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Shakeel M, Choi Y, Yoon M. Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14561. [PMID: 38613192 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Younju Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
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2
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Luo P, Chen X, Gao F, Xiang AP, Deng C, Xia K, Gao Y. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Rescue Testicular Aging. Biomedicines 2024; 12:98. [PMID: 38255205 PMCID: PMC10813320 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular aging is associated with diminished fertility and certain age-related ailments, and effective therapeutic interventions remain elusive. Here, we probed the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSC-Exos) in counteracting testicular aging. METHODS We employed a model of 22-month-old mice and administered intratesticular injections of hUMSC-Exos. Comprehensive analyses encompassing immunohistological, transcriptomic, and physiological assessments were conducted to evaluate the effects on testicular aging. Concurrently, we monitored alterations in macrophage polarization and the oxidative stress landscape within the testes. Finally, we performed bioinformatic analysis for miRNAs in hUMSC-Exos. RESULTS Our data reveal that hUMSC-Exos administration leads to a marked reduction in aging-associated markers and cellular apoptosis while promoting cellular proliferation in aged testis. Importantly, hUMSC-Exos facilitated the restoration of spermatogenesis and elevated testosterone synthesis in aged mice. Furthermore, hUMSC-Exos could attenuate inflammation by driving the phenotypic shift of macrophages from M1 to M2 and suppress oxidative stress by reduced ROS production. Mechanistically, these efficacies against testicular aging may be mediated by hUMSC-Exos miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that hUMSC-Exos therapy presents a viable strategy to ameliorate testicular aging, underscoring its potential therapeutic significance in managing testicular aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Luo
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.); (X.C.); (F.G.); (C.D.)
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xuren Chen
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.); (X.C.); (F.G.); (C.D.)
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Maoming Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.); (X.C.); (F.G.); (C.D.)
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.); (X.C.); (F.G.); (C.D.)
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (P.L.); (X.C.); (F.G.); (C.D.)
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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3
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Han X, Li Y, Zong Y, Li D, Yuan J, Yang H, Ma H, Ni A, Wang Y, Zhao J, Chen J, Ma T, Sun Y. Extracellular vesicle-coupled miRNA profiles of chicken seminal plasma and their potential interaction with recipient cells. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103099. [PMID: 37812871 PMCID: PMC10563059 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103099] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of EVs in seminal plasma (SPEVs) suggests their involvement on fertility via transmitting information between the original cells and recipient cells. SPEVs-coupled miRNAs have been shown to affect sperm motility, maturation, and capacitation in mammals, but rarely in poultry species. The present study aims to reveal the profile of SPEVs miRNAs and their potential effect on sperm storage and function in poultry. The SPEVs was successfully isolated from 4 different chicken breeds by ultracentrifugation and verified. Deep sequencing of SPEVs small RNA library of each breed identified 1077 miRNAs in total and 563 shared ones. The top 10 abundant miRNAs (such as miR-10-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-10a-5p etc.) accounted for around 60% of total SPEVs miRNA reads and are highly conserved across species, predisposing their functional significance. Target genes prediction and functional enrichment analysis indicated that the most abundantly expressed miRNAs may regulate pathways like ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, mitophagy, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation. The high abundant SPEVs-coupled miRNAs were found to target 107 and 64 functionally important mRNAs in the potential recipient cells, sperm and sperm storage tubules (SST) cells, respectively. The pathways that enriched by target mRNAs revealed that the SPEVs-coupled miRNA may rule the fertility by affecting the sperm maturation and regulating the female's immune response and lipid metabolism. In summary, this study presents the distinctive repertoire of SPEVs-coupled miRNAs, and extends our understanding about their potential roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, storage, and fertility, and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for male infertility and sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, Hebei, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dongli Li
- Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing, 101206, China
| | - Jingwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hanhan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Aixin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuanmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinmeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jilan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tenghe Ma
- College of medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056000, Hebei, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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4
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Romney ALT, Myers DM, Martin FR, Scanlan TN, Meyers SA. Germ cell recovery, cryopreservation and transplantation in the California white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16905. [PMID: 37803091 PMCID: PMC10558555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is the largest freshwater fish in North America. Because of the unique life history characteristics of sturgeon, including longevity, late maturation and long spawning intervals, their aquaculture can be a significant investment of resources. As a result of habitat loss and overharvesting, natural populations of white sturgeon are threatened and there is a growing effort to improve conservation aquaculture programs. Germ cell transplantation is an innovative technology previously demonstrated in a variety of fish species to be able to produce a surrogate broodstock. The technique relies upon optimal donor germ cell recovery and transplantation into a recipient fish. In this study, we developed and optimized the harvest of donor cells for germline transplantation and evaluated methods for ovary cryopreservation for the first time in the white sturgeon. We found that harvesting gonads from juveniles between the ages of 1.5 and 2.5-years resulted in reliably high proportions of pre-meiotic cells regardless of sex, a critical feature for using white sturgeon for transplantation studies since the species shows no distinguishing external sex characteristics. From the viable cells, we identified germline cells using immunolabeling with the antibody DDX4, a marker specific to the germline. For in vivo tracking of donor cells during transplantations, gonadal cells were stained with a long half-life non-toxic cell membrane dye, PKH26, and microinjected into the peritoneal cavity of newly hatched white sturgeon larvae. Larvae were reared until 3 months post-transplantation to monitor for colonization and proliferation of PKH26-labeled cells within the recipient larval gonads. Furthermore, viable cell detection, assessment of germline-specificity, and transplantation was determined for cells recovered from cryopreserved ovarian tissue from sexually immature females. Transplantations using cells cryopreserved with media supplemented with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) rather than ethylene glycol (EG) demonstrated the highest number of PKH26-labeled cells distributed along the gonadal ridges of the larval recipient. Determining optimal methods of tissue cryopreservation, and germ cell recovery and transplantation are foundational to the future development of germ cell transplantation as a strategy to improve the aquaculture and conservation of this species. Our study demonstrates that conservation actions, such as surrogate breeding, could be utilized by hatcheries to retain or improve natural gamete production without genetic modification, and provide an encouraging approach to the management of threatened sturgeon species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie L T Romney
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Danielle M Myers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Fatima R Martin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tawny N Scanlan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stuart A Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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5
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Su J, Yang Y, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Su H, Wang D, Li K, Song Y, Cao G. Study of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at different developmental stages. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23084. [PMID: 37410073 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300373r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly organized process by which undifferentiated spermatogonia self-renew and differentiate into spermatocytes and spermatids. The entire developmental process from spermatogonia to sperm occurs within the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenesis is supported by the close interaction of germ cells with Sertoli cells. In this study, testicular tissues were collected from Hu sheep at 8 timepoints after birth: 0, 30, 90, 180, 270, 360, 540, and 720 days. Immunofluorescence staining and histological analysis were used to explore the development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells in the Hu sheep testes at these timepoints. The changes in seminiferous tubule diameter and male germ cells in the Hu sheep testes at these different developmental stages were analyzed. Then, specific molecular markers were used to study the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, the timepoint of spermatocyte appearance, and the maturation and proliferation of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. Finally, the formation of the blood-testes barrier was studied using antibodies against the main components of the blood-testes barrier, β-catenin, and ZO-1. These findings not only increased the understanding of the development of the Hu sheep testes, but also laid a solid theoretical foundation for Hu sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Su
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot, China
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hong Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Daqing Wang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot, China
| | - Kuo Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yongli Song
- Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China
| | - Guifang Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot, China
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6
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Shakeel M, Yoon M. Heat stress and stallion fertility. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:683-697. [PMID: 37970501 PMCID: PMC10640949 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The threat posed by increased surface temperatures worldwide has attracted the attention of researchers to the reaction of animals to heat stress. Spermatogenesis in animals such as stallions is a temperature-dependent process, ideally occurring at temperatures slightly below the core body temperature. Thus, proper thermoregulation is essential, especially because stallion spermatogenesis and the resulting spermatozoa are negatively affected by increased testicular temperature. Consequently, the failure of thermoregulation resulting in heat stress may diminish sperm quality and increase the likelihood of stallion infertility. In this review, we emphasize upon the impact of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the somatic and germ cells and describe the subsequent testicular alterations. In addition, we explore the functions and molecular responses of heat shock proteins, including HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105, in heat-induced stress conditions. Finally, we discuss the use of various therapies to alleviate heat stress-induced reproductive harm by modulating distinct signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture
University, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Department of Horse, Companion and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
- Reseach Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
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7
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Chang JH, Chou CH, Wu JC, Liao KM, Luo WJ, Hsu WL, Chen XR, Yu SL, Pan SH, Yang PC, Su KY. LCRMP-1 is required for spermatogenesis and stabilises spermatid F-actin organization via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Commun Biol 2023; 6:389. [PMID: 37037996 PMCID: PMC10086033 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-form collapsin response mediator protein-1 (LCRMP-1) belongs to the CRMP family which comprises brain-enriched proteins responsible for axon guidance. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here we find that LCRMP-1 is abundantly expressed in the testis. To characterize its physiological function, we generate LCRMP-1-deficient mice (Lcrmp-1-/-). These mice exhibit aberrant spermiation with apoptotic spermatids, oligospermia, and accumulation of immature testicular cells, contributing to reduced fertility. In the seminiferous epithelial cycle, LCRMP-1 expression pattern varies in a stage-dependent manner. LCRMP-1 is highly expressed in spermatids during spermatogenesis and especially localized to the spermiation machinery during spermiation. Mechanistically, LCRMP-1 deficiency causes disorganized F-actin due to unbalanced signaling of F-actin dynamics through upregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. In conclusion, LCRMP-1 maintains spermatogenesis homeostasis by modulating cytoskeleton remodeling for spermatozoa release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Chou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ching Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Mao Liao
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jia Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Ren Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Hua Pan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yi Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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8
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Wang P, Zhang X, Huo H, Li W, Liu Z, Wang L, Li L, Sun YH, Huo J. Transcriptomic analysis of testis and epididymis tissues from Banna mini-pig inbred line boars with single-molecule long-read sequencing†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:465-478. [PMID: 36477198 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac216] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testis and epididymis are critical components of the male reproductive system for androgen production, spermatogenesis, sperm transportation, as well as sperm maturation. Here, we report single-molecule real-time sequencing data from the testis and epididymis of the Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI), a promising laboratory animal for medical research. We obtained high-quality full-length transcriptomes and identified 9879 isoforms and 8761 isoforms in the BMI testis and epididymis, respectively. Most of the isoforms we identified have novel exon structures that will greatly improve the annotation of testis- and epididymis-expressed genes in pigs. We also found that 3055 genes (over 50%) were shared between BMI testis and epididymis, indicating widespread expression profiles of genes related to reproduction. We characterized extensive alternative splicing events in BMI testis and epididymis and showed that 96 testis-expressed genes and 79 epididymis-expressed genes have more than six isoforms, revealing the complexity of alternative splicing. We accurately defined the transcribed isoforms in BMI testis and epididymis by combining Pacific Biotechnology Isoform-sequencing (PacBio Iso-Seq) and Illumina RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques. The refined annotation of some key genes governing male reproduction will facilitate further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BMI male sterility. In addition, the high-confident identification of 548 and 669 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in these two tissues has established a candidate gene set for future functional investigations. Overall, our study provides new insights into the role of the testis and epididymis during BMI reproduction, paving the path for further studies on BMI male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- College of Life Science, Lyuliang University, Lvliang, China
| | - Hailong Huo
- Yunnan Vocational and Technical college of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Weizhen Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Lina Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Luogang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu H Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jinlong Huo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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9
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Liu YR, Li WC, Hu JH, Li QQ, Zhang YP, Lu KH, Xu HY, Liang XW, Lu YQ, Yang XG. Comparison of the effects of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF on the in vitro culture of buffalo spermatogonia. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:981-989. [PMID: 36691872 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important growth factor that supports the culture and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by suppressing spontaneous differentiation. Different LIF sequences may lead to differences in function. The protein sequences of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF differed by 65.5% according to MEGA software analysis. The PB-LIF-GFP-Puro vector was constructed, and the CHO-K1 cell line was established. The final LIF protein concentration in the CHO-K1 cell culture medium was approximately 4.268 ng/mL. Here, we report that buffalo LIF effectively maintains the self-renewal of buffalo spermatogonia during culture. Buffalo spermatogonia were cultured in conditioned medium containing no LIF (0 ng/mL), mouse LIF (1 ng/mL), mouse LIF (10 ng/mL), or buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL). Furthermore, the effects of mouse LIF and buffalo LIF culture on the maintenance of buffalo spermatogonia were determined by analyzing cell colony formation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, cell immunofluorescence, and cell counting. The buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL) group showed similar maintenance of the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia to that in the mouse LIF (10 ng/mL) group. These results demonstrated that the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia can be maintained in vitro by adding a low dose of buffalo LIF. This study provides a foundation for the further optimization of in vitro buffalo SSC culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ru Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wang Chang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jia Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qi Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ya Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ke Huan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yang Qing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao Gan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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10
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Schröder MAM, Sweep FCGJ, van Herwaarden AE, Mitchell RT, Eliveld J, van Pelt AMM, Rowan AE, Korbie D, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Claahsen-van der Grinten HL, Span PN. Transcriptional comparison of testicular adrenal rest tumors with fetal and adult tissues. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:607-615. [PMID: 36047744 PMCID: PMC7613903 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) are a common complication of unknown cellular origin in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). These benign tumors have both adrenal and testicular characteristics and are hypothesized to either derive from cells of adrenal origin from the fetal adrenogonadal primordium or by atypical differentiation of adult Leydig-progenitor cells. OBJECTIVE This study aims to unravel the identity and etiology of TART. METHODS Co-expression of adrenal-specific CYP11B1 and Leydig cell-specific HSD17B3 in TART was studied using immunohistochemistry. We studied the possibility of TART being derived from atypical differentiation of adult Leydig-progenitor cells by the quantification of adrenal-specific enzyme expression upon adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-like stimulation of ex vivo cultured platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-positive cells. By comparing the transcriptome of TART (n = 16) with the transcriptome of fetal adrenal (n = 13), fetal testis (n = 5), adult adrenal (n = 11), and adult testis (n = 10) tissues, we explored the identity of TART. RESULTS We demonstrate co-expression of adrenal-specific CYP11B1 and testis-specific HSD17B3 in TART cells, indicating the existence of a distinct TART cell exhibiting both adrenal and testicular characteristics. Ex vivo cultured adult Leydig-progenitor cells did not express the ACTH-receptor MC2R but did express CYP11B1 upon stimulation. Unsupervised clustering of transcriptome data showed that TART was most similar to adult adrenal tissue, followed by adult testis tissue, and least similar to either fetal tissue. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that TART is induced - most likely via activation of a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent receptor - from a progenitor cell into a unique mature adrenal-like cell type, sometimes exhibiting both adrenal and testicular features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska A M Schröder
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fred C G J Sweep
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonius E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alan E Rowan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren Korbie
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Paul N Span
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Role of the Melanocortin System in Gonadal Steroidogenesis of Zebrafish. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202737. [PMID: 36290123 PMCID: PMC9597712 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In teleost, as in other vertebrates, stress affects reproduction. A key component of the stress response is the pituitary secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which binds to the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) in the adrenal glands and activates cortisol biosynthesis. In zebrafish, Mc2r was identified in male and female gonads, while ACTH has been shown to have a physiological role in modulating reproductive activity. In this study, the hypothesis that other melanocortins may also affect how the zebrafish gonadal function is explored, specifically steroid biosynthesis, given the presence of members of the melanocortin signaling system in zebrafish gonads. Using cell culture, expression analysis, and cellular localization of gene expression, our new observations demonstrated that melanocortin receptors, accessory proteins, antagonists, and agonists are expressed in both the ovary and testis of zebrafish (n = 4 each sex). Moreover, melanocortin peptides modulate both basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroid release from zebrafish gonads (n = 15 for males and n = 50 for females). In situ hybridization in ovaries (n = 3) of zebrafish showed mc1r and mc4r in follicular cells and adjacent to cortical alveoli in the ooplasm of previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes. In zebrafish testes (n = 3), mc4r and mc1r were detected exclusively in germ cells, specifically in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Our results suggest that melanocortins are, directly or indirectly, involved in the endocrine control of vitellogenesis in females, through modulation of estradiol synthesis via autocrine or paracrine actions in zebrafish ovaries. Adult zebrafish testes were sensitive to low doses of ACTH, eliciting testosterone production, which indicates a potential role of this peptide as a paracrine regulator of testicular function.
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12
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Vasa Is a Potential Germ Cell Marker in Leopard Coral Grouper ( Plectropomus leopardus). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061077. [PMID: 35741839 PMCID: PMC9222667 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasa (Ddx4, DEAD box polypeptide 4), an extremely specific marker of germ cells in vivo, is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that plays an essential role in germ cell development and gametogenesis. However, the expression and function information about this gene in groupers remains lacking. Here, vasa homolog termed Plvasa was isolated and identified Plvasa as a putative germ cell marker in the leopard coral grouper, (Plectropomus leopardus). Results indicated that Plvasa contained 17 exons in the genomic sequence and 9 conserved motifs of the DEAD-box protein by sequence analysis. The sequence comparison, phylogenetic analyses and synteny analyses showed that Plvasa was homologous with other teleosts. Additionally, the expression of Plvasa was significantly higher in gonads than in other tissues in adult individuals (p < 0.05). Further, the distribution of Plvasa revealed that it was only expressed in the germ cells, such as spermatids, germline stem cells and oocytes at different stages, and could not be detected in the somatic cells of gonads. The current study verified that the Plvasa gene is a valuable molecular marker of germ cells in leopard coral grouper, which potentially plays an important role in investigating the genesis and development of teleost germ cells.
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13
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Sakib S, Lara NDLEM, Huynh BC, Dobrinski I. Organotypic Rat Testicular Organoids for the Study of Testicular Maturation and Toxicology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:892342. [PMID: 35757431 PMCID: PMC9218276 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.892342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An in vitro system to study testicular maturation in rats, an important model organism for reproductive toxicity, could serve as a platform for high-throughput drug and toxicity screening in a tissue specific context. In vitro maturation of somatic cells and spermatogonia in organ culture systems has been reported. However, this has been a challenge for organoids derived from dissociated testicular cells. Here, we report generation and maintenance of rat testicular organoids in microwell culture for 28 days. We find that rat organoids can be maintained in vitro only at lower than ambient O2 tension of 15% and organoids cultured at 34°C have higher somatic cell maturation and spermatogonial differentiation potential compared to cultures in 37°C. Upon exposure to known toxicants, phthalic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester and cadmium chloride, the organoids displayed loss of tight-junction protein Claudin 11 and altered transcription levels of somatic cell markers that are consistent with previous reports in animal models. Therefore, the microwell-derived rat testicular organoids described here can serve as a novel platform for the study of testicular cell maturation and reproductive toxicity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadman Sakib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Brandon Christopher Huynh
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- *Correspondence: Ina Dobrinski,
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14
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An JH, He L, Hou R, Cai ZG, Wang DH, Shi KY, Liu SR, Yue CJ, Liu YL. Characterization of Molecular Markers of Testicular Cells in Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens styani). MAMMAL STUDY 2021. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2020-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui An
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Ling He
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Cai
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Dong-Hui Wang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Ke-Yu Shi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Song-Rui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Chan-Juan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Yu-Liang Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
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15
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Garcia MS, Orcini WA, Peruquetti RL, Perobelli JE. New approach for reproductive toxicity assessment: chromatoid bodies as a target for methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls in prepubertal male rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:914-922. [PMID: 32586421 DOI: 10.1071/rd19447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the reproductive toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg) and Aroclor (Sigma-Aldrich), alone or in combination, following exposure of prepubertal male rats considering the chromatoid body (CB) as a potential target. The CB is an important molecular regulator of mammalian spermatogenesis, primarily during spermatid cytodifferentiation. Male Wistar rats were exposed to MeHg and/or Aroclor , according the following experimental design: control group, which was administered in corn oil (vehicle) only; MeHg-treated group, which was administered 0.5mg kg-1 day-1 MeHg; Aroclor-treated group, which was administered 1mg kg-1 day-1 Aroclor; Mix-LD, group which was administered a low-dose mixture of MeHg (0.05mg kg-1 day-1) and Aroclor (0.1mg kg-1 day-1); and Mix-HD group, which was administered a high-dose mixture of MeHg (0.5mg kg-1 day-1) and Aroclor (1.0mg kg-1 day-1). MeHg was diluted in distilled water and Aroclor was made up in corn oil (volume 1mL kg-1). Rats were administered the different treatments from PND23 to PND53 by gavage, . The morphophysiology of CBs was analysed, together with aspects of steroid hormones status and regulation, just after the last treatment on PND53. In addition, the long-term effects on sperm parameters were assessed in adult animals. MeHg exposure increased mouse VASA homologue (MVH) protein levels in seminiferous tubules, possibly affecting the epigenetic status of germ cells. Aroclor produced morphological changes to CB assembly, which may explain the observed morphological defects to the sperm flagellum and the consequent decrease in sperm motility. There were no clear additive or synergistic effects between MeHg and Aroclor when administered in combination. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MeHg and Aroclor have independent deleterious effects on the developing testis, causing molecular and morphological changes in CBs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that CBs are targets for toxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Garcia
- School of Health Sciences, Sagrado Coração University, Rua Irmã Arminda, 10-50, Jd., Brasil, 17011-160, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil; and Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Campus Baixada Santista, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, Encruzilhada, 11070-102 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - W A Orcini
- Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics Laboratory, Sagrado Coração University, Rua Irmã Arminda, 10-50, Jd., Brasil, 17011-160, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R L Peruquetti
- School of Health Sciences, Sagrado Coração University, Rua Irmã Arminda, 10-50, Jd., Brasil, 17011-160, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil; and Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics Laboratory, Sagrado Coração University, Rua Irmã Arminda, 10-50, Jd., Brasil, 17011-160, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil; and Office of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Sagrado Coração University, Rua Irmã Arminda, 10-50, Jd., Brasil, 17011-160, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J E Perobelli
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Campus Baixada Santista, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, Encruzilhada, 11070-102 Santos, SP, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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16
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Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052540. [PMID: 33802611 PMCID: PMC7961766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.
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17
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Maekura K, Tsukamoto S, Hamada-Kanazawa M, Takano M. Rimklb mutation causes male infertility in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4604. [PMID: 33633267 PMCID: PMC7907349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rimklb is a mammalian homologue of the E. coli enzyme RimK, which catalyzes addition of glutamic acid to the ribosomal protein S6. To date, no previous studies have shown any physiological role for Rimklb in mammals. In this study, using Western blotting, we found that Rimklb is distributed and expressed in mouse testis and heart. Rimklb was subsequently localized to the testicular Leydig cells using immunohistochemistry with an anti-Rimklb antibody. We generated a Rimklb mutant mouse in which a three-base deletion results in deletion of Ala 29 and substitution of Leu 30 with Val, which we named the RimklbA29del, L30V mutant mouse. RimklbA29del, L30V mutant mice show a decrease in testicular size and weight, and in vitro fertilization demonstrates complete male infertility. Furthermore, we found that a key factor in the mammalian target of the rapamycin/ribosomal protein S6 transcriptional pathway is hyperphosphorylated in the seminiferous tubules of the mutant testis. We conclude that Rimklb has important roles that include spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules. In summary, male RimklbA29del, L30V mice are infertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Maekura
- Laboratory of Molecular Cellular Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsukamoto
- Laboratory Animal and Genome Sciences Section, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Michiko Hamada-Kanazawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Cellular Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Masaoki Takano
- Laboratory of Molecular Cellular Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan.
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18
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Andrae CS, Oliveira ECS, Ferraz MAMM, Nagashima JB. Cryopreservation of grey wolf (Canis lupus) testicular tissue. Cryobiology 2021; 100:173-179. [PMID: 33482146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Development of genomic preservation technologies for canids, especially for seasonally breeding species like the grey wolf (Canis lupus), is needed in advance of growing species conservation concerns. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of two cryopreservation protocols - needle immersion vitrification (NIV) and slow freezing (SF) on grey wolf (n = 7) testicular tissue morphology. NIV samples were equilibrated in a 7.5% v/v dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO or Me2SO) + 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) solution in minimum essential medium with 20% FBS for 10 min at 4 °C, then exposed to 15% DMSO + 15% EG + 0.5 M sucrose for 10 min at 4 °C before plunging into liquid nitrogen. For slow freezing, we assessed two cryoprotectant (CPA) strategies, DMSO, 15% v/v alone (SF-D) or 7.5% EG + 7.5% DMSO (SF-ED). Following thawing, there were no significant differences in seminiferous tubule area among treatment groups, although all cryopreserved tissues displayed reduced tubule size compared with fresh controls and increased apoptosis, the latter reaching significance for SF-D treated tissues. Slow freezing improved maintenance of testis architecture, with minimal detachment of seminiferous tubule basement membranes post-thaw. Spermatogonia densities were reduced in NIV tissues compared with fresh, with no differences in spermatocyte, spermatid, or Sertoli cell counts, or germ cell marker DDX4+ cell densities among groups. In sum, we conclude that slow freezing better maintained morphology of cryopreserved testicular tissues compared with needle vitrification with 15% each DMSO and EG and 0.5 M sucrose, and that DMSO + EG combination SF supports cell viability. This represents a first step in the development of male gonadal tissue preservation strategies for the grey wolf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Andrae
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Erika C S Oliveira
- University of Virginia, Department of Cell Biology, 200 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Marcia A M M Ferraz
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA; Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, D-81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer B Nagashima
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.
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19
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Jung Y, Yoon M. Oxytocin receptor expression in stallion testes and epididymides. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106562. [PMID: 33038836 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors orchestrate the development and physiology of the stallion reproductive system. Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the critical endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors for the male reproductive system. Previous studies have investigated OXT receptor (OXTR) expression in testes and epididymides, including humans, marmosets, macaques, swine, and sheep. This study aimed to explore (1) OXTR localization in the testes and epididymides and (2) the seasonal modification of OXTR expression in the testes. Adult stallion testis and epididymis samples were prepared using routine castration procedures. Reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the presence of OXTR messenger RNA (mRNA) in the testes. Western blot procedure was performed to confirm the cross-reactivity of OXTR antibody to horse OXTR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect OXTR protein expression in the testes and epididymides. Oxytocin receptor mRNA was detected in the stallion testes. The OXTR protein band was observed at 55 kDa. Interestingly, the relative intensity of the OXTR protein band varied between nonbreeding and breeding season. The OXTR protein level in the testes collected during the breeding season was higher than that during the nonbreeding season. Oxytocin receptor localization was observed in the cytoplasm of Type A spermatogonia and spermatid. Oxytocin receptor protein expression was also observed in the cytoplasmic area of Leydig cells and the membrane of the seminiferous tubules. The cytoplasm of principal and basal cells in the caput, corpus, and cauda was also immunolabeled with OXTR antibody. In conclusion, based on the expression of OXTR in tissues of testes and epididymides, OXT-OXTR system may be a critical factor for stallion testicular and epididymal function. In addition, according to the seasonal alteration of intensity, the OXT-OXTR system may be associated with seasonal changes in the reproductive system in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - M Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Greither T, Schumacher J, Dejung M, Behre HM, Zischler H, Butter F, Herlyn H. Fertility Relevance Probability Analysis Shortlists Genetic Markers for Male Fertility Impairment. Cytogenet Genome Res 2020; 160:506-522. [PMID: 33238277 DOI: 10.1159/000511117] [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: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of male fertility is one of the major public health issues worldwide. Nevertheless, genetic causes of male sub- and infertility can often only be suspected due to the lack of reliable and easy-to-use routine tests. Yet, the development of a marker panel is complicated by the large quantity of potentially predictive markers. Actually, hundreds or even thousands of genes could have fertility relevance. Thus, a systematic method enabling a selection of the most predictive markers out of the many candidates is required. As a criterion for marker selection, we derived a gene-specific score, which we refer to as fertility relevance probability (FRP). For this purpose, we first categorized 2,753 testis-expressed genes as either candidate markers or non-candidates, according to phenotypes in male knockout mice. In a parallel approach, 2,502 genes were classified as candidate markers or non-candidates based on phenotypes in men. Subsequently, we conducted logistic regression analyses with evolutionary rates of genes (dN/dS), transcription levels in testis relative to other organs, and connectivity of the encoded proteins in a protein-protein interaction network as covariates. In confirmation of the procedure, FRP values showed the expected pattern, thus being overall higher in genes with known relevance for fertility than in their counterparts without corresponding evidence. In addition, higher FRP values corresponded with an increased dysregulation of protein abundance in spermatozoa of 37 men with normal and 38 men with impaired fertility. Present analyses resulted in a ranking of genes according to their probable predictive power as candidate markers for male fertility impairment. Thus, AKAP4, TNP1, DAZL, BRDT, DMRT1, SPO11, ZPBP, HORMAD1, and SMC1B are prime candidates toward a marker panel for male fertility impairment. Additional candidate markers are DDX4, SHCBP1L, CCDC155, ODF1, DMRTB1, ASZ1, BOLL, FKBP6, SLC25A31, PRSS21, and RNF17. FRP inference additionally provides clues for potential new markers, thereunder TEX37 and POU4F2. The results of our logistic regression analyses are freely available at the PreFer Genes website (https://prefer-genes.uni-mainz.de/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hans Zischler
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany,
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21
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Mast4 knockout shows the regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via the FGF2/ERM pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1441-1454. [PMID: 33219327 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an important cellular differentiation process that produces the male gametes and remains active throughout the individual's lifespan. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) refers to the dysfunction of the male reproductive system, including infertility. Accurate self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is essential to prevent SCO syndrome. This study investigated the role of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) in spermatogenesis in mice. MAST4 was localized in Sertoli cells before puberty, providing a somatic niche for spermatogenesis in mice and MAST4 expression shifted to Leydig cells and spermatids throughout puberty. Mast4 knockout (KO) testes were reduced in size compared to wild-type testes, and germ cell depletion associated with an increase in apoptosis and subsequent loss of tubular structure were similar to the SCO phenotype. In addition, MAST4 phosphorylated the Ets-related molecule (ERM), specifically the serine 367 residue. The phosphorylation of ERM ultimately controls the transcription of ERM target genes related to SSC self-renewal. The expression of spermatogenesis-associated proteins was significantly decreased whereas Sertoli cell markers were increased in Mast4 KO testes, which was well-founded by RNA-sequencing analysis. Therefore, MAST4 is associated with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)/ERM pathway and this association helps us explore the capacity of SSCs to maintain a vertebrate stem cell niche.
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22
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Interleukin-34, a Novel Paracrine/Autocrine Factor in Mouse Testis, and Its Possible Role in the Development of Spermatogonial Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218143. [PMID: 33143373 PMCID: PMC7662511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation and differentiation to generate sperm. This process is regulated by cell–cell interactions between Sertoli cells and developing SSCs by autocrine/paracrine and endocrine factors. It is also affected by cells in the interstitial compartment, such as Leydig cells and peritubular cells. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of interleukin-34 (IL-34) in Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular cells and in the premeiotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic cells. Its receptor, colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), has already been demonstrated in Leydig, Sertoli, premeiotic, and meiotic cells. IL-34 was detected in testicular homogenates and Sertoli cell-conditioned media, and was affected by mouse age. We showed that the addition of IL-34 in vitro to isolated cells from the seminiferous tubules of 7-day-old mice, using the methylcellulose culture system (MCS), increased the percentages and expression of the premeiotic cells (VASA), the meiotic cells (BOULE), and the meiotic/postmeiotic cells (ACROSIN) after four weeks of culture, when examined by immunofluorescence staining (IF) and qPCR analysis. It is possible to suggest that IL-34 is a novel paracrine/autocrine factor involved in the development of spermatogenesis. This factor may be used in future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of male infertility.
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23
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Jung H, Lee G, Kim J, Lee JW, Yoon M. Effects of Hemicastration on Testes and Testosterone Concentration in Stallions. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 92:103166. [PMID: 32797789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine system is critical to the maintenance of testicular function. The homeostasis of sex hormone levels is orchestrated by positive and negative feedback systems controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study investigated the long-term effects of hemicastration on testicular size and function in stallions. Four Thoroughbred stallions, 4-6 years of age, were included in this study. Several parameters, including testicular weight and volume, plasma testosterone concentrations, VASA-positive germ cell populations and cross-sectional areas of the seminiferous tubules were compared in stallions that underwent two hemicastrations, approximately 11 months apart. The weights and volumes of testes harvested at the second hemicastration were significantly higher than those of testes collected at the first hemicastration. However, VASA-positive germ cell populations and the cross-sectional areas of seminiferous tubules were not significantly different between testes harvested at the first and second hemicastrations. Similarly, plasma testosterone concentrations measured weekly for 3 weeks before the first hemicastration, 3 weeks after the first hemicastration, and 3 weeks before the second hemicastration were not significantly different. Our results suggest that hemicastration results in compensatory enlargement of the remaining testis and compensatory steroidogenesis to maintain normal reproductive function in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejun Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geumhui Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Won Lee
- Department of Integrated Bio-Industry, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Significant Benefits of Nanoparticles Containing a Necrosis Inhibitor on Mice Testicular Tissue Autografts Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235833. [PMID: 31757040 PMCID: PMC6929043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys relies exclusively on cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) containing spermatogonia as the only cells with reproductive potential. Preclinical studies that used a nude mice model to evaluate the development of human transplanted ITT were characterized by important spermatogonial loss. We hypothesized that the encapsulation of testicular tissue in an alginate matrix supplemented with nanoparticles containing a necrosis inhibitor (NECINH-NPS) would improve tissue integrity and germ cells’ survival in grafts. We performed orthotopic autotransplantation of 1 mm³ testicular tissue fragments recovered form mice (aged 4–5 weeks). Fragments were either non-encapsulated, encapsulated in an alginate matrix, or encapsulated in an alginate matrix containing NECINH-NPs. Grafts were recovered 5- and 21-days post-transplantation. We evaluated tissue integrity (hematoxylin-eosin staining), germ cells survival (immunohistochemistry for promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger, VASA, and protein-boule-like), apoptosis (immunohistochemistry for active-caspase 3), and lipid peroxidation (immunohistochemistry for malondialdehyde). NECINH-NPs significantly improved testicular tissue integrity and germ cells’ survival after 21 days. Oxidative stress was reduced after 5 days, regardless of nanoparticle incorporation. No effect on caspase-dependent apoptosis was observed. In conclusion, NECINH-NPs in an alginate matrix significantly improved tissue integrity and germ cells’ survival in grafts with the perspective of higher reproductive outcomes.
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25
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Fukunaga H, Kaminaga K, Sato T, Butterworth KT, Watanabe R, Usami N, Ogawa T, Yokoya A, Prise KM. High-precision microbeam radiotherapy reveals testicular tissue-sparing effects for male fertility preservation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12618. [PMID: 31575926 PMCID: PMC6773706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) is based on a spatial fractionation of synchrotron X-ray microbeams at the microscale level. Although the tissue-sparing effect (TSE) in response to non-uniform radiation fields was recognized more than one century ago, the TSE of MRT in the testes and its clinical importance for preventing male fertility remain to be determined. In this study, using the combination of MRT techniques and a unique ex vivo testes organ culture, we show, for the first time, the MRT-mediated TSE for the preservation of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, our high-precision microbeam analysis revealed that the survival and potential migration steps of the non-irradiated germ stem cells in the irradiated testes tissue would be needed for the effective TSE for spermatogenesis. Our findings indicated the distribution of dose irradiated in the testes at the microscale level is of clinical importance for delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor, while still preserving male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisanori Fukunaga
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.,Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, 1370-1 Okamoto, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-8533, Japan
| | - Kiichi Kaminaga
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Ritsuko Watanabe
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Noriko Usami
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0801, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akinari Yokoya
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan.
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
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Gao Y, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Zhang P, Liu J, Feng Y, Men Y, Li L, Shen W, Sun Z, Min L. Pubertal exposure to low doses of zearalenone disrupting spermatogenesis through ERα related genetic and epigenetic pathways. Toxicol Lett 2019; 315:31-38. [PMID: 31419471 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptor zearalenone (ZEA) has been found to damage the reproductive system especially spermatogenesis. In our previous report, we have found that low dose (lower than No-Observed Effect Level, NOEL) ZEA exposure disturbed mouse spermatogenesis and diminished mouse semen quality. The purpose of current investigation was to explore the underlying mechanisms of pubertal low dose ZEA exposure upsetting spermatogenesis. And it was demonstrated that pubertal low dose ZEA exposure disrupted the meiosis process and the important genetic pathways to inhibit the spermatogenesis and even to diminish the semen quality with the decrease in spermatozoa motility and concentration. The DNA methylation markers 5mC and 5hmC were decreased, the histone methylation marker H3K27 was increased, at the same time estrogen receptor alpha was diminished in mouse testis after pubertal low dose ZEA exposure. The data indicate that the disruption in spermatogenesis by pubertal low dose ZEA exposure may be through the alterations in genetic and epigenetic pathways, and the interactions with estrogen receptor signaling pathway. Therefore, we should pay great attention on ZEA exposure to reduce its adverse impacts on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Gao
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- University research core, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Yanni Feng
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Yuhao Men
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen 518036, PR China
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
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Research update and opportunity of non-hormonal male contraception: Histone demethylase KDM5B-based targeting. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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28
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RNA processing in the male germline: Mechanisms and implications for fertility. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 79:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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29
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Stage-specific expression of DDX4 and c-kit at different developmental stages of the porcine testis. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 190:18-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Zhang W, Zhao Y, Zhang P, Hao Y, Yu S, Min L, Li L, Ma D, Chen L, Yi B, Tang X, Meng Q, Liu L, Wang S, Shen W, Zhang H. Decrease in male mouse fertility by hydrogen sulfide and/or ammonia can Be inheritable. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 194:147-157. [PMID: 29202267 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies suggest that air pollutants cause a decline in the quality of human spermatozoa and thus a reduction in fertility. However, the exact cause of infertility remains unknown. Air pollution gases, such as NH3 and H2S are either free or bound to airborne particular materials (PM) and are abundant and reactive. The aim of this current investigation was to explore the impacts of NH3 and/or H2S on male fertility and the underlying mechanisms. Male mouse exposed to H2S and/or NH3 and after two generations were used to evaluate the impacts on fertility. The fertility, and spermatozoa quality parameters and proteins involved in spermatogenesis were investigated. Our current investigation demonstrates: i) H2S and/or NH3 decrease male fertility by 20-30%, reduce the spermatozoa concentration about 20-40%, decrease 10-20%, increase around 30%; ii) the reduction in male fertility by H2S and/or NH3 can be inheritable; iii) H2S and/or NH3 can diminish male fertility through the disruption of spermatogenesis without affecting other body parameters such as body weight and organ index. One component of air pollutants, for example NH3, does not have a severe impact; however, two or more pollutants such as H2S and NH3 combined can cause serious health problems, especially with regard to male fertility. We suggest that greater attention should be paid to these air pollutants to improve human health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Yanan Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Shuai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Dongxue Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Bao Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xiangfang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Qingshi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Shukun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Abstract
The molecular markers for specific germ cell stages can be utilized for identifying, monitoring, and separating a particular stage of germ cells. The RNA-binding protein Lin28 is expressed in gonocytes of human fetal testes. The Lin28 expression is restricted to a very small population of spermatogonial cells in human, mice, and monkey. The main objective of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of Lin28 in stallion testes at different reproductive stages. Based on the presence or absence of full spermatogenesis and lumina in seminiferous tubules, the testicular samples were categorized into two reproductive stages pre-pubertal and post-pubertal. We performed a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to confirm the presence of Lin28 mRNA in the testicular tissues and a western blot analysis to verify the cross-reactivity of rabbit Lin28 antibody with horse testicular tissue. For immunohistochemistry, Lin28 (rabbit anti-human), GATA4 (goat anti-human) or DAZL (goat anti-human) antibodies were used. The results of RT-PCR confirmed the expression of Lin28 mRNA in the stallion testes. The western blot analysis showed that the expression of 28 kDa Lin28 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia at both reproductive stages. The numbers of Lin28-positive germ cells per 1000 Sertoli cells in pre- and post-pubertal stages were 253 ± 8.66 and 29.67 ± 2.18, respectively. At both reproductive stages, all Lin28 positive cells showed no co-stained with GATA4 antibody, whereas only some of the Lin28-positive germ cells showed co-staining with DAZL antibody. The results from whole-mount staining showed that the Lin28 expression was limited to Asingle (As) and Apaired (Apr) spermatogonia. In conclusion, Lin28 might be utilized as a molecular marker for undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells when used with DAZL antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geumhui Lee
- Department of Horse, Companion, and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejun Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Horse, Companion, and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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32
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Isolation of Germ Cells From Testes of Stallions Using Collagenase and Trypsin-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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