromosome dynamics, DNA repair, or recombination. Histopathological analysis revealed a normal distribution and number of the different cell types in both male and female mice. Finally, normal counts were observed in fertility assessments. These results represent the first in vivo evidence showing that USP26 is not essential for mouse gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Felipe-Medina
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Gómez-H
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Yazmine B Condezo
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sanchez-Martín
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
- Transgenic Facility, Nucleus platform, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - José Luis Barbero
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Isabel Ramos
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Llano
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - Alberto M Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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Luddi A, Crifasi L, Quagliarello A, Governini L, De Leo V, Piomboni P. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of USP26 in azoospermic men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:372-378. [PMID: 27726449 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1238116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Some studies have focused on the association between male infertility and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) gene, but the results are controversial. In this case-control study including both normozoospermic men and patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, we analyzed both the entire coding region and 5' and 3' untranslated regions of USP26 in order to identify genetic variants in this gene to investigate the role of USP26 on spermatogenesis. We reported variations in the USP26 gene sequence in 82% of azoospermic and in 50% normospermic men. The synonymous variation c.576G>A has a frequency significantly different in the azoospermic (60.2%) and normozoospermic (23.6%) groups, while the frequencies in the two groups of both c.1090C>T and c.1737G>A missense mutations did not reach statistical significance. A cluster mutation (c.371insACA, c.494T>C) was detected in 2 normozoospermic men (2.7%). In the 5'UTR we identified the -33C>T variation both in azoospermic (3.8%) and in normozoospermic (2.7%) men. In a normozoospermic man we detected the nonsense mutation c.882C>A, never reported to date. According to our results, we suggest that only the variation c.576G>A has a frequency significantly different in azoospermic compared to normozoospermic men. Moreover, the identification in a normozoospermic man of a nonsense mutation (c.882C>A) which causes the production of a truncated protein, suggests a marginal role of USP26 in male spermatogenesis. Additional studies may be useful as we cannot exclude that the other SNPs may represent risk factors for male fertility acting by an oligogenic/polygenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Luddi
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena, Italy.,b Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Couple Sterility, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital , Siena , Italy
| | - Laura Crifasi
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena, Italy.,b Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Couple Sterility, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital , Siena , Italy
| | | | - Laura Governini
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena, Italy.,b Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Couple Sterility, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital , Siena , Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena, Italy.,b Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Couple Sterility, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital , Siena , Italy
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Chandrasekaran AP, Suresh B, Kim HH, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. Concise Review: Fate Determination of Stem Cells by Deubiquitinating Enzymes. Stem Cells 2016; 35:9-16. [PMID: 27341175 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modification by ubiquitin molecules is a key regulatory process for stem cell fate determination. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are the major cellular processes used to balance the protein turnover of several transcription factors that regulate stem cell differentiation. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which facilitate the processing of ubiquitin, significantly influence stem cell fate choices. Specifically, DUBs play a critical regulatory role during development by directing the production of new specialized cells. This review focuses on the regulatory role of DUBs in various cellular processes, including stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, adult stem cell signaling, cellular reprogramming, spermatogenesis, and oogenesis. Specifically, the identification of interactions of DUBs with core transcription factors has provided new insight into the role of DUBs in regulating stem cell fate determination. Thus, DUBs have emerged as key pharmacologic targets in the search to develop highly specific agents to treat various illnesses. Stem Cells 2017;35:9-16.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bharathi Suresh
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Korea 21 plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Korea 21 plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.,College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.,College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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11
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Ma Q, Li Y, Guo H, Li C, Chen J, Luo M, Jiang Z, Li H, Gui Y. A Novel Missense Mutation in USP26 Gene Is Associated With Nonobstructive Azoospermia. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1434-41. [PMID: 27089915 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116641758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ubiquitin-specific peptidase 26 (USP26) gene variations were associated with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS Seven hundred and seventy-six patients diagnosed with NOA and 709 proven fertile men were included in this study. Genetic variations of infertility-related genes, including USP26, were identified by selected exonic sequencing. The effects of USP26 mutations on androgen receptor (AR) binding, ubiquitination, and transcriptional activity were detected by immunoprecipitation and luciferase assay in Hela and TM4 cells. RESULTS Six novel missense mutations and 1 novel synonymous mutation of USP26 unique to the patients with NOA were identified. Of these missense mutations, USP26 R344W remarkably reduced the binding affinity and deubiquitinating activity of USP26 to AR, thus eliminated the inhibitory effect of USP26 on transcriptional activity of AR in Hela and TM4 cells. CONCLUSION A novel USP26 variant p.R344W is associated with NOA probably through affecting AR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ma
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Yuchi Li
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Huan Guo
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Cailing Li
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jianbo Chen
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Manling Luo
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zhimao Jiang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Honggang Li
- The Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, PR China
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12
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Suresh B, Lee J, Hong SH, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. The role of deubiquitinating enzymes in spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4711-20. [PMID: 26350476 PMCID: PMC11113867 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2030-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process through which spermatogonial stem cells undergo mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation to generate mature spermatozoa. During this process, male germ cells experience several translational modifications. One of the major post-translational modifications in eukaryotes is the ubiquitination of proteins, which targets proteins for degradation; this enables control of the expression of enzymes and structural proteins during spermatogenesis. It has become apparent that ubiquitination plays a key role in regulating every stage of spermatogenesis starting from gonocytes to differentiated spermatids. It is understood that, where there is ubiquitination, deubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) also exists to counterbalance the ubiquitination process in a reversible manner. Normal spermatogenesis is dependent on the balanced actions of ubiquitination and deubiquitination. This review highlights the current knowledge of the role of DUBs and their essential regulatory contribution to spermatogenesis, especially during progression into meiotic phase, acrosome biogenesis, quality sperm production, and apoptosis of germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharathi Suresh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Physiology and Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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13
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Xia JD, Chen J, Han YF, Chen H, Yu W, Chen Y, Dai YT. Association of 370-371insACA, 494T>C, and 1423C>T haplotype in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 gene and male infertility: a meta-analysis. Asian J Androl 2015; 16:720-4. [PMID: 24875820 PMCID: PMC4215687 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.129134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the 370-371insACA, 494T>C, and 1423C>T haplotype in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) gene is associated with male infertility is controversial. To clarify this issue, we conducted a meta-analysis based on the most recent studies. Eligible studies were screened by using PubMed and Embase. Pooled odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated with fixed effect models. Ten studies with 1603 patients and 2505 controls were included. Overall, the results indicated that there was an association between the haplotype and male infertile risk (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09–2.77). The OR calculated based on the five studies in Asia and three in Europe was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.05–3.67) and 1.54 (95% CI: 0.75–3.16) respectively, however, the OR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.05–15.29) based on the two investigations in America. In addition, the data from the patients with azoospermia (AZO) showed an increased pooled OR of 2.35 (95% CI: 1.22–4.50). In contrast, the studies with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) exhibited that the pooled OR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.43–2.16). Our analyses indicate that there is an association of alteration in USP26 with male infertility, especially in AZO and Asian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yu-Tian Dai
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Zhang W, Liu T, Mi YJ, Yue LD, Wang JM, Liu DW, Yan J, Tian QB. Evidence from enzymatic and meta-analyses does not support a direct association between USP26 gene variants and male infertility. Andrology 2015; 3:271-9. [PMID: 25755145 DOI: 10.1111/andr.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Do men who carry mutations in USP26 have an increased risk of infertility? The association between mutations in USP26 gene and male infertility has been studied intensively. However, the results from different groups are controversial. In particular, biological function of the mutant proteins remains to be elucidated. In this study, we conducted a USP cleavage assay and a meta-analysis of the published literature (up to 31 May 2013) to evaluate the impact of five frequent mutations (NM_031907.1: c.363_364insACA, c.494T>C, c.1423C>T, c.1090C>T, c.1737G>A) on enzymatic activity of the USP26 and to assess the strength of the association between those mutations and male infertility. The USP cleavage assay showed that those mutations do not affect USP26 enzymatic activity. Moreover, the results of meta-analysis of ten case-control studies (in total 1716 patients and 2597 controls) revealed no significant association (P > 0.05) between USP26 mutations and male infertility. The pooled ORs were 1.58 (95% CI: 0.81, 3.10) for cluster mutations (c.363_364insACA, c.494T>C, c.1423C>T), 1.60 (95% CI: 0.93, 2.74) for c.1090 C>T and 2.64 (95% CI: 0.97, 7.20) for c.1737 G>A. Evidence from both enzymatic and meta-analyses does not support a direct association between USP26 variants and male infertility. Further research is necessary to study the biological function of USP26, which may provide clues as to the regulation of androgen receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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15
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Tahmasbpour E, Balasubramanian D, Agarwal A. A multi-faceted approach to understanding male infertility: gene mutations, molecular defects and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:1115-37. [PMID: 25117645 PMCID: PMC4156950 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assisted reproductive techniques aimed to assist infertile couples have their own offspring carry significant risks of passing on molecular defects to next generations. RESULTS Novel breakthroughs in gene and protein interactions have been achieved in the field of male infertility using genome-wide proteomics and transcriptomics technologies. CONCLUSION Male Infertility is a complex and multifactorial disorder. SIGNIFICANCE This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date evaluation of the multifactorial factors involved in male infertility. These factors need to be first assessed and understood before we can successfully treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- />Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 44195 Cleveland, OH USA
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16
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Wosnitzer MS, Mielnik A, Dabaja A, Robinson B, Schlegel PN, Paduch DA. Ubiquitin Specific Protease 26 (USP26) expression analysis in human testicular and extragonadal tissues indicates diverse action of USP26 in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98638. [PMID: 24922532 PMCID: PMC4055479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific protease 26 (USP26), a deubiquitinating enzyme, is highly expressed early during murine spermatogenesis, in round spermatids, and at the blood-testis barrier. USP26 has also been recognized as a regulator of androgen receptor (AR) hormone-induced action involved in spermatogenesis and steroid production in in vitro studies. Prior mutation screening of USP26 demonstrated an association with human male infertility and low testosterone production, but protein localization and expression in the human testis has not been characterized previously. USP26 expression analysis of mRNA and protein was completed using murine and human testis tissue and human tissue arrays. USP26 and AR mRNA levels in human testis were quantitated using multiplex qRT-PCR. Immunofluorescence colocalization studies were performed with formalin-fixed/paraffin-embedded and frozen tissues using primary and secondary antibodies to detect USP26 and AR protein expression. Human microarray dot blots were used to identify protein expression in extra-gonadal tissues. For the first time, expression of USP26 and colocalization of USP26 with androgen receptor in human testis has been confirmed predominantly in Leydig cell nuclei, with less in Leydig cell cytoplasm, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, round spermatids, and Sertoli cells. USP26 likely affects regulatory proteins of early spermatogenesis, including androgen receptor with additional activity in round spermatids. This X-linked gene is not testis-specific, with USP26 mRNA and protein expression identified in multiple other human organ tissues (benign and malignant) including androgen-dependent tissues such as breast (myoepithelial cells and secretory luminal cells) and thyroid tissue (follicular cells). USP26/AR expression and interaction in spermatogenesis and androgen-dependent cancer warrants additional study and may prove useful in diagnosis and management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Wosnitzer
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Mielnik
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ali Dabaja
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian Robinson
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Darius A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
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17
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Asadpor U, Totonchi M, Sabbaghian M, Hoseinifar H, Akhound MR, Zari Moradi S, Haratian K, Sadighi Gilani MA, Gourabi H, Mohseni Meybodi A. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP26) gene alterations associated with male infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Iranian infertile patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:923-31. [PMID: 23779098 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The human X chromosome is enriched with testis-specific genes that may be crucial for male fertility. Mutations in USP26 gene have been proposed to be associated with male infertility. Moreover, the importance of the ubiquitin pathway during different stages of mammalian fertilization and even embryo development has been addressed. Some mutations and haplotypes on this gene have been proposed to be associated with male infertility. In this study, five different mutations on USP26 were investigated: 1737 G > A, 1090 C > T, 370-371ins ACA, 494 T > C and 1423 C > T. METHODS The study included 166 infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia, 72 male partners of couples who had previously experienced ≥3 clinical first trimester spontaneous abortions and 60 fertile men. Besides family history of reproduction, hormonal evaluation and semen analysis were performed. DNA was extracted from blood samples. PCR-SSCP, PCR-RFLP and PCR Product Cloning methods were used and resumed by sequencing to insure about the mutations. Moreover, USP26 gene expression was studied by Real-Time PCR after RNA extraction followed by cDNA synthesis from 24 testis biopsies in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia patients. RESULTS The results indicate that there is a haplotype between three observed mutations in Iranian population include: 370-371insACA, 1423C > T and 494 T > C. This haplotype was seen in control group as well. Surprisingly, total frequency of mutations in men with history of idiopathic RPL and azoospermic cases were significantly higher than that of in control groups (p < 0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations and testicular volume did not differ in the mutation positive group compared with the non-mutation group. About the USP26 gene expression, there is a significant difference between the expression levels of obstructive azoospermia, complete maturation arrest samples and SCO samples (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS According to our results, the USP26 gene may play an important role in male reproduction. The alterations of this gene may be involved in male infertility and RPL in Iranian population and may negatively affect testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Asadpor
- Department of Genetics at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Stouffs K, Lissens W. X chromosomal mutations and spermatogenic failure. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1822:1864-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Lin YW, Hsu TH, Yen PH. Localization of ubiquitin specific protease 26 at blood-testis barrier and near Sertoli cell-germ cell interface in mouse testes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e368-77. [PMID: 21449984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin Specific Protease 26 (USP26) is a little studied ubiquitin-specific protease that is expressed specifically in the testis. In humans, some USP26 polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with impaired male fertility. However, how USP26 affects male reproduction remains unclear. We generated an antibody that stained specifically cultured cells expressing an epitope-tagged USP26 and used it to elucidate the biological function of USP26. Immunostaining of mouse testis sections as well as dispersed germ cells showed the presence of USP26 at the blood-testis barrier, near the Sertoli cell-germ cell interface of post-step 7 spermatids, and coating the dorsal surface of sperm head. Further RT-PCR assays detected the expression of Usp26 in germ cells, but not in primary Sertoli cell lines. In addition, USP26 immunoprecipitated from testis lysates exhibited deubiquitinating activities. The localization of USP26 in the testis suggests a possible role in the movement of germ cells along the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-W Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Lee IW, Kuo PH, Su MT, Kuan LC, Hsu CC, Kuo PL. Quantitative trait analysis suggests polymorphisms of estrogen-related genes regulate human sperm concentrations and motility. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1585-96. [PMID: 21429951 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human spermatogenesis is regulated by complex networks, and estrogens are recognized as one of the significant regulators of spermatogenesis. We tested the associations between variants of estrogen-related genes and semen parameters. METHODS We performed genotyping for genetic variants of estrogen-related genes and quantitative trait analysis of fertile and infertile men with well-characterized reproductive phenotypes. Men with known semen parameters (n= 677) were enrolled, including 210 fertile men and 467 infertile men. A total of 17 genetic markers from 10 genes, including 2 estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β), 7 estrogen synthesizing/metabolizing genes (CYP19A1, HSD17B1, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, COMT, GSTM1, GSTT1) and 1 transport gene (SHBG) were genotyped. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were taken as quantitative traits to correlate with genetic variants in the estrogen-related genes. RESULTS Five genes (rs1801132 and rs2228480 of the ER-α gene, rs1256049 and rs4986938 of the ER-β gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene, rs1799941 of the SHBG gene and rs1048943 and rs4646903 of the CYP1A1 gene) were found to be significantly associated with sperm concentration (P< 0.01), while five genes (rs1801132 of the ER-a gene, rs1256049 of the ER-β gene, rs1048943 of the CYP1A1 gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene and rs1799941 along with rs6259 of the SHBG gene) were associated with sperm motility (P< 0.01). None of the estrogen-related genes were associated with sperm morphology. With an increasing number of risk alleles, sperm concentration and motility tended to deteriorate and show a loci-dosage effect. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative trait analysis based on a limited number of genetic markers suggests that estrogen-related genes mainly regulate sperm concentration and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Wen Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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21
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Shi YC, Wei L, Cui YX, Shang XJ, Wang HY, Xia XY, Zhou YC, Li H, Jiang HT, Zhu WM, Huang YF. Association between ubiquitin-specific protease USP26 polymorphism and male infertility in Chinese men. Clin Chim Acta 2010; 412:545-9. [PMID: 21147082 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased sperm ubiquitin was inversely associated with sperm count and motility. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26), which is an X-linked gene, has been studied as a potential infertility gene. There are conflicting reports on whether variations in USP26 are associated with spermatogenesis. METHODS In order to assess that USP26 polymorphisms contribute to male infertility, we screened 221 infertile men with azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or oligoasthenozoospermia, and 101 control fertile men using DNA sequencing. RESULTS There were six polymorphisms identified, including an unreported variation (508G>A, G170R). Only the allele frequency of 576G>A was significantly higher in fertile men than infertile patients (p<0.001), although this variant does not result in an amino acid change. The major haplotypes in fertile and infertile men were TGATC (76.2% vs 47.5% of the population, p<0.001) and TGGTC (14.9% vs 39.4%, p<0.001). The haplotype TGATC was under-transmitted, whereas the haplotype TGGTC was over-transmitted in infertile men with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated the variation of USP26 was not directly associated with human sperm count but suggested it might be a potential role in sperm motility. The 576G>A synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) might have a role in improving the sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-chao Shi
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
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Dirac AMG, Bernards R. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP26 is a regulator of androgen receptor signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 8:844-54. [PMID: 20501646 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-09-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and is essential for male sexual development and maturation, as well as prostate cancer development. Regulation of AR signaling activity depends on several posttranslational modifications, one of these being ubiquitination. We screened a short hairpin library targeting members of the deubiquitination enzyme family and identified the X-linked deubiquitination enzyme USP26 as a novel regulator of AR signaling. USP26 is a nuclear protein that binds to AR via three important nuclear receptor interaction motifs, and modulates AR ubiquitination, consequently influencing AR activity and stability. Our data suggest that USP26 assembles with AR and other cofactors in subnuclear foci, and serves to counteract hormone-induced AR ubiquitination, thereby contributing to the regulation of AR transcriptional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette M G Dirac
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, 1066 CX Netherlands.
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Hsu CC, Kuo PH, Lee IW, Su MT, Tseng JT, Kuo PL. Quantitative trait analysis suggests human DAZL may be involved in regulating sperm counts and motility. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:77-83. [PMID: 20462796 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Revised: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A prospective study was carried out to identify the association of the DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like) gene with major semen parameters in 210 men with normal and 467 men with abnormal semen parameters. Primer extension analysis for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of DAZL and quantitative trait analysis on the association of allele/genotype frequencies, linkage disequilibrium characteristics and DAZL haplotypes with semen parameters were investigated. Of five SNP (260A-->G, 386A-->G, 520+34c-->a, 584+28c-->t and 796+36g-->a) screened, 386A-->G was significantly correlated with sperm count (P<0.0001) and motility (P<0.005) and 584+28c-->t was marginally correlated with sperm morphology. After excluding 520+34c-->a, which was not in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the major haplotypes consisted of four SNP. One haplotype (260A-->G (major allele), 386A-->G (major allele), 584+28c-->t (minor allele) and 796+36g-->a (major allele)) was significantly associated with sperm count (P=0.003) and motility (P=0.04). This study suggests DAZL may be involved in regulating sperm counts, motility and possibly morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chin Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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24
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Stouffs K, Tournaye H, Liebaers I, Lissens W. Male infertility and the involvement of the X chromosome. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 15:623-37. [PMID: 19515807 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide problem, keeping many researchers puzzled. Besides environmental factors, much attention is paid to single gene defects. In this view, the sex chromosomes are particularly interesting since men only have a single copy of these chromosomes. The involvement of the Y chromosome in male infertility is obvious since the detection of Yq microdeletions. The role of the X chromosome, however, remains less understood. METHODS Articles were obtained by searching PubMed until December 2008. A first search attempted to identify genes located on the X chromosome potentially important for spermatogenesis. A second part of the study was focused on those genes for which the role has already been studied in infertile patients. RESULTS Multiple genes located on the X chromosome are expressed in testicular tissues. The function of many genes, especially the cancer-testis genes, has not been studied so far. There were striking differences between mouse and human genes. In the second part of the study, the results of mutation analyses of seven genes (AR, SOX3, USP26, NXF2, TAF7L, FATE and AKAP4) are described. Except for AR, no infertility causing mutations have, thus far, been described. It cannot be excluded that some of the observed changes should be considered as risk factors for impaired spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that, so far, the mutation analysis of X-linked genes in humans, presumed to be crucial for spermatogenesis or sperm quality, has been disappointing. Other approaches to learn more about male infertility are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Stouffs
- Department of Embryology and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Miyamoto T, Tsujimura A, Miyagawa Y, Koh E, Sakugawa N, Miyakawa H, Sato H, Namiki M, Okuyama A, Sengoku K. A single nucleotide polymorphism in SPATA17 may be a genetic risk factor for Japanese patients with meiotic arrest. Asian J Androl 2009; 11:623-8. [PMID: 19483714 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mechanisms have been implicated as a cause of some cases of male infertility. Recently, 10 novel genes involved in human spermatogenesis were identified by microarray analysis of human testicular tissue. One of these is spermatogenesis-associated 17 (SPATA17). To investigate whether defects in the SPATA17 gene are associated with azoospermia due to meiotic arrest, a mutational analysis was conducted, in which the SPATA17 coding regions of 18 Japanese patients with this condition were sequenced. A statistical analysis was carried out that included 18 patients with meiotic arrest, 20 patients with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and 96 healthy control men. No mutations were found in SPATA17. However, three coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs: SNP1-SNP3) were detected in the patients with meiotic arrest. No significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of SNP1 and SNP2 were found between patients with meiotic arrest and the others. However, the frequency of the SNP3 allele was significantly elevated in the meiotic arrest group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that SPATA17 may play a critical role in human spermatogenesis, especially in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinobu Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.
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