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Moreno-Irusta A, Dominguez EM, Iqbal K, Zhang X, Wang N, Soares MJ. TAF7L regulates early stages of male germ cell development in the rat. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23376. [PMID: 38112167 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301716rr] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Male germ cell development is dependent on the orchestrated regulation of gene networks. TATA-box binding protein associated factors (TAFs) facilitate interactions of TATA-binding protein with the TATA element, which is known to coordinate gene transcription during organogenesis. TAF7 like (Taf7l) is situated on the X chromosome and has been implicated in testis development. We examined the biology of TAF7L in testis development using the rat. Taf7l was prominently expressed in preleptotene to leptotene spermatocytes. To study the impact of TAF7L on the testis we generated a global loss-of-function rat model using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Exon 3 of the Taf7l gene was targeted. A founder was generated possessing a 110 bp deletion within the Taf7l locus, which resulted in a frameshift and the premature appearance of a stop codon. The mutation was effectively transmitted through the germline. Deficits in TAF7L did not adversely affect pregnancy or postnatal survival. However, the Taf7l disruption resulted in male infertility due to compromised testis development and failed sperm production. Mutant germ cells suffer meiotic arrest at late zygotene/early pachynema stages, with defects in sex body formation. This testis phenotype was more pronounced than previously described for the subfertile Taf7l null mouse. We conclude that TAF7L is essential for male germ cell development in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Esteban M Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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2
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Moreno-Irusta A, Dominguez EM, Iqbal K, Zhang X, Wang N, Soares MJ. TAF7L REGULATES EARLY STAGES OF MALE GERM CELL DEVELOPMENT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561408. [PMID: 37873461 PMCID: PMC10592675 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Male germ cell development is dependent on the orchestrated regulation of gene networks. TATA-box binding protein associated factors (TAFs) facilitate interactions of TATA-binding protein with the TATA element, which is known to coordinate gene transcription during organogenesis. TAF7 like (Taf7l) is situated on the X chromosome and has been implicated in testis development. We examined the biology of TAF7L in testis development using the rat. Taf7l was prominently expressed in preleptotene to leptotene spermatocytes. To study the impact of TAF7L on the testis we generated a global loss-of-function rat model using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Exon 3 of the Taf7l gene was targeted. A founder was generated possessing a 110 bp deletion within the Taf7l locus, which resulted in a frameshift and the premature appearance of a stop codon. The mutation was effectively transmitted through the germline. Deficits in TAF7L did not adversely affect pregnancy or postnatal survival. However, the Taf7l disruption resulted in male infertility due to compromised testis development and failed sperm production. Mutant germ cells suffer meiotic arrest at the zygotene stage, with defects in sex body formation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. This testis phenotype was more pronounced than previously described for the subfertile Taf7l null mouse. We conclude that TAF7L is essential for male germ cell development in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Esteban M. Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO
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3
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Navarrete-López P, Maroto M, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Lombó M, Ramos-Ibeas P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Loss of the importin Kpna2 causes infertility in male mice by disrupting the translocation of testis-specific transcription factors. iScience 2023; 26:107134. [PMID: 37456838 PMCID: PMC10338237 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107134] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Karyopherins mediate the movement between the nucleus and cytoplasm of specific proteins in diverse cellular processes. Through a loss-of-function approach, we here examine the role of Karyopherin Subunit Alpha 2 (Kpna2) in spermatogenesis. Knockout male mice exhibited reduced body size and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities, and led to the dysregulation of testis gene expression and ultimately to infertility. Impaired mRNA expression mainly affected clusters of genes expressed in spermatids and spermatocytes. Downregulated genes included a set of genes that participate in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. We detected both the enrichment of some transcription factors that bind to regions around transcription start sites of downregulated genes and the impaired transport of specific factors to the nucleus of spermatid cells. We propose that Kpna2 is essential in the seminiferous tubules for promoting the translocation of testis-specific transcription factors that control the expression of genes related to ECM organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Maroto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Lombó
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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4
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Sasaki K, Sangrithi M. Developmental origins of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells: New perspectives on epigenetic regulation and sex chromosome function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023:111949. [PMID: 37201564 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Male and female germ cells undergo genome-wide reprogramming during their development, and execute sex-specific programs to complete meiosis and successfully generate healthy gametes. While sexually dimorphic germ cell development is fundamental, similarities and differences exist in the basic processes governing normal gametogenesis. At the simplest level, male gamete generation in mammals is centred on the activity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and an equivalent cell state is not present in females. Maintaining this unique SSC epigenetic state, while keeping to germ cell-intrinsic developmental programs, poses challenges for the correct completion of spermatogenesis. In this review, we highlight the origins of spermatogonia, comparing and contrasting them with female germline development to emphasize specific developmental processes that are required for their function as germline stem cells. We identify gaps in our current knowledge about human SSCs and further discuss the impact of the unique regulation of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis, and the roles of X-linked genes in SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sasaki
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, United States.
| | - Mahesh Sangrithi
- King's College London, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, 28th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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5
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Pan C, Fei Q, Jin J, Zheng J, Wu D, Li H, Huang X, Kong X. MicroRNA profiling reveals the role of miR-133b-3p in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and testosterone synthesis in mouse TM3 cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2023; 59:63-75. [PMID: 36715892 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00745-z] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-related clinical and biological syndrome in which serum testosterone deficiency is an important characteristic and diagnostic indicator. In this study, we firstly analyzed the difference in the expression level of three miR-133 s (including miR-133a-3p, miR-133a-5p, and miR-133b-3p) in rat testis samples, blood samples from mice before and 1 wk after testis removal, and mouse TM3 cells. Secondly, the mimics and inhibitors corresponding to the three miR-133 s of mouse were transfected into TM3 cells separately to determine the correlation between the three miRNAs. Finally, using mouse TM3 cells to analyze the effect of miR-133b overexpression or inhibition on the proliferation and apoptosis of mouse testicular Leydig cells, the effect on genes related to testosterone synthesis, and the effect on the level of testosterone in the culture medium. We found that, compared with the testis tissue of newborn rats, miR-133a-5p was increased in adult rats, and miR-133a-3p and miR-133b-3p were decreased. In addition, 1 wk after the testis was removed, the expression levels of these three miRNAs in the blood of adult mice decreased. The correlation of the three miRNAs was summarized, and it was found that miR-133b-3p played an important role in it. In TM3 cells, overexpression of miR-133b-3p suppressed the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cells, suppressed the expression level of most genes related to cell proliferation and testosterone synthesis, and the concentration of testosterone in the culture medium decreased while these phenomena can be reversed by the inhibition of miR-133b-3p expression. It was found that miR-133b-3p can regulate testosterone production in TM3 cells at least by targeting FSCN1. The above results suggest that miR-133b-3p plays an important role in regulating testosterone synthesis. These findings also provide new candidate diagnostic indicators for late-onset hypogonadism in men and provide new clues for the further study of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshuang Pan
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianjin Fei
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianyuan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiujia Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Didi Wu
- Duolaimi Biotechnology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiangbin Kong
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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Kopania EEK, Watson EM, Rathje CC, Skinner BM, Ellis PJI, Larson EL, Good JM. The contribution of sex chromosome conflict to disrupted spermatogenesis in hybrid house mice. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac151. [PMID: 36194004 PMCID: PMC9713461 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incompatibilities on the sex chromosomes are important in the evolution of hybrid male sterility, but the evolutionary forces underlying this phenomenon are unclear. House mice (Mus musculus) lineages have provided powerful models for understanding the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility. X chromosome-autosome interactions cause strong incompatibilities in M. musculus F1 hybrids, but variation in sterility phenotypes suggests a more complex genetic basis. In addition, XY chromosome conflict has resulted in rapid expansions of ampliconic genes with dosage-dependent expression that is essential to spermatogenesis. Here, we evaluated the contribution of XY lineage mismatch to male fertility and stage-specific gene expression in hybrid mice. We performed backcrosses between two house mouse subspecies to generate reciprocal Y-introgression strains and used these strains to test the effects of XY mismatch in hybrids. Our transcriptome analyses of sorted spermatid cells revealed widespread overexpression of the X chromosome in sterile F1 hybrids independent of Y chromosome subspecies origin. Thus, postmeiotic overexpression of the X chromosome in sterile F1 mouse hybrids is likely a downstream consequence of disrupted meiotic X-inactivation rather than XY gene copy number imbalance. Y chromosome introgression did result in subfertility phenotypes and disrupted expression of several autosomal genes in mice with an otherwise nonhybrid genomic background, suggesting that Y-linked incompatibilities contribute to reproductive barriers, but likely not as a direct consequence of XY conflict. Collectively, these findings suggest that rapid sex chromosome gene family evolution driven by genomic conflict has not resulted in strong male reproductive barriers between these subspecies of house mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E K Kopania
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Eleanor M Watson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Claudia C Rathje
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | | | - Peter J I Ellis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Erica L Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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7
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Ambulkar PS, Waghmare JE, Verma Shivkumar P, Chaudhari AR, Gangane NM, Narang P, Pal AK. The association of testis-specific hTAF7L gene variants with idiopathic azoospermic and severe oligozoospermic male infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14581. [PMID: 36068176 DOI: 10.1111/and.14581] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is regulated by complex tissue specific gene expression in the testis to achieve normal male fertility. X-chromosome specific TATA binding protein (TBP)-associated factor 7L (hTAF7L) is one of the transcriptional regulator genes considered essential for spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of variants/mutations in the testis-specific hTAF7L gene in non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia male infertility. We studied 156 idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic, severe oligozoospermic infertile males and 50 fertile proven controls. Infertile males and control subjects were genotyped for variants of the hTAF7L gene using polymerase chain reaction and a direct Sanger sequencing approach. The odds ratio evaluated the association of hTAF7L gene variants with idiopathic male infertility. The variants found in the hTAF7L gene were subjected to an in-silico analysis study. In infertile study subjects, we observed 11 single base pair nucleotide changes at various exons and three frameshift variants at exon 10 in the hTAF7L gene. We also found more than one variant in some non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia infertile males along with control subjects. All these variants changed the amino acid sequences in the hTAF7L gene. However, similar changes were also seen in fertile subjects, and the differences were not statistically significant. In-silico tools also predicted that the variants were likely to be benign. The variants in cDNA of the hTAF7L gene were typical SNPs. It is found that the hTAF7L gene is highly polymorphic and these missense variants are not directly associated with male infertility. However, we feel that more studies are needed to elucidate the role of multiple variants of the hTAF7L gene in the process of normal spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla S Ambulkar
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jwalant E Waghmare
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Poonam Verma Shivkumar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ajay R Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin M Gangane
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.,Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pratibha Narang
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.,Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Asoke K Pal
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics, Department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
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Ling L, Li F, Yang P, Oates RD, Silber S, Kurischko C, Luca FC, Leu NA, Zhang J, Yue Q, Skaletsky H, Brown LG, Rozen S, Page DC, Wang PJ, Zheng K. Genetic characterization of a missense mutation in the X-linked TAF7L gene identified in an oligozoospermic man. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:157-167. [PMID: 35554494 PMCID: PMC9310510 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While hundreds of knockout mice show infertility as a major phenotype, causative genic mutations of male infertility in humans remain rather limited. Here we report the identification of a missense mutation (D136G) in the X-linked TAF7L gene as a potential cause of oligozoospermia in men. The human aspartate (D136) is evolutionally conserved across species, and its change to glycine (G) is predicted to be detrimental. Genetic complementation experiments in budding yeast demonstrate that the conserved aspartate or its analogous asparagine (N) residue in yeast TAF7 is essential for cell viability and thus its mutation to glycine is lethal. Although the corresponding D144G substitution in the mouse Taf7l gene does not affect male fertility, RNA-seq analyses reveal alterations in transcriptome profiles in the Taf7l (D144G) mutant testes. These results support this TAF7L mutation as a risk factor for oligozoospermia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Pinglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Robert D Oates
- Department of Urology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63017, USA
| | - Cornelia Kurischko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Francis C Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Helen Skaletsky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Laura G Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steve Rozen
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - David C Page
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Summers KM, Bush SJ, Wu C, Hume DA. Generation and network analysis of an RNA-seq transcriptional atlas for the rat. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac017. [PMID: 35265836 PMCID: PMC8900154 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac017] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The laboratory rat is an important model for biomedical research. To generate a comprehensive rat transcriptomic atlas, we curated and downloaded 7700 rat RNA-seq datasets from public repositories, downsampled them to a common depth and quantified expression. Data from 585 rat tissues and cells, averaged from each BioProject, can be visualized and queried at http://biogps.org/ratatlas. Gene co-expression network (GCN) analysis revealed clusters of transcripts that were tissue or cell type restricted and contained transcription factors implicated in lineage determination. Other clusters were enriched for transcripts associated with biological processes. Many of these clusters overlap with previous data from analysis of other species, while some (e.g. expressed specifically in immune cells, retina/pineal gland, pituitary and germ cells) are unique to these data. GCN analysis on large subsets of the data related specifically to liver, nervous system, kidney, musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system enabled deconvolution of cell type-specific signatures. The approach is extensible and the dataset can be used as a point of reference from which to analyse the transcriptomes of cell types and tissues that have not yet been sampled. Sets of strictly co-expressed transcripts provide a resource for critical interpretation of single-cell RNA-seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Summers
- Mater Research Institute—University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen J Bush
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Chunlei Wu
- Department of Integrative and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David A Hume
- Mater Research Institute—University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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10
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Li CH, Chan MH, Liang SM, Chang YC, Hsiao M. Fascin-1: Updated biological functions and therapeutic implications in cancer biology. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100052. [PMID: 37082587 PMCID: PMC10074911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2022.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Filopodia are cellular protrusions that respond to a variety of stimuli. Filopodia are formed when actin is bound to the protein Fascin, which may play a crucial role in cellular interactions and motility during cancer metastasis. Significantly, the noncanonical features of Fascin-1 are gradually being clarified, including the related molecular network contributing to metabolic reprogramming, chemotherapy resistance, stemness ac-tivity, and tumor microenvironment events. However, the relationship between biological characteristics and pathological features to identify effective therapeutic strategies needs to be studied further. The pur-pose of this review article is to provide a broad overview of the latest molecular networks and multiomics research regarding fascins and cancer. It also highlights their direct and indirect effects on available cancer treatments. With this multidisciplinary approach, researchers and clinicians can gain the most relevant in-formation on the function of fascins in cancer progression, which may facilitate clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hsiu Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shu-Mei Liang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Corresponding authors.
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11
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Wu SC, Münger K. Role and Clinical Utility of Cancer/Testis Antigens in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225690. [PMID: 34830845 PMCID: PMC8616139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer/testis (CT) antigens exhibit selective expression predominantly in immunoprivileged tissues in non-pathological contexts but are aberrantly expressed in diverse cancers. Due to their expression pattern, they have historically been attractive targets for immunotherapies. A growing number of studies implicate CT antigens in almost all hallmarks of cancer, suggesting that they may act as cancer drivers. CT antigens are expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, their role in the pathogenesis of these cancers remains poorly studied. Given that CT antigens hold intriguing potential as therapeutic targets and as biomarkers for prognosis and that they can provide novel insights into oncogenic mechanisms, their further study in the context of head and squamous cell carcinoma is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Changshan Wu
- Molecular Microbiology Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Karl Münger
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Tando Y, Hiura H, Takehara A, Ito-Matsuoka Y, Arima T, Matsui Y. Epi-mutations for spermatogenic defects by maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. eLife 2021; 10:70322. [PMID: 34319233 PMCID: PMC8318585 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70322] [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: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental factors during fetal development may lead to epigenomic modifications in fetal germ cells, altering gene expression and promoting diseases in successive generations. In mouse, maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known to induce defects in spermatogenesis in successive generations, but the mechanism(s) of impaired spermatogenesis are unclear. Here, we showed that maternal DEHP exposure results in DNA hypermethylation of promoters of spermatogenesis-related genes in fetal testicular germ cells in F1 mice, and hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l, which are crucial for spermatogenesis, persisted from fetal testicular cells to adult spermatogonia, resulting in the downregulation of expression of these genes. Forced methylation of these gene promoters silenced expression of these loci in a reporter assay. These results suggested that maternal DEHP exposure-induced hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l results in downregulation of these genes in spermatogonia and subsequent defects in spermatogenesis, at least in the F1 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tando
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hiura
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yumi Ito-Matsuoka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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13
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Liao J, Suen HC, Luk ACS, Yang L, Lee AWT, Qi H, Lee TL. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of young and aged spermatogonial stem cells reveals molecular targets regulating differentiation. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009369. [PMID: 34237055 PMCID: PMC8291634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility, possess lifelong self-renewal activity. Aging leads to the decline in stem cell function and increased risk of paternal age-related genetic diseases. In the present study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of mouse SSC-enriched undifferentiated spermatogonia (Oct4-GFP+/KIT-) and differentiating progenitors (Oct4-GFP+/KIT+) isolated from young and aged testes. Our transcriptome data revealed enormous complexity of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs and alternative splicing regulation during SSC differentiation. Further comparison between young and aged undifferentiated spermatogonia suggested these differentiation programs were affected by aging. We identified aberrant expression of genes associated with meiosis and TGF-β signaling, alteration in alternative splicing regulation and differential expression of specific lncRNAs such as Fendrr. Epigenetic profiling revealed reduced H3K27me3 deposition at numerous pro-differentiation genes during SSC differentiation as well as aberrant H3K27me3 distribution at genes in Wnt and TGF-β signaling upon aging. Finally, aged undifferentiated spermatogonia exhibited gene body hypomethylation, which is accompanied by an elevated 5hmC level. We believe this in-depth molecular analysis will serve as a reference for future analysis of SSC aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred Chun Shui Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lele Yang
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Annie Wing Tung Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huayu Qi
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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14
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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15
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Kim D, Hong SH, Han G, Cho C. Analysis of mouse male germ cell-specific or -predominant Tex13 family genes encoding proteins with transcriptional repressor activity. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3017-3022. [PMID: 33811575 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly organized process with successive mitotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic phases. This unique developmental process is characterized by the involvement of spermatogenic cell-specific genes. In this study, we identified and investigated testis expressed gene 13 (Tex13) family genes, consisting of Tex13a, Tex13b, Tex13c1, and Tex13d, in mice. All of these genes were transcribed specifically or predominantly in male germ cells, and their transcription was developmentally regulated. Proteins encoded by the Tex13 genes were predicted to have a conserved domain of ~ 145 amino acids. Tex13a, Tex13c1, and Tex13d encode additional C-terminal regions containing a short conserved sequence termed a zinc finger-RAN binding protein 2 (zf-RanBP2) or zf-RanBP2-like domain. As TEX13B reportedly has transcriptional repressor activity, we examined the effect of the TEX13 proteins on transcriptional regulation using a reporter assay. All of the TEX13 proteins exhibited transcriptional repressor activity. This activity was revealed to reside in the TEX13B-corresponding regions of TEX13A, TEX13C1, and TEX13D. Further, we found that the C-terminal regions of TEX13A, TEX13C1, and TEX13D also have inhibitory activities. These results suggest that male germ cell-specific or -predominant TEX13 proteins commonly function in transcriptional repression as transcription cofactors and/or RNA binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyun Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.,Pharmbio Korea Inc, Seoul, 06775, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hyeon Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwidong Han
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Li JY, Liu YF, Xu HY, Zhang JY, Lv PP, Liu ME, Ying YY, Qian YQ, Li K, Li C, Huang Y, Xu GF, Ding GL, Mao YC, Xu CM, Liu XM, Sheng JZ, Zhang D, Huang HF. Basonuclin 1 deficiency causes testicular premature aging: BNC1 cooperates with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:71-83. [PMID: 31065688 PMCID: PMC7052986 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Basonuclin (BNC1) is expressed primarily in proliferative keratinocytes and gametogenic cells. However, its roles in spermatogenesis and testicular aging were not clear. Previously we discovered a heterozygous BNC1 truncation mutation in a premature ovarian insufficiency pedigree. In this study, we found that male mice carrying the truncation mutation exhibited progressively fertility loss and testicular premature aging. Genome-wide expression profiling and direct binding studies (by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) with BNC1 in mouse testis identified several spermatogenesis-specific gene promoters targeted by BNC1 including kelch-like family member 10 (Klhl10), testis expressed 14 (Tex14), and spermatogenesis and centriole associated 1 (Spatc1). Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that BNC1 was associated with TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 7 like (TAF7L), a germ cell-specific paralogue of the transcription factor IID subunit TAF7, both in vitro and in testis, suggesting that BNC1 might directly cooperate with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. The truncation mutation disabled nuclear translocation of the BNC1/TAF7L complex, thus, disturbing expression of related genes and leading to testicular premature aging. Similarly, expressions of BNC1, TAF7L, Y-box-binding protein 2 (YBX2), outer dense fiber of sperm tails 1 (ODF1), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogenic (GAPDHS) were significantly decreased in the testis of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. The present study adds to the understanding of the physiology of male reproductive aging and the mechanism of spermatogenic failure in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yi-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jun-Yu Zhang
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Miao-E Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yan-Yun Ying
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ye-Qing Qian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Cheng Li
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Gu-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Guo-Lian Ding
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu-Chan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chen-Ming Xu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin-Mei Liu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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17
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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18
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Kim WJ, Kim BS, Kim HJ, Cho YD, Shin HL, Yoon HI, Lee YS, Baek JH, Woo KM, Ryoo HM. Intratesticular Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerase 1 Protein Delivery Using Cationic Lipid-Coated Fibroin Nanoparticle Complexes Rescues Male Infertility in Mice. ACS NANO 2020; 14:13217-13231. [PMID: 32969647 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c04936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial condition. Unexplained male infertility is often caused by spermatogenesis dysfunction. Knockout of Pin1, an important regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation, produces male infertility phenotypes such as testicular immaturity and azoospermia with spermatogonia depletion and blood-testis barrier (BTB) dysfunction. Gene therapy has been clinically considered for the treatment of male infertility, but it is not preferred because of the risks of adverse effects in germ cells. Direct intracellular protein delivery using nanoparticles is considered an effective alternative to gene therapy; however, in vivo testicular protein delivery remains a pressing challenge. Here, we investigated the direct intracellular protein delivery strategy using a fibroin nanoparticle-encapsulated cationic lipid complex (Fibroplex) to restore intratesticular PIN1. Local intratesticular delivery of PIN1 via Fibroplex in Pin1 knockout testes produced fertile mice, achieving recovery from the infertile phenotypes. Mechanistically, PIN1-loaded Fibroplex was successfully delivered into testicular cells, including spermatogonial cells and Sertoli cells, and the sustained release of PIN1 restored the gene expression required for the proliferation of spermatogonial cells and BTB integrity in Pin1 knockout testes. Collectively, testicular PIN1 protein delivery using Fibroplex might be an effective strategy for treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Soo Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Dan Cho
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Shin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee In Yoon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sil Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Baek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mi Woo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mo Ryoo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, BK21 Program, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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19
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Miyamoto Y, Sasaki M, Miyata H, Monobe Y, Nagai M, Otani M, Whiley PAF, Morohoshi A, Oki S, Matsuda J, Akagi KI, Adachi J, Okabe M, Ikawa M, Yoneda Y, Loveland KL, Oka M. Genetic loss of importin α4 causes abnormal sperm morphology and impacts on male fertility in mouse. FASEB J 2020; 34:16224-16242. [PMID: 33058343 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000768rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Importin α proteins play a central role in the transport of cargo from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In this study, we observed that male knock-out mice for importin α4, which is encoded by the Kpna4 gene (Kpna4-/- ), were subfertile and yielded smaller litter sizes than those of wild-type (WT) males. In contrast, mice lacking the closely related importin α3 (Kpna3-/- ) were fertile. In vitro fertilization and sperm motility assays demonstrated that sperm from Kpna4-/- mice had significantly reduced quality and motility. In addition, acrosome reaction was also impaired in Kpna4-/- mice. Transmission electron microscopy revealed striking defects, including abnormal head morphology and multiple axoneme structures in the flagella of Kpna4-/- mice. A five-fold increase in the frequency of abnormalities in Kpna4-/- mice compared to WT mice indicates the functional importance of importin α4 in normal sperm development. Moreover, Nesprin-2, which is a component of the linker of nucleus and cytoskeleton complex, was expressed at lower levels in sperm from Kpna4-/- mice and was localized with abnormal axonemes, suggesting incorrect formation of the nuclear membrane-cytoskeleton structure during spermiogenesis. Proteomics analysis of Kpna4-/- testis showed significantly altered expression of proteins related to sperm formation, which provided evidence that genetic loss of importin α4 perturbed chromatin status. Collectively, these findings indicate that importin α4 is critical for establishing normal sperm morphology in mice, providing new insights into male germ cell development by highlighting the requirement of importin α4 for normal fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Nuclear Transport Dynamics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuho Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Monobe
- Section of Laboratory Equipment, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagai
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Otani
- Laboratory of Nuclear Transport Dynamics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Penny A F Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Akane Morohoshi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinya Oki
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junichiro Matsuda
- Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Akagi
- Section of Laboratory Equipment, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Adachi
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Okabe
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yoneda
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Masahiro Oka
- Laboratory of Nuclear Transport Dynamics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka, Japan
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20
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Nteeba J, Varberg KM, Scott RL, Simon ME, Iqbal K, Soares MJ. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus alters placental structure, efficiency, and plasticity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2020; 8:8/1/e001243. [PMID: 32595139 PMCID: PMC7322553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hemochorial placenta provides a critical barrier at the maternal-fetal interface to modulate maternal immune tolerance and enable gas and nutrient exchange between mother and conceptus. Pregnancy outcomes are adversely affected by diabetes mellitus; however, the effects of poorly controlled diabetes on placental formation, and subsequently fetal development, are not fully understood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Streptozotocin was used to induce hyperglycemia in pregnant rats for the purpose of investigating the impact of poorly controlled diabetes on placental formation and fetal development. The experimental paradigm of hypoxia exposure in the pregnant rat was also used to assess properties of placental plasticity. Euglycemic and hyperglycemic rats were exposed to ambient conditions (~21% oxygen) or hypoxia (10.5% oxygen) beginning on gestation day (gd) 6.5 and sacrificed on gd 13.5. To determine whether the interaction of hyperglycemia and hypoxia was directly altering trophoblast lineage development, rat trophoblast stem (TS) cells were cultured in high glucose (25 mM) and/or exposed to low oxygen (0.5% to 1.5%). RESULTS Diabetes caused placentomegaly and placental malformation, decreasing placental efficiency and fetal size. Elevated glucose disrupted rat TS cell differentiation in vitro. Evidence of altered trophoblast differentiation was also observed in vivo, as hyperglycemia affected the junctional zone transcriptome and interfered with intrauterine trophoblast invasion and uterine spiral artery remodeling. When exposed to hypoxia, hyperglycemic rats showed decreased proliferation and ectoplacental cone development on gd 9.5 and complete pregnancy loss by gd 13.5. Furthermore, elevated glucose concentrations inhibited TS cell responses to hypoxia in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results indicate that alterations in placental development, efficiency, and plasticity could contribute to the suboptimal fetal outcomes in offspring from pregnancies complicated by poorly controlled diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Nteeba
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Kaela M Varberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Regan L Scott
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Mikaela E Simon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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21
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Loss of Cx43 in Murine Sertoli Cells Leads to Altered Prepubertal Sertoli Cell Maturation and Impairment of the Mitosis-Meiosis Switch. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030676. [PMID: 32164318 PMCID: PMC7140672 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor infertility is a problem in today’s society but many underlying causes are still unknown. The generation of a conditional Sertoli cell (SC)-specific connexin 43 (Cx43) knockout mouse line (SCCx43KO) has provided a translational model. Expression of the gap junction protein Cx43 between adjacent SCs as well as between SCs and germ cells (GCs) is known to be essential for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in different species and men. Adult SCCx43KO males show altered spermatogenesis and are infertile. Thus, the present study aims to identify molecular mechanisms leading to testicular alterations in prepubertal SCCx43KO mice. Transcriptome analysis of 8-, 10- and 12-day-old mice was performed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, candidate genes were examined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. NGS revealed many significantly differentially expressed genes in the SCCx43KO mice. For example, GC-specific genes were mostly downregulated and found to be involved in meiosis and spermatogonial differentiation (e.g., Dmrtb1, Sohlh1). In contrast, SC-specific genes implicated in SC maturation and proliferation were mostly upregulated (e.g., Amh, Fshr). In conclusion, Cx43 in SCs appears to be required for normal progression of the first wave of spermatogenesis, especially for the mitosis-meiosis switch, and also for the regulation of prepubertal SC maturation.
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22
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Gura MA, Mikedis MM, Seymour KA, de Rooij DG, Page DC, Freiman RN. Dynamic and regulated TAF gene expression during mouse embryonic germ cell development. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008515. [PMID: 31914128 PMCID: PMC7010400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells undergo many developmental transitions before ultimately becoming either eggs or sperm, and during embryonic development these transitions include epigenetic reprogramming, quiescence, and meiosis. To begin understanding the transcriptional regulation underlying these complex processes, we examined the spatial and temporal expression of TAF4b, a variant TFIID subunit required for fertility, during embryonic germ cell development. By analyzing published datasets and using our own experimental system to validate these expression studies, we determined that both Taf4b mRNA and protein are highly germ cell-enriched and that Taf4b mRNA levels dramatically increase from embryonic day 12.5–18.5. Surprisingly, additional mRNAs encoding other TFIID subunits are coordinately upregulated through this time course, including Taf7l and Taf9b. The expression of several of these germ cell-enriched TFIID genes is dependent upon Dazl and/or Stra8, known regulators of germ cell development and meiosis. Together, these data suggest that germ cells employ a highly specialized and dynamic form of TFIID to drive the transcriptional programs that underlie mammalian germ cell development. Assisted reproductive therapy and fertility preservation are increasingly used to improve human reproduction across the world, yet there are still many unanswered questions regarding what factors govern the development of eggs and sperm and how these factors work together. We previously identified a subunit of the general transcription factor TFIID, TAF4b, that is essential for fertility. However, many basic characteristics of how Taf4b and its associated TFIID family members contribute to the formation of healthy sperm and eggs in mice and humans remain unknown. In this study, we find that mouse Taf4b and several closely related TFIID subunits become highly abundant during mouse embryonic gonad development, specifically in the cells that ultimately become eggs and sperm. Here, we analyzed data from public repositories and isolated these developing cells to examine their gene expression patterns throughout embryonic development. Together these data suggest that the dynamic expression of Taf4b and other TFIID family members are dependent on the well-established reproductive cell regulators Dazl and Stra8. This understanding of Taf4b gene expression and regulation in mouse reproductive cell development is likely conserved during development of human cells and offers novel insights into the interconnectedness of the factors that govern the formation of healthy eggs and sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Gura
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | | | - Kimberly A. Seymour
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | | | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard N. Freiman
- Brown University, MCB Graduate Program and Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, RI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Vockel M, Riera-Escamilla A, Tüttelmann F, Krausz C. The X chromosome and male infertility. Hum Genet 2019; 140:203-215. [PMID: 31875237 PMCID: PMC7864851 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The X chromosome is a key player in germ cell development, as has been highlighted for males in previous studies revealing that the mammalian X chromosome is enriched in genes expressed in early spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the X chromosome’s unique biology as associated with human male infertility. Male infertility is most commonly caused by spermatogenic defects to which X chromosome dosage is closely linked; for example, any supernumerary X chromosome as in Klinefelter syndrome will lead to male infertility. Furthermore, because males normally only have a single X chromosome and because X-linked genetic anomalies are generally only present in a single copy in males, any loss-of-function mutations in single-copy X-chromosomal genes cannot be compensated by a normal allele. These features make X-linked genes particularly attractive for studying male spermatogenic failure. However, to date, only very few genetic causes have been identified as being definitively responsible for male infertility in humans. Although genetic studies of germ cell-enriched X-chromosomal genes in mice suggest a role of certain human orthologs in infertile men, these genes in mice and humans have striking evolutionary differences. Furthermore, the complexity and highly repetitive structure of the X chromosome hinder the mutational analysis of X-linked genes in humans. Therefore, we conclude that additional methodological approaches are urgently warranted to advance our understanding of the genetics of X-linked male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vockel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB- Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB- Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Viale PIeraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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24
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Yin H, Zhou C, Shi S, Fang L, Liu J, Sun D, Jiang L, Zhang S. Weighted Single-Step Genome-Wide Association Study of Semen Traits in Holstein Bulls of China. Front Genet 2019; 10:1053. [PMID: 31749837 PMCID: PMC6842931 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient production of high-quality semen is a crucial trait in the dairy cattle breeding due to the widespread use of artificial insemination. However, the genetic architecture (e.g., distributions of causal variants and their corresponding effects) underlying such semen quality traits remains unclear. In this study, we performed genome-wide association studies to identify genes associated with five semen quality traits in Chinese Holstein population, including ejaculate volume, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, number of sperm, and number of progressive motile sperm. Our dataset consisted of 2,218 Holstein bulls in China with full pedigree information, representing 12 artificial insemination centers, with 1,508 genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. We used a weighted single-step genome-wide association method with 10 adjacent Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as sliding windows, which can make use of individuals without genotypes. We considered the top 10 genomic regions in terms of their explained genomic variants as candidate window regions for each trait. In total, we detected 36 window regions related to one or multiple semen traits across 19 chromosomes. Promising candidate genes of PSMB5, PRMT5, ACTB, PDE3A, NPC1, FSCN1, NR5A2, IQCG, LHX8, and DMRT1 were identified in these window regions for these five semen traits. Our findings provided a solid basis for further research into genetic mechanisms underlying semen quality traits, which may contribute to their accurate genomic prediction in Chinese Holstein population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghao Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaolei Shi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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25
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Antonova SV, Boeren J, Timmers HTM, Snel B. Epigenetics and transcription regulation during eukaryotic diversification: the saga of TFIID. Genes Dev 2019; 33:888-902. [PMID: 31123066 PMCID: PMC6672047 DOI: 10.1101/gad.300475.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this perspective, Antonova et al. determine the evolutionary history of all TFIID subunits and place them in a functional context to understand their diversification. This analysis of TFIID evolution exemplifies how phylogenetic protein interrogation aids in uncovering existing structures, drawing parallels between related complexes and challenges offered by genome expansions that can be countered by exploiting chromatin modifications. The basal transcription factor TFIID is central for RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Human TFIID is endowed with chromatin reader and DNA-binding domains and protein interaction surfaces. Fourteen TFIID TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor (TAF) subunits assemble into the holocomplex, which shares subunits with the Spt–Ada–Gcn5–acetyltransferase (SAGA) coactivator. Here, we discuss the structural and functional evolution of TFIID and its divergence from SAGA. Our orthologous tree and domain analyses reveal dynamic gains and losses of epigenetic readers, plant-specific functions of TAF1 and TAF4, the HEAT2-like repeat in TAF2, and, importantly, the pre-LECA origin of TFIID and SAGA. TFIID evolution exemplifies the dynamic plasticity in transcription complexes in the eukaryotic lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona V Antonova
- Molecular Cancer Research and Regenerative Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Boeren
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H T Marc Timmers
- Molecular Cancer Research and Regenerative Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Urology, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Standort Freiburg, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Berend Snel
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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26
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Posbergh CJ, Thonney ML, Huson HJ. Genomic Approaches Identify Novel Gene Associations with Out of Season Lambing in Sheep. J Hered 2019; 110:577-586. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esz014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sheep are seasonally polyestrous, traditionally breeding when the day length shortens in the autumn. The changing photoperiod stimulates reproductive hormones through a series of chemical pathways, ultimately leading to cyclicity. Some breeds of sheep, such as the Polypay and Dorset, have been selected for reduced seasonality and can lamb year-round. Despite this selection, there is still variation within these breeds in the ability to lamb out of season. The identification of out of season lambing quantitative trait loci has the potential to improve genetic progress using genomic selection schemes. Association studies, fixation index (FST), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) were evaluated to identify regions of the genome that influence the ability of ewes to lamb out of season. All analyses used genotypic data from the Illumina Ovine HD beadchip. Genome-wide associations were tested both across breeds in 257 ewes and within the Dorset and Polypay breeds. FST was measured across breeds and between UK and US Dorsets to assess population differences. ROH were estimated in ewes to identify homozygous regions contributing to out of season lambing. Significant associations after multiple testing correction were found through these approaches, leading to the identification of several candidate genes for further study. Genes involved with eye development, reproductive hormones, and neuronal changes were identified as the most promising for influencing the ewe’s ability to lamb year-round. These candidate genes could be advantageous for selection for improved year-round lamb production and provide better insight into the complex regulation of seasonal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heather J Huson
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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27
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Han S, Ray JW, Pathak P, Sweet DR, Zhang R, Gao H, Jain N, Koritzinsky EH, Matoba K, Xu W, Chan ER, Simon DI, Jain MK. KLF15 regulates endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism. Nat Metab 2019; 1:422-430. [PMID: 32694878 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-019-0054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic metabolism and elimination of endobiotics (for example, steroids, bile acids) and xenobiotics (for example, drugs, toxins) is essential for health. While the enzymatic (termed phase I-II) and transport machinery (termed phase III) controlling endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism (EXM) is known, understanding of molecular nodal points that coordinate EXM function in physiology and disease remains incomplete. Here we show that the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) regulates all three phases of the EXM system by direct and indirect pathways. Unbiased transcriptomic analyses coupled with validation studies in cells, human tissues, and animals, support direct transcriptional control of the EXM machinery by KLF15. Liver-specific deficiency of KLF15 (Li-KO) results in altered expression of numerous phase I-III targets, and renders animals resistant to the pathologic effects of bile acid and acetaminophen toxicity. Furthermore, Li-KO mice demonstrate enhanced degradation and elimination of endogenous steroid hormones, such as testosterone and glucocorticoid, resulting in reduced male fertility and blood glucose levels, respectively. Viral reconstitution of hepatic KLF15 expression in Li-KO mice reverses these phenotypes. Our observations identify a previously unappreciated transcriptional pathway regulating metabolism and elimination of endobiotics and xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Han
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Jonathan W Ray
- Department of Physiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Preeti Pathak
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David R Sweet
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rongli Zhang
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Huiyun Gao
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nisha Jain
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erik H Koritzinsky
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keiichiro Matoba
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Weixiong Xu
- Cleveland School of Science and Medicine at John Hay Campus, Cleveland, OH, USA
- College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - E Ricky Chan
- Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Daniel I Simon
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mukesh K Jain
- Case Cardiovascular Research Institute Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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28
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Kojima ML, de Rooij DG, Page DC. Amplification of a broad transcriptional program by a common factor triggers the meiotic cell cycle in mice. eLife 2019; 8:43738. [PMID: 30810530 PMCID: PMC6392498 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ line provides the cellular link between generations of multicellular organisms, its cells entering the meiotic cell cycle only once each generation. However, the mechanisms governing this initiation of meiosis remain poorly understood. Here, we examined cells undergoing meiotic initiation in mice, and we found that initiation involves the dramatic upregulation of a transcriptional network of thousands of genes whose expression is not limited to meiosis. This broad gene expression program is directly upregulated by STRA8, encoded by a germ cell-specific gene required for meiotic initiation. STRA8 binds its own promoter and those of thousands of other genes, including meiotic prophase genes, factors mediating DNA replication and the G1-S cell-cycle transition, and genes that promote the lengthy prophase unique to meiosis I. We conclude that, in mice, the robust amplification of this extraordinarily broad transcription program by a common factor triggers initiation of meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina L Kojima
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | | | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
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29
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Tsakogiannis A, Manousaki T, Lagnel J, Papanikolaou N, Papandroulakis N, Mylonas CC, Tsigenopoulos CS. The Gene Toolkit Implicated in Functional Sex in Sparidae Hermaphrodites: Inferences From Comparative Transcriptomics. Front Genet 2019; 9:749. [PMID: 30713551 PMCID: PMC6345689 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-biased gene expression is the mode through which sex dimorphism arises from a nearly identical genome, especially in organisms without genetic sex determination. Teleost fishes show great variations in the way the sex phenotype forms. Among them, Sparidae, that might be considered as a model family displays a remarkable diversity of reproductive modes. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the sex-biased transcriptome in gonads and brain (the tissues with the most profound role in sexual development and reproduction) of two sparids with different reproductive modes: the gonochoristic common dentex, Dentex dentex, and the protandrous hermaphrodite gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata. Through comparative analysis with other protogynous and rudimentary protandrous sparid transcriptomes already available, we put forward common male and female-specific genes and pathways that are probably implicated in sex-maintenance in this fish family. Our results contribute to the understanding of the complex processes behind the establishment of the functional sex, especially in hermaphrodite species and set the groundwork for future experiments by providing a gene toolkit that can improve efforts to control phenotypic sex in finfish in the ever-increasingly important field of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Tsakogiannis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Tereza Manousaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jacques Lagnel
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Nikos Papandroulakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Constantinos C. Mylonas
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Costas S. Tsigenopoulos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Heraklion, Greece
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30
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Genetic Factors Affecting Sperm Chromatin Structure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:1-28. [PMID: 31301043 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa genome has unique features that make it a fascinating field of investigation: first, because, with oocyte genome, it can be transmitted generation after generation; second, because of genetic shuffling during meiosis, each spermatozoon is virtually unique in terms of genetic content, with consequences for species evolution; and finally, because its chromatin organization is very different from that of somatic cells or oocytes, as it is not based on nucleosomes but on nucleoprotamines which confer a higher order of packaging. Histone-to-protamine transition involves many actors, such as regulators of spermatid gene expression, components of the nuclear envelop, histone-modifying enzymes and readers, chaperones, histone variants, transition proteins, protamines, and certainly many more to be discovered.In this book chapter, we will present what is currently known about sperm chromatin structure and how it is established during spermiogenesis, with the aim to list the genetic factors that regulate its organization.
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31
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Hirota T, Blakeley P, Sangrithi MN, Mahadevaiah SK, Encheva V, Snijders AP, ElInati E, Ojarikre OA, de Rooij DG, Niakan KK, Turner JMA. SETDB1 Links the Meiotic DNA Damage Response to Sex Chromosome Silencing in Mice. Dev Cell 2018; 47:645-659.e6. [PMID: 30393076 PMCID: PMC6286383 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic synapsis and recombination ensure correct homologous segregation and genetic diversity. Asynapsed homologs are transcriptionally inactivated by meiotic silencing, which serves a surveillance function and in males drives meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Silencing depends on the DNA damage response (DDR) network, but how DDR proteins engage repressive chromatin marks is unknown. We identify the histone H3-lysine-9 methyltransferase SETDB1 as the bridge linking the DDR to silencing in male mice. At the onset of silencing, X chromosome H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) enrichment is downstream of DDR factors. Without Setdb1, the X chromosome accrues DDR proteins but not H3K9me3. Consequently, sex chromosome remodeling and silencing fail, causing germ cell apoptosis. Our data implicate TRIM28 in linking the DDR to SETDB1 and uncover additional factors with putative meiotic XY-silencing functions. Furthermore, we show that SETDB1 imposes timely expression of meiotic and post-meiotic genes. Setdb1 thus unites the DDR network, asynapsis, and meiotic chromosome silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Hirota
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul Blakeley
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahesh N Sangrithi
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Singapore 229899, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | | | - Vesela Encheva
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Elias ElInati
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Obah A Ojarikre
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, the Netherlands; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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Bai S, Fu K, Yin H, Cui Y, Yue Q, Li W, Cheng L, Tan H, Liu X, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Xie J, He W, Wang Y, Feng H, Xin C, Zhang J, Lin M, Shen B, Sun Z, Guo X, Zheng K, Ye L. Sox30 initiates transcription of haploid genes during late meiosis and spermiogenesis in mouse testes. Development 2018; 145:dev.164855. [PMID: 29866902 DOI: 10.1242/dev.164855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors of the Sox protein family contain a DNA-binding HMG box and are key regulators of progenitor cell fate. Here, we report that expression of Sox30 is restricted to meiotic spermatocytes and postmeiotic haploids. Sox30 mutant males are sterile owing to spermiogenic arrest at the early round spermatid stage. Specifically, in the absence of Sox30, proacrosomic vesicles fail to form a single acrosomal organelle, and spermatids arrest at step 2-3. Although most Sox30 mutant spermatocytes progress through meiosis, accumulation of diplotene spermatocytes indicates a delayed or impaired transition from meiotic to postmeiotic stages. Transcriptome analysis of isolated stage-specific spermatogenic cells reveals that Sox30 controls a core postmeiotic gene expression program that initiates as early as the late meiotic cell stage. ChIP-seq analysis shows that Sox30 binds to specific DNA sequences in mouse testes, and its genomic occupancy correlates positively with expression of many postmeiotic genes including Tnp1, Hils1, Ccdc54 and Tsks These results define Sox30 as a crucial transcription factor that controls the transition from a late meiotic to a postmeiotic gene expression program and subsequent round spermatid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Le Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Feng
- Omics Core of Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Changpeng Xin
- Omics Core of Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
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Sha Y, Zheng L, Ji Z, Mei L, Ding L, Lin S, Wang X, Yang X, Li P. A novel TEX11 mutation induces azoospermia: a case report of infertile brothers and literature review. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2018; 19:63. [PMID: 29661171 PMCID: PMC5902858 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-018-0570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) is an X-linked gene and essential for meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. TEX11 deficiency causes meiotic arrest and male infertility, and many TEX11 mutations have been found in azoospermic and infertile men. Case presentation This study reported one novel TEX11 mutation (2653G → T, in exon 29, GenBank accession number, NM_031276) in two brothers with azoospermia. This mutation was firstly screened out by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and further verified by amplifying and sequencing the specific exon 29. Surprisingly, the same exonic missense mutation (W856C) was observed in two brothers but not in their mother. Histological analysis of testicular biopsy from both brothers revealed meiotic arrest and no post-meiotic round spermatids and mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules. TEX11 expression was observed strongly in spermatogonia and weakly in spermatocytes, but not in Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. Conclusions We identified one novel TEX11 mutation in two brothers and summarized the literature regarding TEX11 mutations and male infertility. This study and previous literature indicate that TEX11 mutations are closely associated with male infertility, especially azoospermia, although auxiliary clinical analyses are needed to figure out the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liangkai Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Libin Mei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shaobin Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen Women's and Children's Health Hospital, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, China.
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Embryonic lethality and defective male germ cell development in mice lacking UTF1. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17259. [PMID: 29222434 PMCID: PMC5722945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ cell lineage is specified early in embryogenesis and undergoes complex developmental programs to generate gametes. Here, we conducted genetic studies to investigate the role of Utf1 (Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1) in mouse germ cell development. Utf1 is expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells and regulates ES cell differentiation. In a proteomics screen, we identified UTF1 among 38 proteins including DNMT3L and DND1 that associate with chromatin in embryonic testes. We find that UTF1 is expressed in embryonic and newborn gonocytes and in a subset of early spermatogonia. Ubiquitous inactivation of Utf1 causes embryonic lethality in mice with a hybrid genetic background. Male mice with a germline-specific deletion of Utf1 resulting from Prdm1-Cre mediated recombination are born with significantly fewer gonocytes and exhibit defective spermatogenesis and reduced sperm count as young adults. These defects are ameliorated in older animals. These results demonstrate that UTF1 is required for embryonic development and regulates male germ cell development.
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35
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36
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Testis-specific transcriptional regulators selectively occupy BORIS-bound CTCF target regions in mouse male germ cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41279. [PMID: 28145452 PMCID: PMC5286509 DOI: 10.1038/srep41279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite sharing the same sequence specificity in vitro and in vivo, CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) and its paralog brother of the regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) are simultaneously expressed in germ cells. Recently, ChIP-seq analysis revealed two classes of CTCF/BORIS-bound regions: single CTCF target sites (1xCTSes) that are bound by CTCF alone (CTCF-only) or double CTCF target sites (2xCTSes) simultaneously bound by CTCF and BORIS (CTCF&BORIS) or BORIS alone (BORIS-only) in germ cells and in BORIS-positive somatic cancer cells. BORIS-bound regions (CTCF&BORIS and BORIS-only sites) are, on average, enriched for RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) binding and histone retention in mature spermatozoa relative to CTCF-only sites, but little else is known about them. We show that subsets of CTCF&BORIS and BORIS-only sites are occupied by several testis-specific transcriptional regulators (TSTRs) and associated with highly expressed germ cell-specific genes and histone retention in mature spermatozoa. We also demonstrate a physical interaction between BORIS and one of the analyzed TSTRs, TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor 7-like (TAF7L). Our data suggest that CTCF and BORIS cooperate with additional TSTRs to regulate gene expression in developing male gametes and histone retention in mature spermatozoa, potentially priming certain regions of the genome for rapid activation following fertilization.
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37
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Kwon JT, Jin S, Choi H, Kim J, Jeong J, Kim J, Cho C. TEX13 is a novel male germ cell-specific nuclear protein potentially involved in transcriptional repression. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:3526-3537. [PMID: 27670266 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of male germ cell-specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms of male germ cell development. In this study, we investigated the protein encoded by the novel mouse germ cell-specific gene testis-expressed gene 13 (Tex13). We found that TEX13 expression is testis- and germ cell-specific and is regulated in a stage-specific manner via translational repression. Immunostaining of testicular cells and sperm showed that TEX13 is localized in the nuclei of spermatogenic cells and the redundant nuclear envelope of mature sperm. Remarkably, we found that TEX13 possesses transcriptional repressor activity and that its overexpression in GC-2 cells altered the expression levels of 130 genes. Our results suggest that TEX13 has a potential role in transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tae Kwon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Sora Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Heejin Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Juri Jeong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea.
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38
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Abstract
Meiosis is essential for reproduction in sexually reproducing organisms. A key stage in meiosis is the synapsis of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes, accompanied by exchange of genetic material to generate crossovers. A decade ago, studies found that when chromosomes fail to synapse, the many hundreds of genes housed within them are transcriptionally inactivated. This process, meiotic silencing, is conserved in all mammals studied to date, but its purpose is not yet defined. Here, I review the molecular genetics of meiotic silencing and consider the many potential functions that it could serve in the mammalian germ line. In addition, I discuss how meiotic silencing influences sex differences in meiotic infertility and the profound impact that meiotic silencing has had on the evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes.
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39
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TRF2 is recruited to the pre-initiation complex as a testis-specific subunit of TFIIA/ALF to promote haploid cell gene expression. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32069. [PMID: 27576952 PMCID: PMC5006001 DOI: 10.1038/srep32069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes encode two genes related to the TATA-box binding protein (TBP), TBP-related factors 2 and 3 (TRF2 and TRF3). Male Trf2−/− mice are sterile and characterized by arrested spermatogenesis at the transition from late haploid spermatids to early elongating spermatids. Despite this characterization, the molecular function of murine Trf2 remains poorly characterized and no direct evidence exists to show that it acts as a bona fide chromatin-bound transcription factor. We show here that Trf2 forms a stable complex with TFIIA or the testis expressed paralogue ALF chaperoned in the cytoplasm by heat shock proteins. We demonstrate for the first time that Trf2 is recruited to active haploid cell promoters together with Tbp, Taf7l and RNA polymerase II. RNA-seq analysis identifies a set of genes activated in haploid spermatids during the first wave of spermatogenesis whose expression is down-regulated by Trf2 inactivation. We therefore propose that Trf2 is recruited to the preinitiation complex as a testis-specific subunit of TFIIA/ALF that cooperates with Tbp and Taf7l to promote haploid cell gene expression.
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40
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Yang F, Silber S, Leu NA, Oates RD, Marszalek JD, Skaletsky H, Brown LG, Rozen S, Page DC, Wang PJ. TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with azoospermia and regulates genome-wide recombination rates in mouse. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1198-210. [PMID: 26136358 PMCID: PMC4568952 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide recombination is essential for genome stability, evolution, and speciation. Mouse Tex11, an X-linked meiosis-specific gene, promotes meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. Here, we report that TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and that an analogous mutation in the mouse impairs meiosis. Genetic screening of a large cohort of idiopathic infertile men reveals that TEX11 mutations, including frameshift and splicing acceptor site mutations, cause infertility in 1% of azoospermic men. Functional evaluation of three analogous human TEX11 missense mutations in transgenic mouse models identified one mutation (V748A) as a potential infertility allele and found two mutations non-causative. In the mouse model, an intronless autosomal Tex11 transgene functionally substitutes for the X-linked Tex11 gene, providing genetic evidence for the X-to-autosomal retrotransposition evolution phenomenon. Furthermore, we find that TEX11 protein levels modulate genome-wide recombination rates in both sexes. These studies indicate that TEX11 alleles affecting expression level or substituting single amino acids may contribute to variations in recombination rates between sexes and among individuals in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert D Oates
- Department of Urology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet D Marszalek
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Helen Skaletsky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura G Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steve Rozen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA Duke-Nus Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - David C Page
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Langer D, Martianov I, Alpern D, Rhinn M, Keime C, Dollé P, Mengus G, Davidson I. Essential role of the TFIID subunit TAF4 in murine embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell differentiation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11063. [PMID: 27026076 PMCID: PMC4820908 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TAF4 (TATA-binding protein-associated factor 4) and its paralogue TAF4b are components of the TFIID core module. We inactivated the murine Taf4a gene to address Taf4 function during embryogenesis. Here we show that Taf4a−/− embryos survive until E9.5 where primary germ layers and many embryonic structures are identified showing Taf4 is dispensable for their specification. In contrast, Taf4 is required for correct patterning of the trunk and anterior structures, ventral morphogenesis and proper heart positioning. Overlapping expression of Taf4a and Taf4b during embryogenesis suggests their redundancy at early stages. In agreement with this, Taf4a−/− embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are viable and comprise Taf4b-containing TFIID. Nevertheless, Taf4a−/− ESCs do not complete differentiation into glutamatergic neurons and cardiomyocytes in vitro due to impaired preinitiation complex formation at the promoters of critical differentiation genes. We define an essential role of a core TFIID TAF in differentiation events during mammalian embryogenesis. The role of TFIID core module TAFs (TATA-binding protein-associated factors) in embryogenesis is unknown. Here, the authors show that Taf4 is essential at mid-gestation and for complete neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells, but that Taf4a and Taf4b are redundant at early embryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Langer
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Igor Martianov
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Daniel Alpern
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.,L'École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Rhinn
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Céline Keime
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Pascal Dollé
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Gabrielle Mengus
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
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42
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Hu YC, Namekawa SH. Functional significance of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 149:R265-77. [PMID: 25948089 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes arose from an ordinary pair of autosomes. Over hundreds of millions of years, they have evolved into highly divergent X and Y chromosomes and have become increasingly specialized for male reproduction. Both sex chromosomes have acquired and amplified testis-specific genes, suggestive of roles in spermatogenesis. To understand how the sex chromosome genes participate in the regulation of spermatogenesis, we review genes, including single-copy, multi-copy, and ampliconic genes, whose spermatogenic functions have been demonstrated in mouse genetic studies. Sex chromosomes are subject to chromosome-wide transcriptional silencing in meiotic and postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. We also discuss particular sex-linked genes that escape postmeiotic silencing and their evolutionary implications. The unique gene contents and genomic structures of the sex chromosomes reflect their strategies to express genes at various stages of spermatogenesis and reveal the driving forces that shape their evolution.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC1.Free Japanese abstract: A Japanese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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43
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Mobasheri MB, Shirkoohi R, Modarressi MH. Cancer/Testis OIP5 and TAF7L Genes are Up-Regulated in Breast Cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:4623-8. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.11.4623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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44
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Witek B, El Wakil A, Nord C, Ahlgren U, Eriksson M, Vernersson-Lindahl E, Helland Å, Alexeyev OA, Hallberg B, Palmer RH. Targeted Disruption of ALK Reveals a Potential Role in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123542. [PMID: 25955180 PMCID: PMC4425494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking ALK activity have previously been reported to exhibit subtle behavioral phenotypes. In this study of ALK of loss of function mice we present data supporting a role for ALK in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in male mice. We observed lower level of serum testosterone at P40 in ALK knock-out males, accompanied by mild disorganization of seminiferous tubules exhibiting decreased numbers of GATA4 expressing cells. These observations highlight a role for ALK in testis function and are further supported by experiments in which chemical inhibition of ALK activity with the ALK TKI crizotinib was employed. Oral administration of crizotinib resulted in a decrease of serum testosterone levels in adult wild type male mice, which reverted to normal levels after cessation of treatment. Analysis of GnRH expression in neurons of the hypothalamus revealed a significant decrease in the number of GnRH positive neurons in ALK knock-out mice at P40 when compared with control littermates. Thus, ALK appears to be involved in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by regulating the timing of pubertal onset and testis function at the upper levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Witek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Abeer El Wakil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christoffer Nord
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Ahlgren
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksson
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oleg A. Alexeyev
- Institution for Medical Biosciences/Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail: (RHP); (BH)
| | - Ruth H. Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (RHP); (BH)
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45
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Danino YM, Even D, Ideses D, Juven-Gershon T. The core promoter: At the heart of gene expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1849:1116-31. [PMID: 25934543 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The identities of different cells and tissues in multicellular organisms are determined by tightly controlled transcriptional programs that enable accurate gene expression. The mechanisms that regulate gene expression comprise diverse multiplayer molecular circuits of multiple dedicated components. The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) core promoter establishes the center of this spatiotemporally orchestrated molecular machine. Here, we discuss transcription initiation, diversity in core promoter composition, interactions of the basal transcription machinery with the core promoter, enhancer-promoter specificity, core promoter-preferential activation, enhancer RNAs, Pol II pausing, transcription termination, Pol II recycling and translation. We further discuss recent findings indicating that promoters and enhancers share similar features and may not substantially differ from each other, as previously assumed. Taken together, we review a broad spectrum of studies that highlight the importance of the core promoter and its pivotal role in the regulation of metazoan gene expression and suggest future research directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda M Danino
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Dan Even
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Diana Ideses
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Tamar Juven-Gershon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel.
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46
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de Boer P, de Vries M, Ramos L. A mutation study of sperm head shape and motility in the mouse: lessons for the clinic. Andrology 2014; 3:174-202. [PMID: 25511638 DOI: 10.1111/andr.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mutants that show effects on sperm head shape, the sperm tail (flagellum), and motility were analysed in a systematic way. This was achieved by grouping mutations in the following classes: manchette, acrosome, Sertoli cell contact, chromatin remodelling, and mutations involved in complex regulations such as protein (de)phosphorylation and RNA stability, and flagellum/motility mutations. For all mutant phenotypes, flagellum function (motility) was affected. Head shape, including the nucleus, was also affected in spermatozoa of most mouse models, though with considerable variation. For the mutants that were categorized in the flagellum/motility group, generally normal head shapes were found, even when the flagellum did not develop or only poorly so. Most mutants are sterile, an occasional one semi-sterile. For completeness, the influence of the sex chromosomes on sperm phenotype is included. Functionally, the genes involved can be categorized as regulators of spermiogenesis. When extrapolating these data to human sperm samples, in vivo selection for motility would be the tool for weeding out the products of suboptimal spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. The striking dependency of motility on proper sperm head development is not easy to understand, but likely is of evolutionary benefit. Also, sperm competition after mating can never act against the long-term multi-generation interest of genetic integrity. Hence, it is plausible to suggest that short-term haplophase fitness i.e., motility, is developmentally integrated with proper nucleus maturation, including genetic integrity to protect multi-generation fitness. We hypothesize that, when the prime defect is in flagellum formation, apparently a feedback loop was not necessary as head morphogenesis in these mutants is mostly normal. Extrapolating to human-assisted reproductive techniques practice, this analysis would supply the arguments for the development of tools to select for motility as a continuous (non-discrete) parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- P de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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47
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Alpern D, Langer D, Ballester B, Le Gras S, Romier C, Mengus G, Davidson I. TAF4, a subunit of transcription factor II D, directs promoter occupancy of nuclear receptor HNF4A during post-natal hepatocyte differentiation. eLife 2014; 3:e03613. [PMID: 25209997 PMCID: PMC4359380 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of the TAF subunits of mammalian TFIID in physiological processes remain poorly characterised. In this study, we describe a novel function of TAFs in directing genomic occupancy of a transcriptional activator. Using liver-specific inactivation in mice, we show that the TAF4 subunit of TFIID is required for post-natal hepatocyte maturation. TAF4 promotes pre-initiation complex (PIC) formation at post-natal expressed liver function genes and down-regulates a subset of embryonic expressed genes by increased RNA polymerase II pausing. The TAF4–TAF12 heterodimer interacts directly with HNF4A and in vivo TAF4 is necessary to maintain HNF4A-directed embryonic gene expression at post-natal stages and promotes HNF4A occupancy of functional cis-regulatory elements adjacent to the transcription start sites of post-natal expressed genes. Stable HNF4A occupancy of these regulatory elements requires TAF4-dependent PIC formation highlighting that these are mutually dependent events. Local promoter-proximal HNF4A–TFIID interactions therefore act as instructive signals for post-natal hepatocyte differentiation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03613.001 To decode the information contained within a gene, a number of processes need to occur. For example, the DNA sequence that makes up the gene needs to be copied to make a molecule of RNA, which is then translated to build the corresponding protein. The first steps in the manufacture of RNA involve a structure called a ‘pre-initiation complex’ moving an enzyme called RNA polymerase II to the start of the gene that needs to be copied. The pre-initiation complex is made up of many types of protein, including a set of proteins called TAFs. However, the way that these proteins work in mammals is not well understood. There are good reasons for this: proteins are often studied by seeing what happens when the protein is removed, but many TAFs are so important that removing them is lethal. Alpern et al. have now studied the function of TAF4 by removing this protein from mouse liver cells. This causes severe hypoglycemia (that is, a drop in sugar levels in the blood). Moreover, it seems as if these cells start dying before they become fully mature. In liver cells lacking TAF4, some 1408 genes that are normally turned on just after birth are not properly switched on; these genes are necessary for the metabolic functions of the liver. Furthermore, 776 genes that are normally turned off after birth continue to be expressed. It seems that the absence of TAF4 sometimes disrupts the formation of the pre-initiation complex, which would slow down the production of RNA. However, it can also have the opposite effect by increasing the activity of RNA polymerase II, hence making too many copies of RNA from some genes. Alpern et al. also find that TAF4 is needed to allow a protein called HNF4A, which is important in the development of the liver and in controlling metabolism, to interact with over 7000 important DNA sequences. Mutations in HNF4A are responsible for a syndrome known as Maturity Onset of Diabetes in the Young. The next stage in this work will be to explore if these mutations influence the interaction between HNF4A and TAF4, and if they do, whether these changes contribute to this form of diabetes. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03613.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Alpern
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Diana Langer
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Benoit Ballester
- Laboratoire TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, UMR1090, Marseille, France
| | - Stephanie Le Gras
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Gabrielle Mengus
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UDS, Illkirch, France
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Tahmasbpour E, Balasubramanian D, Agarwal A. A multi-faceted approach to understanding male infertility: gene mutations, molecular defects and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:1115-37. [PMID: 25117645 PMCID: PMC4156950 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assisted reproductive techniques aimed to assist infertile couples have their own offspring carry significant risks of passing on molecular defects to next generations. RESULTS Novel breakthroughs in gene and protein interactions have been achieved in the field of male infertility using genome-wide proteomics and transcriptomics technologies. CONCLUSION Male Infertility is a complex and multifactorial disorder. SIGNIFICANCE This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date evaluation of the multifactorial factors involved in male infertility. These factors need to be first assessed and understood before we can successfully treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- />Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 44195 Cleveland, OH USA
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Xie G, Yu Z, Jia D, Jiao R, Deng WM. E(y)1/TAF9 mediates the transcriptional output of Notch signaling in Drosophila. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:3830-9. [PMID: 25015288 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.154583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional activation of Notch signaling targets requires the formation of a ternary complex that involves the intracellular domain of the Notch receptor (NICD), DNA-binding protein Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H), RPBJ in mammals] and coactivator Mastermind (Mam). Here, we report that E(y)1/TAF9, a component of the transcription factor TFIID complex, interacts specifically with the NICD-Su(H)-Mam complex to facilitate the transcriptional output of Notch signaling. We identified E(y)1/TAF9 in a large-scale in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that are involved in a Notch-dependent mitotic-to-endocycle transition in Drosophila follicle cells. Knockdown of e(y)1/TAF9 displayed Notch-mutant-like phenotypes and defects in target gene and activity reporter expression in both the follicle cells and wing imaginal discs. Epistatic analyses in these two tissues indicated that E(y)1/TAF9 functions downstream of Notch cleavage. Biochemical studies in S2 cells demonstrated that E(y)1/TAF9 physically interacts with the transcriptional effectors of Notch signaling Su(H) and NICD. Taken together, our data suggest that the association of the NICD-Su(H)-Mastermind complex with E(y)1/TAF9 in response to Notch activation recruits the transcription initiation complex to induce Notch target genes, coupling Notch signaling with the transcription machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengqiang Xie
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304-4295, USA
| | - Zhongsheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Datun Road 15, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dongyu Jia
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304-4295, USA
| | - Renjie Jiao
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304-4295, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304-4295, USA
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50
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Herrera FJ, Yamaguchi T, Roelink H, Tjian R. Core promoter factor TAF9B regulates neuronal gene expression. eLife 2014; 3:e02559. [PMID: 25006164 PMCID: PMC4083437 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence points to an unexpected diversification of core promoter recognition complexes that serve as important regulators of cell-type specific gene transcription. Here, we report that the orphan TBP-associated factor TAF9B is selectively up-regulated upon in vitro motor neuron differentiation, and is required for the transcriptional induction of specific neuronal genes, while dispensable for global gene expression in murine ES cells. TAF9B binds to both promoters and distal enhancers of neuronal genes, partially co-localizing at binding sites of OLIG2, a key activator of motor neuron differentiation. Surprisingly, in this neuronal context TAF9B becomes preferentially associated with PCAF rather than the canonical TFIID complex. Analysis of dissected spinal column from Taf9b KO mice confirmed that TAF9B also regulates neuronal gene transcription in vivo. Our findings suggest that alternative core promoter complexes may provide a key mechanism to lock in and maintain specific transcriptional programs in terminally differentiated cell types. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02559.001 Almost all the cells in an organism contain the same genetic information, but they develop into many different types of cells that perform a variety of specialized functions in the body. Brain cells, for example, have a very different shape and function from red blood cells. A small group of proteins act inside cells to switch on the expression of genes it needs to carry out the specific functions of a given cell-type, and switch off the genes that are only needed in other cell types. Some of these regulatory proteins called ‘core promoter factors’ bind to the DNA near the start of genes. These core factors are known to work in combination with various other proteins to switch genes on or off in specific cell types. However, the specific core promoter factors and partner proteins that guide a cell into becoming a neuron have not been well characterized. Now, Herrera et al. have identified a core promoter factor called TAF9B that is produced at higher levels when mouse stem cells are coaxed into becoming the motor neurons that carry nerve impulses to muscles. The TAF9B protein works together with an enzyme (called PCAF) to help to switch on the genes that control the development of these cells. Without this regulatory protein, mouse stem cells grown in the lab fail to properly switch on the genes that are necessary to become motor neurons. These mutant stem cells also fail to efficiently switch off genes that stop stem cells from becoming more specialized. High levels of TAF9B were also found in the spinal cord of newborn mice and when Herrera et al. engineered mice that lack TAF9B, these mice did not properly regulate the expression of neuronal genes in their spines. These new findings might, in the future, improve our ability to guide stem cells into forming neurons, or to reprogram other types of specialized cells into becoming motor neurons. This new information could also prove useful for researchers interested in better understanding neuronal development and might aid in the design of therapies to treat neuronal injuries or diseases, such as motor neuron disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02559.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Herrera
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States CIRM Center of Excellence, Li Ka Shing Center For Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Teppei Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States CIRM Center of Excellence, Li Ka Shing Center For Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Henk Roelink
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Robert Tjian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States CIRM Center of Excellence, Li Ka Shing Center For Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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