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Villalba A. Artificial Gametes and Human Reproduction in the 21st Century: An Ethical Analysis. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2174-2183. [PMID: 38780744 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Artificial gametes, derived from stem cells, have the potential to enable in vitro fertilization of embryos. Currently, artificial gametes are only being generated in laboratory animals; however, considerable efforts are underway to develop artificial gametes using human cell sources. These artificial gametes are being proposed as a means to address infertility through assisted reproductive technologies. Nonetheless, the availability of artificial gametes obtained from adult organisms can potentially expand the possibilities of reproduction. Various groups, such as same-sex couples, post-menopausal women, and deceased donors, could potentially utilize artificial gametes to conceive genetically related offspring. The advent of artificial gametes raises significant bioethical questions. Should all these reproductive scenarios be accepted? How can we delineate the range of future reproductive choices? A normative bioethical framework may be necessary to establish a consensus regarding the use of human artificial gametes. This review aims to present the current state of research on the biological roadmap for generating artificial gametes, while also summarizing proposed approaches to establish a normative framework that delineates ethically acceptable paths for reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Villalba
- Departamento de Filosofía II, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
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2
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Candelaria JI, Botigelli RC, Guiltinan C, Shikanov A, Denicol AC. Three-dimensional culture in a bioengineered matrix and somatic cell complementation to improve growth and survival of bovine preantral follicles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.18.604061. [PMID: 39071337 PMCID: PMC11275718 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.18.604061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Novel assisted reproductive technologies that capitalize on the preantral follicle population and utilize stem cell biology are greatly warranted. In this study, we explored the use of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) bioengineered hydrogels for bovine preantral follicle culture with or without ovarian cell co-culture, and examined the propensity of bovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) to differentiate towards gonadal somatic cells. Together, these technological advances can be complemented to develop a sustainable and dynamic follicle culture system similar to the ovarian microenvironment. Methods Bovine preantral follicles at the primary and early secondary stages were cultured in two-dimensional (2D) control or encapsulated in PEG hydrogels (3D) to assess growth and then co-cultured in PEG hydrogels with bovine ovarian cells (BOCs) to determine cell and follicle viability. In a separate experiment, we tested protocols to modulate WNT, FGF and BMP4 signaling to drive differentiation of bESCs towards the intermediate mesoderm and bipotential gonad-like fate and measured gene and protein expression of key lineage markers. Results Primary follicles (40-60 µm), but not early secondary follicles (61-70 µm), grew over the 10-day culture period in PEG hydrogels compared to 2D control. However, follicles co-encapsulated with BOCs in hydrogels did not maintain viability and BOCs lost stromal cell signature over the culture period. When bESCs were induced towards gonadal somatic cells under WNT signaling activation, bFGF and BMP4 were dispensable to upregulate intermediate mesoderm ( LHX1 ) and early coelomic epithelium/bipotential gonad markers ( OSR1 , GATA4 , WT1 ). Higher BMP4 concentrations upregulated the lateral plate mesoderm marker FOXF1 . Expression of PAX3 did not change over the course of the culture, indicating that the paraxial mesoderm lineage was not induced. Conclusions Culture of preantral follicles at the primary stage in PEG hydrogels resulted in follicle growth compared to 2D system, although the benefit of the 3D system was inconsistent. BOCs did not maintain their identity in the PEG hydrogels; collectively, these results demonstrate that the PEG hydrogels can be a potential culture system for early stage follicles after refinements are implemented. These refinements could include the addition of ESC-derived ovarian somatic cells using protocols such as the one described here. CAPSULE SUMMARY We demonstrate that three-dimensional bioengineered hydrogels could aid in the survival and growth of small bovine preantral follicles. Moreover, bovine embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate towards precursors of somatic gonadal cell types, presenting an alternative cell source for preantral follicle co-culture.
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Del Gobbo GF, Wang X, Couse M, Mackay L, Goldsmith C, Marshall AE, Liang Y, Lambert C, Zhang S, Dhillon H, Fanslow C, Rowell WJ, Marshall CR, Kernohan KD, Boycott KM. Long-read genome sequencing reveals a novel intronic retroelement insertion in NR5A1 associated with 46,XY differences of sexual development. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63522. [PMID: 38131126 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in rare genetic disease diagnostics, many patients with rare genetic disease remain without a molecular diagnosis. Novel tools and methods are needed to improve the detection of disease-associated variants and understand the genetic basis of many rare diseases. Long-read genome sequencing provides improved sequencing in highly repetitive, homologous, and low-complexity regions, and improved assessment of structural variation and complex genomic rearrangements compared to short-read genome sequencing. As such, it is a promising method to explore overlooked genetic variants in rare diseases with a high suspicion of a genetic basis. We therefore applied PacBio HiFi sequencing in a large multi-generational family presenting with autosomal dominant 46,XY differences of sexual development (DSD), for whom extensive molecular testing over multiple decades had failed to identify a molecular diagnosis. This revealed a rare SINE-VNTR-Alu retroelement insertion in intron 4 of NR5A1, a gene in which loss-of-function variants are an established cause of 46,XY DSD. The insertion segregated among affected family members and was associated with loss-of-expression of alleles in cis, demonstrating a functional impact on NR5A1. This case highlights the power of long-read genome sequencing to detect genomic variants that have previously been intractable to detection by standard short-read genomic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Del Gobbo
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xueqi Wang
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Madeline Couse
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Layla Mackay
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claire Goldsmith
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aren E Marshall
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yijing Liang
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Siyuan Zhang
- PacBio of California, Inc, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristin D Kernohan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kym M Boycott
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Gao J, Feng G, Liu C, Li X, Li P, Liu Z, Lu F, Wang L, Li W, Zhou Q, Liu Y. Alternative splicing of CARM1 regulated by LincGET-guided paraspeckles biases the first cell fate in mammalian early embryos. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01292-9. [PMID: 38658621 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of CARM1 controls first cell fate bias during early mouse development. However, how this heterogeneity is established is unknown. Here, we show that Carm1 mRNA is of a variety of specific exon-skipping splicing (ESS) isoforms in mouse two-cell to four-cell embryos that contribute to CARM1 heterogeneity. Disruption of paraspeckles promotes the ESS of Carm1 precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). LincGET, but not Neat1, is required for paraspeckle assembly and inhibits the ESS of Carm1 pre-mRNAs in mouse two-cell to four-cell embryos. We further find that LincGET recruits paraspeckles to the Carm1 gene locus through HNRNPU. Interestingly, PCBP1 binds the Carm1 pre-mRNAs and promotes its ESS in the absence of LincGET. Finally, we find that the ESS seen in mouse two-cell to four-cell embryos decreases CARM1 protein levels and leads to trophectoderm fate bias. Our findings demonstrate that alternative splicing of CARM1 has an important role in first cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaze Gao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueke Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Falong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yusheng Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
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Houzelstein D, Eozenou C, Lagos CF, Elzaiat M, Bignon-Topalovic J, Gonzalez I, Laville V, Schlick L, Wankanit S, Madon P, Kirtane J, Athalye A, Buonocore F, Bigou S, Conway GS, Bohl D, Achermann JC, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. A conserved NR5A1-responsive enhancer regulates SRY in testis-determination. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2796. [PMID: 38555298 PMCID: PMC10981742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The Y-linked SRY gene initiates mammalian testis-determination. However, how the expression of SRY is regulated remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a conserved steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)/NR5A1 binding enhancer is required for appropriate SRY expression to initiate testis-determination in humans. Comparative sequence analysis of SRY 5' regions in mammals identified an evolutionary conserved SF-1/NR5A1-binding motif within a 250 bp region of open chromatin located 5 kilobases upstream of the SRY transcription start site. Genomic analysis of 46,XY individuals with disrupted testis-determination, including a large multigenerational family, identified unique single-base substitutions of highly conserved residues within the SF-1/NR5A1-binding element. In silico modelling and in vitro assays demonstrate the enhancer properties of the NR5A1 motif. Deletion of this hemizygous element by genome-editing, in a novel in vitro cellular model recapitulating human Sertoli cell formation, resulted in a significant reduction in expression of SRY. Therefore, human NR5A1 acts as a regulatory switch between testis and ovary development by upregulating SRY expression, a role that may predate the eutherian radiation. We show that disruption of an enhancer can phenocopy variants in the coding regions of SRY that cause human testis dysgenesis. Since disease causing variants in enhancers are currently rare, the regulation of gene expression in testis-determination offers a paradigm to define enhancer activity in a key developmental process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Houzelstein
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France.
| | - Caroline Eozenou
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Carlos F Lagos
- Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery Lab, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Campus Los Leones, Lota 2465 Providencia, 7510157, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Av. del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, 8580702, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maëva Elzaiat
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Joelle Bignon-Topalovic
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Inma Gonzalez
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Epigenomics, Proliferation, and the Identity of Cells Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Laville
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Stem Cells and Development Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurène Schlick
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Somboon Wankanit
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prochi Madon
- Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Jyotsna Kirtane
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Arundhati Athalye
- Department of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Federica Buonocore
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphanie Bigou
- ICV-iPS core facility, Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Gerard S Conway
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Delphine Bohl
- ICV-iPS core facility, Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - John C Achermann
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Human Developmental Genetics Unit, F-75015, Paris, France.
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS, UMR 3738, Paris, France.
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Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Frost ER, Ryan JM, Harley VR. A role for TRPC3 in mammalian testis development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1337714. [PMID: 38425503 PMCID: PMC10902130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1337714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SOX9 is a key transcription factor for testis determination and development. Mutations in and around the SOX9 gene contribute to Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). However, a substantial proportion of DSD patients lack a definitive genetic diagnosis. SOX9 target genes are potentially DSD-causative genes, yet only a limited subset of these genes has been investigated during testis development. We hypothesize that SOX9 target genes play an integral role in testis development and could potentially be causative genes in DSD. In this study, we describe a novel testicular target gene of SOX9, Trpc3. Trpc3 exhibits high expression levels in the SOX9-expressing male Sertoli cells compared to female granulosa cells in mouse fetal gonads between embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) and E13.5. In XY Sox9 knockout gonads, Trpc3 expression is markedly downregulated. Moreover, culture of E11.5 XY mouse gonads with TRPC3 inhibitor Pyr3 resulted in decreased germ cell numbers caused by reduced germ cell proliferation. Trpc3 is also expressed in endothelial cells and Pyr3-treated E11.5 XY mouse gonads showed a loss of the coelomic blood vessel due to increased apoptosis of endothelial cells. In the human testicular cell line NT2/D1, TRPC3 promotes cell proliferation and controls cell morphology, as observed by xCELLigence and HoloMonitor real-time analysis. In summary, our study suggests that SOX9 positively regulates Trpc3 in mouse testes and TRPC3 may mediate SOX9 function during Sertoli, germ and endothelial cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily R. Frost
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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7
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Frost ER, Gilchrist RB. Making human eggs in a dish: are we close? Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:168-178. [PMID: 37625913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.07.007] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
In the space of 50 years, we have seen incredible achievements in human reproductive medicine. With these leaps forward, it is no wonder that there is a major interest in women's reproductive health research, including extension of reproductive lifespan. Substantial effort is currently being made to address this challenge, including from the commercial sector. In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) in mice is a spectacular breakthrough and has the potential to offer hope to women with intractable infertility. However, with such lofty goals, some reflection may be called for: mastering all of the techniques required for complete and safe IVG in women is likely to be extraordinarily difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Stopel A, Lev C, Dahari S, Adibi O, Armon L, Gonen N. Towards a "Testis in a Dish": Generation of Mouse Testicular Organoids that Recapitulate Testis Structure and Expression Profiles. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1024-1041. [PMID: 38250158 PMCID: PMC10797687 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid maturation in vitro. These testis organoids are a promising model system for basic research of testes development and function, with translational applications for elucidation and treatment of developmental sex disorders and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
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9
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Martinez de Lapiscina I, Kouri C, Aurrekoetxea J, Sanchez M, Naamneh Elzenaty R, Sauter KS, Camats N, Grau G, Rica I, Rodriguez A, Vela A, Cortazar A, Alonso-Cerezo MC, Bahillo P, Bertholt L, Esteva I, Castaño L, Flück CE. Genetic reanalysis of patients with a difference of sex development carrying the NR5A1/SF-1 variant p.Gly146Ala has discovered other likely disease-causing variations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287515. [PMID: 37432935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
NR5A1/SF-1 (Steroidogenic factor-1) variants may cause mild to severe differences of sex development (DSD) or may be found in healthy carriers. The NR5A1/SF-1 c.437G>C/p.Gly146Ala variant is common in individuals with a DSD and has been suggested to act as a susceptibility factor for adrenal disease or cryptorchidism. Since the allele frequency is high in the general population, and the functional testing of the p.Gly146Ala variant revealed inconclusive results, the disease-causing effect of this variant has been questioned. However, a role as a disease modifier is still possible given that oligogenic inheritance has been described in patients with NR5A1/SF-1 variants. Therefore, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in 13 DSD individuals harboring the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant to search for other DSD-causing variants and clarify the function of this variant for the phenotype of the carriers. Panel and whole-exome sequencing was performed, and data were analyzed with a filtering algorithm for detecting variants in NR5A1- and DSD-related genes. The phenotype of the studied individuals ranged from scrotal hypospadias and ambiguous genitalia in 46,XY DSD to opposite sex in both 46,XY and 46,XX. In nine subjects we identified either a clearly pathogenic DSD gene variant (e.g. in AR) or one to four potentially deleterious variants that likely explain the observed phenotype alone (e.g. in FGFR3, CHD7). Our study shows that most individuals carrying the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant, harbor at least one other deleterious gene variant which can explain the DSD phenotype. This finding confirms that the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant may not contribute to the pathogenesis of DSD and qualifies as a benign polymorphism. Thus, individuals, in whom the NR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala gene variant has been identified as the underlying genetic cause for their DSD in the past, should be re-evaluated with a NGS method to reveal the real genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martinez de Lapiscina
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chrysanthi Kouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josu Aurrekoetxea
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research Group of Medical Oncology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Mirian Sanchez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kay-Sara Sauter
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Núria Camats
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Growth and Development group, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Grau
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Itxaso Rica
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Amaia Rodriguez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Amaia Vela
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Alicia Cortazar
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Endocrinology Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Bahillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, x Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Laura Bertholt
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Isabel Esteva
- Endocrinology Section, Gender Identity Unit, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Luis Castaño
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Research into the Genetics and Control of Diabetes and other Endocrine Disorders, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Endo-ERN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Wu GMJ, Chen ACH, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166351. [PMID: 37325555 PMCID: PMC10267358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genie Min Ju Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Hattori A, Fukami M. Nuclear Receptor Gene Variants Underlying Disorders/Differences of Sex Development through Abnormal Testicular Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:691. [PMID: 37189438 PMCID: PMC10135730 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal development is the first step in human reproduction. Aberrant gonadal development during the fetal period is a major cause of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). To date, pathogenic variants of three nuclear receptor genes (NR5A1, NR0B1, and NR2F2) have been reported to cause DSD via atypical testicular development. In this review article, we describe the clinical significance of the NR5A1 variants as the cause of DSD and introduce novel findings from recent studies. NR5A1 variants are associated with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. Notably, both 46,XX DSD and 46,XY DSD caused by the NR5A1 variants show remarkable phenotypic variability, to which digenic/oligogenic inheritances potentially contribute. Additionally, we discuss the roles of NR0B1 and NR2F2 in the etiology of DSD. NR0B1 acts as an anti-testicular gene. Duplications containing NR0B1 result in 46,XY DSD, whereas deletions encompassing NR0B1 can underlie 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. NR2F2 has recently been reported as a causative gene for 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD and possibly for 46,XY DSD, although the role of NR2F2 in gonadal development is unclear. The knowledge about these three nuclear receptors provides novel insights into the molecular networks involved in the gonadal development in human fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hattori
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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