1
|
Folts L, Martinez AS, McKey J. Tissue clearing and imaging approaches for in toto analysis of the reproductive system†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1041-1054. [PMID: 38159104 PMCID: PMC11180619 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad182] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
New microscopy techniques in combination with tissue clearing protocols and emerging analytical approaches have presented researchers with the tools to understand dynamic biological processes in a three-dimensional context. This paves the road for the exploration of new research questions in reproductive biology, for which previous techniques have provided only approximate resolution. These new methodologies now allow for contextualized analysis of far-larger volumes than was previously possible. Tissue optical clearing and three-dimensional imaging techniques posit the bridging of molecular mechanisms, macroscopic morphogenic development, and maintenance of reproductive function into one cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the biology of the reproductive system. In this review, we present a survey of the various tissue clearing techniques and imaging systems, as they have been applied to the developing and adult reproductive system. We provide an overview of tools available for analysis of experimental data, giving particular attention to the emergence of artificial intelligence-assisted methods and their applicability to image analysis. We conclude with an evaluation of how novel image analysis approaches that have been applied to other organ systems could be incorporated into future experimental evaluation of reproductive biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Folts
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Anthony S Martinez
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Jennifer McKey
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferreira LGA, Kizys MML, Gama GAC, Pachernegg S, Robevska G, Sinclair AH, Ayers KL, Dias-da-Silva MR. COUP-TFII regulates early bipotential gonad signaling and commitment to ovarian progenitors. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:3. [PMID: 38178246 PMCID: PMC10768475 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01182-5] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of expression of the Y-chromosome linked testis-determining gene SRY in early supporting gonadal cells (ESGC) leads bipotential gonads into ovarian development. However, genetic variants in NR2F2, encoding three isoforms of the transcription factor COUP-TFII, represent a novel cause of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular differences of sex development (T/OT-DSD). Thus, we hypothesized that COUP-TFII is part of the ovarian developmental network. COUP-TFII is known to be expressed in interstitial/mesenchymal cells giving rise to steroidogenic cells in fetal gonads, however its expression and function in ESGCs have yet to be explored. RESULTS By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into bipotential gonad-like cells in vitro and by analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing datasets of human fetal gonads, we identified that NR2F2 expression is highly upregulated during bipotential gonad development along with markers of bipotential state. NR2F2 expression was detected in early cell populations that precede the steroidogenic cell emergence and that retain a multipotent state in the undifferentiated gonad. The ESGCs differentiating into fetal Sertoli cells lost NR2F2 expression, whereas pre-granulosa cells remained NR2F2-positive. When examining the NR2F2 transcript variants individually, we demonstrated that the canonical isoform A, disrupted by frameshift variants previously reported in 46,XX T/OT-DSD patients, is nearly 1000-fold more highly expressed than other isoforms in bipotential gonad-like cells. To investigate the genetic network under COUP-TFII regulation in human gonadal cell context, we generated a NR2F2 knockout (KO) in the human granulosa-like cell line COV434 and studied NR2F2-KO COV434 cell transcriptome. NR2F2 ablation downregulated markers of ESGC and pre-granulosa cells. NR2F2-KO COV434 cells lost the enrichment for female-supporting gonadal progenitor and acquired gene signatures more similar to gonadal interstitial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that COUP-TFII has a role in maintaining a multipotent state necessary for commitment to the ovarian development. We propose that COUP-TFII regulates cell fate during gonad development and impairment of its function may disrupt the transcriptional plasticity of ESGCs. During early gonad development, disruption of ESGC plasticity may drive them into commitment to the testicular pathway, as observed in 46,XX OT-DSD patients with NR2F2 haploinsufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G A Ferreira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina M L Kizys
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A C Gama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Svenja Pachernegg
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Magnus R Dias-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wilbourne J, Jia S, Fogarty A, Takaku M, Zhao F. Crucial Roles of the Mesenchymal Androgen Receptor in Wolffian Duct Development. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad193. [PMID: 38146640 PMCID: PMC10763607 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad193] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian duct (WD) maintenance and differentiation is predominantly driven by the androgen action, which is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). It is well established that the mesenchyme indicates the fate and differentiation of epithelial cells. However, in vivo developmental requirement of mesenchymal AR in WD development is still undefined. By designing a mesenchyme-specific Ar knockout (ARcKO), we discovered that the loss of mesenchymal Ar led to the bilateral or unilateral degeneration of caudal WDs and cystic formation at the cranial WDs. Ex vivo culture of ARcKO WDs invariably resulted in bilateral defects, suggesting that some factor(s) originating from surrounding tissues in vivo might promote WD survival and growth even in the absence of mesenchymal Ar. Mechanistically, we found cell proliferation was significantly reduced in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments; but cell apoptosis was not affected. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing of E14.5 mesonephroi revealed 131 differentially expressed genes. Multiple downregulated genes (Top2a, Wnt9b, Lama2, and Lamc2) were associated with morphological and cellular changes in ARcKO male embryos (ie, reduced cell proliferation and decreased number of epithelial cells). Mesenchymal differentiation into smooth muscle cells that are critical for morphogenesis was also impaired in ARcKO male embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial roles of the mesenchymal AR in WD maintenance and morphogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Motoki Takaku
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ganapathi M, Matsuoka LS, March M, Li D, Brokamp E, Benito-Sanz S, White SM, Lachlan K, Ahimaz P, Sewda A, Bastarache L, Thomas-Wilson A, Stoler JM, Bramswig NC, Baptista J, Stals K, Demurger F, Cogne B, Isidor B, Bedeschi MF, Peron A, Amiel J, Zackai E, Schacht JP, Iglesias AD, Morton J, Schmetz A, Seidel V, Lucia S, Baskin SM, Thiffault I, Cogan JD, Gordon CT, Chung WK, Bowdin S, Bhoj E. Heterozygous rare variants in NR2F2 cause a recognizable multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with developmental delays. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:1117-1124. [PMID: 37500725 PMCID: PMC10545729 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01434-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 (NR2F2 or COUP-TF2) encodes a transcription factor which is expressed at high levels during mammalian development. Rare heterozygous Mendelian variants in NR2F2 were initially identified in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), then subsequently in cohorts of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and 46,XX ovotesticular disorders/differences of sexual development (DSD); however, the phenotypic spectrum associated with pathogenic variants in NR2F2 remains poorly characterized. Currently, less than 40 individuals with heterozygous pathogenic variants in NR2F2 have been reported. Here, we review the clinical and molecular details of 17 previously unreported individuals with rare heterozygous NR2F2 variants, the majority of which were de novo. Clinical features were variable, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), CHD, CDH, genital anomalies, DSD, developmental delays, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, congenital and acquired microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, renal failure, hearing loss, strabismus, asplenia, and vascular malformations, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with NR2F2 variants. The variants seen were predicted loss of function, including a nonsense variant inherited from a mildly affected mosaic mother, missense and a large deletion including the NR2F2 gene. Our study presents evidence for rare, heterozygous NR2F2 variants causing a highly variable syndrome of congenital anomalies, commonly associated with heart defects, developmental delays/intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, and genital anomalies. Based on the new and previous cases, we provide clinical recommendations for evaluating individuals diagnosed with an NR2F2-associated disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Ganapathi
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Michael March
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dong Li
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elly Brokamp
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sara Benito-Sanz
- CIBERER, ISCIII. Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), Disorder of Sex Development Multidisciplinary Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine Lachlan
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Southampton University, Southampton, UK
| | - Priyanka Ahimaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anshuman Sewda
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Bastarache
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amanda Thomas-Wilson
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joan M Stoler
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nuria C Bramswig
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Plymouth, UK
| | - Karen Stals
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Benjamin Cogne
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Service de Génétique médicale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Service de Génétique médicale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | | | - Angela Peron
- Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jeanne Amiel
- INSERM UMR1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Elaine Zackai
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John P Schacht
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alejandro D Iglesias
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenny Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ariane Schmetz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Verónica Seidel
- Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephanie Lucia
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stephanie M Baskin
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Joy D Cogan
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Bowdin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS, Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elizabeth Bhoj
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Crossen MJ, Wilbourne J, Fogarty A, Zhao F. Epithelial and mesenchymal fate decisions in Wolffian duct development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:462-473. [PMID: 37330364 PMCID: PMC10524679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the paired embryonic structures that give rise to internal male reproductive tract organs. WDs are initially formed in both sexes but have sex-specific fates during sexual differentiation. Understanding WD differentiation requires insights into the process of fate decisions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which are tightly coordinated by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals. In this review, we discuss current advances in understanding the fate-decision process of WD epithelial and mesenchymal lineages from their initial formation at the embryonic stage to postnatal differentiation. Finally, we discuss aberrant cell differentiation in WD abnormalities and pathologies and identify opportunities for future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Davalos V, Lovell CD, Von Itter R, Dolgalev I, Agrawal P, Baptiste G, Kahler DJ, Sokolova E, Moran S, Piqué L, Vega-Saenz de Miera E, Fontanals-Cirera B, Karz A, Tsirigos A, Yun C, Darvishian F, Etchevers HC, Osman I, Esteller M, Schober M, Hernando E. An epigenetic switch controls an alternative NR2F2 isoform that unleashes a metastatic program in melanoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1867. [PMID: 37015919 PMCID: PMC10073109 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma develops once transformed melanocytic cells begin to de-differentiate into migratory and invasive melanoma cells with neural crest cell (NCC)-like and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features. However, it is still unclear how transformed melanocytes assume a metastatic melanoma cell state. Here, we define DNA methylation changes that accompany metastatic progression in melanoma patients and discover Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F, Member 2 - isoform 2 (NR2F2-Iso2) as an epigenetically regulated metastasis driver. NR2F2-Iso2 is transcribed from an alternative transcriptional start site (TSS) and it is truncated at the N-terminal end which encodes the NR2F2 DNA-binding domain. We find that NR2F2-Iso2 expression is turned off by DNA methylation when NCCs differentiate into melanocytes. Conversely, this process is reversed during metastatic melanoma progression, when NR2F2-Iso2 becomes increasingly hypomethylated and re-expressed. Our functional and molecular studies suggest that NR2F2-Iso2 drives metastatic melanoma progression by modulating the activity of full-length NR2F2 (Isoform 1) over EMT- and NCC-associated target genes. Our findings indicate that DNA methylation changes play a crucial role during metastatic melanoma progression, and their control of NR2F2 activity allows transformed melanocytes to acquire NCC-like and EMT-like features. This epigenetically regulated transcriptional plasticity facilitates cell state transitions and metastatic spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Davalos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Richard Von Itter
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Praveen Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Gillian Baptiste
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David J Kahler
- High Throughput Biology Core, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Elena Sokolova
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sebastian Moran
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laia Piqué
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eleazar Vega-Saenz de Miera
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Barbara Fontanals-Cirera
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alcida Karz
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Chi Yun
- High Throughput Biology Core, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Farbod Darvishian
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | - Iman Osman
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red, Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Schober
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, New York Grossman University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jia S, Wilbourne J, Crossen MJ, Zhao F. Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract along antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axes is dependent on Amhr2+ mesenchyme in mice†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1477-1489. [PMID: 36130202 PMCID: PMC9752753 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract is regulated by the mesenchyme. However, the identity of the mesenchymal lineage that directs the morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract has not been determined. Using in vivo genetic cell ablation, we identified Amhr2+ mesenchyme as an essential mesenchymal population in patterning the female reproductive tract. After partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchymal cells, the oviduct failed to develop its characteristic coiling due to decreased epithelial proliferation and tubule elongation during development. The uterus displayed a reduction in size and showed decreased cellular proliferation in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. More importantly, in the uterus, partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchyme caused abnormal lumen shape and altered the direction of its long axis from the dorsal-ventral axis to the left-right axis (i.e., perpendicular to the dorsal-ventral axis). Despite these morphological defects, epithelia underwent normal differentiation into secretory and ciliated cells in the oviduct and glandular epithelial cells in the uterus. These results demonstrated that Amhr2+ mesenchyme can direct female reproductive tract morphogenesis by regulating epithelial proliferation and lumen shape without affecting the differentiation of epithelial cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Altés G, Vaquero M, Cuesta S, Anerillas C, Macià A, Espinet C, Ribera J, Bellusci S, Klein OD, Yeramian A, Dolcet X, Egea J, Encinas M. A dominant negative mutation uncovers cooperative control of caudal Wolffian duct development by Sprouty genes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:514. [PMID: 36098804 PMCID: PMC9470706 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04546-1] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The Wolffian ducts (WD) are paired epithelial tubules central to the development of the mammalian genitourinary tract. Outgrowths from the WD known as the ureteric buds (UB) generate the collecting ducts of the kidney. Later during development, the caudal portion of the WD will form the vas deferens, epididymis and seminal vesicle in males, and will degenerate in females. While the genetic pathways controlling the development of the UB are firmly established, less is known about those governing development of WD portions caudal to the UB. Sprouty proteins are inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in vivo. We have recently shown that homozygous mutation of a conserved tyrosine (Tyr53) of Spry1 results in UB defects indistinguishable from that of Spry1 null mice. Here, we show that heterozygosity for the Spry1 Y53A allele causes caudal WD developmental defects consisting of ectopically branched seminal vesicles in males and persistent WD in females, without affecting kidney development. Detailed analysis reveals that this phenotype also occurs in Spry1+/– mice but with a much lower penetrance, indicating that removal of tyrosine 53 generates a dominant negative mutation in vivo. Supporting this notion, concomitant deletion of one allele of Spry1 and Spry2 also recapitulates the genital phenotype of Spry1Y53A/+ mice with high penetrance. Mechanistically, we show that unlike the effects of Spry1 in kidney development, these caudal WD defects are independent of Ret signaling, but can be completely rescued by lowering the genetic dosage of Fgf10. In conclusion, mutation of tyrosine 53 of Spry1 generates a dominant negative allele that uncovers fine-tuning of caudal WD development by Sprouty genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Altés
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Marta Vaquero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Sara Cuesta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.,Fundación de Investigación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Novena Planta, Investigación, Av Ana de Viya, 21, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carlos Anerillas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Anna Macià
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carme Espinet
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Joan Ribera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavi Dolcet
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mario Encinas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Universitat de Lleida/Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Lab 2.8, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [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: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao F, Grimm SA, Jia S, Yao HHC. Contribution of the Wolffian duct mesenchyme to the formation of the female reproductive tract. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac182. [PMID: 36204418 PMCID: PMC9523451 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract develops from its embryonic precursor, the Müllerian duct. In close proximity to the Müllerian duct lies the precursor for the male reproductive tract, the Wolffian duct, which is eliminated in the female embryo during sexual differentiation. We discovered that a component of the Wolffian duct, its mesenchyme, is not eliminated after sexual differentiation. Instead, the Wolffian duct mesenchyme underwent changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility from male tract to female tract identity, and became a unique mesenchymal population in the female reproductive tract with localization and transcriptome distinct from the mesenchyme derived from the Müllerian duct. Partial ablation of the Wolffian duct mesenchyme stunted the growth of the fetal female reproductive tract in ex vivo organ culture. These findings reveal a new fetal origin of mesenchymal tissues for female reproductive tract formation and reshape our understanding of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Shua Jia
- Present address: Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Amato CM, Yao HHC, Zhao F. One Tool for Many Jobs: Divergent and Conserved Actions of Androgen Signaling in Male Internal Reproductive Tract and External Genitalia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:910964. [PMID: 35846302 PMCID: PMC9280649 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.910964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1940s, Alfred Jost demonstrated the necessity of testicular secretions, particularly androgens, for male internal and external genitalia differentiation. Since then, our knowledge of androgen impacts on differentiation of the male internal (Wolffian duct) and external genitalia (penis) has been drastically expanded upon. Between these two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, divergent signals facilitate the establishment of tissue-specific identities. Conversely, conserved actions of androgen signaling are present in both tissues and are largely responsible for the growth and expansion of the organs. In this review we synthesize the existing knowledge of the cell type-specific, organ specific, and conserved signaling mechanisms of androgens. Mechanistic studies on androgen signaling in the Wolffian duct and male external genitalia have largely been conducted in mouse model organisms. Therefore, the majority of the review is focused on mouse model studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciro M. Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C. Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
COUP-TFII in Kidneys, from Embryos to Sick Adults. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051181. [PMID: 35626336 PMCID: PMC9139597 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear hormone receptor of unknown ligands. This molecule has two interesting features: (1) it is a developmental gene, and (2) it is a potential hormone receptor. Here, we describe the possible roles of COUP-TFII in the organogenesis of the kidneys and protection from adult renal diseases, primarily in mouse models. COUP-TFII is highly expressed in embryos, including primordial kidneys, and is essential for the formation of metanephric mesenchyme and the survival of renal precursor cells. Although the expression levels of COUP-TFII are low and its functions are unknown in healthy adults, it serves as a reno-protectant molecule against acute kidney injury. These are good examples of how developmental genes exhibit novel functions in the etiology of adult diseases. We also discuss the ongoing research on the roles of COUP-TFII in podocyte development and diabetic kidney disease. In addition, the identification of potential ligands suggests that COUP-TFII might be a novel therapeutic target for renal diseases in the future.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mulley JF. Regulation of posterior Hox genes by sex steroids explains vertebral variation in inbred mouse strains. J Anat 2022; 240:735-745. [PMID: 34747015 PMCID: PMC8930804 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13580] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of elegant embryo transfer experiments in the 1950s demonstrated that the uterine environment could alter vertebral patterning in inbred mouse strains. In the intervening decades, attention has tended to focus on the technical achievements involved and neglected the underlying biological question: how can genetically homogenous individuals have a heterogenous number of vertebrae? Here I revisit these experiments and, with the benefit of knowledge of the molecular-level processes of vertebral patterning gained over the intervening decades, suggest a novel hypothesis for homeotic transformation of the last lumbar vertebra to the adjacent sacral type through regulation of Hox genes by sex steroids. Hox genes are involved in both axial patterning and development of male and female reproductive systems and have been shown to be sensitive to sex steroids in vitro and in vivo. Regulation of these genes by sex steroids and resulting alterations to vertebral patterning may hint at a deep evolutionary link between the ribless lumbar region of mammals and the switch from egg-laying to embryo implantation. An appreciation of the impact of sex steroids on Hox genes may explain some puzzling aspects of human disease, and highlights the spine as a neglected target for in utero exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang R, Liu X, Li L, Yang M, Yong J, Zhai F, Wen L, Yan L, Qiao J, Tang F. Dissecting Human Gonadal Cell Lineage Specification and Sex Determination Using A Single-cell RNA-seq Approach. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:223-245. [PMID: 35513251 PMCID: PMC9684167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal somatic cells are the main players in gonad development and are important for sex determination and germ cell development. Here, using a time-series single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) strategy, we analyzed fetal germ cells (FGCs) and gonadal somatic cells in human embryos and fetuses. Clustering analysis of testes and ovaries revealed several novel cell subsets, including POU5F1+SPARC+ FGCs and KRT19+ somatic cells. Furthermore, our data indicated that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway plays cell type-specific and developmental stage-specific roles in testis development and promotes the gonocyte-to-spermatogonium transition (GST) in late-stage testicular mitotic arrest FGCs. Intriguingly, testosterone synthesis function transitioned from fetal Sertoli cells to adult Leydig cells in a stepwise manner. In our study, potential interactions between gonadal somatic cells were systematically explored and we identified cell type-specific developmental defects in both FGCs and gonadal somatic cells in a Turner syndrome embryo (45, XO). Our work provides a blueprint of the complex yet highly ordered development of and the interactions among human FGCs and gonadal somatic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Li Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fan Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Claahsen - van der Grinten HL, Speiser PW, Ahmed SF, Arlt W, Auchus RJ, Falhammar H, Flück CE, Guasti L, Huebner A, Kortmann BBM, Krone N, Merke DP, Miller WL, Nordenström A, Reisch N, Sandberg DE, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Touraine P, Utari A, Wudy SA, White PC. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:91-159. [PMID: 33961029 PMCID: PMC8755999 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Reduced activity of an enzyme required for cortisol production leads to chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex and accumulation of precursors proximal to the blocked enzymatic step. The most common form of CAH is caused by steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in CYP21A2. Since the last publication summarizing CAH in Endocrine Reviews in 2000, there have been numerous new developments. These include more detailed understanding of steroidogenic pathways, refinements in neonatal screening, improved diagnostic measurements utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with steroid profiling, and improved genotyping methods. Clinical trials of alternative medications and modes of delivery have been recently completed or are under way. Genetic and cell-based treatments are being explored. A large body of data concerning long-term outcomes in patients affected by CAH, including psychosexual well-being, has been enhanced by the establishment of disease registries. This review provides the reader with current insights in CAH with special attention to these new developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis W Speiser
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Angela Huebner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara B M Kortmann
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Urology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deborah P Merke
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David E Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, Center for Rare Gynecological Diseases, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Agustini Utari
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory of Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jia S, Zhao F. Ex vivo development of the entire mouse fetal reproductive tract by using microdissection and membrane-based organ culture techniques. Differentiation 2022; 123:42-49. [PMID: 35030420 PMCID: PMC8821157 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo explant culture is an appealing alternative to in vivo studies on fetal reproductive organ development. There is extensive literature on ex vivo methods of growing the fetal gonad. However, a method for culturing the whole fetal reproductive tract that has a different shape and size has not been documented. Here, with careful dissection and proper tissue orientation, we successfully cultured the entire bicornuate reproductive tracts from mouse embryos of both sexes on the Transwell insert membrane. The cultured reproductive tract system undergoes sexually dimorphic establishment and region-specific morphogenesis comparable to in vivo development of their counterparts. To test this culture method's applications, we used chemical treatment (dihydrotestosterone and BMS 564929) and genetic cellular ablation mouse model (Gli1-CreER; Rosa-DTA) to investigate the roles of androgen signaling and Gli1+ mesenchyme in Wolffian duct development. Dihydrotestosterone and BMS 564929 promoted the ectopic maintenance of Wolffian ducts in cultured XX tissues. The efficient and specific elimination of Gli1+ mesenchyme was successfully achieved in the cultured tissues, resulting in defective coiling of Wolffian ducts. These results demonstrate the amenability of this organ culture method for chemical and genetic manipulations that are otherwise difficult to study in vivo. Taken together, the establishment of this organ culture method provides a valuable tool complementary to in vivo studies for understanding fetal reproductive tract development in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA,Corresponding author: Fei Zhao, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA, Tel: 608-890-2610.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao ZH, Wang XY, Schatten H, Sun QY. Single cell RNA sequencing techniques and applications in research of ovary development and related diseases. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 107:97-103. [PMID: 34896591 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.12.003] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ovary is a highly organized composite of germ cells and various types of somatic cells, whose communications dictate ovary development to generate functional oocytes. The differences between individual cells might have profound effects on ovary functions. Single cell RNA sequencing techniques are promising approaches to explore the cell type composition of organisms, the dynamics of transcriptomes, the regulatory network between genes and the signaling pathways between cell types at the single cell resolution. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently available single cell RNA sequencing techniques including Smart-seq2 and Drop-seq, as well as their applications in biological and clinical research to provide a better understanding on the molecular mechanisms underlying ovary development and associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, United States
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Farré X, Espín R, Baiges A, Blommaert E, Kim W, Giannikou K, Herranz C, Román A, Sáez B, Casanova Á, Ancochea J, Valenzuela C, Ussetti P, Laporta R, Rodríguez-Portal JA, van Moorsel CH, van der Vis JJ, Quanjel MJ, Tena-Garitaonaindia M, Sánchez de Medina F, Mateo F, Molina-Molina M, Won S, Kwiatkowski DJ, de Cid R, Pujana MA. Evidence for shared genetic risk factors between lymphangioleiomyomatosis and pulmonary function. ERJ Open Res 2021; 8:00375-2021. [PMID: 35083324 PMCID: PMC8784893 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00375-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare low-grade metastasising disease characterised by cystic lung destruction. The genetic basis of LAM remains incompletely determined, and the disease cell-of-origin is uncertain. We analysed the possibility of a shared genetic basis between LAM and cancer, and LAM and pulmonary function.MethodsThe results of genome-wide association studies of LAM, 17 cancer types and spirometry measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow (PEF)) were analysed for genetic correlations, shared genetic variants and causality. Genomic and transcriptomic data were examined, and immunodetection assays were performed to evaluate pleiotropic genes.ResultsThere were no significant overall genetic correlations between LAM and cancer, but LAM correlated negatively with FVC and PEF, and a trend in the same direction was observed for FEV1. 22 shared genetic variants were uncovered between LAM and pulmonary function, while seven shared variants were identified between LAM and cancer. The LAM-pulmonary function shared genetics identified four pleiotropic genes previously recognised in LAM single-cell transcriptomes: ADAM12, BNC2, NR2F2 and SP5. We had previously associated NR2F2 variants with LAM, and we identified its functional partner NR3C1 as another pleotropic factor. NR3C1 expression was confirmed in LAM lung lesions. Another candidate pleiotropic factor, CNTN2, was found more abundant in plasma of LAM patients than that of healthy women.ConclusionsThis study suggests the existence of a common genetic aetiology between LAM and pulmonary function.
Collapse
|
21
|
Arsov T, Kelecic J, Frkovic SH, Sestan M, Kifer N, Andrews D, Adamski M, Jelusic M, Cook MC. Expanding the clinical spectrum of pathogenic variation in NR2F2: Asplenia. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104347. [PMID: 34619368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104347] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We present a case with congenital syndromic asplenia associated with immune deficiency, glandular hypospadias and cryptorchidism. Genetic analysis identified a likely pathogenic de novo variant in NR2F2. Pathogenic NR2F2 variants have been associated with other congenital anomalies affecting the central axis, such as congenital heart disease and diaphragmatic hernia, which were not part of our patient's clinical features. The association between NR2F2 and asplenia (including glandular hypospadias and cryptorchidism) has been described in animal models and our report is the first expanding the NR2F2 clinical spectrum in humans to include asplenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todor Arsov
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Institute of Immunobiology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University in Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia.
| | - Jadranka Kelecic
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanda Huljev Frkovic
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Sestan
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nastasia Kifer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dan Andrews
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Marcin Adamski
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Marija Jelusic
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Department of Immunology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:254-271. [PMID: 34401750 PMCID: PMC8350458 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to 'bound' the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.
Collapse
Key Words
- AGD, Anogenital distance
- AO, Adverse Outcome
- AOP, Adverse Outcome Pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway network
- DBP, Dibutyl phthalate
- DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
- DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone
- DPP, Dipentyl phthalate
- E, Embryonic day (ED1=GD1 gestational day 1)
- GD, Gestational day (GD1=ED1 embryonic day 1)
- KE, Key event
- KER, Key event relationship
- LMWP, low molecular weight phthalate straight chain length of the esterified alcohols between 3 and 6 carbon atoms
- MPW, male programming window
- Male programming window
- Phthalate
Collapse
|
23
|
Nair KS, Srivastava C, Brown RV, Koli S, Choquet H, Kang HS, Kuo YM, Grimm SA, Sutherland C, Badea A, Johnson GA, Zhao Y, Yin J, Okamoto K, Clark G, Borrás T, Zode G, Kizhatil K, Chakrabarti S, John SWM, Jorgenson E, Jetten AM. GLIS1 regulates trabecular meshwork function and intraocular pressure and is associated with glaucoma in humans. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4877. [PMID: 34385434 PMCID: PMC8361148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM), which controls the outflow of aqueous humor (AqH) from the anterior chamber, is the major cause of elevated IOP. Here, we demonstrate that mice deficient in the Krüppel-like zinc finger transcriptional factor GLI-similar-1 (GLIS1) develop chronically elevated IOP. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis reveal that deficiency in GLIS1 expression induces progressive degeneration of the TM, leading to inefficient AqH drainage from the anterior chamber and elevated IOP. Transcriptome and cistrome analyses identified several glaucoma- and extracellular matrix-associated genes as direct transcriptional targets of GLIS1. We also identified a significant association between GLIS1 variant rs941125 and glaucoma in humans (P = 4.73 × 10-6), further supporting a role for GLIS1 into glaucoma etiology. Our study identifies GLIS1 as a critical regulator of TM function and maintenance, AqH dynamics, and IOP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Saidas Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chitrangda Srivastava
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert V Brown
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Swanand Koli
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hélène Choquet
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Hong Soon Kang
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yien-Ming Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Caleb Sutherland
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Badea
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - G Allan Johnson
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jie Yin
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Kyoko Okamoto
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Terete Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gulab Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Simon W M John
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Anton M Jetten
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lesoway MP, Henry JQ. Retinoids promote penis development in sequentially hermaphroditic snails. Dev Biol 2021; 478:122-132. [PMID: 34224682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sexual systems are surprisingly diverse, considering the ubiquity of sexual reproduction. Sequential hermaphroditism, the ability of an individual to change sex, has emerged multiple times independently across the animal kingdom. In molluscs, repeated shifts between ancestrally separate sexes and hermaphroditism are generally found at the level of family and above, suggesting recruitment of deeply conserved mechanisms. Despite this, molecular mechanisms of sexual development are poorly known. In molluscs with separate sexes, endocrine disrupting toxins bind the retinoid X receptor (RXR), activating ectopic male development in females, suggesting the retinoid pathway as a candidate controlling sexual transitions in sequential hermaphrodites. We therefore tested the role of retinoic acid signaling in sequentially hermaphroditic Crepidula snails, which develop first into males, then change sex, maturing into females. We show that retinoid agonists induce precocious penis growth in juveniles and superimposition of male development in females. Combining RXR antagonists with retinoid agonists significantly reduces penis length in induced juveniles, while similar treatments using retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonists increase penis length. Transcripts of both receptors are expressed in the induced penis. Our findings therefore show that retinoid signaling can initiate molluscan male genital development, and regulate penis length. Further, we show that retinoids induce ectopic male development in multiple Crepidula species. Species-specific influence of conspecific induction of sexual transitions correlates with responsiveness to retinoids. We propose that retinoid signaling plays a conserved role in molluscan male development, and that shifts in the timing of retinoid signaling may have been important for the origins of sequential hermaphroditism within molluscs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna P Lesoway
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Illinois, 601 S Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL, USA, 61801.
| | - Jonathan Q Henry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University of Illinois, 601 S Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL, USA, 61801
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ibba A, Del Pistoia M, Balsamo A, Baronio F, Capalbo D, Russo G, DE Sanctis L, Bizzarri C. Differences of sex development in the newborn: from clinical scenario to molecular diagnosis. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2021; 73:606-620. [PMID: 34152117 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.21.06512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are defined as a group of congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. The incidence of DSD is 1:4500 births. The current classification divides DSDs into 3 categories according to chromosomal sex: 46,XX DSD, 46,XY DSD and sex chromosome DSD. DSD phenotypes can be concordant with the genotype (apparently normal external genitalia associated with gonadal dysgenesis), or can range from simply hypospadias to completely masculinised or feminised genitalia with a discordant karyotype. Numerous genes implicated in genital development have been reported. The search of genetic variants represents a central element of the extended investigation, as an improved knowledge of the genetic aetiology helps the immediate and long-term management of children with DSDs, in term of sex of rearing, hormone therapy, surgery, fertility and cancer risk. This review aims to assess the current role of molecular diagnosis in DSD management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Ibba
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit and Neonatal Screening Centre, Pediatric Hospital Microcitemico A. Cao, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy -
| | - Marta Del Pistoia
- Division of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Capalbo
- Department of Mother and Child, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni Russo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa DE Sanctis
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Bizzarri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bhargava A, Arnold AP, Bangasser DA, Denton KM, Gupta A, Hilliard Krause LM, Mayer EA, McCarthy M, Miller WL, Raznahan A, Verma R. Considering Sex as a Biological Variable in Basic and Clinical Studies: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:219-258. [PMID: 33704446 PMCID: PMC8348944 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In May 2014, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated its intent to "require applicants to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) in the design and analysis of NIH-funded research involving animals and cells." Since then, proposed research plans that include animals routinely state that both sexes/genders will be used; however, in many instances, researchers and reviewers are at a loss about the issue of sex differences. Moreover, the terms sex and gender are used interchangeably by many researchers, further complicating the issue. In addition, the sex or gender of the researcher might influence study outcomes, especially those concerning behavioral studies, in both animals and humans. The act of observation may change the outcome (the "observer effect") and any experimental manipulation, no matter how well-controlled, is subject to it. This is nowhere more applicable than in physiology and behavior. The sex of established cultured cell lines is another issue, in addition to aneuploidy; chromosomal numbers can change as cells are passaged. Additionally, culture medium contains steroids, growth hormone, and insulin that might influence expression of various genes. These issues often are not taken into account, determined, or even considered. Issues pertaining to the "sex" of cultured cells are beyond the scope of this Statement. However, we will discuss the factors that influence sex and gender in both basic research (that using animal models) and clinical research (that involving human subjects), as well as in some areas of science where sex differences are routinely studied. Sex differences in baseline physiology and associated mechanisms form the foundation for understanding sex differences in diseases pathology, treatments, and outcomes. The purpose of this Statement is to highlight lessons learned, caveats, and what to consider when evaluating data pertaining to sex differences, using 3 areas of research as examples; it is not intended to serve as a guideline for research design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arpana Gupta
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lucinda M Hilliard Krause
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margaret McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ragini Verma
- Diffusion and Connectomics In Precision Healthcare Research (DiCIPHR) lab, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lin Y, Zhang D, Li Y, Li Y, Li B, Du M. Decidual NR2F2-Expressing CD4 + T Cells Promote TH2 Transcriptional Program During Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670777. [PMID: 34084171 PMCID: PMC8168462 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A unique immunotolerant microenvironment with Th2 bias in the decidua provides an essential security for successful pregnancy. The disorganized maternal-fetal immune tolerance contributes to more than 50% of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). How the Th2 bias is developed at the maternal-fetal interface remains undefined. NR2F2, a member of steroid/thyroid nuclear receptor superfamily, is endowed with diverse importance in cell-fate specification, organogenesis, angiogenesis, and metabolism. Here, we showed that NR2F2 was absolutely highly expressed in decidual CD4+T(dCD4+T) cells, but not in peripheral circulating CD4+T cells during early pregnancy. Decidual NR2F2-expressing CD4+T cells dominantly produced Th2 cytokines. In unexplained RSA patients, NR2F2 expression in dCD4+T cells was significantly decreased, accompanied with disordered phenotype of dCD4+T cells. Furthermore, overexpression of NR2F2 promoted the Th2 differentiation of naive CD4+T cells. Immunoprecipitation experiment confirmed the binding relationship between GATA-3 and NR2F2, which implied GATA-3 may be an important interactive element involved in the immunoregulatory process of NR2F2. This study is the first to reveal a previously unappreciated role for NR2F2-mediated dCD4+T cells in maternal-fetal immune tolerance and maintenance of normal pregnancy, in the hope of providing a potential biomarker for prediction and prevention of clinical unexplained RSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yikong Lin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyun Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Santana Gonzalez L, Rota IA, Artibani M, Morotti M, Hu Z, Wietek N, Alsaadi A, Albukhari A, Sauka-Spengler T, Ahmed AA. Mechanistic Drivers of Müllerian Duct Development and Differentiation Into the Oviduct. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:605301. [PMID: 33763415 PMCID: PMC7982813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.605301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The conduits of life; the animal oviducts and human fallopian tubes are of paramount importance for reproduction in amniotes. They connect the ovary with the uterus and are essential for fertility. They provide the appropriate environment for gamete maintenance, fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development. However, serious pathologies, such as ectopic pregnancy, malignancy and severe infections, occur in the oviducts. They can have drastic effects on fertility, and some are life-threatening. Despite the crucial importance of the oviducts in life, relatively little is known about the molecular drivers underpinning the embryonic development of their precursor structures, the Müllerian ducts, and their successive differentiation and maturation. The Müllerian ducts are simple rudimentary tubes comprised of an epithelial lumen surrounded by a mesenchymal layer. They differentiate into most of the adult female reproductive tract (FRT). The earliest sign of Müllerian duct formation is the thickening of the anterior mesonephric coelomic epithelium to form a placode of two distinct progenitor cells. It is proposed that one subset of progenitor cells undergoes partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT), differentiating into immature Müllerian luminal cells, and another subset undergoes complete EMT to become Müllerian mesenchymal cells. These cells invaginate and proliferate forming the Müllerian ducts. Subsequently, pEMT would be reversed to generate differentiated epithelial cells lining the fully formed Müllerian lumen. The anterior Müllerian epithelial cells further specialize into the oviduct epithelial subtypes. This review highlights the key established molecular and genetic determinants of the processes involved in Müllerian duct development and the differentiation of its upper segment into oviducts. Furthermore, an extensive genome-wide survey of mouse knockout lines displaying Müllerian or oviduct phenotypes was undertaken. In addition to widely established genetic determinants of Müllerian duct development, our search has identified surprising associations between loss-of-function of several genes and high-penetrance abnormalities in the Müllerian duct and/or oviducts. Remarkably, these associations have not been investigated in any detail. Finally, we discuss future directions for research on Müllerian duct development and oviducts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santana Gonzalez
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna A Rota
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Developmental Immunology Research Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Artibani
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Morotti
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Wietek
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashwag Albukhari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tatjana Sauka-Spengler
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed A Ahmed
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhao F, Grimm SA, Yao HHC. Molecular Actions Underlying Wolffian Duct Regression in Sexual Differentiation of Murine Reproductive Tracts. Sex Dev 2021; 14:51-59. [PMID: 33684916 PMCID: PMC8328876 DOI: 10.1159/000513878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic establishment of the reproductive tract system requires sex-specific regression of the Wolffian duct and Müllerian duct in the mesonephros. In an XX embryo, the Wolffian duct regresses under the control of the mesenchymal transcription factor COUP-TFII. To understand cellular and molecular actions underlying Wolffian duct regression, we performed transcriptomic analyses of XX mesonephroi with or without Coup-tfII and genome-wide analysis of COUP-TFII chromatin occupancy in XX mesonephroi. The integrative analysis of COUP-TFII genome-wide binding and transcriptomic analysis revealed the suppression of muscle differentiation and extracellular matrix genes by COUP-TFII and identified a group of potential transcriptional partners of COUP-TFII in the mesenchyme that potentially facilitate Wolffian duct regression. These findings provide insights into the molecular action of COUP-TFII in the Wolffian duct mesenchyme and identify a list of biologically relevant candidate genes and pathways for future functional analyses in sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
New Insights into Development of Female Reproductive Tract-Hedgehog-Signal Response in Wolffian Tissues Directly Contributes to Uterus Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031211. [PMID: 33530552 PMCID: PMC7865753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive tract in mammals emerges from two ductal systems during embryogenesis: Wolffian ducts (WDs) and Mullerian ducts (MDs). Most of the female reproductive tract (FRT) including the oviducts, uterine horn and cervix, originate from MDs. It is widely accepted that the formation of MDs depends on the preformed WDs within the urogenital primordia. Here, we found that the WD mesenchyme under the regulation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is closely related to the developmental processes of the FRT during embryonic and postnatal periods. Deficiency of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), the only Hh ligand expressed exclusively in WDs, prevents the MD mesenchyme from affecting uterine growth along the radial axis. The in vivo cell tracking approach revealed that after WD regression, distinct cells responding to WD-derived Hh signal continue to exist in the developing FRT and gradually contribute to the formation of various tissues such as smooth muscle, endometrial stroma and vascular vessel, in the mouse uterus. Our study thus provides a novel developmental mechanism of FRT relying on WD.
Collapse
|
31
|
Santos AC, Conley AJ, Oliveira MF, Assis Neto AC. Steroidogenesis during prenatal testicular development in Spix's cavy Galea spixii. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:392-400. [PMID: 33685580 DOI: 10.1071/rd20293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spix's cavy is a potentially good experimental model for research on reproductive biology and sexual development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ontogeny of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in testicular androgen synthesis during prenatal development. Testes were investigated on Days 25, 30, 40 and >50 of gestation. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to establish the site and relative amount of androgenic enzymes, including 5α-reductase, cytosolic 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSDI) and mitochondrial microsomal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDII), throughout prenatal development. The testicular parenchyma began to organise on Day 25 of gestation, with the development of recognisable testicular cords. The mesonephros was established after Day 25 of gestation and the ducts differentiated to form the epididymis, as testicular cords were beginning to proliferate and the interstitium to organise by Day 30 of gestation, continuing thereafter. The androgen-synthesising enzymes 5α-reductase, 17β-HSDI and 3β-HSDII were evident in Leydig cells as they differentiated at all subsequent gestational ages studied. In addition, immunoblotting showed an increase in immunoreactivity for the enzymes at Days 30 and 40 of gestation (P<0.05) and a decrease at Day 50 of gestation (P<0.05). It is concluded that the increase in androgenic enzymes in Leydig cells coincides with the functional differentiation of the testes, and with the stabilisation and differentiation of mesonephric ducts forming the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Santos
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Marques Paiva, 87; ZC 05508 270; São Paulo - Brazil
| | - A J Conley
- Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 3223 VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - M F Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Semiarid. Av. Francisco Mota, 572, 59625 900, Mossoro, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - A C Assis Neto
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Marques Paiva, 87; ZC 05508 270; São Paulo - Brazil; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhao ZH, Li CY, Meng TG, Wang Y, Liu WB, Li A, Cai YJ, Hou Y, Schatten H, Wang ZB, Sun QY, Sun Q. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals regulation of fetal ovary development in the monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Cell Discov 2020; 6:97. [PMID: 33372178 PMCID: PMC7769980 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-00219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells are vital for reproduction and heredity. However, the mechanisms underlying female germ cell development in primates, especially in late embryonic stages, remain elusive. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of 12,471 cells from whole fetal ovaries, and explored the communications between germ cells and niche cells. We depicted the two waves of oogenesis at single-cell resolution and demonstrated that progenitor theca cells exhibit similar characteristics to Leydig cells in fetal monkey ovaries. Notably, we found that ZGLP1 displays differentially expressed patterns between mouse and monkey, which is not overlapped with NANOG in monkey germ cells, suggesting its role in meiosis entry but not in activating oogenic program in primates. Furthermore, the majority of germ cell clusters that sharply express PRDM9 and SPO11 might undergo apoptosis after cyst breakdown, leading to germ cell attrition. Overall, our work provides new insights into the molecular and cellular basis of primate fetal ovary development at single-cell resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Yang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bo Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510150, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Jun Cai
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Disorders of Sex Development-Novel Regulators, Impacts on Fertility, and Options for Fertility Preservation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072282. [PMID: 32224856 PMCID: PMC7178030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions with variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Impaired gonadal development is central to the pathogenesis of the majority of DSDs and therefore a clear understanding of gonadal development is essential to comprehend the impacts of these disorders on the individual, including impacts on future fertility. Gonadal development was traditionally considered to involve a primary 'male' pathway leading to testicular development as a result of expression of a small number of key testis-determining genes. However, it is increasingly recognized that there are several gene networks involved in the development of the bipotential gonad towards either a testicular or ovarian fate. This includes genes that act antagonistically to regulate gonadal development. This review will highlight some of the novel regulators of gonadal development and how the identification of these has enhanced understanding of gonadal development and the pathogenesis of DSD. We will also describe the impact of DSDs on fertility and options for fertility preservation in this context.
Collapse
|
35
|
Spade DJ, Hall SJ, Wortzel JD, Reyes G, Boekelheide K. All-trans Retinoic Acid Disrupts Development in Ex Vivo Cultured Fetal Rat Testes. II: Modulation of Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Toxicity. Toxicol Sci 2020; 168:149-159. [PMID: 30476341 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are universally exposed to low levels of phthalate esters (phthalates), which are used to plasticize polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates exert adverse effects on the development of seminiferous cords in the fetal testis through unknown toxicity pathways. To investigate the hypothesis that phthalates alter seminiferous cord development by disrupting retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the fetal testis, gestational day 15 fetal rat testes were exposed for 1-3 days to 10-6 M all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alone or in combination with 10-6-10-4 M mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in ex vivo culture. As previously reported, exogenous ATRA reduced seminiferous cord number. This effect was attenuated in a concentration-dependent fashion by MEHP co-exposure. ATRA and MEHP-exposed testes were depleted of DDX4-positive germ cells but not Sertoli cells. MEHP alone enhanced the expression of the RA receptor target Rbp1 and the ovary development-associated genes Wnt4 and Nr0b1, and suppressed expression of the Leydig cell marker, Star, and the germ cell markers, Ddx4 and Pou5f1. In co-exposures, MEHP predominantly enhanced the gene expression effects of ATRA, but the Wnt4 and Nr0b1 concentration-responses were nonlinear. Similarly, ATRA increased the number of cells expressing the granulosa cell marker FOXL2 in testis cultures, but this induction was attenuated by addition of MEHP. These results indicate that MEHP can both enhance and inhibit actions of ATRA during fetal testis development and provide evidence that RA signaling is a target for phthalate toxicity in the fetal testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Jeremy D Wortzel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Gerardo Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912.,Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, New York 10471
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cronk Q, Müller NA. Default Sex and Single Gene Sex Determination in Dioecious Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1162. [PMID: 32849717 PMCID: PMC7403218 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A well-established hypothesis for the evolution of dioecy involves two genes linked at a sex-determining region (SDR). Recently there has been increased interest in possible single gene sex determination. Work in Populus has finally provided direct experimental evidence for single gene sex determination in plants using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out a single gene and convert individuals from female to male. In poplar, the feminizing factor popARR17 acts as a "master regulator", analogous to the mammalian masculinizing factor SRY. The production of fully functional males from females by a simple single gene knockout is experimental evidence that an antagonistic male-determining factor does not exist in Populus. Mammals have a "default sex" (female), as do poplar trees (Populus), although the default sex in poplars is male. The occurrence of single gene sex determination with a default sex may be much commoner in plants than hitherto expected, especially when dioecy evolved via monoecy. The master regulator does not even need to be at the SDR (although it may be). In most poplars the feminizing factor popARR17 is not at the SDR, but instead a negative regulator of it. So far there is little information on how high-level regulators are connected to floral phenotype. A model is presented of how sex-determining genes could lead to different floral morphologies via MADS-box floral developmental genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Cronk
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Quentin Cronk,
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Josso N, Rey RA. What Does AMH Tell Us in Pediatric Disorders of Sex Development? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:619. [PMID: 33013698 PMCID: PMC7506080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are conditions where genetic, gonadal, and/or internal/external genital sexes are discordant. In many cases, serum testosterone determination is insufficient for the differential diagnosis. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein hormone produced in large amounts by immature testicular Sertoli cells, may be an extremely helpful parameter. In undervirilized 46,XY DSD, AMH is low in gonadal dysgenesis while it is normal or high in androgen insensitivity and androgen synthesis defects. Virilization of a 46,XX newborn indicates androgen action during fetal development, either from testicular tissue or from the adrenals or placenta. Recognizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia is usually quite easy, but other conditions may be more difficult to identify. In 46,XX newborns, serum AMH measurement can easily detect the existence of testicular tissue, leading to the diagnosis of ovotesticular DSD. In sex chromosomal DSD, where the gonads are more or less dysgenetic, AMH levels are indicative of the amount of functioning testicular tissue. Finally, in boys with a persistent Müllerian duct syndrome, undetectable or very low serum AMH suggests a mutation of the AMH gene, whereas normal AMH levels orient toward a mutation of the AMH receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Josso
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), INSERM UMR_S938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Nathalie Josso
| | - Rodolfo A. Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mehanovic S, Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. The Nuclear Receptor COUP-TFII Regulates Amhr2 Gene Transcription via a GC-Rich Promoter Element in Mouse Leydig Cells. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2236-2257. [PMID: 31723721 PMCID: PMC6839530 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter–transcription factor type II (COUP-TFII)/NR2F2 is expressed in adult Leydig cells, and conditional deletion of the Coup-tfii/Nr2f2 gene impedes their differentiation. Steroid production is also reduced in COUP-TFII–depleted Leydig cells, supporting an additional role in steroidogenesis for this transcription factor. COUP-TFII action in Leydig cells remains to be fully characterized. In the present work, we report that COUP-TFII is an essential regulator of the gene encoding the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2), which participates in Leydig cell differentiation and steroidogenesis. We found that Amhr2 mRNA levels are reduced in COUP-TFII–depleted MA-10 Leydig cells. Consistent with this, COUP-TFII directly activates a −1486 bp fragment of the mouse Amhr2 promoter in transient transfection assays. The COUP-TFII responsive region was localized between −67 and −34 bp. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed COUP-TFII recruitment to the proximal Amhr2 promoter whereas DNA precipitation assay revealed that COUP-TFII associates with the −67/−34 bp region in vitro. Even though the −67/−34 bp region contains an imperfect nuclear receptor element, COUP-TFII–mediated activation of the Amhr2 promoter requires a GC-rich sequence at −39 bp known to bind the specificity protein (SP)1 transcription factor. COUP-TFII transcriptionally cooperates with SP1 on the Amhr2 promoter. Mutations that altered the GCGGGGCGG sequence at −39 bp abolished COUP-TFII–mediated activation, COUP-TFII/SP1 cooperation, and reduced COUP-TFII binding to the proximal Amhr2 promoter. Our data provide a better understanding of the mechanism of COUP-TFII action in Leydig cells through the identification and regulation of the Amhr2 promoter as a novel target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Mehanovic
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhao F, Yao HHC. A tale of two tracts: history, current advances, and future directions of research on sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:602-616. [PMID: 31058957 PMCID: PMC6791057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alfred Jost's work in the 1940s laid the foundation of the current paradigm of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts, which contends that testicular hormones drive the male patterning of reproductive tract system whereas the female phenotype arises by default. Once established, the sex-specific reproductive tracts undergo morphogenesis, giving rise to anatomically and functionally distinct tubular organs along the rostral-caudal axis. Impairment of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts by genetic alteration and environmental exposure are the main causes of disorders of sex development, and infertility at adulthood. This review covers past and present work on sexual differentiation and morphogenesis of reproductive tracts, associated human disorders, and emerging technologies that have made impacts or could radically expand our knowledge in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Carvalheira G, Malinverni AM, Moysés-Oliveira M, Ueta R, Cardili L, Monteagudo P, Mathez ALG, Verreschi IT, Maluf MA, Shida MEF, Leite MTC, Mazzotti D, Melaragno MI, Dias-da-Silva MR. The Natural History of a Man With Ovotesticular 46,XX DSD Caused by a Novel 3-Mb 15q26.2 Deletion Containing NR2F2 Gene. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2107-2113. [PMID: 31687637 PMCID: PMC6821239 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex determination is a complex genetic process by which an embryonic primordium is driven to form an ovary or a testis, which requires a delicate dosage balance involving many genes. Disruption in this molecular pathway can lead to differences of sex development (DSD). Although some genetic mechanisms leading to 46,XY DSD have been elucidated, little is known about copy-number variation (CNV) causing testicular or ovotesticular 46,XX DSD. We describe a 20-year natural history of a man with SRY-negative 46,XX who was born with atypical male external genitalia, aortic coarctation, and bilateral blepharophimosis-ptosis. The molecular study identified a de novo heterozygous 3-Mb 15q26.2 deletion, a gene-poor locus containing NR2F2, which encodes the nuclear receptor COUP-TFII that is highly expressed in ovary and cardiac arteries. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the low COUP-TFII expression on his ovotestis tissue. Monosomy of 15q26.2, encompassing the NR2F2 gene, may act as a Z-factor regulating the male sex determination negatively. This finding supports a novel type of CNV resulting in DSD in an individual who developed male puberty spontaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Carvalheira
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea M Malinverni
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Moysés-Oliveira
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Ueta
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cardili
- Department of Pathology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Monteagudo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia L G Mathez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ieda T Verreschi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Maluf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia E F Shida
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mila T C Leite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego Mazzotti
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, University of Pensylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria Isabel Melaragno
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Magnus R Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Parivesh A, Barseghyan H, Délot E, Vilain E. Translating genomics to the clinical diagnosis of disorders/differences of sex development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 134:317-375. [PMID: 30999980 PMCID: PMC7382024 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The medical and psychosocial challenges faced by patients living with Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSD) and their families can be alleviated by a rapid and accurate diagnostic process. Clinical diagnosis of DSD is limited by a lack of standardization of anatomical and endocrine phenotyping and genetic testing, as well as poor genotype/phenotype correlation. Historically, DSD genes have been identified through positional cloning of disease-associated variants segregating in families and validation of candidates in animal and in vitro modeling of variant pathogenicity. Owing to the complexity of conditions grouped under DSD, genome-wide scanning methods are better suited for identifying disease causing gene variant(s) and providing a clinical diagnosis. Here, we review a number of established genomic tools (karyotyping, chromosomal microarrays and exome sequencing) used in clinic for DSD diagnosis, as well as emerging genomic technologies such as whole-genome (short-read) sequencing, long-read sequencing, and optical mapping used for novel DSD gene discovery. These, together with gene expression and epigenetic studies can potentiate the clinical diagnosis of DSD diagnostic rates and enhance the outcomes for patients and families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Parivesh
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hayk Barseghyan
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Emmanuèle Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Eric Vilain
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
De Lorenzi L, Arrighi S, Groppetti D, Bonacina S, Parma P. Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in a German Shepherd Dog. Sex Dev 2018; 12:288-294. [DOI: 10.1159/000492037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
|
43
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Panzica G, Melcangi RC. Post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction: two sides of the same coin? Endocrine 2018; 61:180-193. [PMID: 29675596 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a clinical condition due to different causes including the iatrogenic origin. For instance, it is well known that sexual dysfunction may occur in patients treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). A similar side effect has been also reported during treatment with finasteride, an inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, for androgenetic alopecia. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction persists in both cases after drug discontinuation. These conditions have been named post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). In particular, feeling of a lack of connection between the brain and penis, loss of libido and sex drive, difficulty in achieving an erection and genital paresthesia have been reported by patients of both conditions. It is interesting to note that the incidence of these diseases is probably so far underestimated and their etiopathogenesis is not sufficiently explored. To this aim, the present review will report the state of art of these two different pathologies and discuss, on the basis of the role exerted by three different neuromodulators such as dopamine, serotonin and neuroactive steroids, whether the persistent sexual dysfunction observed could be determined by common mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze "Rita Levi Montalcini", Università degli studi di Torino, Neuroscience Institute Cavallieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Osterix functions downstream of anti-Müllerian hormone signaling to regulate Müllerian duct regression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8382-8387. [PMID: 30061417 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721793115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the developing reproductive tract primordium of male and female fetuses consists of the Wolffian duct and the Müllerian duct (MD), two epithelial tube pairs surrounded by mesenchyme. During male development, mesenchyme-epithelia interactions mediate MD regression to prevent its development into a uterus, oviduct, and upper vagina. It is well established that transforming growth factor-β family member anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from the fetal testis and its type 1 and 2 receptors expressed in MD mesenchyme regulate MD regression. However, little is known about the molecular network regulating downstream actions of AMH signaling. To identify potential AMH-induced genes and regulatory networks controlling MD regression in a global nonbiased manner, we examined transcriptome differences in MD mesenchyme between males (AMH signaling on) and females (AMH signaling off) by RNA-seq analysis of purified fetal MD mesenchymal cells. This analysis found 82 genes up-regulated in males during MD regression and identified Osterix (Osx)/Sp7, a key transcriptional regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, as a downstream effector of AMH signaling during MD regression. Osx/OSX was expressed in a male-specific pattern in MD mesenchyme during MD regression. OSX expression was lost in mutant males without AMH signaling. In addition, transgenic mice ectopically expressing human AMH in females induced a male pattern of Osx expression. Together, these results indicate that AMH signaling is necessary and sufficient for Osx expression in the MD mesenchyme. In addition, MD regression was delayed in Osx-null males, identifying Osx as a factor that regulates MD regression.
Collapse
|
45
|
Barseghyan H, Délot EC, Vilain E. New technologies to uncover the molecular basis of disorders of sex development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:60-69. [PMID: 29655603 PMCID: PMC7249677 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The elegant developmental biology experiments conducted in the 1940s by French physiologist Alfred Jost demonstrated that the sexual phenotype of a mammalian embryo depended whether the embryonic gonad develops into a testis or not. In humans, anomalies in the processes that regulate development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomic sex result in a spectrum of conditions termed Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSD). Each of these conditions is rare, and understanding of their genetic etiology is still incomplete. Historically, DSD diagnoses have been difficult to establish due to the lack of standardization of anatomical and endocrine phenotyping procedures as well as genetic testing. Yet, a definitive diagnosis is critical for optimal management of the medical and psychosocial challenges associated with DSD conditions. The advent in the clinical realm of next-generation sequencing methods, with constantly decreasing price and turnaround time, has revolutionized the diagnostic process. Here we review the successes and limitations of the genetic methods currently available for DSD diagnosis, including Sanger sequencing, karyotyping, exome sequencing and chromosomal microarrays. While exome sequencing provides higher diagnostic rates, many patients still remain undiagnosed. Newer approaches, such as whole-genome sequencing and whole-genome mapping, along with gene expression studies, have the potential to identify novel DSD-causing genes and significantly increase total diagnostic yield, hopefully shortening the patient's journey to an accurate diagnosis and enhancing health-related quality-of-life outcomes for patients and families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayk Barseghyan
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Children's Research Institute, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Emmanuèle C Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Children's Research Institute, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Eric Vilain
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Children's Research Institute, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Jackson-Humbles DN, Seely JC, Herbert RA, Malarkey DE, McIntyre BS, Foster PM, Dixon D. Uterine Paramesonephric Cysts in Sprague-Dawley Rats from National Toxicology Program Studies. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 46:421-430. [PMID: 29706125 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318772487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital uterine wall cysts arising from paramesonephric (Müllerian) and mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts are typically incidental findings in most species. We used immunohistochemistry to characterize and determine the origin of uterine cysts in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats from multigeneration studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program. Subserosal uterine cysts were observed in 20 of the 2,400 SD rats evaluated in five studies, and 10 cysts were characterized for this study. Single cysts were unilocular, fluid-filled, and occurred throughout the uterus. Microscopically, all cysts had a well-developed smooth muscle wall, lined by flattened to cuboidal, sometimes ciliated, epithelium that stained intensely positive for cytokeratin 18 and paired box protein 8 (PAX8). Most cyst epithelia displayed weak to moderate positivity for progesterone receptor (PR) and/or estrogen receptor α (ER-α), as well as were negative for GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3). Cyst lumens contained basophilic flocculent material. The cysts appeared to be developmental anomalies arising from paramesonephric tissue based on positive PAX8 and ER-α and/or PR staining. Additionally, 70% of the cysts lacked GATA3 expression. Taken together, the subserosal uterine cysts observed in adult rats in these studies most likely arose from the paramesonephric duct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daven N Jackson-Humbles
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Curtis Seely
- 2 Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald A Herbert
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David E Malarkey
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barry S McIntyre
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul M Foster
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darlene Dixon
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Witchel SF. Disorders of sex development. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 48:90-102. [PMID: 29503125 PMCID: PMC5866176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Normal sex development depends on the precise spatio-temporal sequence and coordination of mutually antagonistic activating and repressing factors. These factors regulate the commitment of the unipotential gonad into the binary pathways governing normal sex development. Typically, the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers the cascade of molecular events that lead to male sex development. Disorders of sex development comprise a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions associated with atypical development of internal and external genitalia. These disorders are generally attributed to deviations from the typical progression of sex development. Disorders of sex development can be classified into several categories including chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomic abnormalities. Genetic tools such as microarray analyses and next-generation sequencing techniques have identified novel genetic variants among patients with disorders of sexual development. Most importantly, patient management needs to be individualized, especially for decisions related to sex of rearing, surgical interventions, hormone treatment, and potential for fertility preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selma Feldman Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bashamboo A, Eozenou C, Jorgensen A, Bignon-Topalovic J, Siffroi JP, Hyon C, Tar A, Nagy P, Sólyom J, Halász Z, Paye-Jaouen A, Lambert S, Rodriguez-Buritica D, Bertalan R, Martinerie L, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Achermann JC, McElreavey K. Loss of Function of the Nuclear Receptor NR2F2, Encoding COUP-TF2, Causes Testis Development and Cardiac Defects in 46,XX Children. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:487-493. [PMID: 29478779 PMCID: PMC5985285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from murine studies suggests that mammalian sex determination is the outcome of an imbalance between mutually antagonistic male and female regulatory networks that canalize development down one pathway while actively repressing the other. However, in contrast to testis formation, the gene regulatory pathways governing mammalian ovary development have remained elusive. We performed exome or Sanger sequencing on 79 46,XX SRY-negative individuals with either unexplained virilization or with testicular/ovotesticular disorders/differences of sex development (TDSD/OTDSD). We identified heterozygous frameshift mutations in NR2F2, encoding COUP-TF2, in three children. One carried a c.103_109delGGCGCCC (p.Gly35Argfs∗75) mutation, while two others carried a c.97_103delCCGCCCG (p.Pro33Alafs∗77) mutation. In two of three children the mutation was de novo. All three children presented with congenital heart disease (CHD), one child with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and two children with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). The three children had androgen production, virilization of external genitalia, and biochemical or histological evidence of testicular tissue. We demonstrate a highly significant association between the NR2F2 loss-of-function mutations and this syndromic form of DSD (p = 2.44 × 10−8). We show that COUP-TF2 is highly abundant in a FOXL2-negative stromal cell population of the fetal human ovary. In contrast to the mouse, these data establish COUP-TF2 as a human “pro-ovary” and “anti-testis” sex-determining factor in female gonads. Furthermore, the data presented here provide additional evidence of the emerging importance of nuclear receptors in establishing human ovarian identity and indicate that nuclear receptors may have divergent functions in mouse and human biology.
Collapse
|
49
|
Bertoldo MJ, Andraweera PH, Bromfield EG, Cousins FL, Lindsay LA, Paiva P, Regan SL, Rose RD, Akison LK. Recent and emerging reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2017. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1049-1054. [PMID: 29381876 DOI: 10.1071/rd17445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in reproductive science is essential to promote new developments in reproductive health and medicine, agriculture and conservation. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2017 conference held in Perth (WA, Australia) provided a valuable update on current research programs in Australia and New Zealand. This conference review delivers a dedicated summary of significant questions, emerging concepts and innovative technologies presented in the symposia. This research demonstrates significant advances in the identification of precursors for a healthy pregnancy, birth and child, and discusses how these factors can influence disease risk. A key theme included preconception parental health and its effect on gametogenesis, embryo and fetal development and placental function. In addition, the perturbation of key developmental checkpoints was shown to contribute to a variety of pathological states that have the capacity to affect health and fertility. Importantly, the symposia discussed in this review emphasised the role of reproductive biology as a conduit for understanding the transmission of non-communicable diseases, such as metabolic disorders and cancers. The research presented at SRB 2017 has revealed key findings that have the prospect to change not only the fertility of the present generation, but also the health and reproductive capacity of future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, The University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - P H Andraweera
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - E G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - F L Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Vic. 3141, Australia
| | - L A Lindsay
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Anderson Stuart Building, F13, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - P Paiva
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - S L Regan
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - R D Rose
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - L K Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Sir William MacGregor Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Barseghyan H, Symon A, Zadikyan M, Almalvez M, Segura EE, Eskin A, Bramble MS, Arboleda VA, Baxter R, Nelson SF, Délot EC, Harley V, Vilain E. Identification of novel candidate genes for 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) using a C57BL/6J-Y POS mouse model. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:8. [PMID: 29378665 PMCID: PMC5789682 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders of sex development (DSD) have an estimated frequency of 0.5% of live births encompassing a variety of urogenital anomalies ranging from mild hypospadias to a discrepancy between sex chromosomes and external genitalia. In order to identify the underlying genetic etiology, we had performed exome sequencing in a subset of DSD cases with 46,XY karyotype and were able to identify the causative genetic variant in 35% of cases. While the genetic etiology was not ascertained in more than half of the cases, a large number of variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) were identified in those exomes. METHODS To investigate the relevance of these VUS in regards to the patient's phenotype, we utilized a mouse model in which the presence of a Y chromosome from the poschiavinus strain (Y POS ) on a C57BL/6J (B6) background results in XY undervirilization and sex reversal, a phenotype characteristic to a large subset of human 46,XY DSD cases. We assessed gene expression differences between B6-Y B6 and undervirilized B6-Y POS gonads at E11.5 and identified 515 differentially expressed genes (308 underexpressed and 207 overexpressed in B6-Y POS males). RESULTS We identified 15 novel candidate genes potentially involved in 46,XY DSD pathogenesis by filtering the list of human VUS-carrying genes provided by exome sequencing with the list of differentially expressed genes from B6-Y POS mouse model. Additionally, we identified that 7 of the 15 candidate genes were significantly underexpressed in the XY gonads of mice with suppressed Sox9 expression in Sertoli cells suggesting that some of the candidate genes may be downstream of a well-known sex determining gene, Sox9. CONCLUSION The use of a DSD-specific animal model improves variant interpretation by correlating human sequence variants with transcriptome variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayk Barseghyan
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, 20010 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Aleisha Symon
- Department of Brain and Gender, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Mariam Zadikyan
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Miguel Almalvez
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, 20010 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Eva E. Segura
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Ascia Eskin
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Matthew S. Bramble
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, 20010 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Valerie A. Arboleda
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Ruth Baxter
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Stanley F. Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Emmanuèle C. Délot
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, 20010 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Vincent Harley
- Department of Brain and Gender, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Eric Vilain
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, 20010 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|